"Yes, we scholars have studied diligently for over a decade, yet we cannot match the wealth gained by a wealthy man donating money. If such a precedent is set, who in the world will still bother to study? This...this..."

"Alas, in this way, discipline is corrupted and the law is no longer valid!"

"If such a person can become an official, what face do we scholars have left?"

Countless scholars and officials gathered together to express their extreme dissatisfaction with Dou Miao's edict.

Meanwhile, those who had long been dissatisfied with the Empress Dowager began to coordinate their efforts, preparing to launch a joint attack.

Countless scholars and officials went to visit representatives of prominent families such as the Yuan, Yang, Chen, and Xun families. Even the mansions of the three dukes, Chen Fan, Hu Guang, and Li Ying, were crowded with people.

Surprisingly, the Yuan, Yang, and Xun families all kept their doors tightly shut, refusing to let anyone in, leaving everyone turned away.

"Yuan Feng, is your Yuan family turning its back on the scholars...?"

"Yuan Feng, you're willing to be a lackey, you're truly inhuman, utterly inhuman!"

"You spineless bastard!"

"......"

At the gate of the Yuan residence, a dozen scholars who had been blocked outside the gate hurled insults at the Yuan family with resentment on their faces.

"Hmph, a bunch of idiots... can't even swear?"

Inside the Yuan residence, Yuan Feng, listening to the crowd's curses, curled his lip in disdain.

Then Yuan Feng looked at the servants in front of the door and said, "Make sure you guard the door well. If anyone lets anyone in, I'll break their legs!"

"Yes, Master!"

Upon hearing Yuan Feng's cold voice, several servants couldn't help but shiver, and then quickly stood guard at the door.

"Father, isn't it a bad idea to offend them like this?"

Seeing this, Yuan Shu, who was standing beside Yuan Feng, looked at his father with a worried expression.

"Offend...? They don't even deserve it?"

Upon hearing Yuan Shu's concerns, Yuan Feng chuckled lightly, his words revealing his disdain for the scholars outside the door.

"Shu'er, come on, come play chess with your father, and I'll show you the power of my river-crossing cannon..."