The students of Zhiru Academy are truly remarkable.
Recently, Su Yizhi, a disciple of the great scholar Fan Huaxin, has been shining brightly in various public speaking events, gaining immense popularity among many students. Even some county princesses from the Imperial Academy have shown him favor.
If it weren't for the upcoming Imperial Court session, he would have considered skipping classes and resorting to methods like protests and sit-ins. He was absolutely sure he could build a massive reputation within official circles, laying a solid foundation for his future career in the bureaucracy.
Among the students, apart from a few individuals whose families strictly forbade them from participating in discussions about the incident, only Li Qinghan, who had indirect contact with Mo Yunxuan, did not get involved. In fact, she had already begun contemplating how to ask her father for a transfer.
Even though Li Qinghan had never seen Mo Yunxuan in person, she could clearly sense his terrifying presence. In the past, Jun Tianxiao, despite being a notorious dandy, was still a favored minister of the Empress. It was rumored that during the last Imperial Court session, the Empress, for his sake, disregarded the strained relationship between the royal family and the Wei State Duke Mansion to help him secure the position of Commander of Left Wei Guard, which was a testament to his standing in the Empress's heart.
Yet, such a favored minister died under mysterious circumstances in the Left Wei Guard Barracks, leaving no remains. The Empress did not intervene, merely burying him hastily under the guise of illness, and even then, it was only a cenotaph. She completely ignored the Wei State Duke Mansion, who were likely the perpetrators, leaving them unchecked. The implications of this were profound and demanded deep consideration.
In a residence for core disciples within the Jade Pool.
Xiao Yumei looked at the news that had just arrived from Dagan Imperial City. Her eyes turned red, and tears flowed uncontrollably. Gritting her teeth, she growled, "Mo Yunxuan! How dare you kill my Chen Gege! I will definitely capture your soul and refine it into a lamp wick." "To suffer the pain of being burned by fierce flames day and night!" "Unable to live, unable to die!"
At this moment, a man "happened" to pass by the door and heard the commotion inside. Thinking Xiao Yumei was in trouble, he shouted loudly, "Junior Sister Xiao, did I just hear you crying? Did something happen?" Hearing the voice outside, she knew who it was without even guessing. The person outside was Chen Xuan, the grandson of the Third Elder, Chen Feng. He was kind and talented, but in Xiao Yumei's eyes, only Ye Chen was perfect. Therefore, she had always rejected Chen Xuan's persistent attempts to please her without any hesitation. Although the Third Elder was protective of his grandson, he was also reasonable and concerned about his reputation, so he wouldn't stoop to helping his grandson bully others. Thus, even though she consistently rejected Chen Xuan's affections, the Third Elder had never blamed or targeted her. However, Chen Xuan's appearance now gave Xiao Yumei a sudden idea. Without tidying her tear-streaked face or disheveled hair, she slowly opened the door, still with tears in her eyes. Chen Xuan, who was anxiously waiting at the door, rushed to look inside as soon as the door opened. The first thing he saw was Xiao Yumei looking at him with teary, pitiful eyes, a look of despair he had never seen before, which almost broke his heart. "Junior Sister Xiao, what's wrong? If you have any difficulties, tell Senior Brother. Senior Brother will always be your strongest support!" Seeing his earnest expression, Xiao Yumei quickly covered her face and sobbed, "Senior Brother Chen, I just received news that my childhood playmate from home was innocently murdered. Thinking that a living person is gone just like that, my heart is filled with grief, and I couldn't help but cry. I apologize for troubling you, Senior Brother." Hearing this news, Chen Xuan was overjoyed, wishing he could immediately run out and thank the murderer. He naturally knew who Xiao Yumei's playmate was – it was Ye Chen, her childhood sweetheart! He also knew that the reason Xiao Yumei had always refused to be with him was because of Ye Chen. If Ye Chen hadn't found a backer in the Vice Dean after joining Taihua Academy, he would have definitely shown Ye Chen what it meant to rely on influence! Now that Ye Chen was gone, did he have a chance? If he could avenge Ye Chen and resolve Junior Sister Xiao's hatred, would Junior Sister Xiao pledge herself to him? Thinking of this, Chen Xuan's heart could no longer remain calm, and his eyes were fixed on Xiao Yumei. "Junior Sister Xiao, don't worry! Your revenge is my revenge. Tell me who did it, and I will definitely kill them for you!" Xiao Yumei felt his ardent gaze and knew the prey had taken the bait.
"Senior Brother Chen, that person is the current Duke of Wei of the Great Dry Dynasty, Mo Yunxuan."
Upon hearing the name, Chen Xuan shivered instantly.
He was familiar with the name Mo Yunxuan!
He had just heard it from his grandfather yesterday. It seemed he had directly slaughtered the students and teachers of an academy, quite brutal.
But the older generation! They always spoke in riddles.
He hadn't explained the specifics, only emphasized that this person was not to be provoked.
Although he felt a bit intimidated, it was still acceptable. He just needed to consider how many people to bring.
After all, that place belonged to the Great Dry Dynasty. Although the major holy lands were stronger than the imperial dynasty in terms of expert density, if the Great Dry Dynasty was truly determined to attack the Yaochi Holy Land, they could make the Yaochi Holy Land bleed rivers and be nearly annihilated.
What he needed to consider now was how to capture Mo Yunxuan and apologize to Junior Sister Xiao, without alerting the Great Dry Empress.
Killing him directly was impossible. Once done, it would break the rules, inevitably causing public outrage.
Even if the Empress didn't hold them accountable in the end, those Civil and Military Officials would do their utmost to push for an attack on the Yaochi Holy Land.
Seeing Chen Xuan's hesitant appearance, Xiao Yumei thought he had chickened out.
Pursing her lips, she spoke again, "If Senior Brother Chen finds it troublesome, then never mind."
With that, she made a move to close the door.
Seeing her stance, Chen Xuan immediately agreed, "Revenge! We must get revenge."
But less than a second later, his tone shifted.
"However, this matter isn't as simple as you think. We need to plan..."
"Bang!"
Chen Xuan looked at Xiao Yumei's tightly shut door, swallowed a few times, his expression somewhat embarrassed.
"Junior Sister Xiao, uh, I'll go back and find my grandfather to think of a solution for you. Don't be angry!"
"It wouldn't be good if you got sick from anger!"
After speaking, his gaze lingered on the door for several seconds before he reluctantly left.
At the same time, Xiao Yumei, inside the room, sensed Chen Xuan's departure. The corners of her mouth curved upward, her eyes devoid of any warmth.
Several days had passed since the Taihua Academy incident.
At this moment, Mo Yunxuan stood once again in the plaza outside the Imperial Court hall.
He was no longer as timid and lonely as the first time.
He casually surveyed the Civil and Military Officials around him.
The Wu Xun (military officials) nodded slightly at his gaze, neither warm nor cold, but it was a form of greeting.
However, the Wen Chen (civil officials) all wore proud expressions, as if they would rather die than coexist with a villain.
It was clear that he, Mo Yunxuan, was that villain!
If it were half a month ago, he would have pretended not to see it and made a note of it later.
Now, he returned their gazes with contempt and a dismissive smile, causing the Civil Officials who were secretly observing him to grumble in hushed tones: "He's disgracing scholarly manners!"
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