The fire-fighting team in the city caught a glimpse of the flames rising into the sky from a distance, and without hesitation, they drove the heavy water trucks and rushed to the Imperial College.
Along the way, the wheels rolled, water splashed, and their shouts cut through the night sky: "Quick! The Imperial College is on fire!"
At the same time, the servants in the academy also quickly took action, using wooden buckets to scoop water from the huge water tank in the courtyard. Some people ran on the corridor, beating gongs and shouting: "Fire! Is anyone there? Come out quickly!"
The tribute students who were staying in the house came out when they heard the noise. They looked at the blazing flames with horror on their faces.
However, for many tribute students, what they are concerned about at this moment is not just the safety of the academy.
"My calligraphy and paintings! My poems and essays!" A tribute student came back from the back mountain, exclaiming all the way and rushing to his house desperately.
"Come back quickly! It's dangerous!" The servant tried to pull him back, but was broken free.
Other tribute students followed suit. They knew the importance of the articles and books in the house. Fortunately, the city's fire brigade arrived at the scene and put out the fire quickly.
"Is anyone else in there?"
"There are still people in there trying to rescue some calligraphy and paintings!"
At this moment, Yan Boxi also hurried back. He saw at a glance that his house was in the worst condition and was surrounded by raging flames. His face turned pale instantly. He subconsciously touched the silver bills in his chest and breathed a sigh of relief.
Li Zhiwen watched this scene from afar, but he was secretly happy in his heart, thinking that the plan was perfect. He could not only get Yan Boxi's article, but also take the opportunity to cover up his crime.
The fire was put out and fortunately there were no casualties. Only a few tribute students were accidentally burned on their arms by the flames while trying to rescue books in the house.
"Hurry! Go and get a doctor!" the head clerk of the academy ordered anxiously, while his eyes swept over the injured tribute students, his heart full of worry.
After such a chaotic night, as the night gradually faded and the dawn gradually appeared on the horizon, everyone's faces were filled with fatigue and worry.
"The source of the fire has been found!" A firefighter shouted loudly, attracting everyone's attention.
The chief clerk and the tribute students gathered around and saw a burnt Kongming lantern lying in the rubble under the porch of Yan Boxi's house. The bamboo frame looked particularly dazzling in the morning light.
"It's really the Kongming lanterns that caused the trouble," the academy's head clerk said in a deep voice, his eyes revealing a certain seriousness. "It seems that the fire was caused by the Kongming lanterns that were released and then fell into the academy due to the wind, which is why the fire was caused."
Yan Boxi stood aside, silently looking at the ruins in front of him. His heart was full of helplessness. He sighed, turned and walked towards the chief clerk of the academy.
"Master Chief Registrar, all the books and manuscripts in my room have turned to ashes." Yan Boxi said in a sad voice, "I wonder if the academy can provide some help so that I can buy some new books?"
Upon hearing this, a trace of sympathy flashed in the eyes of the head clerk of the academy.
After hearing about this, the other tribute students expressed their willingness to help one after another. They felt deeply guilty because it was their suggestion to release the Kongming lanterns that led to Yan Boxi's house burning to ashes.
"Brother Bo Xi, I'm sorry, it's all our fault."
"Yes, if we hadn't suggested releasing the sky lanterns, this wouldn't have happened."
Yan Boxi looked at them. Although he felt a little disappointed, he also knew that it was an accident and he couldn't blame everyone completely.
He sighed and said, "Forget it. It's done now. There's no point in pursuing responsibility."
After the fire, the east wing was filled with a pungent smell of coke, which was unbearable. The Spring Examination was approaching, and it was obviously impossible to study with peace of mind living here.
"This house is uninhabitable. We need to find a place to move out."
"But we all came to the capital to take the imperial examination, and we can't find a suitable place to stay right now."
At this time, a tribute student suggested: "Why don't we stay in an inn? Although it costs more, at least we can have a quiet study environment."
This proposal was approved by many people, and some of the tribute students who had no worries about money began to pack their bags and prepare to move into the inn. Some people who had distant relatives in the capital immediately contacted them by letter, hoping to stay for a few days.
Yan Boxi walked into his house alone, looking at the broken walls and the devastated scene. The sunlight shone into the house through the broken roof, and something seemed to be shining in the pile of ashes.
He squatted down, picked up a piece of broken wood, and carefully pushed away the ashes...
…
Although the west wing of the academy luckily escaped the fire, the thick smoke all around still made people cough uncontrollably.
Jiang Lun hadn't wanted to stay in the Imperial College in the first place, but now an idea struck him. He suggested to Xue Jiyan, "Jiyan, I noticed you were coughing quite a bit just now. The smell here is definitely not conducive to studying. Why don't we move back to the Marquis' Mansion temporarily? I'll come with you, and we can prepare for the Spring Examination together. What do you think?"
Xue Jiyan agreed after hearing this: "The Yasongzhai where I live is spacious, so it's no problem to stay a few more days."
The two men immediately agreed to write a letter each and send a servant back home to inform, and then they began to pack their luggage.
As Xue Jiyan was packing his luggage, he suggested, "Yan Boxi's house has been burned down. I would like to invite him back to live with me in the Marquisate so that he can prepare for the exam with peace of mind."
"That's a good idea." Jiang Lun agreed and immediately sent someone to invite Yan Boxi.
At this time, Yan Boxi was surrounded by many tribute students, who handed him the four treasures of the study, silk books and other items to express their apologies and concern for him.
This chapter is not finished yet, please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
