Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Before Zhao Siye and Xie Wumian could notice the unusual atmosphere, Qin Ji chuckled, "You little rascal, you know how to share my burdens?"

He glanced at Zhao Siye and his apprentice, and said casually, as if making a joke: "Old Master Zhao is a veteran of three dynasties, with keen insight. Don't embarrass yourself in front of a discerning person with your petty tricks of covering up for me."

After saying that, he shook his head and sighed to Zhao Siye, "Jingming is honest and loyal to the emperor. You should just listen to what he said and not take it seriously."

Zhao Siye: "..."

Wait, I understand now, how did it get defined?

Do you understand that Shang Jingming is covering for you and taking the blame?

So this whole drama was actually orchestrated by you?

Why go through all this trouble when simply telling the truth would have been enough to show kindness?

Can you see the genuine emotions between us, master and disciple?

Are you serious about making fun of a 70-year-old man like this, as the ruler of a country?

The Great Yin Dynasty needs pills!

Furthermore, Shang Jingming is honest and straightforward...

Zhao Siye recalled the rascal-like appearance of the boy with his long legs propped up on the desk, which he had seen through the crack in the door, and his verbal sparring with Wumian. It was really hard to associate this boy with the words "honest and straightforward".

But since even the Emperor himself had made such a definitive judgment, Zhao Siye could only stroke his beard and sigh, "Commander Shang was young and promising, and his loyalty was truly commendable."

He couldn't help but wonder: Just who is this kid that the Emperor would protect him like this?

Not only Zhao Siye, but Xie Wumian also understood the Emperor's implied meaning, and he was even more confused.

On one hand, she didn't know how she had caught His Majesty's eye and received his help, which allowed her to reconcile with her teacher.

On one hand, he was worried that his junior brother might have offended the emperor, which led to him not only being "ordered" to go to prison, but also suffering physical pain.

Shang Jingming originally took the blame for this matter because he did not want His Majesty's reputation to be damaged. He wanted to attribute the seemingly absurd and inexplicable behaviors that His Majesty was unable to say aloud to himself. In any case, he was just a military man and did not care what Zhao Siye and Xie Wumian thought. Even if the news got out, it was self-evident which was more important, his reputation or His Majesty's holy reputation.

Unexpectedly, instead of taking the blame, it prompted His Majesty to confirm the matter. Shang Jingming's clasped hands tightened slightly as he looked at His Majesty, meeting his unfathomable, unsmiling eyes. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, as if he wanted to say something more.

Before he could speak.

"Get up," His Majesty's emotionless voice rang out.

Shang Jingming sensed the warning and the ghostly fire contained within those two words almost instantly.

He knew that His Majesty's mind was made up, and there was no room for negotiation.

His Majesty clearly had no intention of punishing him in public.

Shang Jingming obeyed, stood up, and stepped aside with his head bowed.

Qin Ji said to Zhao Siye, "To avoid alerting the enemy, we will have to trouble you and your two disciples to stay at the Wucheng Military Command for another two days."

Zhao Siye was not surprised. He glanced at Shang Jingming, stroked his beard, and nodded: "Thanks to Your Majesty's care, and Commander Shang's hospitality is also excellent. I am comfortable here, Your Majesty can rest assured."

This was a very polite way of putting it, as it acknowledged Qin Ji's kindness while also showing that there was no resentment towards Shang Jingming.

Qin Ji nodded slightly: "In a couple of days, after the Five Cities Garrison has arrested the criminals, I will have Jingming personally escort you and your two disciples back to your residence."

Zhao Siye and Xie Wumian bowed in unison: "Thank you, Your Majesty."

That was about it, and Qin Ji didn't intend to explain anything further to Zhao Siye.

The reason given by Zhao Siye and Xie Wumian to reconcile is too childish. It's one thing for a junior brother to know, but spreading rumors about it is detrimental to the national image. Let Zhao Guangqi think it's just to win over Xie Wumian's loyalty.

As for the fact that he is Jiang Jibai's disciple "Jiang San", it seems that Zhao Guangqi has not yet realized it. Although Xie Wumian has heard his voice, he probably has not confirmed it either. Without a definite answer, they do not dare to speculate and spread rumors.

As for what to do about Fang Yanqing's victory celebration banquet...

easy to do.

Who is Fang Yanqing?

How dare he allow the ruler of a nation to attend his victory celebration banquet?

There were so many landmines at the banquet that could blow up the vest to pieces.

Anyone who wants to go can go!

He's about to reveal his true colors, so there's no room for the slightest mistake!

"It's getting late, I must return to the palace. You should rest early, sir." Qin Ji glanced at Shang Jingming as he spoke.

Zhao Siye was about to see him off when Qin Ji raised his hand to stop him, and Shang Jingming followed naturally two steps behind.

Xie Wumian seemed to have thought of something, and caught up with Shang Jingming and whispered a few words to him.

Shang Jingming nodded and strode after His Majesty.

Once on the carriage, Qin Ji calmly ordered, "Go to the other courtyard."

With a flick of his whip, Bian Dou propelled the wheels forward, heading towards the other courtyard.

Shang Jingming knew the meaning behind going to the villa, and said to Biandou while holding onto the car door, "Let's go to East Street first."

Bian Dou glanced into the carriage, and after receiving a look of approval from His Majesty, pulled the reins and turned the carriage around.

Shang Jingming lowered the carriage curtain and knelt before Qin Ji without saying a word, assuming a posture of awaiting punishment.

Qin Ji looked down at him: "Why are you going to East Street?"

"Xie Wumian's backup plan: if no one carries a lotus lantern to the pastry shop on East Street to buy unsweetened cloud cakes this evening, his confidant will deliver a letter of entrustment he left to Mr. Jiang."

Qin Ji: "..."

Qin Ji glanced at the sky and suddenly raised his voice: "Flat beans."

The lentils lifted the carriage curtain.

"Didn't you eat?"

Lentil: "..."

Bean whipped his horsewhip, leaving afterimages: "Giddy up!"

horse:"……"

...

First update delivered, one more to go. Goodnight everyone, thank you.

Goal achieved, double update tomorrow.