Chapter 702 Yu Zhan was murdered and fell into the water
The lake cruise banquet was held on the boat.
Entering from the gate of the manor, passing through pavilions and corridors, and walking to the back, there is a large lake.
A magnificent ship was moored on the lake. Tables, chairs, and food had been prepared on the deck, and many people had already arrived, chatting in small groups.
Cheng Wanwan appeared at the banquet for the scholars, and everyone knew who she was at a glance.
The scholars and officials present bowed and clasped their hands in greeting, saying, "Greetings, Lady Sui."
Since the governor had not yet arrived, the person of the highest status present was Cheng Wanwan, and everyone immediately began to chat around her.
"Seeing is believing; Su Su-in is even younger than the rumors suggest."
"Sui Shuren herself is quite capable, and she is also excellent at raising children. The top scholar three years ago was Sui Shuren's nephew, and the top scholar three years later is Sui Shuren's son. Two top scholars from one family, it is truly enviable."
"Could Sui Shu-ren share her experience in raising children with us parents?"
Cheng Wanwan smiled and said, "It mainly depends on the child's willingness to learn, as well as their talent in this area, plus the teacher's guidance..."
She was surrounded by a group of officials who flattered her, while Zhao Sidan and Yu Zhan were also surrounded by students.
“Young Master Jing Si, you are only fourteen years old this year, yet you have already become the top scholar in the imperial examination. You must be the youngest top scholar in the history of our Great Yu Dynasty.”
"I heard from the officials in charge of education that the top scholar's approach to solving problems was unique, especially his essays on people's livelihood, which were like a revelation to the examiners."
"There were a few more arithmetic problems, but I gave up on them. I heard that even the top student had figured out the answers."
"He's only fourteen years old, how can he be so amazing? There's really no comparison between people."
"You flatter me too much," Zhao Sidan said modestly. "I was just lucky."
If he and Yu Zhan had switched places, it's uncertain whether he would have made the list at all.
Last year's top scorer and this year's top scholar should actually be Yu Zhan; he was just lucky to receive such high praise.
The scholars' gazes fell on Yu Zhan, who was standing next to Zhao Sidan, and they were equally amazed: "The second place is only fourteen years old... We've all wasted our years."
"Brother Yu's surname is Yu, which is quite rare. However, I have heard of someone with the surname Yu, Yu Qingsheng from many years ago. Do you know him?"
"Everyone knows Yu Qingsheng. He became a tribute student at the age of fifteen. Unfortunately, he achieved his success by cheating, which is a disgrace to us scholars."
Yu Zhan's face darkened abruptly, and he opened his mouth to argue.
Zhao Sidan quickly pulled him back. These perceptions were already ingrained in the bones of scholars, and no matter what they said, these people would not believe them.
Moreover, and most importantly, Yu Zhan is Yu Qingsheng's son!
The officials in charge of the school knew about this connection, so they arranged a toilet number for Yu Zhan.
If these newly appointed scholars found out, who knows how they would try to trip up Yu Zhan.
Zhao Sidan pulled Yu Zhan behind him, coughed, and said, "Didn't you ask me why Brother Yu and I were able to take the top spot at such a young age?"
The scholars who were discussing Yu Qingsheng immediately fell silent, listening to him with anticipation.
“My brother Yu and I are both from Dahe Town, Ping'an County, Huzhou. There’s a newly opened school in Dahe Town called Dahe School,” Zhao Sidan said calmly. “The headmaster of the school is a very knowledgeable scholar. He customizes different learning plans for each student based on their individual characteristics and also compiles various learning materials… Under the headmaster’s guidance, my brother Yu and I have made great progress in our studies over the past two years, passing the county-level imperial examination with flying colors, and then becoming successful candidates in the provincial-level imperial examinations…”
The reputation of Dahe Academy spread three years ago after Cheng Zhao became the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination.
Last year, eighteen students from Dahe Academy passed the imperial examination and became scholars, making the academy famous. However, it is very difficult for ordinary people to get in.
They had heard that the school was founded by Sui Shuren, and the main person in charge was a teacher surnamed Yu. Some people said that this teacher Yu was Yu Qingsheng from back then, but this statement has not been verified, and they don't know if it is true or false.
However, a school principal who can gain the approval of Sui Shuren must be no ordinary person.
While the scholars were discussing, Zhao Sidan pulled Yu Zhan to a quiet spot at the bow of the boat and whispered, "You're usually calmer than me, so why were you so flustered just now?"
Yu Zhan pursed his lips: "Sooner or later, I will clear my father's name."
“Of course that day will come, but not now.” Zhao Sidan patted his shoulder. “Once we reach the capital and stand in the imperial court, once we have a voice, we will definitely clear our teacher’s name. For now, let’s enjoy our lakeside banquet as scholars.”
He put his arm around Yu Zhan's shoulder, and the two were about to go to the deck.
Just then, a dark figure suddenly emerged from behind the railing and shoved Zhao Sidan violently.
"careful!"
Yu Zhan was shocked and pushed Zhao Sidan away first.
He was brushed against by the dark figure, and uncontrollably flipped over the railing, falling into the lake with a splash.
The sound of the falling water was very loud. The dark figure originally wanted to attack Zhao Sidan, but fearing being discovered, it turned around and disappeared into the corridor.
Zhao Sidan had no energy to chase after anyone. He quickly took off his outer shirt, kicked off his shoes, and jumped into the lake.
He had practiced martial arts diligently for many years, and although he was not as good as Zhao Sanniu, he was still much stronger than the average person. After entering the water, he quickly searched for Yu Zhan's figure...
Cheng Wanwan was talking to someone on the deck when she keenly heard Yu Zhan's voice.
She sensed something was wrong and quickly walked towards the boat, just in time to see Zhao Sidan leap into the lake, his small figure disappearing from sight in an instant.
"Quickly, save them!" Cheng Wanwan cried out urgently. "Also, prepare clean clothes and ginger tea. And hurry up!"
She wasn't too worried about Si Dan, who could swim; she was worried about Yu Zhan.
Yu Zhan was a bookworm; he spent all his time reading and rarely exercised, so you can imagine what his physical condition was like...
The guards on the ship quickly jumped into the water. A dozen or so men went down and soon brought Zhao Sidan and Yu Zhan back up.
The two were soaking wet. In early winter, the lake water was extremely cold, and their faces were ashen, making them look pitiful.
Cheng Wanwan quickly had someone help the two of them to their cabin on the ship to rest, take a hot bath, drink ginger soup, and then invite a doctor to take their pulses.
Fortunately, the time spent in the water was short, and she recovered after drinking ginger tea.
"Auntie, someone is trying to harm Jing Si," Yu Zhan said in a low voice. "It's not safe on this ship, we need to get back quickly."
Cheng Wanwan's expression turned cold. She had thought that Yu Zhan had accidentally fallen into the lake, but she hadn't expected that someone had secretly taken action.
The fact that they dared to make a move in such a situation suggests that the person behind them really couldn't hold back any longer.
It's obvious even to a fool that the people behind this are from the He family, and the person who did it must be related to Commander Tang.
Before she could even make a move, the Tang family attacked her son again. Very good, excellent.
She said coldly, "You two go back first. I need to meet this Lord Tang."
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