Lan Yan had known Jun Yelan's background since early on, understanding that the Ming family was responsible for his tragic past. If it weren't for Ming's father's abandonment, Jun Yelan would not have ended up in such a state.
And Ming You, who enjoyed all of the Ming family's prosperity, Jun Yelan's blood-related brother, was the least qualified to speak of such matters.
She stood firmly by Jun Yelan's side and told him, "Don't worry, I promised I would protect you."
In that moment, Jun Yelan felt that everything around him was no longer important, as long as Lan Yan remained by his side.
He thought he would remember this scene forever, and even years later, recalling it would still make his heart flutter.
He took Lan Yan's hand and stood before the world with her, an unprecedented determination in his eyes. He knew he now had a powerful backing, the most formidable support.
"Yan'er, leave this to me this time."
Lan Yan was startled, then nodded. She had believed in Jun Yelan from beginning to end.
Jun Yelan looked at those who mocked him, his anger replaced by a calm expression. Even his tone was subdued as he said, "It is true that I was born in a brothel, but so what?"
"Throughout history, do those whose names are recorded in historical texts have their achievements erased because of their birth? They came from different dynasties, different places, different families – some were nobles, some commoners, even slaves."
"But they never let their origins limit them; instead, they climbed higher step by step, achieved merit, and served the nation and its people. Though their records are merely a sentence in the annals of history, they have left us with more than words can express."
"Well said!" Lan Yan was the first to applaud, followed by everyone else. She wiped a tear from the corner of her eye and continued, "May those with talent in this world not be buried, and may their ambitions not be unfulfilled."
The people who had just applauded were moved to tears, secretly wiping them with their sleeves. They were scholars too, and her words deeply resonated with them.
Seeing the tide turn, Ming You's hatred deepened. "What's the use of you all saying this? If birth doesn't matter, then anyone can attend school!"
Lan Yan couldn't stand Ming You, and she called out, "Confucius himself said there should be education for all, regardless of background. Where have your studies gone? I think you are too preoccupied with this and that; you might as well not come to the academy."
"You cause trouble in the academy every day, truly damaging its reputation. Your former follower, Scholar Lu, caused trouble a few times before, and after you returned, the situation escalated. Not only did you hold innocent women hostage, but you also wantonly slandered your classmates."
Upon hearing this, others realized it was true and turned their attention to Ming You.
Ming You felt a burning sensation on his face. These people were fair-weather friends, having sided with him just moments ago. Now, after a few words from Lan Yan, they had shifted their allegiances.
"If it weren't for Jun Yelan, would I have done such things!"
"Heh." Lan Yan crossed her arms and sneered, "Whether Jun Yelan is here or not, you'd still be like this. Don't shift the blame onto others; it will only make your sins heavier."
The fury in Ming You's eyes was about to erupt, as if he wanted to burn the woman before him! His face turned red with anger, but he was utterly incapable of refuting her.
Lan Yan raised her eyebrows triumphantly and looked at Jun Yelan beside her, "Wasn't I so cool just now?"
"Yes," Jun Yelan smiled, his eyes filled with affection, and hooked Lan Yan's little finger from underneath.
He then looked at Tutor Du and said, "Tutor, this matter arose because of me. I have decided to leave the academy." He could drive Ming You away, but he couldn't silence the gossip.
Tutor Du sighed, feeling it a great pity. "Very well, from now on, you can come to my home, and I will teach you personally. Your studies must not be neglected; the Tong Sheng exam is about to begin. You started your education later than others, so you must cherish every opportunity."
"Yes, thank you, Tutor." Jun Yelan took Lan Yan's hand and walked out of the academy with her.
Tutor Du followed, as the academy had become a mess due to Ming You.
Ming You remained alone, his disabled body facing everyone's condemnation. The thought of Lan Yan and Jun Yelan smiling at each other was as unpleasant as swallowing stones. No, he couldn't give up like this!
At this moment, Lan Yan and Jun Yelan were walking towards a shop.
Thinking that Ming You could still remain in the academy because the Ming family donated money to it annually, Lan Yan felt a surge of indignation. "Wait a moment, Jun Yelan, wait for me here. I'm going to buy something."
Jun Yelan stood puzzled, watching Lan Yan enter a nearby general store. She came out with a sack and some rope in her hands.
"Heh heh, time for revenge." Lan Yan pulled Jun Yelan and hid in an alley. When Ming You was being supported by a servant, she suddenly pulled the sack over both of their heads.
Ming You's vision turned black, and he shouted, "Who is it?"
Lan Yan naturally remained silent. She kicked the sack a few times and then picked up a discarded wooden stick nearby, hitting it a couple of times. After finishing, she clapped her hands and walked away leisurely, "Hmph, serves you right."
Ming You, who hadn't figured out what had happened, felt pain all over his body. Who dared to attack him? He prepared to curse, but then he heard the sound of water being poured. A foul smell immediately emanated from the sack, and he couldn't help but retch.
Jun Yelan returned the basin of water to the nearby shopkeeper, paid him, and then left.
Seeing that there was no sound from around, Ming You called out in panic, "Hey!" No one responded. He poked his head out of the sack, his hair stained with dirt, looking utterly dishevelled.
"Oh, my head, my hands and stomach! Whoever did this, this young master is going to die." With that, he fainted and was carried back by his servant.
After feeling a sense of satisfaction, Lan Yan and Jun Yelan continued their walk. She thought about her business; it wasn't big enough yet to rival the Ming family.
Besides opening more branches, she also needed to find a business partner. There must be merchants in this town who also held grudges against the Ming family. When the Ming family was gone, Ming You would be nothing.
Jun Yelan looked at Lan Yan's determined expression and tightened his grip on her hand, saying, "Yan'er, thank you." He had never said these words before, but he felt a strong urge to say them today.
"I just couldn't stand it, and why should they say that about you?" Lan Yan blinked and smiled, "Everything I said just now is true, you don't need to worry about it."
Jun Yelan stopped walking, holding Lan Yan's hands with both of his, his eyes filled with determination. "Those people no longer matter. Just as you said, they cannot decide my future; only I can.
"And the future I need has already arrived." He looked at Lan Yan.
Lan Yan didn't understand for a moment, thinking it was about Jun Yelan's upcoming exams.
Seeing her continued confusion, a slight curve formed on Jun Yelan's lips, and he smiled helplessly. "Let's go, home." He tightened his grip on Lan Yan's hand again and walked with her in the direction of their home.
He wanted to pass the Tong Sheng exam and continue onwards, wanting to give Lan Yan a home where she could live without restraint.