"What happened?" Murong Qing asked curiously.
She took off Yun Jinhe's scarf and hung it on the clothes rack, then poured him a cup of hot water...
Yun Jinhe held the teacup, took a couple of sips, and then said, "Lately, there have been rumors in the academy saying that I have improper conduct and questionable character. I haven't even married yet, but I'm living with a young girl. They also say that even if I pass the imperial examination, no one will dare to hire me. What kind of person would ruin a young girl's life, and so on!"
Upon hearing this, Murong Qing suddenly thought of someone...
Yun Jinhe put down the cup and looked at Murong Qing, "I usually get along well with people in the academy. Who would fabricate such stories about me for no reason? When young masters from wealthy families come to study, don't they all bring a few maids and servants? Why are they singling me out!"
As he spoke, Yun Jinhe stood up, clenched his fists, and walked to the door, "It must be that scoundrel Sun Tianxiu spreading rumors. I'll beat his teeth out..."
His good intentions were repaid with ill will. Yun Jinhe had let him stay because he saw he had no fixed abode.
But now, that guy was slandering him everywhere. This was simply wicked and damaging to his reputation.
Murong Qing quickly stopped him, "Don't be hasty. The academy strictly prohibits fighting. If Dean Fan finds out, won't it ruin your future?"
There had been a fight in the academy a few days ago. Dean Fan, regardless of how powerful a student's family was or how high their father's rank, expelled them all...
Murong Qing didn't want Yun Jinhe to follow in their footsteps.
"Then should I just let him slander me?" Yun Jinhe asked indignantly.
Murong Qing poked his forehead and smiled, "You study so well, why can't you use your brain? That Sun Tianxiu is making a lot of noise right now, and the rumors have already spread. They can't be taken back, so let him be smug for a few more days. We'll act when the time is right..."
Alas, Jinhe was smart, but he lacked flexibility.
He had a head full of knowledge, but he didn't see things clearly. If he were to enter society like this, it would be no wonder if he suffered losses.
Yun Jinhe blinked his eyes, "What do you mean, Miss Murong?"
He didn't quite understand.
Murong Qing: "..."
She had said so much for nothing.
"Come here!" Murong Qing beckoned with her finger.
Yun Jinhe's cheeks felt a little hot. After hesitating for a moment, he still leaned closer to Murong Qing and sniffed.
The unique scent of the young girl wafted towards him, making Yun Jinhe feel a moment of daze...
Even though she wore a coarse linen dress, she always kept herself neat and tidy, washing and combing her hair daily.
So, the fragrance of soap beans often accompanied her.
Murong Qing leaned close to Yun Jinhe's ear and whispered.
After she finished speaking, Yun Jinhe's cheeks and ears turned red, and his heart pounded rapidly...
"Did you understand? This move is called 'using a stratagem against the enemy.' You just need to be patient, and I'll help you!" Murong Qing patted his shoulder.
Yun Jinhe nodded, then shook his head, looking as if he understood but didn't.
He felt that as long as Miss Murong took care of things, everything could be resolved...
It was as if his little aunt was by his side, bringing him good luck and fortune in everything he did, which he couldn't even block if he tried.
"Let's eat. Today I steamed red bean buns, served with pickled cabbage soup. The pickled large cabbage from a few days ago is also ready. Come and try it!" Murong Qing said, then went to the kitchen to bring out the food.
The filling for the red bean buns was made from red beans. They needed to be soaked before being steamed and mashed. If you liked it sweet, you'd add some sugar...
Yun Jinhe felt that the red bean buns steamed by Miss Murong tasted better than those made by his mother and Sister Huaihua.
After dinner, Murong Qing accompanied Yun Jinhe in the study for a while. For any problem he couldn't solve, Murong Qing could solve it.
As a result, Yun Jinhe no longer wanted to go to the academy to study...
Miss Murong had so much knowledge; why should he pay such expensive tuition fees?
The next morning, Yun Jinhe went to school with a few books. Murong Qing tidied herself up and then strolled to the entrance of the academy.
Students from other academies were not allowed to enter. Murong Qing put her hands in her embrace, stretched her neck, and looked into the courtyard twice...
Not seeing Sun Tianxiu's shadow, she returned to make lunch.
For the next few days, Murong Qing would visit the academy. Finally, on the fourth day, just before noon dismissal, she saw Sun Tianxiu gathered with six or seven students, laughing and mocking Yun Jinhe...
"Haha, what's the point of Yun Jinhe having good grades? His reputation is already terrible. If Dean Fan finds out he's living with a young girl, he'll be ruined, haha!"
Some classmates questioned, "Is that true? Jinhe is usually refined and helpful. How could he do something so contrary to public morality..."
"Yes, Sun Tianxiu, you keep yelling that Jinhe is molesting a young girl. What evidence do you have?"
Sun Tianxiu puffed out his chest upon hearing this, "Evidence? I lived at their house for more than half a month. Would I lie with my eyes open? If you don't believe me, go and see for yourselves. If there's no girl in their house, I'll tear off my own head..."
"Tsk tsk, what's wrong with having a girl? Don't all those young masters from wealthy families have maids with them?"
"Exactly, we're tired of your nonsense. Can you change it to something new next time?"
Sun Tianxiu was stunned for a moment, "No, have your brains rusted? If you don't believe me, I'll take you to see now..."
"No need to look, I'm here!" Murong Qing's clear laughter echoed.
It seemed that most of the students in the academy had integrity and were not easily swayed by such trivial rumors.
The students turned their heads and saw Murong Qing leaning against the gate, a dry grass stem in her mouth, looking up at the sky.
Sun Tianxiu's eyes lit up upon seeing her, and he shouted excitedly, "Look quickly, she's the girl living with Jinhe. No, she shouldn't be called a girl anymore. She should be called a little slut who was ruined before marriage, hehe!"
The students: "..."
How can your mouth be so vicious?
Those who aspired to officialdom knew to be virtuous with their words, but you, on the other hand, only spewed the most unpleasant things.
Murong Qing glanced coldly at Sun Tianxiu, "What, are you envious? Jinhe studies well and is also good-looking. Isn't it normal for me to like him?"
"Look at yourself. Not only are your grades at the bottom, but your character is also rotten. Even if you pass the imperial examination, no girl will want to marry you. Do you know why?"
Sun Tianxiu stared blankly at Murong Qing, opened his mouth, but couldn't speak...
"Because you're not only ugly, but you're also utterly vile. Your character is vile, your morals are vile, and your personality and dignity are even more vile. Any girl who fancies you is simply blind!"
After her tirade, Sun Tianxiu's face turned red and his neck swelled.
He felt his dignity had been trampled upon, so he clenched his fists and angrily walked towards Murong Qing...