Confucianism under Heaven

Chapter 205 Establishing Prestige

Chapter 205 Establishing Authority

Hearing these students from humble backgrounds speak, Ye Ru couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. Although he had become somewhat integrated into this world, he still felt extremely uncomfortable every time he heard the aristocratic families bully those from poor families.

This is not just because he comes from a poor family; his consciousness is not limited to this world.

At the same time, although Yingtian Academy is better than Yuzhang Academy and cares more about the poor, the power of the aristocratic families is still too strong. His studies will continue at Yingtian Academy, and it may take a year or two. His literary reputation has already spread. If this matter is not dealt with, his reputation will be damaged. If it is taken advantage of by some people with ulterior motives, it will be a loss.

"Brother Ye, we all come from poor families, you must help us."

One person pleaded, and the others echoed his sentiments.

"Come on, take me to see you."

Ye Ru said something to Su Tongyao, then waved his hand and walked outside.

Stepping outside, the roads of the academy were much less crowded. Ye Ru and the others did not linger and hurried towards the place where the conflict between the poor and the noble families had occurred. Sure enough, at the next intersection, dozens of students were jostling each other, shouting insults incessantly.

Ye Ru peered through the crack and saw that, sure enough, there were three poor students with bruised and swollen faces, their inner energy somewhat disordered, and ink spilled all over the ground. In front of them were more than a dozen students dressed in the clothes of wealthy families.

"Is this all the ability a poor student has? He thinks he can get into the interrogation class? He must be dreaming."

A young man from a wealthy family smiled as he looked at the poor student opposite him, and then said:

"At Yingtian Academy, powerful and aristocratic families are the eternal mainstream, while you poor families are nothing but a fleeting phenomenon. If you dare to dream of being selected through separate examinations, you'll have to take a detour when you see us in the future!"

"Hmph, so what if you're from a wealthy family? Are kings and generals born with special privileges? People with power and influence aren't necessarily born more noble than others. And you're nothing but parasites who bully the weak and fear the strong. If you're so capable, go and oppose the Left Prime Minister!"

The poor student's face turned ashen, and then he roared.

"How dare you insult the Left Prime Minister! You're courting death! Why are the poor students of this year so arrogant? Nobody has taught you how to be a decent human being, so we'll teach you!"

One of the students from a wealthy family turned cold, but before he could speak, a voice came from the crowd:

“If someone treats me with respect, I will repay them tenfold. We students from humble backgrounds don’t need you to teach us how to be decent people. And you wealthy families are not insurmountable. If the country falls, you will be nothing more than stray dogs.”

The calm voice caused the faces of those students from wealthy families to darken. Their eyes quickly swept over the group before they said coldly:

"Ignorance is bliss! Without our wealthy family, what are you poor people? We have an obligation to help you correct your views."

"I couldn't be happier. It's a perfect opportunity for me to experience firsthand the talents of the elite families and see just how much better they are than those of the nobility."

At this moment, a figure in black stepped out from the crowd, stood in front of the three students from poor families, stopped, and then slightly raised his head.

"Who is this?"

'It seems he was the only student from a poor family to get into the erudite class, his name was Ye Ru, right?'

"Brother Zhao Jin, let him see the power of our wealthy family."

Some people said this, their eyes filled with disdain as they looked at Ye Ru.

"Ye Ru?"

The leading student looked at Ye Ru with a hint of fear in his eyes. He had heard of Ye Ru's reputation and was naturally somewhat afraid.

"I am Ye Ru. May I ask what I can do for you?"

Ye Rudao.

"You must be Ye Ru, the one who caused such a stir in the academy. However, one should know one's place. Don't think that just because you are talented, you can act recklessly here. These people insulted us, so we will deal with them. This whole matter has nothing to do with you. Don't meddle and get yourself into trouble."

However, after a moment of contemplation, Zhao Jin spoke up again.

"Those who govern others must first govern themselves; those who blame others must first blame themselves; those who help others become adults must first become adults themselves; those who instruct others must first discipline themselves. If we are wrong, we can apologize. But if you continue to fabricate accusations and be aggressive, we from humble backgrounds will absolutely not agree. Whether you engage in a battle of wits, a literary contest, or a competition of talent, we will fight to the end!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Ye Ru's talent suddenly burst forth, and a powerful force of talent spread outwards, causing the expressions of those students from wealthy families to change.

"Fine, you're truly arrogant. We are members of the Qianhua Academy. Do you really want to oppose us? Offending us is no small matter..."

Zhao Jin's face was gloomy. He thought he could use the name of Qianhua Academy to suppress Ye Ru. But before he could finish speaking, Ye Ru recited the poem of speed and flicked his Three Perfections Literary Heart Brush. It then turned into a series of black shadows and rushed directly in front of him. Before the latter could react, the brush, infused with talent, was pressed against Zhao Jin's neck.

"Although it is said that a gentleman uses words rather than fists, as Mencius once said, 'One must know what not to do before one can know what to do.' I will repeat myself: I will not offend others unless they offend me. If you try to use the Qianhua Academy to intimidate us, then don't blame me for being ruthless."

Ye Ru held a pen against Zhao Jin's neck and said coldly.

Sensing the restless energy of talent around him, Zhao Jin swallowed hard, his face turning extremely shocked. He had initially thought the other party was an easy target, but he hadn't expected that this year's students from humble backgrounds would have such backbone.

He could sense that if he spoke rudely again, he would probably be seriously injured instantly.

"Apologize to these three students."

Ye Ru narrowed his eyes and said in a cold voice, moving the pen tip forward another inch.

The cold pen tip made Zhao Jin break out in a cold sweat, and he stammered, "I'm sorry..."

"To admit one's mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue."

"You just wait, the Qianhua Academy will not swallow this insult!"

Ye Ru nodded, put away the Three Perfections Literary Brush, and Zhao Jin left with his men after uttering a harsh remark.

After the dozen or so people left, the students from poor families around cheered and looked at Ye Ru with more respect.

"Fellow students, we are students from humble backgrounds who have come here to study. We are newcomers and do not intend to stand out. So please forgive us if my previous words were offensive."

Ye Ru glanced at the remaining students from wealthy families who were still in shock, then bowed and spoke in a neither humble nor arrogant manner.

These words made the students from wealthy families nod in agreement, and then they dispersed. At this moment, the students from poor families collectively bowed to Ye Ru.

"Brother Ye Ru, I'm really sorry to trouble you again this time. Thank you for saving me."