Book Mountain and Sea of Learning as a Book, Diligence and Hardship Enter the Realm

"Recall the scenes of these past days working in the fields?"

At those words, the Imperial Academy students all showed some confusion. Many even revealed anger. To them, those days of labor had been sheer torment. They had only just escaped it, and now being told to recall it could only bring unpleasant thoughts—and carried the suspicion of deliberate mockery...

"Could it be he thinks he hasn't tormented us enough?" Someone in the crowd exchanged a glance with Chen Feifan, then spoke in a low voice. His words spread through the crowd, easily stirring the indignation of others.

This speaker had also gathered with Chen Feifan and the others at the teahouse the day before to discuss countermeasures. Knowing Minister Tian's intentions, he felt someone stood behind him to support him, which was why he dared act so freely.

Listening to the man's words and watching the crowd's reaction, Chen Feifan sneered.

"Qiu Academician, Qiu Academician. With my current status and position, I truly have no way to compare with you. But I can borrow power. In terms of influence and strength, Minister Tian may fall short of you, but his connections at court surpass yours. The two of you may be evenly matched, but behind Minister Tian stands another force—one you cannot compare to! I had thought I would have to wait several years to avenge the humiliation you inflicted on me. Who would have expected that you would offend so many people, giving me power to borrow!" That time, it had clearly been Chen Feifan who had taken the initiative to challenge Qiu Yan's authority, only to be verbally defeated by Qiu Yan. What began like a tiger ended like a snake, and Qiu Yan had instead used the chance to establish his prestige. Yet Chen Feifan did