The Prefectural Examination Results, the Southern Yu Tower Banquet, the People's Grievances-Wind Filled the Tower Before the Mountain Storm

It was not that Xu Qingxiao failed to understand what had happened.

Rather, the matter truly was not as serious as he had imagined.

These warrior constables had beaten up the students of Bright Dawn Academy to protest the injustice done to him.

Viewed as a minor matter, it was simply a misunderstanding. Could he not apologize in person? If that failed to satisfy them, the constables could be flogged and some silver paid in compensation. He could borrow that silver from someone; that would not be a problem either.

Viewed as a major matter, it was a clash between social classes. Scholars had always been held above others, and warrior constables beating scholars was indeed indefensible. It was a challenge to the social hierarchy, so exile a thousand miles away would not be unreasonable.

But judging the matter on its own merits, it had been neither organized nor premeditated, nor had anyone been deliberately targeted. It was entirely a misunderstanding.

They could punish it severely, but they could not be so absolute. Accidental killing and intentional murder, for instance, were two entirely different things.

Yet the Prefectural Lord's current attitude and intentions left Xu Qingxiao somewhat bewildered.

Hearing Xu Qingxiao's doubts, Li Guangxin did not conceal anything and spoke directly.

"Shouren, my nephew, it seems you still haven't seen through this matter."

"This is no longer a simple case of brawling and causing trouble, nor is it merely about scholars suffering humiliation. It concerns the establishment of a philosophical thesis."

Li Guangxin explained the crucial point of the matter.

A philosophical thesis?

Xu Qingxiao frowned. How had this become entangled with that again?

Seeing his confusion, Li Guangxin continued.

"Never mind. Your Uncle Li won't beat around the bush."

"If only Wan Anguo, Mr. Wan, were behind this, I