Zhan Feiyu, who was accused of plagiarism, suddenly laughed, her small voice ringing out cheerfully, "Instructor, my essay has improved. I expect Master Dou won't criticize me to the point of worthlessness this time. Perhaps he'll even praise me a little."
Qin Ye looked at Zhan Feiyu, who was bubbling with joy. She was so happy even after being exposed for plagiarism? Could she be an idiot?
"You can say that to Master Dou yourself," Instructor Zhao took Zhan Feiyu's essay back from Qin Ye. Although he hadn't read it yet, being labeled as plagiarism meant the essay must be a masterpiece.
Thinking of Master Dou's stern face, Zhan Feiyu, who had been severely scolded just yesterday, nervously touched her nose.
Due to her short time studying, Zhan Feiyu's essays, while often containing brilliant lines that made people marvel, also frequently contained common sense errors.
Master Dou was already strict. For other students at the county school, he would have swollen their left palms with his disciplinary ruler. However, he was reluctant to hit Zhan Feiyu, so he could only transform into a fiery dragon and scold her severely.
Even Zhan Feiyu, with her thick skin, was scared by the scolding. Before submitting her assignment, she secretly came to Instructor Zhao for advice, and only after revising and transcribing it did she submit it to Master Dou.
"This piece is written quite well," Instructor Zhao said casually, wanting to avoid praising her too much and making the young girl arrogant.
"I revised it three times," Zhan Feiyu said, sticking out three fair, plump fingers, and becoming smug again.
Seeing Instructor Zhao's kind attitude towards Zhan Feiyu, Wan Yunhao's heart flashed with a cold sneer. He asked warmly with a smile, "Is the instructor planning to take on a disciple?"
As if his sore spot had been poked, Instructor Zhao suddenly looked up, his icy gaze fixed on Wan Yunhao.
Compared to years ago, Wan Yunhao, who now held the title of Juren, carried an air of arrogance and confidence. His eyes were filled with spirit and lofty ambitions. This demeanor and grace made him appear like a scion cultivated by a scholarly family.
Who would have thought that the Wan Yunhao of yesteryear was a poor scholar who studied by the light of fireflies and borrowed light from cracks in walls? If not for Instructor Zhao's financial assistance, let alone studying for the imperial examinations, the destitute Wan Yunhao couldn't even support himself.
"I said back then that I would not take on any more disciples, and I will not go back on my word," Instructor Zhao's voice was cold. Thinking of something, his expression suddenly softened.
"Little Yu already has a teacher. You don't need to say anything more. Neither I nor your in-laws are qualified to take Little Yu as a disciple, nor should you harbor any intentions. That person is not someone the Qin family can afford to offend!" Even though Instructor Zhao detested and hated Wan Yunhao, he never thought of using Grand Scholar Gu for revenge.
A gentleman knows what to do and what not to do. Otherwise, what difference would there be between him and hypocrites like Wan Yunhao?
Seeing Instructor Zhao belittle the Qin family, Qin Ye retorted angrily, "She's just a girl seeking fame! Does our Qin family even care about her?"
Their Qin family was a scholarly lineage. What was Zhan Feiyu to dare to boast that the Qin family should actively take her as a disciple?
Wan Yunhao's expression changed slightly, not because Instructor Zhao had guessed his subsequent plan, but because of the reverence and admiration in Instructor Zhao's voice when he mentioned Zhan Feiyu's teacher.
Regardless of who that person was, their background was likely far superior to the Qin family's. Could it be some high official in the court?
For a moment, Wan Yunhao thought of many things. His gaze, filled with complexity, turned sinister and cold towards Zhan Feiyu. Both originating from the countryside, he had schemed and planned extensively to marry the Qin family's daughter and receive their patronage, which then allowed him to successfully pass the Juren examination and gain fame and prestige in Nanxuan Prefecture.
But Wan Yunhao knew this was far from enough. The imperial examinations were just two years away!
Not to mention the flourishing literary atmosphere in Jiangnan, even the scholars in the north had produced several gifted Juren. His father-in-law had also said that he could contend for a place in the second class, but the first class was absolutely impossible.
Gaining fame at a young age, Wan Yunhao had progressed from a young Xiucai to the youngest Juren in Nanxuan Prefecture. Unfortunately, he was suppressed by Duan Jingpei in the provincial examination, only managing to secure the second position.
And now, he looked at Zhan Feiyu. The young girl's eyes were clean and bright, with a scholarly aura added to her intelligence. The thought that she could have a renowned teacher and soar to success from then on made his years of painstaking efforts feel like a joke!
"Brother-in-law, don't stop me..." The arrogant Qin Ye had no intention of leaving. He still wanted to ask Instructor Zhao who Zhan Feiyu's teacher was, daring not to put the Qin family in his eyes.
However, Wan Yunhao's expression was too grim, and Qin Ye felt inexplicably a little scared. He also dared not cause trouble and was obediently pulled away.
After the two left, Instructor Zhao remained lost in thought, and Zhan Feiyu couldn't help but worry, but she didn't know how to comfort him.
After a long while.
"I heard that Master Lin refused your request to become his disciple before," Instructor Zhao looked at Zhan Feiyu, but his vacant gaze seemed to see through her to long-buried people and events.
"Yes," Zhan Feiyu nodded.
Master Lin did not want to delay Zhan Feiyu. Moreover, he knew that he had only provided Zhan Feiyu with her initial enlightenment and could not bear the title of teacher.
Instructor Zhao said, "Master Lin is a true gentleman of noble character! Back then, I intended to take on a disciple..."
The weight of a "fuzi" (instructor) and a "laoshi" (teacher) was completely different. A "fuzi" was one who transmitted the Way, taught skills, and resolved doubts, while a "laoshi" was one who was a father for life after being a teacher for a day! The only difference between Instructor Zhao and Wan Yunhao was the formal step of becoming a disciple.
Eighty percent of the reason Instructor Zhao had intended to take on a disciple back then was for Wan Yunhao's own good, out of affection and regard for this student. The remaining twenty percent might have been for the reputation of "a renowned teacher produces outstanding disciples."
Although he was a Juren, having a disciple who became a Jinshi would be an honor for a lifetime.
"I never expected that he, who repeatedly called me teacher, had long intended to seek another renowned teacher. Perhaps he thought I was just a hypocrite seeking fame and wanted to use the title of master and disciple to restrain him," Instructor Zhao chuckled self-deprecatingly.
After Wan Yunhao passed the Xiucai examination, Instructor Zhao had hoped for double happiness. However, he heard Wan Yunhao privately tell his page that he only knew Instructor Zhao liked the calligraphy of a famous calligrapher from the previous dynasty, and he wanted to find an authentic work as a betrothal gift for becoming a disciple, otherwise, he would have no face to mention it.
Wan Yunhao was only twelve years old at the time, still a youth, and his words were full of scholarly spirit, "Teacher has given me the grace of rebirth. Until I find the authentic work, I will not become your disciple!"
Instructor Zhao, hearing these childish words, was both amused and touched. To protect Wan Yunhao's self-esteem, he did not mention the matter of becoming a disciple again.
Hearing this, Zhan Feiyu also understood, but she was slightly puzzled, "What else did Wan Yunhao do that was so heartless and ungrateful?"
If he had simply sought another teacher, the instructor would certainly be sad. A disciple was like a child. Being betrayed by one's child would make anyone feel bad, but it wouldn't lead to such lasting resentment. There must be some hidden reason.
However, thinking of how Wan Yunhao had addressed him as "fuzi" just now, Zhan Feiyu curled her lips in disdain, "Instructor, if such an ungrateful person becomes your disciple, and he causes harm to one region when he becomes an official, wouldn't you feel even more distressed and remorseful? Therefore, Instructor, you should be grateful for his refusal to become your disciple back then!"
Raising a white-eyed wolf would only cause temporary distress, and it was his own fault for being blind! But raising a treacherous official and a corrupt minister would likely cause Instructor Zhao to wish to die to atone to the world.
Uh... Instructor Zhao looked at Zhan Feiyu, who was arguing her illogical point with such righteous conviction, and was stunned for a moment. He suddenly burst into hearty laughter, and the gloom that had settled in his heart for many years suddenly disappeared.
"Haha, Little Yu, you're right. I should be grateful to him!" Instructor Zhao laughed heartily, finally emerging from the shadows of the past.
Zhan Feiyu had no intention of pressing for details, but she had no good feelings towards Wan Yunhao and the Qin family. She snorted, "I see his grand house rise, I see his guests feast, I see his building collapse. Instructor, let's just wait and see."
After leaving the county school and getting into the carriage, Wan Yunhao closed his eyes in thought. His father-in-law had asked him to probe Instructor Zhao's background.
The Qin family had received a secret letter from the capital, which stated that Instructor Zhao possessed a formula that would benefit the country and the people. If successful, the Qin family would undoubtedly soar to unprecedented heights!
Wan Yunhao had been enlightened and taught by Instructor Zhao since he was young, until he passed the Xiucai examination, a relationship of master and disciple spanning over a decade. Unfortunately, Wan Yunhao knew clearly that Instructor Zhao would not only not reveal it, but if he hadn't kicked him out, it was only due to his cultivation and character.
"Brother-in-law, does Uncle really intend to take Zhan Feiyu as a disciple?" Qin Ye muttered unhappily, his arrogant demeanor revealing disdain and resistance.
But being young, the trace of unease in his eyes did not escape Wan Yunhao's notice. Ultimately, he was afraid of being surpassed by Zhan Feiyu.
Qin Ye was the most talented in studies among the second generation of the Qin family, but he was also the youngest, the last child of the third branch. His two elder brothers and cousins were already married and had children, the eldest of whom was a year older than Qin Ye, his uncle.
"Instructor Zhao is strict in his scholarship, so Zhan Feiyu must have genuine talent. It's normal for my father-in-law to want to take her as a disciple. After all, she's a girl, and perhaps she will marry you in the future, creating a beautiful story," Wan Yunhao said, patting Qin Ye's head reassuringly. A fleeting look of contempt flashed in his eyes. These aristocratic families were merely born into good fortune! In terms of talent and learning, they were far inferior to himself.
"Who wants to marry that country girl!" Qin Ye exclaimed, his contempt undisguised on his face. "A country bumpkin, what else can she do besides read? She knows nothing of qin, qi, shu, or hua! Her dowry is probably less than my monthly allowance. If I marry, I will marry a daughter of an official family; that is true compatibility!"
Wan Yunhao's eyes became a little more ruthless. Qin Ye looked down on Zhan Feiyu, so did he also look down on himself? After all, Wan Yunhao also came from the countryside, and the Qin family had prepared the betrothal gifts for his marriage.
...
At noon, the weather was scorching hot, and the students of the county school returned to their dormitories to rest.
"Little Yu, you don't need to worry. With Lord Chen here, no one will dare to bully you," Constable Zhao practically patted his chest to guarantee it.
Although they were just constables at the yamen, their information was also well-informed. Now that Lord Chen had defected to Prefect Zhang, even if Young Master Tong came to Shangsi County, he wouldn't gain any advantage.
"I know, thank you for informing me," Zhan Feiyu smiled and thanked him. It seemed that Sun Fu and the others were imprisoned, so Tong Tongzhi was anxious and had sent Young Master Tong to make the first move.
In the back hall of the county yamen.
Although Tong Xu was only a Xiucai, as the eldest son of Tong Tongzhi, he naturally had the right to sit as an equal with Magistrate Chen. "Lord Chen, Sun Fu acted recklessly under the name of the Tong residence. I implore Lord Chen to thoroughly investigate and not allow such a villain to tarnish my father's reputation as an official!"
Although Madam Yu was Tong Xu's nominal mother, and Tong Xu called the Yu brothers his uncles, Sun Fu was ultimately his maternal uncle by blood. Tong Xu's words, though intended to protect Lord Tong, were still disheartening.
"Nephew Tong, rest assured. The country has laws. Sun Fu not only assaulted the instructor and students of the county school but also implicated Lord Tong, which is an additional crime. This magistrate will definitely investigate thoroughly and impose a heavy sentence, giving an explanation to all scholars in the world!" Chen Weibin's face was stern and majestic. Even if Sun Fu were not the brother of the second madam of the Tong residence, he would not let such a lawless thug go!
Tong Xu's smile froze, and he hated Chen Weibin even more. As his father had said, Chen Weibin had indeed defected to Prefect Zhang, otherwise, how would he dare to imprison his uncle and make the case known to everyone!
"My lord, Little Scholar Zhan is here," the servant reported at the door before signaling Zhan Feiyu to enter the flower hall.
"Lord Chen," Zhan Feiyu saluted and glanced at Tong Xu.
Compared to Wan Yunhao, whom she had met just that morning, Tong Xu was clearly inferior. Although his attire was more luxurious and his demeanor more ostentatious, he lacked Wan Yunhao's skill in disguise.
"So this is the little prodigy of Shangsi County. I've heard much about you," Tong Xu laughed loudly, taking the initiative to show goodwill. "I came in a hurry today, so please accept this jade pendant as a meeting gift."
In terms of age, Tong Xu was already twenty-one years old, and he already had the Xiucai title. He could be considered an elder, so giving Zhan Feiyu a meeting gift was appropriate.
The jade pendant that Tong Xu carried with him was naturally of good quality. The Little Yu pendant was clear and smooth, made of excellent pale white jade.
If someone with shallow eyes were present, they would surely accept it. Even if someone were proud, Tong Xu merely presented it as a meeting gift from an elder, so accepting it would be reasonable.
To take a step back, the jade pendant, worth over a hundred taels of silver, could also be considered Tong Xu's apology. He could then distance himself from the matter, as Sun Fu was also the brother of the Sun family.
"Sun Fu's subordinate injured my teacher and elders. Even if it has nothing to do with the Tong residence, it was the Tong residence that gave Sun Fu the backing to beat people. Please take back your jade pendant, Young Master Tong, otherwise, how can I have the face to return to the county school to study!" Zhan Feiyu, with a small, chubby face, sternly refused Tong Xu's overture.
Chen Weibin and Tong Xu were both stunned. Neither of them had expected Zhan Feiyu to be so direct.
Whether in officialdom or in noble families, it was always about seeing through but not exposing, understanding but not speaking. No matter how much enmity existed in private, on the surface, smiles were always present, leaving no room for criticism.
Tong Xu's expression suddenly darkened. He was annoyed by Zhan Feiyu's lack of appreciation, but he was also relieved. After all, she was just a country girl and would not achieve great things!
"Little Scholar Zhan has quite a temper!" a sarcastic voice rang out. Tong Xu looked at the defiant Zhan Feiyu with disdain. Thinking of his previous plan, a quick flash of mockery appeared in his eyes. He hoped she could still be so spirited tomorrow!
"Young Master Tong overpraises me. I am not as temperamental as Sun Fu!" Zhan Feiyu retorted with a cold laugh. "A mere merchant dares to beat scholars outside the county school. You won't find a second person like that in the entire Great Qing Dynasty!"
"You!" Tong Xu, who suddenly stood up in anger, knew that both Chen Weibin and Zhan Feiyu were determined to oppose the Tong residence. Staying any longer would only be inviting humiliation. "I will not disturb Lord Chen's work. Goodbye!"
Magistrate Chen did not pay attention to the enraged Tong Xu. Instead, he looked at Zhan Feiyu and said, "You should not be so reckless in the future."
"Yes, student remembers your teachings," Zhan Feiyu restrained her sharp demeanor and became the obedient and polite little scholar again. "My lord, why did Young Master Tong come?"
"He was just testing this official's attitude," Chen Weibin explained. By imprisoning Sun Fu, he had shown his stance of supporting Prefect Zhang. Tong Xu's visit was merely a formality.
Chen Weibin glanced outside the flower hall. The servants and maids immediately understood and retreated to stand in the courtyard. They could not hear the conversation inside and ensured that no one would eavesdrop.