The student who spoke was named Xu Hui. He was in the same grade as Li Xiangkang and the others, and they even lived in the same dormitory.
Everyone went to school this morning, but Xu Hui left later because of an upset stomach.
When he passed by the dormitory, he noticed Chen Teng sneakily rummaging through Li Xiangkang's bed, but he didn't pay much attention to it at the time.
They thought Chen Teng had accidentally left something on Li Xiangkang's bed.
It wasn't until after school, when everyone was packing up their things in the dormitory, that Chen Teng mentioned his wallet was missing and asked to search everyone's belongings, which reminded him of the incident.
Seeing that Xu Hui had told the truth and reacted quickly, Chen Teng snorted and said, "Xu Hui, why didn't you say so at the beginning?"
Could it be that now, seeing Li Xiangkang's mother as the scapegoat, you're trying to turn the tables on me? Have you thought this through?
Chen Teng's threat was very clear.
Xu Hui also came from a small mountain village. Yan Qingqing could tell that his family was not well-off. His clothes were faded from washing, and there were still some patches visible on his undershirt.
Xu Hui has already thought things through since he has stepped forward.
Moreover, he felt much better after telling the truth.
Xu Hui straightened his clothes and said, "Yes, I admit that I didn't dare to say it at first because I was afraid of being retaliated against by Chen Teng."
However, Mingzhao is more right. We are scholars, and we are still young. We have lost our original aspirations before we have achieved fame and success.
"If I ever become an official, how will I stand up for the people and seek justice for them?"
Xu Hui's candor in admitting his mistakes, and his righteous indignation, ironically earned him favor.
At this point, another student came forward to testify: "I can testify that Chen Teng was indeed jealous of Li Xiangkang's good exam results, and even said that the teacher was biased."
After the two students finished speaking, everyone looked at Chen Teng with disdain in their eyes.
Chen Teng is still just a seven or eight-year-old child. Even with the support of Magistrate Shen, he can't handle this situation now.
Seeing everyone staring at him, he suddenly squatted down and started crying loudly.
He was crying and saying that everyone was bullying him; he looked so pitiful.
Although Yan Qingqing deeply resented the Chen family, she would never lay a hand on a child.
Then, looking at Master Lin, she said, "There is ample evidence and witness testimony in this matter. I hope Xifeng Academy can give me a satisfactory explanation."
Because Li Xiangkang still had to study at Xifeng Academy, and Master Lin usually treated Li Xiangkang well, Yan Qingqing did not make things difficult for him. She simply asked him to give her an explanation for this matter.
Master Lin had just asked Yan Qingqing and the others to apologize to Chen Teng, which had already angered Yan Qingqing.
Now that there's a chance to make amends, Master Lin naturally wouldn't refuse.
Master Lin bowed to Yan Qingqing and said, "Mingzhao, rest assured, I will definitely report this matter to the academy and give you a satisfactory explanation."
Yan Qingqing nodded in satisfaction, and Master Lin waved his hand to dismiss the students.
Li Xiangkang then walked up to Xu Hui and the chubby boy who had just delivered the news, bowed to them, and said, "Thank you for your help today, Brother Xu and Brother Ding. If you two don't mind, you are welcome to come and visit me in Canghe Village when you have time."
Both of them were overjoyed to hear this, as Li Xiangkang had never invited his classmate to his home before.
Moreover, his mother is now a Mingzhao magistrate, whose rank is higher than that of a county magistrate, so they are naturally willing to befriend Li Xiangkang.
The chubby boy patted Li Xiangkang on the shoulder and said, "Don't worry, Brother Xiangkang, I'll definitely come to visit you when I have time."
It's getting late, you should go back with your mother.
Li Xiangkang said a few more words to the two of them, and then left with Yan Qingqing.
Looking at Yan Qingqing's face full of filial affection, Li Xiangkang chuckled and said, "Mother, why did you decide to pick me up from the academy today?"
Yan Qingqing glanced at him and replied, "It's because your mother hasn't come to pick you up before, right?"
Li Xiangkang laughed and said, "How could that be? I know Mom is very busy. She has to take care of all the big and small things at home. Every time I come home, she cooks delicious food for me. I am very content."
Yan Qingqing patted his head and said, "I haven't seen you for a while, and I thought it was your day off tomorrow, so I came to pick you up. Who knew we'd run into something like this?"
Li Xiangkang smiled and said, "Mother, don't worry, I won't bully others, but I won't let others bully me for nothing."
After witnessing Li Xiangkang's fighting prowess in this incident, Yan Qingqing had nothing to worry about. If she was worried, it was that Li Xiangkang would beat up someone else.
Yan Qingqing led Li Xiangkang out of Xifeng Academy. A'da was already waiting anxiously at the gate, but he dared not leave the carriage.
Seeing Yan Qingqing and the others come out, I felt relieved.
Afterwards, Yan Qingqing took Li Xiangkang to buy writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.
Now that Li Xiangkang has made some progress in his studies and has more writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, and the family's financial situation has improved, Yan Qingqing naturally wouldn't skimp on her son's education in this area.
After selecting a set of writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, Li Xiangkang also asked for several reams of high-quality Xuan paper.
Just as he was about to pay, Yan Qingqing took out two more identical sets.
Li Xiangkang asked in surprise, "Mother, why are you taking so much? I can't use it all."
Yan Qingqing laughed and said, "These two sets aren't for you. Your two classmates helped you today, shouldn't you thank them properly?"
One should always be grateful and repay kindness.
Li Xiangkang, somewhat embarrassed, said, "Mother is so thoughtful."
Actually, Yan Qingqing bought this set of writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones for her classmate named Xu Hui.
Although the child didn't testify for Li Xiangkang at first due to pressure, Yan Qingqing observed very carefully and knew he wanted to.
Moreover, his later words proved that he was a very upright child.
Therefore, Yan Qingqing was willing to help him.
As for the chubby boy, Yan Qingqing was genuinely grateful to him, but judging from his family background, he was probably well-off and wouldn't lack this set of writing materials.
However, Yan Qingqing was afraid of hurting Xu Hui's self-esteem if she only bought the set for him, so she bought two sets instead.
These three sets of writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, plus Xuan paper, cost a total of forty-seven taels of silver, which Yan Qingqing was originally supposed to pay.
However, Li Xiangkang felt that he should pay for the things he bought for his classmates.
Yan Qingqing didn't argue with him, since she had given Li Xiangkang the money anyway.
After buying the items, Yan Qingqing also bought some pastries and candies to take back to Xiao Jinxiu.
Sure enough, when they got home, the whole family was waiting at the door.
Although Mu Xi and A Da were with her, they weren't worried about Yan Qingqing's safety, but they couldn't help feeling uneasy that she hadn't returned by this hour.
As expected, Yuan Huiniang spoke first, asking, "Mother, why have you been gone for so long?"
Yan Qingqing then recounted everything that had happened at the academy in detail.
Unexpectedly, Li Xiangkang received unanimous praise from his older siblings, who commended him for doing a great job.
Yan Qingqing's lips twitched, wondering if she had led these children astray.
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