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“So, daringly, I ask the Headmaster if there’s any involvement in this matter. Could you provide me with an answer?” Zhang Yaosheng’s final two sentences were shouted with his head held high, exerting all his strength.
His voice echoed loudly throughout the room.
After the words settled, Headmaster Yue casually smoothed his beard and responded, “This is the first time I’ve heard about the county magistrate and the exam official in relation to this matter.”
“However, your detailed observations of Song Jingyun’s study habits at home were quite thorough.”
Placing a hand on Zhang Yaosheng’s shoulder, Headmaster Yue then walked away with his hands clasped behind his back.
As Headmaster Yue departed without any further explanation, Zhang Yaosheng was left stunned.
The onlookers couldn’t help but chuckle at the situation.
“The Headmaster is right. You must have observed very attentively to know the exact daily routine of Jingyun. I wonder, were you perched on their wall all day or crouching in their corner?”
“You’re constantly peering at others, one wonders how much time you actually spend on studying. Do you truly have the audacity to claim you study diligently?”
“It’s all about appearances. Spending half a day with a book, who knows if you’ve even read a few words. Then you have the nerve to blame others for not studying well and achieving good grades. Others simply focus on their studies, unlike you.”
“Bringing up the exam official and the county magistrate—our academy has produced many scholars in the past. Some have even attained high official positions. When they return, they show respect to the Headmaster. Why would the Headmaster need to favor the county magistrate?”
“Let’s be blunt here. When the county magistrate visits the Headmaster, they are polite, hoping for the academy to continue producing scholars. It’s not about favors. It’s about managing the academy well to nurture more scholars for the county.”
“It seems to me, it’s all about not studying properly, not performing well, and feeling envious of Song Jingyun’s success, looking to cause trouble.”
“Exactly. His words were nothing but nonsense. Those unaware might believe his lies, thinking that Song Jingyun’s achievements are not due to his abilities but to something else. Rumors can spread, questioning the legitimacy of Song Jingyun’s success.”
“Scholars value their reputation the most. Being falsely accused like this, one might brush it off with a broad mind. But for those worried about rumors, they may live in constant fear, unable to focus on their studies. Some may even take extreme measures if they cannot bear the pressure.”
“This is truly ill-intentioned!”
“Such unethical behavior is unworthy of studying at Wende Academy!”
“Exactly, individuals like this should be expelled!”
The crowd erupted in loud voices, leaving Zhang Yaosheng flushed with anger. “You, you all…”
Truly unreasonable!
It’s all just jealousy and ambition—envying Song Jingyun’s success, his connections with the county magistrate and exam official, hoping to climb the social ladder for personal gain!
It’s a disgrace to academia!
“Silence!” Master Zhuang commanded.
Master Zhuang, who oversaw many affairs at the academy, was the right-hand man to Headmaster Yue. He was highly respected at Wende Academy, known for his strict discipline and seriousness. Many felt intimidated in his presence due to his stern demeanor.
At Master Zhuang’s command, everyone quickly fell silent and respectfully moved to the side.
“Student Zhang Yaosheng, due to your consecutive poor exam performances for two years, you can no longer continue your studies at Wende Academy. Please pack your belongings and leave as soon as possible,” Master Zhuang announced.
“But…” Zhang Yaosheng attempted to protest.
“You have only one hour,” Master Zhuang interrupted, his tone colder than before.
Zhang Yaosheng’s face turned pale as a sheet, unable to say anything further. He simply nodded, “I will leave now.”
Amidst scornful and indifferent gazes, Zhang Yaosheng swiftly packed up his belongings at his desk, then proceeded to his dormitory to gather his things. With his head bowed, he exited the gates of Wende Academy alone, carrying a heap of belongings.
As he left the academy, he attracted the attention of many onlookers.
“Is Wende Academy going on break?”
“Not yet, we have to wait a few more days. If someone is leaving now, it’s probably because of that.”
“Because of what?”
“I heard that students who rank at the bottom for two consecutive years in their studies at Wende Academy will be expelled and transferred to another institution.”
“Hmm, ranking at the bottom for two years straight—you must really lack dedication to study. If I had the chance to study at Wende Academy, I would be fully committed to my studies, not wasting such a great opportunity like he did.”
“Indeed, being expelled from Wende Academy is truly a disgrace for a student.”
“With such poor academic performance, he must have been living a dissolute life, not focusing on his studies. A scholar should be engaged in serious matters!”
Zhang Yaosheng, overhearing these remarks, felt a surge of anger rising within him. He shouted at the onlookers who were gesturing and commenting about him, “What do you all know!”
“You have no idea how diligently I studied, how hard I worked day and night. You don’t know a thing, so why are you judging me like this!”
After his outburst, Zhang Yaosheng felt a sudden silence descend around him.
Then, a bright light flashed before his eyes, making it hard for him to keep them open.
When he managed to open his eyes again, he was taken aback.
There were no disdainful faces around him, no one pointing fingers at him. Instead, people were going about their business, with vendors loudly promoting their goods in the bustling surroundings.
As a result of his outburst, those who had been busy with their own tasks suddenly stopped what they were doing, turning to look at Zhang Yaosheng with surprise.
“What’s this person doing?”
“Must be sleepwalking or still half-asleep, mumbling to himself like that.”
“Yeah, seems like it…”
Listening to the comments, Zhang Yaosheng felt a bit bewildered.
Was that just a dream?
He pinched himself, feeling a sharp pain that jolted him awake.
It wasn’t a dream; everything around him was real.
But what just happened…
Feeling disoriented, Zhang Yaosheng gathered his belongings and walked forward in a daze.
After the Laba Festival comes the Chinese New Year, and with the Little New Year approaching, many people have already begun preparing for the festive season by purchasing traditional New Year goods. The county town is bustling with activity as people come and go.
With his head down and lost in thought, Zhang Yaosheng wasn’t watching where he was going. Consequently, when another person carrying a large bamboo basket passed by, he didn’t move aside, causing the bamboo basket to collide with him, making him stumble.