Chapter 109: Yun Qin Arrives

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There were many speculations among the students about why Wang Tao was expelled, the most convincing being that the accident at the horse farm was a deliberate attempt by Wang Tao to harm Li Su. However, the outcome was clear: Wang Tao himself suffered the most severe injuries and was ultimately expelled from the academy.

Some believed that the expulsion was due to the Wang family offending Dean Wei, rather than the horse farm incident. Zhao Fuzi succeeded Qian Fuzi and took it upon himself to clarify the reason for Wang Tao’s departure.

“Everyone has doubts about why Wang Tao left the academy. Today, I will make it clear,” Zhao Fuzi announced. “Wang Tao left because he harmed his fellow students. Mingyue Academy cannot tolerate such behavior. Since you have all come here, devote all your energy to your studies. Next year is the triennial provincial exam; I hope you will take this as a warning.”

After Zhao Fuzi’s words, many students glanced at Li Su. Indeed, it was Wang Tao who had caused Li Su’s horse to suddenly go wild. Most students at the academy came from ordinary families, not great aristocratic houses, but their conditions were comfortable enough. When faced with difficulties from the scions of noble families, they usually endured quietly.

Wang Tao’s expulsion signaled that the academy would not shield aristocratic students; anyone who did wrong must bear the consequences. This was good news for most of them. The noble students behaved more cautiously now, unwilling to become the next Wang Tao.

Though they were not overly concerned about staying at the academy, being expelled was a great embarrassment. Returning to the capital, they would be ridiculed endlessly. It wasn’t just personal shame—they would disgrace their entire families.

...

Yun Qin arrived in Wenzhou from the capital. His steward and attendants helped carry his belongings to the gates of Mingyue Academy. The steward, panting heavily, asked, “Young master, are you really going to study at Mingyue Academy?”

Yun Qin nodded slightly. “The academy does not allow servants or attendants. You should return down the mountain first.”

The steward looked reluctant. Without them, the young master would have to handle everything himself—a hardship Yun Qin had never endured. He had never heard of an academy forbidding servants before.

In the end, the steward and attendants left with heavy hearts. The man at the gate no longer had to outwit the students for food, as the academy’s meals now smelled quite appetizing.

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The students no longer sought ways to sneak down the mountain for meals, so the man at the gate felt relieved. He lounged contentedly in his chair, enjoying the sunlight. Upon seeing Yun Qin, his expression changed. “Who are you?”

Another new student? He hadn’t seen this young man before. Why were new students arriving sporadically this year? The last newcomer had become somewhat of a celebrity at the academy.

Yun Qin took out his letter of recommendation and handed it to the man at the gate. “Please review this.”

The man opened it and his expression shifted slightly. “Young Master Yun Qin? What brings you here?”

“Come with me,” the man said, leading Yun Qin inside to find Zhao Fuzi.

Zhao Fuzi was also shocked upon learning Yun Qin’s identity. He had heard of him before, and meeting him today lived up to his reputation.

“Young Master Yun, since you arrived late, you missed the entrance exam and must first join the Yellow Study Hall. Can you accept that?” Zhao Fuzi asked.

Yun Qin thought to himself, with the talent of his elder brother, he must be in the Heavenly Study Hall.

Zhao Fuzi hesitated upon seeing Yun Qin’s silence. Given Yun Qin’s knowledge, attending the Heavenly Study Hall would not raise objections. But Li Su, who had just arrived, had been placed in the Yellow Study Hall. Making an exception for Yun Qin would be unfair to Li Su.

Zhao Fuzi admired Li Su and believed the dean had a good relationship with him, showing special care.

“This situation is unprecedented. This year, besides you, another outstanding student arrived late and also went to the Yellow Study Hall,” Zhao Fuzi explained.

He was pleased Yun Qin chose their academy. Yun Qin had refused all other academies in the capital but traveled far to come here, proving Mingyue Academy’s superiority.

If Yun Qin could not accept it, there was nothing to be done.

Hearing this, Yun Qin’s eyes brightened. “Is it Li Su?”

Zhao Fuzi was momentarily surprised but nodded. “Yes. Do you know each other?”

“I can accept it. I’m willing to join the Yellow Study Hall,” Yun Qin replied, somewhat eager to see his elder brother’s reaction.

Zhao Fuzi had not expected them to know each other. Knowing Yun Qin might influence the dean to treat Li Su specially. Li Su was no ordinary farmer’s son but kept a low profile, unlike the ostentatious noble youths from the capital.

Zhao Fuzi admired Li Su more, believing he would achieve great things in the future.

“Very well, I will take you to your room,” Zhao Fuzi said, thinking to assign Yun Qin to Wang Tao’s former room, which was now vacant.

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Yun Qin nodded. “Master, is there still a place in Li Su’s quarters?”

“There is... but they already have two residents,” Zhao Fuzi replied. Yun Qin, being a noble son, might find it uncomfortable.

Usually, four students shared a room. Song Sheng’s room had once housed four, but now only he remained.

“That’s fine. Can I be assigned to share a room with Li Su?” Yun Qin asked.

Since Yun Qin asked, Zhao Fuzi had no objection. “Very well.”

Yun Qin’s relationship with Li Su was surprisingly close. He had taken some of his belongings inside but left many at the academy entrance, planning to call his elder brother later to help carry them.

He hadn’t intended to bring so much, but his mother kept adding more until he had many large bags.

Zhao Fuzi thought Yun Qin was lucky not to be repulsed by the academy’s food. Had he arrived earlier, the smell alone might have driven him away.

...

Li Su was unaware of Yun Qin’s arrival. He was busy working with Wei Shian on crafting a long-distance viewing device.

Wei Shian sat on one side of the table, deep in thought while flipping through books. A pile of them lay on the table.

Li Su, on the other side, held a piece of glass, wearing gloves he had prepared in advance to avoid injury.

He understood the principles and steps but this was his first time working with glass directly.

Wei Shian paid him no mind, thinking that after a couple of days, Li Su would realize the difficulty.

Li Su was glad Wei Shian wasn’t nagging and selected a suitable piece of glass, starting to grind it.

Occasionally, Wei Shian glanced at Li Su, then suddenly saw him handling the glass with bare hands.

Wei Shian muttered, “Spendthrift!”

He sighed, thinking the glass was being fired separately and they wouldn’t run out anytime soon—let him waste it if he must.