farce
Half a day passed quickly, and I thought the storm would be over.
Fengxian Hall was in an uproar.
Chen Xuezhen could not stand Jia Yan's arrogance, so he reported the matter to the county magistrate's mansion.
When Qingyuan County Duke Jia Youde heard that his most favored youngest son had been bullied in the Imperial College, he went to Meng Gongshi and insisted that Meng Gongshi give his son an explanation.
"I say, are you, the Imperial Academy, rebelling against heaven? My son was beaten here, and in the end, it's my son who has to be punished? How can this be justified? You can't tell right from wrong! Mr. Meng, call the man who beat him up here, and call his parents here too. This wicked man, no matter where he is, I will make him and his son pay the price today. Otherwise, I will report this to the Queen Mother, and I'll see how you end up—"
Jia Youde was a cowardly man, so it was no wonder Zheng had rejected his proposal without even reading it. Just as his father finished his outburst, his foolish son stiffened his spine again. "You dare to cause me trouble again? Let's see how you end up—"
Meng Gongshi sat in the middle, watching the two dwarfs jumping up and down in front of him. He frowned, but didn't know how to communicate with such vulgar people.
It's insulting, it's really insulting.
Meng Gongshi only hopes that the government can change the system and not let these people with bad conduct mess up the peaceful place of the Imperial College.
"My Lord, please be patient. I will ask first."
Meng Gongshi glanced at the teaching assistant beside him after he finished speaking. The assistant quickly leaned over and whispered the whole story into his ear. Meng Gongshi's face suddenly became troubled. "My Lord, have you thought it through? Are you sure you want to summon that student and his parents?"
"What? Mr. Meng is a scholar, but you can't understand this?" Jia Youde sat down with an arrogant look on his face.
Seeing him like that, Meng Gongshi didn't say much. He just snorted coldly and waved to the assistant teacher.
The teaching assistant received the order and immediately delivered the letter outside.
-
Later, when the news was delivered to the Wuwei Camp, Xia Buyu's father, Xia Yongsheng, was preparing to have dinner with several of his subordinates.
When Xia Yongsheng heard that the troublesome idiot at home had caused him trouble on the third day of school, he immediately threw his chopsticks on the table and cursed, "Damn it, this brat is not done yet? He's going to school, but what is he going to school for? It's better to strip him naked and throw him into the Jinming Pond to become a turtle than this."
Several lieutenants stared blankly at the pierced table and hurriedly tried to dissuade them...
"General, General, it's not the right time to beat children now. If you beat a child, we'll go to Kaifeng Prefecture and we can't let outsiders laugh at us. Besides, Lao Wu is already sixteen or seventeen years old, it's not appropriate to beat him anymore. When you go there, remember to talk things over nicely—"
"Yes, yes, General, calm down."
"We still don't know what's going on! Although our fifth child is usually a bit undisciplined, likes to drink and has more wicked thoughts... at heart he's still a kind and innocent child. Maybe it's not our fifth child's fault. You must understand the situation before making a conclusion. Don't let your temper drive you crazy and tear down the Imperial College again..."
"Eh? What do you think? How about this? Let's skip dinner and accompany the general to the Imperial College. Official Meng said he wanted to invite parents, but he didn't specify how many. This way, we can keep an eye on the general and avoid making things worse."
At that time, the servant who came to deliver the letter from the Imperial College lowered his head and looked at the guards in military uniforms, who were shouting loudly, but dared not say a word.
The servant thought...
This isn't inviting parents, this is clearly about "fighting"!
Xia Yongsheng looked at the brothers around him and said, "The teacher is inviting a parent, why are you going? Haven't your sons been invited enough? So you're coming to my son's? Okay, okay, I'll be more careful with my words. You guys should just stay out of the fun. What a mess it will make others see."
"After dinner, you guys should do your rounds. I'll be back soon."
But Xia Yongsheng had just stood up and left the table when several deputy generals exchanged glances, reached out and pulled him out. "Alright, alright, the inspection won't last long. Besides, there's the Left Guard! Our old man's life and the roof of the Imperial Academy are more important. Let's go, let's go quickly."
Just like that, a group of people from the Right Guard, wearing military uniforms, rode out of the Guard Camp on horseback.
At that time, dust rose up in the long street, and all the common people who saw them were talking about it: Why are these generals making such a fuss... Are they causing trouble again?
-
In front of the Imperial College, Xia Buyu, upon receiving the news, didn't rush to Fengxian Hall. Instead, he wandered anxiously under the porch, causing his classmates who had accompanied him to the exit to complain, "Master Xia, could you please stop wandering? It's making me dizzy. You said calling your parents isn't a big deal. Even though you're a member of the Imperial College, you didn't do anything wrong. Your father won't skin you alive."
"It's not a big deal? I see you are talking without any concern. My father won't skin me alive, but he will strip me naked and throw me into Jinming Lake to feed the fishes--" No one knows a father better than his son. Xia Buyu remembered vividly the punishments he had suffered in the past.
It seemed as if Xia Yongsheng used all the tricks he had used against the enemy on himself.
But look at his butt, there is no good place there.
The sound of horse hooves grew closer, thumping against the ground with such force that it threatened to shatter the bluestone slabs along the path. My classmate rose from the doorpost and cast a curious glance in the direction of the sound. "What's that noise? This noise, could it be... the sky is falling?"
"The sky...I'm afraid it's really going to collapse..."
Xia Buyu had a foreboding premonition. He froze in place, his trembling legs starting to weaken. His scalp also began to tingle. His classmate looked at the clear, unremarkable sky with a puzzled expression, muttering, "What nonsense is this guy talking about?"
Finally, the sound of horse hooves stopped as they approached them.
Several men with ferocious faces and murderous intent appeared in front of the Imperial College. Of course, not all of Yuan Liang's generals looked like them. It was just that those with fierce looks happened to be gathered in the Wuwei Camp...
After making sure that the sky would not fall, the classmate lowered his eyes, but was frightened by the people in front of him.
He shouted on the spot: "Oh my god, is the God showing up?"
Xia Buyu, however, watched the scene unfold and then plopped down on the ground with a skilled thud. He kowtowed and begged for mercy, saying, "Oh my God. Dad, I was wrong. I was really wrong. I didn't mean to hit that kid. He was just too bullying. Please forgive me."
"Don't ask the uncles to take me away. I don't want to leave Bianjing City—"
Xia Yongsheng frowned and fell off his horse. He angrily took two steps up the stairs and kicked him. "Coward, why did I raise a loser like you?" Although Xia Buyu was usually very powerful, he dared not breathe when he saw Xia Yongsheng. Even if he was kicked, he would just take it obediently.
After venting his anger, Xia Yongsheng turned away and walked into the Imperial College.
"Hey, didn't we agree not to hit children?" Seeing this, several deputy generals dismounted and chased after him. When they passed by the kneeling Xia Buyu, they also carried him upside down and went in. Xia Buyu was suddenly dragged to his feet by his uncles. He looked up at his classmates who were walking away and cried for help.
But my classmate pretended to be very busy, looking at the sky and the earth, but not at himself.
At this moment, none of the classmates dared to look into Xia Buyu's eyes. He just said: "Young Master Xia, you'll just have to wish you good luck."
-
A group of military generals, riding a weak scholar, marched through the Imperial College with great momentum, attracting the attention of passing students.
But the students didn't dare to stay any longer, for they were afraid that they would be the next to be caught.
Xia Buyu was dragged backwards by his uncles with his head drooped.
But he really couldn't hold it in any longer, and still wanted to ask clearly before "dying", "Uncle Shen, Uncle Sun, Uncle Wang. This gentleman invited a parent, and you guys came with a Wuwei Battalion. Isn't that a bit too much? Don't you have anything to do?"
The three lieutenants curled their lips at this, and only dared to speak after Xiang Qian observed Xia Yongsheng's movements and expressions. "Don't be ungrateful, you little brat! Your uncles are here to rescue you. You'd better be quiet and honest. I'll take care of the rest."
"Otherwise, with your father's bad temper, we can't save you."
When Xia Buyu heard that these uncles were not on the same side as his father and were all his reinforcements, he immediately became cheerful, "Really? That's great. With the uncles here, at least I don't have to be thrown into Jinming Pond to feed the fish today."
"You little brat, you still have the nerve to laugh? You should explain everything to us later so that your father and I can be prepared." The three uncles are dedicated and responsible. If they hadn't watched Xia Buyu grow up with their own eyes, who would be willing to meddle in his affairs?
Xia Buyu nodded, "Yes, yes, I will explain myself. This time it's really not my fault..."
How could Xia Yongsheng not hear the people whispering behind him?
He just turned a blind eye.
After the group passed through several doors, Xia Yongsheng stopped a student and asked, "Hello, where is Fengxian Hall?"
Although Xia Yongsheng was polite, his fierce gaze still scared the students so much that they retreated one after another. The student just pointed timidly to the east one second, and then ran away the next second, disappearing in an instant.
"Hey, why is this guy running——"
Xia Yongsheng was a little confused, but without much hesitation, he started walking eastward.
Arriving outside the Fengxian Hall, Xia Yongsheng stopped, and no one dared to move any further. He glanced back at the back of Xia Buyu's head and said, "Turn him around."
But as soon as Xia Yongsheng finished speaking, the two deputy generals who were holding Xia Buyu looked at each other, raised their feet and moved clockwise in a circle to move the man over.
In the end, they left the back of their heads to Xia Yongsheng.
Xia Buyu was suddenly turned around. Seeing that his father didn't know what to say, he could only laugh dryly. Xia Yongsheng looked at the three people standing side by side in front of him speechlessly. They couldn't even see six eyes together, so he asked angrily: "What are you two doing?"
The two lieutenants, their backs to Xia Yongsheng, responded, "Nothing, didn't the general tell us to transfer the person? We've already transferred him to you."
Upon hearing this, Xia Buyu looked around in surprise, and his eyes went dark before Xia Yongsheng's.
That's it? That's it!
Can these reinforcements save me?
Fortunately, Uncle Wang, who was still sober, got there before Xia Yongsheng could. He reached out and punched each of the two men, then turned them all around. "Just tell Lao Wu to turn on his own. You two are like water wheels. If he turns, you two should turn too. Are you all confused by Lao Wu's situation? Hurry up, listen to what the general has to say!"
Xia Yongsheng was fooled by Deputy General Wang and did not pursue the matter any further.
He just looked at Xia Buyu sternly and asked, "Stinky boy, explain everything clearly before you go in. What crime have you committed again?"
"Dad, believe me...it's really not my fault this time." After hearing this, Xia Buyu looked around at his uncles, and finally set his gaze on his father. Then he told him the truth and what Jia Youde had said in Fengxian Hall today.
But three seconds later, the sounds of the deputy generals drawing their swords fell into his ears, and the cold light reflected from the back of the sword blinded Xia Buyu's eyes.
Xia Buyu gasped in fright.
Xia Yongsheng snorted coldly and surprisingly did not blame his son.
He said, "Although it was wrong for you to hit someone today, you little brat, the Jia family is indeed arrogant. Not only did they bully their classmates, they even dared to attack your uncle, the Grand Historian's daughter. Bah, you bastard, you deserve a beating. You really don't want to live like this anymore. The memorials from the Censorate impeaching the Jia family are almost piling up. If it weren't for the pressure from the Queen Mother, this old man would have been finished long ago. I didn't expect them to dare to bully our family again. Just wait and see, the moon waxes and wanes, and the water overflows. If you keep doing evil, you will definitely be overturned."
"I have to teach him a lesson today."
"But you guys, this is a prestigious place for the school. What are you doing? It's totally disrespectful. Put away the knife and don't let anyone see it."
Xia Yongsheng turned around after saying this, and the lieutenants all put down their swords and fell silent. This time, he seemed to agree with his son's approach, and before entering the courtyard, he said to Xia Buyu, "I didn't expect you to have some courage. It's just that you caused this trouble. Let's settle it when we get home."
But when Xia Buyu heard that he still wanted to settle the score, he immediately said aggrievedly: "Ah? Why do you still want to settle the score? Can't you just forgive me?"
"Okay, let's settle your account first, and then go in and settle the account with that old man." Xia Yongsheng glared suddenly, and Xia Buyu was so scared that he ran behind the deputy generals.
At this time, the people outside Fengxian Hall were in a mess, and the shouting sounds from inside Fengxian Hall could be heard again.
"Mr. Meng, where is the person I asked you to call? Why hasn't he come yet? He is so negligent - even if I make him kowtow to me three times today, this matter will not be settled yet!" Although Jia Youde is not tall, he has a loud voice.
But the sound was heard by the people outside, and then the door of Fengxian Hall was broken open.
A group of "evil-looking monsters" rushed in.
The dazzling light from outside the door suddenly shot straight into Jia Youde's eyes. He just raised his hand to block it when he heard a deep voice angrily scolding him: "Who is so bold as to receive a slap from our general——"
The light faded, and before Jia Youde could even see who was outside, he was surrounded by a group of military officers in military uniforms. One of them even approached him fiercely and confronted him, shouting, "It's you."
I hadn't expected this trick to actually work. Jia Youde's previously arrogant demeanor was instantly suppressed by the opponent's might. He dodged the gaze that was fixed on him, while Jia Yan, behind him, was also pinned down.
The father and son no longer had the arrogance of the past.
Jia Youde felt a little regretful. He regretted that he had to run into the Xia family, this living devil. It was really unlucky...
Xia Buyu was trying to hold back his laughter, but Xia Yongsheng sat opposite Jia Youde with a stern face.
After a few light coughs, the leading uncle Wang finally stepped back from Jia Youde. "Oh, isn't this our Duke of Qingyuan? Sorry, I was too close in a hurry and didn't see clearly. Please forgive me, Duke. Please forgive me. This is the young servant of the Jia family, right? Hey, could it be that today - our old fifth brother is beating up your servant?"
"Tsk tsk tsk." Uncle Wang smacked his lips repeatedly, turned around, linked his arms with his brothers, and stood next to Xia Yongsheng.
The words "strength in numbers" were clearly visible on the faces of the Xia family members.
The father and son on the other side were somewhat on edge, but Jia Youde couldn't afford to lose face. After all, the Jia family relied on the Queen Mother for support, while the Xia family was close to the Vice Prime Minister, and the Queen Mother and the Vice Prime Minister were completely at odds. If word got out about his loss, wouldn't it be a slap in the Queen Mother's face?
If the Empress Dowager blames us later, no one can bear it.
Meng Gongshi, who had been unable to get a word in the whole time, finally took advantage of the moment and spoke to mediate: "Since both parents are here, let's talk about the students. Based on the school's rules, I want to briefly talk to you..."
But as soon as Meng Gongshi opened his mouth, several burly deputy generals yawned.
Meng Gongshi shook his head and continued, "I want to tell everyone..."
But the yawn started again. Who would have thought that the next time Meng Gongshi spoke, he would yawn again. Meng Gongshi was furious, and finally he slammed the table and said, "General Xia, while I am talking, can you please ask these people to leave——"
Upon hearing this, Xia Yongsheng turned and bowed to Meng Gongshi, saying, "Oh, then please put your words aside for now, and let me have a good discussion with the Duke first."
It seemed that he didn't want to listen to Meng Gongshi's nonsense.
Meng Gongshi was choked by Xia Yongsheng and had no choice but to remain silent.
Xia Yongsheng turned around to look at Jia Youde and asked directly, "My Lord, did you summon me here today to ask me to kowtow to you three times?"
Jia Youde snorted when he heard this. "Your deputy general has also said that this county cannot bear the general's accusation. However, the general must give an explanation for your son beating my son today. Otherwise, please don't blame this county for disregarding the friendship between our two families and turning your back on us!"
Friendship? Bullshit friendship.
Xia Buyu grinned and looked at his father, unable to guess how his father would solve the problem.
Xia Yongsheng lowered his eyes and said, "I have heard what happened. I am sure the Duke has made up his mind. So, the Duke came to me because he felt that my son's surprise attack today caused your son to suffer a loss, so he wants to seek revenge? That's easy. Since it's a matter between children, let them solve it. Let them fight it out in an open and honest manner. If my son loses, even if your son beats him to a pulp, I will not blink an eye. But if your son loses, the same goes for your son."
"Does the Lord think... this is fair?"
Jia Youde's eyes turned after hearing this and he refuted, "That's unfair. You also said it was a sneak attack. Then all the beatings my son received before were in vain?"
Xia Yongsheng sneered, "It's not in vain—"
"Old Five, make Jia Xiaosheren return the blows he received today. After that, the victory or failure depends on you."
After hearing this, Jia Youde thought this method was feasible.
So, he let his own son strike first, and he was sure of victory? Regardless of whether he would be crippled, even if he won, it would still dampen the Xia family's prestige. Furthermore, Jia Youde felt that Xia Buyu, the man on the other side, was just a skinny, dandy young man, and not someone to be feared at all.
But Jia Youde hadn't anticipated Xia Laowu's renowned resistance to blows. Jia Yan's few, mediocre punches weren't even as effective as a casual kick from Xia Yongsheng.
After receiving his father's instructions, Xia Buyu stepped forward with full confidence.
He is good at taking a beating.
Dad, just wait and see.
Jia Youde smiled contemptuously, "Go, son. Don't be afraid of him. Take out all the anger you've suffered today. Daddy will support you."
The two sides confronted each other, and the competition in Fengxian Hall was about to begin.
But seeing Meng Gongshi standing by with his face green with rage, he quickly intervened, saying, "How can you be so uncivilized? This is totally disrespectful, disrespectful—"
Uncle Shen and Uncle Sun quietly stepped forward, and with their powerful aura, they suppressed the man on the left and right. "Hey! Calm down, calm down. Just treat today as a day of managing martial arts. You might be transferred someday, so just treat it as a chance to familiarize yourself with official duties."
As he was speaking, Xia Buyu, who was in the hall, took three punches and one kick from Jia Yang, but he didn't move at all.
Jia Youde and Jia Rong were so shocked that they dared not blink.
But Xia Buyu stretched his muscles left and right, raised his middle finger and moved it, "You little bastard, are you tickling me? Come again——"
Upon hearing this, Jia Wei was furious and rushed towards Xia Bu Yu with a roar.
Who would have thought that the idiot closed his eyes when he rushed forward, and he brushed past Xia Buyu inexplicably. Xia Buyu looked back in disbelief, and actually saw Jia Yan hit the scabbard that Uncle Wang stretched out his hand to block.
Jia Yang opened his eyes, as if he felt embarrassed, but he didn't dare look back at his father. He took advantage of the situation and fell to the ground, pretending to be dead.
This made everyone present feel both amused and helpless.
Even Jia Youde was stunned for a moment before he stepped forward and shouted.
Xia Yongsheng shook his head helplessly and stood up. "Since the outcome has been decided, let's leave it at that. Please escort the Duke and the young servant back safely. I have official business to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
"Xia Yongsheng, you--" Jia Youde was humiliated and lost face, so he naturally couldn't swallow this.
Before leaving, Xia Yongsheng turned back and said, "My Lord, a family that accumulates good will surely have good fortune; a family that accumulates evil will surely have disaster. Whether you are in the court or managing a household, you must distinguish right from wrong. It's always good to leave yourself a way out. I hope you will take good care of yourself."
As the words fell, this farce,
It should also come to an end after the Xia family father and son leave Fengxian Hall.
But why did his father, who never valued himself, come even though he knew it was a farce?
Xia Buyu followed Xia Yongsheng, unable to figure it out.
The father and son stopped at the corner porch. Xia Buyu looked at his father's weathered face and listened to him say, "Fifth Brother, your reckless drive can make you a ruthless killer on the battlefield. But if you want to gain a foothold in the Imperial Academy, or even in Bianjing, I have only one thing to tell you..."
“Think twice before you act.”
"Okay, I won't delay your class. Don't turn after school, and remember to go home early."
It was the first time Xia Buyu heard Xia Yongsheng speak to him so earnestly. He then stared blankly at Xia Yongsheng's back as he walked away. It wasn't until he completely disappeared at the end of the corridor that Xia Buyu finally understood...
This is the fatherly love he gave me...
-
After a few hours of commotion in Fengxian Hall, it finally died down.
The punishments for Jia Rong and Xia Buyu were still handled according to the rules, and both families had no complaints about it.
Cui Zhijun was not surprised to hear the news. He was walking towards the Diligent Learning Hall with his textbook as usual, but was stopped on the road by a familiar face. Cui Zhijun looked up and saw the man and called out in surprise, "Senior Brother."
The man nodded silently, looking embarrassed, and invited Cui Zhijun to a secluded place to talk.
Cui Zhijun hesitated, "What do you want to talk to me about?"
But he still followed, eyes lowered, because of the friendship they had once shared. After the two of them had a private conversation, Cui Zhijun understood the situation and replied, "Please rest assured, Senior Brother. I will do my best. You don't have to be polite."
At that time, the sound of bells and chimes rang out, and Cui Zhijun said goodbye to him. No one knew what they said in their brief conversation.
But from that moment on, Cui Zhijun's eyebrows never relaxed.
Until the hour of You,
The chaotic day will eventually pass.
Cui Zhijun packed up his books, said goodbye to the last student leaving the academy, and walked out of the Diligent Study Hall. His steps were hurried today. As if he was worried about something, he walked quickly all the way out of the Imperial College.
But who would have thought that just as Cui Zhijun stepped over the threshold, Tai Shi Zheng jumped out from nowhere.
"My dear, I'm here to pick you up after work. Are you surprised——"
Seeing Zheng happily patting Cui Zhijun's shoulder, Cui Zhijun looked at the person behind him in surprise, "Husband... Why is Madam here?"
Seeing his shocked and guilty expression, Taishi Zheng curled her lips and asked, "Why? My dear, don't you want me to come?"
Cui Zhijun shook his head, "No, I just..."
Zheng was confused. "Just what? Do you have something else to do?"
Cui Zhijun glanced at the sky outside, his tone filled with anxiety. It looked like he had gritted his teeth before he mustered up the courage to speak to Zheng, "Thank you, Madam, for picking me up from work today. However, I really have something to do today and cannot stay any longer, so I'll excuse you first. Please go home first, Madam, and be careful on your way."
Cui Zhijun said this and hurried away without knowing why. Only Tai Shizheng was left behind, shouting, "Cui Zhijun, you're lying! You're already off duty. What could have happened to you? You were fine yesterday, so why are you acting like this today? You're such a bully."
At that moment, Xia Buyu came back from the outer dormitory after school. When he saw Zheng's back, his face lit up. He walked over, put his arm around Zheng's neck, and asked, "Zheng, why are you here at this time? Did you come to pick me up from school?"
But what about Zheng? She is still obsessed with being "abandoned" by Cui Zhiyun and can't let it go.
Taishi Zheng turned around angrily and looked at the people around him. Xia Buyu was frightened by her resentful look and let go of his arm and hid behind him. Zheng narrowed her eyes and saw the wound on Xia Buyu's face clearly.
"Old Five! What's wrong with your face? It's so dangerous here. You'll get beaten if you go to school—"
Seeing that Taishi Zheng was concerned about him, Xia Buyu's expression changed instantly, pretending to be aggrieved, and said to the person in front of him, "How is it possible? How can going to school be dangerous! This, this! Isn't it all..."
"Because of you~"
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