The students were astonished, most of them lamenting Dean Qian's career...
Alas, about to retire, he had brought disaster upon himself by slapping the Prime Minister's son. He would likely have to return to his hometown to live out his days.
"Young Master Yang, this slap is to tell you that one must conduct oneself with propriety and measure in all things. As a student of the Imperial Academy, you must especially respect your teachers and treat others with courtesy..."
Dean Qian's face was grim, his thin and frail body suddenly appearing tall and imposing. "You are arrogant and presumptuous, looking down on everyone. You have repeatedly opposed Yun Jinhe, spread rumors, and caused severe disruptions. In the past, I, as the Libationer, turned a blind eye and tolerated your behavior. But you have only grown worse, becoming more audacious and showing no restraint..."
At this point, Dean Qian narrowed his eyes and stared coldly at Yang Jingrui. "I hear you look down on country folk, considering them bumpkins with no manners, and believing yourself superior due to your noble birth. Young Master Yang, forgive my bluntness, but your thinking is not only biased and childish, it is utterly ridiculous!~"
"Who in our Great Liang does not know that the current Emperor was born and raised in the countryside? Of the Grand Secretaries and Ministers of the first and second ranks in the Three Provinces and Six Ministries, how many were born in the capital? Even when I was born, my family was so poor we couldn't even drink rice soup. Yet, now I serve as an official in the capital..."
"Young Master Yang, remember this: never look down on anyone, especially those young men who possess potential, aspirations, and ambitions. Life is a long journey; do not use today's events to arbitrarily determine someone else's destiny, for you have neither the qualification nor the right to do so!~"
Upon hearing this, all the students were rendered speechless, secretly applauding Dean Qian's words...
Indeed, fortunes change. Perhaps Young Master Yang would not even fare as well as Yun Jinhe in the future.
"Libationer Qian!~" Yang Jingrui gritted his teeth, his last shred of reason drowned by fury.
Previously, he had always addressed Dean Qian as 'Sir' or 'Master.' Now, calling him 'Libationer Qian' directly showed the depth of his anger...
"I will remember today's events. Libationer Qian deliberately favors Yun Jinhe and publicly slapped me. Even if this matter were brought before the Emperor, you would not be in the right. Since Libationer Qian wishes to go down this path, I shall accompany you to the very end!~"
After speaking, Yang Jingrui glared fiercely at Yun Jinhe. "Libationer Qian said it himself, life is a long journey, and we have plenty of time ahead. Yun Jinhe, if I don't expel you from the Imperial Academy, I'll write my name backward..."
If he couldn't even deal with a poor country boy, how could he possibly make a name for himself in the capital in the future?
What would his followers think of him?
"Let's go!~" Yang Jingrui flicked his sleeves and left in a huff with his guards.
Dean Qian did not stop him. Instead, he looked at the three of them and said, "Causing trouble and behaving disgracefully, the three of you, follow me..."
He was not afraid of Prime Minister Yang pressuring him or making things difficult, for Prime Minister Yang was a universally praised good official, and his son was simply misguided.
Dean Qian was angry because Yun Jinhe, along with Yao Jinsheng and Sun Tianxiu, had gotten into a fight.
One had to understand the great effort and hard work these two scoundrel students had put into studying at the Imperial Academy, and how Elder Yao had run around and pulled strings...
Now, because of a moment of impulse, they had beaten Yang Jingrui, ruining the good impression they had just established.
"Even if he deliberately provoked you, you couldn't resort to violence. That is the act of a brute, cough, cough!~" After listening to Yun Jinhe's explanation, Dean Qian coughed in anger.
Yun Jinhe cupped his hands in apology. "Your student will never dare to do so again. Please, esteemed Dean, calm your anger..."
Yao Jinsheng and Sun Tianxiu stood before the desk, their heads bowed so low they almost touched their chests, not daring to breathe.
Dean Qian took a sip of tea, and after a long while, said, "You were the ones who struck first. This matter cannot be justified anywhere. I, as the Libationer, must also be fair, mustn't I?"
If he did not punish the three of them, how could he explain it to the other students?
"Your student will accept whatever punishment the esteemed Dean deems fit..." Yun Jinhe said solemnly.
Dean Qian listened, pondered for a moment, and his eyes darted back and forth. "How about this: the three of you will be suspended for one month. Go home and reflect on your actions. After one month, report back!~"
Dean Qian did this because he wanted Yun Jinhe and the other two to lay low...
Someone like Yang Jingrui, who held grudges and was petty-minded, would certainly not let this matter rest after this incident.
Upon hearing this, Yun Jinhe's heart ached fiercely.
If his parents, grandfather, grandmother, and aunt were to find out about this, how disappointed would they be...
Being suspended for a month was a very severe punishment in the Imperial Academy.
Yun Jinhe had also wanted to inquire about the study tour to Yan Country. Now, it seemed all his plans were dashed.
"What, are you not satisfied with this punishment?" Dean Qian put down his teacup and asked in a low voice.
Yun Jinhe pursed his lips, hardened his resolve, and said, "Your student said he will accept whatever punishment the esteemed Dean deems fit..."
Yao Jinsheng and Sun Tianxiu had no objections. A month's suspension was equivalent to a month-long holiday, and they were already thinking about where to go and have fun.
Dean Qian grunted and beckoned Yun Jinhe closer. "Jinhe, come here!~"
Yun Jinhe was slightly taken aback and slowly moved closer.
"When you return to the village, remember to bring more cured meat and pickled radishes, and also two baskets of kimchi and salted duck eggs. I'll buy them!~" Dean Qian mumbled.
Yun Jinhe: "......"
He strongly suspected that Dean Qian's decision to suspend him for a month was so he could go back to the village to fetch good food.
"Your student, your student remembers!~" Yun Jinhe's mouth twitched.
Having caused such a huge mess, he didn't want to go back to the village. But seeing Dean Qian's expectant face, he had no choice but to brace himself and go back...
Meanwhile, in Heyang Commandery, within the Yungui Workshop.
As Xiao Jinheng and Xiao Xitian walked in, Zhao Guihua was with her hands on her hips, scolding a newly arrived young maid.
"No, is this how you sweep? The broom is practically flying. Didn't you see guests dining? If dust falls onto their food, we'll have to replace it. Do you know how much money we'll lose?"
"Honestly, you're so young yet so useless. What else can you do? You might as well go home and feed pigs..."
The young maid was being scolded, sobbing and teary-eyed, her small body trembling slightly, clearly terrified.
Seeing this, Xiao Xitian broke free from Xiao Jinheng's hand and quickly walked over...