Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

Qin Ji looked into Jiang Jibai's eyes and slowly said, "For serving as my study companion, my father sent a letter of thanks from western Sichuan to the Emperor."

"Perhaps it's because I was mentioned in the memorial; a few days ago, His Majesty showed me the memorial."

"My wife and I were married in our youth, and our love is deep and unwavering..."

"I have just heard that Your Majesty has bestowed upon me this imperial edict..."

"Your Majesty, I am willing to take your place, submit to the law and be executed to atone for your crimes. I humbly beg Your Majesty's mercy."

Qin Ji closed his eyes and recited the second half of the memorial, pausing or choking up at each emotional point. Although it was intermittent, he recited it word for word.

He had never consciously tried to memorize or recite it, yet this petition seemed etched in his mind, each word popping onto his lips. Only after reciting it completely did he realize with astonishment that he remembered it so clearly.

Perhaps it was because it was easy to understand and sincere, or perhaps it was because he had never received such fervent and unconditional affection, he felt a little envious.

Qin Ji opened his eyes, his eyes reddening, his voice choked with emotion, "I know that my teacher introduced me to Lord Yang with good intentions, to pave the way for me and build connections for my future career. I really shouldn't let him down."

"But... my mother died because of me. Before she passed away, she was still worried about me and gave me her earnest instructions. My grandmother, father, and brothers loved me very much. They did not ask me to become famous among the princes, but only hoped that I would live a peaceful and happy life and live freely and unrestrained."

"I used to think that my father didn't value me as much as he did my older brothers, so I became rebellious, immature, and drove my husband away."

"Later, I felt that my father and brothers did not think highly of me and treated me like a good-for-nothing, like a three-year-old child. So I wanted to enter officialdom, make some achievements, and make them look at me with new eyes. So I refused to see the new tutor that my family had hired for me and instead asked you to be my teacher."

"If His Majesty hadn't shown me this memorial, I probably would never have understood what it means to cherish and what it means to let go."

"But I'm also filled with fear." Qin Ji took a long breath, his gaze fixed on the blue bricks, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "Is this the path they want me to take?"

"If my father is already worried day and night about being chosen by His Majesty as a study companion, what about when I enter officialdom?"

"The path to officialdom is treacherous; one wrong step and anyone could drown. How can one expect peace and smooth sailing?"

"So, am I letting my parents down by doing what I'm doing now?"

Qin Ji looked intently into Jiang Jibai's eyes, his gaze filled with remorse. "So the moment you said you would introduce me to Lord Yang, I backed down."

"I feel like I'm standing at a crossroads. If I take this step, I'll be unable to stop myself from heading in the direction of my official career."

"I deserted in front of you."

As Qin Ji recounted his "journey of the heart," Jiang Jibai remained half-squatting in front of him, listening attentively to his story, his hand resting on his shoulder.

Qin Ji grasped Jiang Jibai's hand on his shoulder, "I dare not tell you such thoughts. You are a gentleman, with the well-being of all people in your heart. Perhaps you took me in because you saw my desire to emulate my father and bring benefits to all people."

"I was afraid that my timidity and confusion would make you think I was not destined for greatness and that you would regret taking me under your wing, so I lied to you."

Qin Ji said helplessly, "But I'm really confused and don't know what to choose."

"Should I continue to be a carefree grandson, son, and younger brother in front of my grandmother, father, and brothers? Or should I, under your guidance, do my best to become someone like my father who can protect the people of this region?"

"So I also secretly hope that you will expose the lie and guide me out of my confusion."

Qin Ji's experience of taking Bian Yushu was "moved by emotion," and his expression and tone were flawless.

His vivid and expressive performance once bewitched the Empress Dowager and Wang Jing, and was his means of survival in an environment where he lived in constant fear and was surrounded by venomous snakes.

This reliance allowed Qin Ji to lie low and ultimately emerge victorious, but now he's using it on the person he most wants to hold onto tightly.

He wasn't unaware that a relationship built on lies and deception is like a mirage—no matter how beautiful, it's still nothing.

But having been a disciple for less than two months and having met only ten times, how much affection could Jiang Jibai possibly have for him?

His earnest teachings and patient guidance stemmed from a sense of responsibility.

Once they find out who he is, will their relationship still be that of a pure teacher and student?

Could Jiang Jibai's meager teacher-student affection outweigh his fear of the calamity of overstepping his bounds and exterminating his clan?

Qin Ji couldn't afford to gamble, nor did he dare to.

Even knowing that the truth will eventually come out, even knowing that the most exquisite lie will eventually be exposed, he can only resort to desperate measures and try to fix the problem by cutting off his own flesh.

Qin Ji stepped back a little, bowed his head, and said something that came from the bottom of his heart: "No matter what, I lied to you. I have no complaints about how you want to punish me, but please don't be disappointed in me. I just... don't know what to do."

This is a sincere statement.