February is approaching, but Yunyang County is still shrouded in dry, cold air, with no sign of spring.
Despite the bleakness, lively laughter and chatter could be heard throughout the streets and alleys.
"Some people are malicious and want to scheme against others, but they are too stupid. In the end, they end up hurting themselves!"
"Hahaha, you're talking about Yao Jinrong, right? I've heard my neighbor's son, who studies at the county school, mention him too, and it's hilarious! He didn't study well himself, but he still tried to frame his classmate. It's a joke."
"I never expected that there would be someone like him among scholars... I consider all scholars to be of the highest moral character! Compared to them, Xia Qingzhai is still the best."
"They say a rotten apple spoils the whole barrel. If I were the headmaster of the county school, I would definitely kick him out to prevent him from bringing shame to the school!"
Yao Jinrong shivered, hunched over, pulled his hat up to cover himself more completely, and then sneaked towards the county school.
On the day of the joint entrance exam, he lost face. After reading Xia Qingzhai's essay, he collapsed to the ground. His classmates laughed at him, while Xia Qingzhai waited for him to apologize with a half-smile.
Can he apologize?
Of course not!
How shameful it would be to bow down to Xia Qingzhai!
Yao Jinrong was filled with shame and indignation. In a fit of anger, she pushed everyone away and ran away, ignoring the shouts of the people behind her, and hurriedly ran home.
The Yao family was a large landowning family. In order to enable their descendants to take the imperial examinations, the family did not engage in business, but only managed thousands of acres of fertile land, and lived a very wealthy life.
Yao Jinrong was actually an illegitimate son in his family. Although his mother was a concubine, she was always favored and even made the legal wife feel ashamed and dared not oppose him at all.
He had previously topped the county examination, and his father also favored him, which fostered his arrogant and disdainful attitude.
At home, none of his brothers dared to raise their voices at him.
At that time, he fled from the county government office and hurriedly returned home. His father had not returned, and the people in the mansion did not know what had happened. They were still very respectful to him. His mother saw that he looked unwell and, feeling sorry for him, instructed the mansion's kitchen to get the best ingredients to cook for him.
But he didn't have a moment of peace for long before his father returned with the news. He stormed into his courtyard in a rage and, in front of the entire household, slapped him to the ground!
"You unfilial son! I sent you to the county school so you could study properly, but what have you done?! You've caused trouble, bullied your classmates, and slandered others, utterly disgracing the Yao family! Go to the county school right now and kowtow to apologize. If you're expelled, I won't let you off the hook!"
Yao Jinrong was first punished by his father with family discipline, receiving a severe beating with a whip. Carrying his aching back, he sobbed and had no choice but to return to the county school.
However, he was stunned when he arrived at the county school gate!
When they heard that it was him who had come, the gatekeeper at the county school refused to let him in, and they sent one of their men to deliver the message.
A moment later, several servants came out carrying large and small bags and threw them heavily at the door!
"Yao Jinrong, you have been expelled from the county school. The writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were all issued by the county school and belong to the government. Apart from that, here are your belongings and books. Take everything with you! You are never allowed to enter the county school again!"
Aren't you coming in?!
Yao Jinrong was stunned, his face flushed red with embarrassment, but he dared not make a scene. Amidst the whispers and laughter around him, he picked up his luggage and fled in a disheveled state.
Needless to say, when he returned to the Yao family, chaos ensued.
Enraged, Yao's father picked up the family discipline stick and beat him severely, breaking one of his legs!
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