The First Class

Wen Yuanqing, Yin Xingtang, and the others were there too.

The two of them each led a group of followers, standing on opposite sides. They all turned their heads, their eyes sharp and piercing.

There was no helping it. Ye Kang and Gao Fan were in the limelight, showing signs of surpassing the two of them.

Now that the pair had come in together, they felt an even greater threat.

After all, although the academy was a place of learning, it was not free of social maneuvering.

It had not quite come to forming cliques, but there was still competition between groups.

The academy deliberately allowed it. After all, its students would eventually enter officialdom, and learning how to choose sides and build connections was a required lesson.

As the County Governor's nephew, Wen Yuanqing was a leading figure. So was Yin Xingtang, the Daughter of the General.

But if Gao Fan and Ye Kang joined forces, they would be no less formidable.

Sure enough, someone quick-witted immediately made a move.

Dai Zijun brought two people over at once.

"Brother Ye, Brother Fan, perfect timing. I was just about to come find you."

Dai Zijun wore a broad smile and smoothly seized the opportunity to flatter Gao Fan too.

Dai Zijun came from a good family as well, but his household was in business. Compared with a County Governor or a general, they naturally fell far short.

But as long as he tied himself to those two, he would be a force to reckon with.

So he was extremely enthusiastic, saying as soon as he arrived, "Brother Ye, these two are my friends. Their families are both major merchants, and they've been hoping to get to know you two."

He shot a glance behind him, and the two immediately stepped