“Lu... Senior Brother Lu? Wh-what are you doing here?”
He subconsciously took half a step back, the certainty and arrogance in his voice vanishing instantly.
The young scholar walked into the center of the scene. He first gave Chen Zui a slight smile and a nod as a greeting.
Then he turned to face Tang Heqing, his expression remaining perfectly gentle.
“Young Master Tang, you have not yet passed the entrance examination. It seems improper to call me Senior Brother.”
His tone was calm, without reprimand, scolding, or even a hint of anger, as if he were simply stating a plain fact.
Yet, it was this very calmness that caused a layer of fine cold sweat to break out on Tang Heqing’s forehead.
He naturally recognized the person before him.
Lu Qinghe.
He was the legitimate grandson of Lu Chenzhou, the Mountain Lord of Qingya Academy, and the eldest grandson of the primary branch of the Lu family—the head of the Four Great Families of Jiangnan.
In terms of family background, while the Tang family was considered prestigious, they weren't even fit to carry the Lu family's shoes. In terms of talent and learning, this man was the recognized leader of the younger generation at Qingya Academy.
Three years ago, he became famous throughout Jiangnan for his essay, 《Water Management Policy》. Even the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy in the Royal Capital had personally written a letter expressing his desire to take him as a disciple.
More importantly, Lu Qinghe’s temperament was famous throughout the Jiangnan region.
Usually, he was as warm and refined as jade, handling people and affairs with impeccable grace. However, once a matter of principle was involved, he wouldn't show the slightest favor even if the Heavenly Emperor himself appeared.
“Senior Brother Lu, about today’s matter...”
Tang Heqing wanted to say more, but Lu Qinghe raised a hand to cut him off.
“Young Master Tang, there is no need to say more.”
Lu Qinghe’s tone remained gentle, yet it carried an underlying firmness that was beyond doubt.
“You arranged for wicked servants to bully people at the dock and paid someone to put on a performance, attempting to deceive the world to steal a reputation and sneak your way through the academy’s Caiqin Trial.
I have seen this with my own eyes. Once I return to the academy, I will naturally report it truthfully to the masters.”
Tang Heqing’s face turned deathly pale.
“Senior Brother Lu! I beg of you...”
“Young Master Tang.”
Lu Qinghe looked at him, his gaze containing a bit of pity, but even more disappointment.
“Qingya Academy has stood for over a hundred years, and our primary criterion for accepting disciples is character.
The academy investigates the daily conduct of its students with the original intent that those seeking knowledge should establish themselves with sincerity and act with kindness.
Your actions today have already run contrary to the academy’s rules. In my opinion, it would be best for you to give up on this Caiqin Trial. If you insist on taking the exam, you will never pass the character assessment.”
He paused and added another sentence, his tone softening slightly, yet making it even more cruel.
“Of course, there are many other fine academies in Jiangnan. Young Master Tang might as well make other plans.”
These words were spoken politely, but to Tang Heqing’s ears, they were no different from a heavy blow to the head.
Make other plans?
Which reputable academy in the Jiangnan region didn't look to Qingya Academy as their leader? Once he was rejected by Qingya Academy, which other academy would dare to accept him?
“Please leave,” Lu Qinghe said softly after a pause, his gaze calm.
Those two words were light, like willow catkins in a Jiangnan March. Yet they made Tang Heqing’s entire body tremble.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say something.
He wanted to say he was a legitimate son of the Tang family, to speak of the Tang family’s status in Jiangnan, and to say the academy should show some respect for his family’s sake.
But in the end, he couldn't say a single word.
In Jiangnan, everyone knew the weight of Qingya Academy. A single student of the academy might seem insignificant, but the words he spoke never represented just himself.
Tang Heqing stood frozen, his face flushing between green and white. He gritted his teeth and stared fixedly at Lu Qinghe as if making a final struggle.
Ultimately, he didn't say another word. He turned abruptly and strode toward the painting boat. The guards hurriedly stowed their weapons and followed him dejectedly.
The painting boat slowly pulled away from the shore.
Seeing this, the onlookers erupted in cheers.
“Good! Good riddance!”
“Young Master Lu is truly a member of the Lu family. That’s what a real scholar looks like!”
“Exactly! Compared to that guy named Tang, it’s like heaven and earth!”
Someone started clapping, and the applause grew from a few scattered sounds into a thunderous roar that echoed across the spring dock for a long time.
Lu Qinghe merely shook his head slightly and gave a circular bow to the people in all directions, his tone sincere.
“Friends, you overpraise me. I have merely done my duty. The academy was established to educate and transform the hearts of people. If even the students of the academy lack character, how can we speak of cultivating oneself, regulating the family, governing the state, and bringing peace to the world?”
These words were neither humble nor arrogant, neither proud nor impatient, winning an even more enthusiastic round of applause.
Chen Zui leaned against the doorpost of the tea stall, watching the scene with great interest.
This guy named Lu really had something to him.
His method of handling Tang Heqing was clean and decisive, and his response to the people’s praise was humble and appropriate. He had neither the air of someone using power to bully others nor the sour, pedantic aura of a typical scholar.
More importantly, when he had called out to stop the fight earlier, he hadn't used internal energy, yet he had managed to make those fierce guards stop involuntarily.
This kind of presence wasn't supported by martial cultivation, but was a natural formation from long-term immersion in books and the cultivation of one's character.
While he was lost in thought, he saw Lu Qinghe turn and walk toward him.
“This friend.”
Lu Qinghe arrived before him and cupped his hands in greeting. His gaze fell on the red-tasseled spear on Chen Zui’s shoulder, a flash of thoughtfulness in his eyes.
“I am Lu Qinghe, a student of Qingya Academy. Thank you for your righteous words earlier, brother, for exposing Young Master Tang’s trickery. May I ask your esteemed name?”
Chen Zui thumped the long spear onto the ground and returned the gesture.
“Chen Zui.”
He sized up the scholar named Lu Qinghe, his gaze lingering for a moment on the faded green robe and the ink stains on the sleeves. A slight smile played on his lips.
“I say, are all the students of your academy this impressive? A single sentence scared a young master of a prestigious family out of his wits.”
Upon hearing this, Lu Qinghe rubbed his nose somewhat awkwardly. His aloof demeanor instantly shattered, revealing a bit of shyness.
“Brother Chen, you must be joking. There’s nothing impressive about it. It’s just that the academy has been teaching in Jiangnan for decades, and others are simply showing respect to my successful senior brothers and sisters. I am merely basking in the academy’s reflected glory.”
By now, the crowd at the dock had gradually dispersed.
Lu Qinghe seemed to suddenly remember something.
“Brother Chen, when you were confronting that old man earlier, you said there was no Jishi Hall in the east of the city. But as far as I know, there is indeed a Jishi Hall in the east. That old man wasn't wrong.”
“Oh? Is that so?” Chen Zui smiled nonchalantly.
“Yes!” Lu Qinghe nodded earnestly.
Chen Zui smiled as he fished a wine flask from his waist, pulled the plug, and took a gulp. After wiping his mouth with his sleeve, he explained leisurely.
“I only arrived in this place this morning. I haven't even figured out which way the city gates face yet. How could I possibly know if Jishi Hall is in the east or the west?”
“Then why did you...” Lu Qinghe said, his brow furrowing slightly.
“I was bluffing.”
Lu Qinghe froze on the spot.
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