Chapter 922 – Ordered to Kick the Scene
Years ago, during the turmoil in Dongqing, the Green Garment Army and the Red Lotus Sect rose in rebellion, causing chaos in the north.
At that time, the common folks moved their families south to escape the war, but now, after several years, the situation has flipped upside down.
The north is calm and peaceful while fierce battles rage outside. Even during the New Year, feudal lords clash.
Upon hearing about Governor Wu Ma Shang of Hu County drowning in a latrine, his body retrieved covered in excrement and maggots, people couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of regret.
“Wu Ma Shang was supposed to be a member of the royal family, a noble born, and yet he ended up like this in middle age.”
“Isn’t that right? I heard he almost ascended the throne. At the Huanshui alliance of over twenty lords, he was a significant figure. Who knew he would meet such an unexpected death?” The talking scholar paused and continued, “Do you know why his body was found in a latrine?”
“Is there some inside story?” his companion asked curiously.
“Of course there is,” the scholar replied. “It’s rumored that the Xu brothers from Zhe County fought fiercely, causing continuous internal strife. Just when Wu Ma Shang thought he could take advantage of the rivalry, the two brothers united against him instead and launched a surprise attack on Hu County after the New Year. When the army stormed in, Wu Ma Shang was still busy ‘cultivating’ with his beautiful concubine. Upon hearing news of the enemy’s entry, he was so scared that he suffered a sudden heart attack. His concubine and the servants could only think of their own escape and hurriedly tossed his corpse into the latrine. It’s said that after he collapsed, he miraculously regained awareness, watching helplessly as he drowned in the latrine.”
“A sudden heart attack,” also known as “death by passionate encounter,” is a type of unexpected death caused by sexual activity.
The scholar narrated the scene vividly, as if he had witnessed it himself.
“Well, that’s truly pitiful.”
His companion was left speechless for a while.
After a moment, he asked, “But there’s one thing I don’t understand. I’ve heard that the Xu brothers have always feigned harmony while harboring discord; why did they suddenly put aside their grievances and unite their forces to attack Hu County? If it weren’t for the constant strife between the brothers, Wu Ma Shang wouldn’t have been caught off guard. Choosing to launch an attack right after the New Year seems like it had the guidance of a skilled hand.”
Wu Ma Shang thought he could profit as a fisherman, but never expected that a moment ago, he was at odds with the brothers, and the next moment they’d be stabbing him in the back.
How sudden!
Who in the world doesn’t know the enmity and joy between Xu Pei and Xu Fei?
“Rumor has it, it was strategist Han Yu under Xu Pei’s command who repeatedly advised him, even risking his life to persuade Xu Fei, which ultimately led to this cooperation.”
“Han Yu? That name sounds familiar… wait a moment, I remember! Isn’t Han Yu the one who came in third in the examinations of the fifteenth year of Tianwu?”
That year, Mr. Yuanjing’s students swept the top two spots.
If the situation in Dongqing hadn’t collapsed, perhaps these two would be pillars of the nation.
“Isn’t it said that Mr. Yuanjing is impressive? Every student he teaches is exceptional.”
The two drank a few more cups, feeling the effects of alcohol rising.
“Sigh! The world is in chaos now; I wonder how many more times we can witness such prosperity.”
They sat by the window on the second floor of the teahouse, which provided a clear view of the bustling crowd below.
The New Year had just passed, and the closed market reopened, with smiles still lingering on the faces of the common people.
Thinking about the external chaos, this scene of prosperity was indeed rare.
What of the feudal lords?
Just look at Wu Ma Shang to see the fate of the defeated.
Wu Ma Shang occupied Hu County, which, although not as vast as Wanzhou, still constituted two-thirds of it.
That was still fertile land.
Wu Ma Shang held a good hand, yet his opponents were too strong, leading him to die in a latrine.
“Hey? Isn’t that a kid from the neighboring academy?”
Enjoying their drinks, the scholar’s gaze fell upon a rather ill-fated clump of blue and white, making him frown.
In Wanzhou, the only ones daring to venture out in such clothing were students from the Golden Scales Academy.
The Golden Scales Pavilion is open to the public and attracts countless students from afar, further boosting Wanzhou’s prosperity.
Books are precious in this era, so students drool over numerous volumes, wishing they could stay rooted here for a lifetime, unwilling to move.
Wealthier scholars buy houses, those less affluent rent, and the very poor even share accommodations.
After living there for a while, they develop a sense of belonging to the Golden Scales Pavilion.
Many affectionately refer to the Golden Scales Academy as “the neighboring academy,” speaking of it with a certain fondness.
“What are these small children doing at the Golden Scales Pavilion?”
In the eyes of the crowd, six- to seven-year-old kids can be quite bothersome. They worried that the kids would damage the precious collection inside.
“Stop! This place is not for children like you; leave immediately!”
A dozen children in the blue and white uniforms of the Golden Scales Academy approached, a mix of boys and girls.
Not only did they all look good, but they were also immaculately dressed.
Perhaps thinking it unlucky for kids to be dressed like this during the New Year, everyone had a red silk flower pinned to their heads, wearing a red cloak over their outfits.
Even dressed like this, people can still recognize their signature blue and white uniforms at a glance.
“The Golden Scales Pavilion doesn’t discriminate based on background; why can’t I go in?”
The leader, a child looking around eight or nine, though frail in appearance, had an upright demeanor—none other than Feng Yi.
When blocked, he wasn’t angry; he calmly reasoned with the person stopping him.
“Hey, have you finished learning your characters? The Golden Scales Pavilion’s collection is precious, not a playground for you children.”
The scholars at the Golden Scales Pavilion weren’t unreasonable, nor did they treat the children badly.
However, their stance was firm: little kids couldn’t just waltz into the Golden Scales Pavilion.
“I won’t bother arguing with you.”
Feng Yi said, stepping around that person and pulling out his token to present to the gatekeeper at the Golden Scales Pavilion.
The students followed him in line behind.
The scholars thought the gatekeeper would stop these unruly kids, but unexpectedly—
“How did they get in?” The scholars stared in shock.
Aren’t they afraid this bunch of energetic kids might wreck the whole Golden Scales Pavilion?
The gatekeeper responded, “They were meant to enter anyway.”
Elsewhere, Feng Yi led the group confidently toward the main hall of the Golden Scales Pavilion.
Don’t underestimate their small size; with their numbers, they certainly had an impressive presence.
“Brother Feng, what’s next?”
A girl’s voice was delicate, and her fair, chubby features made her a standout at the Golden Scales Academy.
It could only be Changsheng from the Feng family.
“Brother.”
Feng Yi felt speechless; just previously, she sweetly called him Brother Feng, but now, upon meeting, it was “Brother Feng.”
“Alright, good little brother.”
Feng Yi: “”
“Remember, show our momentum of kicking the scene. We mustn’t lose face!”
Entering the main hall of the Golden Scales Pavilion, the fifteen identically dressed little figures created a peculiar sight, drawing all eyes in the vicinity.
While other students felt shy, Feng Yi held his head high and expressionless as he borrowed books from the maidservant.
Nearby listeners couldn’t help but eavesdrop.
The scholars broke into amused laughter.
“Do these kids even understand the books?”
