Teacher Zhang was very silent. At this moment, he was very calm and began to understand many things that had puzzled him before, which made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
The students of the academy also felt uneasy, especially Huang Zhi. They had come in a threatening manner, expecting an excellent outcome, but they never anticipated this kind of result.
The fact that Scholar Xie was a spy had been conclusively determined, and they naturally could not say anything about it.
The Left Guard's officials looked at Chen Chao with undisguised admiration.
If killing Lin Shan in the Left Guard before had already subdued them, from this moment on, there was no doubt in their hearts about their admiration for Chen Chao. They had become Chen Chao's most loyal followers.
Teacher Zhang remained silent and was about to leave, with the students from the academy following suit.
However, at this moment, Chen Chao stepped out and blocked Teacher Zhang's path.
Teacher Zhang looked at this Left Guard Commander and asked, "What else do you want?"
Chen Chao glanced at the not-so-distant Weng Quan and calmly said, "This official said it before, harming my Left Guard's officials without cause is not allowed."
Teacher Zhang was taken aback, recalling that he had injured Weng Quan earlier. Normally, something like this could be major or inconsequential. As a teacher at the academy, he was highly respected, and usually, even if he were to kill one or two people, someone would naturally come forward to cover for him. But, this was the first time it was like this.
Chen Chao looked at Teacher Zhang and said, "As this official has mentioned before, if Teacher doesn't abide by the laws of Great Liang, then it's not acceptable."
Teacher Zhang asked, "So what do you want now?"
Chen Chao calmly stated, "Take Teacher back, detain you, and punish you according to the Great Liang's laws."
Though his words were spoken calmly, it soon caused a stir and shocked exclamations. The students from the academy never expected that as this incident was about to conclude, Chen Chao would choose to make things difficult for Teacher Zhang.
Putting aside everything else, Teacher Zhang's identity alone commanded respect from the majority of people in the Divine Capital. No one would choose to offend him.
While Chen Chao had a somewhat extraordinary status, it seemed that there was not anything particularly special when facing Teacher Zhang.
"What if this old man refuses to go with you?"
Teacher Zhang's expression turned ugly. He had been a teacher at the academy for many years, and he had taught quite a few students, many of whom had already entered the officialdom. Similarly, Chen Chao held a position in the Great Liang Dynasty's government. If he wanted to have a successful career, the best approach was to turn a blind eye to certain things. There was no reason to trouble Teacher Zhang.
But he chose to do so.
Chen Chao replied, "If Teacher is unwilling to accompany this official to the Left Guard, then this official will personally take Teacher there."
As he spoke, he had already gripped the handle of his saber. This time, he was ready to fight.
Teacher Zhang laughed from extreme fury, "Do you really think you can stop this old man?"
Staring at Chen Chao, Teacher Zhang's turbid eyes carried a profound aura.
Chen Chao said, "The Great Beyond Realm is not invincible."
"Not all scholars are worthy of respect."
""In fact, it should be said that not all scholars truly deserve the title of scholars."
As he spoke, Chen Chao drew the broken saber from his waist, and said calmly, "In reality, Teacher looks down on martial artists, hence the arrogance."
Teacher Zhang remained silent. This was naturally what he was thinking, but he certainly would not reveal his thoughts to Chen Chao.
Scholars looking down on others was virtually a common ailment.
Chen Chao said, "You scholars excel in reasoning with words, this official won't waste words on that. But there's one thing this official wants to tell Teacher: when you make a mistake, you must pay the price."
Teacher Zhang narrowed his eyes.
Chen Chao calmly said, "Everyone, leave this place. No one is allowed to enter without this commander's order."
The Left Guard's officials were about to speak, but Weng Quan pulled on the sleeves of his colleagues and shook his head.
Hence, this place was quickly cleared out,
Soon, only Chen Chao and Teacher Zhang remained.
Chen Chao looked at this Teacher Zhang, and this Teacher Zhang was also looking at him. "This old man thinks that you shouldn't be wasting too much time on this old man."
Teacher Zhang said, "That's a trivial matter to begin with."
Chen Chao shook his head and simply said, "It wasn't."
He never considered such matters trivial.
……
……
A carriage slowly stopped in front of a mansion. After the carriage came to a halt, a young man stepped out from the carriage and walked to the front gate. The guards at the entrance quickly recognized his identity and quickly knelt down.
The young man wore a slight smile. "This imperial highness just came to visit my elder sister. Please go and inform her."
Hearing this, someone quickly left to convey the message. After a short while, a steward-like person came out to welcome the Second Prince inside.
As he entered this princess manor, the Second Prince strolled leisurely. Soon, he walked through a corridor and stopped in front of a pavilion. Under the pavilion, a woman was currently sitting there, enjoying the snow by the fire.
Approaching, the Second Prince bowed and said, "Greetings, Elder Sister."
Princess Anping raised her head for a moment to glance at her brother, responding indifferently, "Take a seat."
Only then, did the Second Prince sat down. Still smiling as he looked at his sister, he asked, "It's been quite some time since I last visited you, sister. I wonder if your health is still robust?"
Princess Anping rubbed her forehead and said softly, "The old ailment persists. It's not as bad as your elder brother's health. Why bother specifically checking on this imperial highness? Go see your brother instead."
Hearing this, the Second Prince furrowed his brows slightly but did not retort. He just smiled bitterly and said, "I'm afraid Imperial Brother doesn't want to see this younger brother at the moment."
Princess Anping laughed coldly and immediately said, "Indeed, aside from in front of Imperial Father, how can you two be considered brothers?"
It was a straightforward statement, and the Second Prince did not refute. The relationship between the two had never been that of typical siblings.
"If you have something to say, just say it. No need to hold back," Princess Anping casually said self-deprecatingly, "Whether you guys enjoy staying with this imperial highness or not, do you think this imperial highness doesn't know?"
The Second Prince smiled bitterly. In truth, he harbored some fear for this elder sister. When they were children at the Prince Fan's residence, he did not think about so many things. Amidst their play and mischief, this elder sister held the most authority. If she furrowed her brows, everyone would be filled with trepidation.
Even though they grew up, he subconsciously preferred to keep his distance from this big sister. He simply did not want to get too close.
Today, if it were not for a significant matter, he would not have come here in person and speak to this elder sister.
"I have a small matter to inquire you, Elder Sister. Regarding Chen Chao, did he spend the night in Elder Sister's carriage that night?"
The Second Prince was cautious, carefully gauging the mood of this princess before him.
Princess Anping looked at the Second Prince, interrupting what he was about to say. She calmly said, "Do you still not understand this imperial highness' meaning? Or perhaps you think that since you'll ascend to the throne shortly, your big sister's thoughts don't matter anymore."
The Second Prince smiled bitterly again. "Elder sister is like a mother. Now that Imperial Mother is gone, why does Elder Sister say this? In my heart, Elder Sister has always been worthy of respect and must be respected."
Princess Anping smiled and did not speak.
……
……
The Dean sat in the small pavilion at the center of the lake, once again enjoying mutton. In this winter season, eating lamb was an excellent choice.
The Lord Warden Commander sat across from him, being his only guest.
"Didn't expect it, did you? That little guy would actually do such a thing."
Watching the Dean devouring lamb, the Lord Warden Commander said with vicissitudes of emotion, "You have a good student."
The Dean snorted and muttered vaguely, "What good student? What's the difference between her and an ordinary girl? She can't walk straight when she sees a man she likes. What kind of future can such a silly girl have?"
Raising an eyebrow, the Lord Warden Commander said, "You can't say that. I see them as a match made in heaven; indispensable figures for our Great Liang Dynasty in the future."
The Dean scolded, "That kid doesn't have good intentions. Whenever there's a problem he can't solve, he'll go find a woman. What kind of capability does he have?"
The Lord Warden Commander replied, "That's knowing how to take advantage of the situation, very wise."
The Dean looked up, set down the lamb bone in his hand, and clicked his tongue, "How come I didn't know before that you, this guy, could be so eloquent? You make it freeloading off a woman sound so impressive."
The Lord Warden Commander remained composed and sighed, "Freeloading off a woman also requires a skilled tongue and technique."
The Dean chuckled and then smiled, "Well then, tell me about some of the skills needed."
"Nothing other than relying on an incredibly handsome face."
The Lord Warden Commander sighed, "Thinking back, I was also..."
"Stop."
The Dean said expressionlessly, "I've just eaten. If you continue, I'll vomit, and you'll be the one to compensate."
The Lord Warden Commander smiled and said, "Let's talk about something serious."
The Dean nodded and continued, "News from the Northern Frontier, His Majesty has descended south again. In the battle with the Demon Emperor, His Majesty returned safely."
The Lord Warden Commander nodded, "His Majesty is mighty."
The Dean continued, "However, that Northern Frontier Great General is about to die."
The Lord Warden Commander said with vicissitudes of emotion, "No matter how great a hero is, they will grow old too. Even the most amazing heroes will die too."
The Dean said, "After his death, what will happen to the Northern Frontier?"
As the frontline against the demons, the Northern Frontier had been guarded by that Northern Frontier Great General for many years. After his death, determining the fate of the entire Northern Frontier was indeed a difficult matter. Although there are many talented generals in the Northern Frontier, finding someone capable of suppressing the entire Northern Frontier like the Great General was an impossibility.
"His Majesty must have a plan. We don't need to think too much about it. However, this time, it seems that the desired results were not achieved?"
The Lord Warden Commander smiled at the Dean, "Those people are still clever, just testing the waters."
The Dean said, "Making a big commotion doesn't necessarily yield results. On the other hand, achieving goals quietly doesn't necessarily mean that one will see what they want to see. The smart people in the world are all gathered in the Divine Capital, how can it be that simple?"
The Lord Warden Commander said, "However, some people still have to die."
The Dean did not speak and was rather silent.
……
……
The courtyard was already damaged to begin with, and now, dust and smoke filled the air. However, there were not many audible sounds. That Left Guard Commander did not make a sound, and neither did Teacher Zhang.
Both of them were very silent, but the final outcome was about to be revealed.
It was unknown how long had passed.
Chen Chao appeared at the courtyard entrance. At this moment, his clothes were torn and he looked extremely miserable.
However, there was no activity behind him at all.
The Left Guard officials looked at this commander, not knowing what they were thinking.
Chen Chao glanced at them and said calmly, "Bring the criminal back to the Left Guard."
Upon hearing this, the officials were somewhat surprised but also faced a dilemma. Although doing so could vent frustration, would it offend the academy?
Even if the academy did not care about such matters, what would the students of Teacher Zhang, who held official positions in the court, do?
Weng Quan stepped forward and said, "Lord Commander, there's no need to be so harsh, is there?"
Chen Chao looked at Weng Quan, shaking his head, "In handling matters and dealing with people, if you always yield, others will perceive you as weak. Only if you stand firm, will there be a different result."
As he spoke, a trace of blood oozed from his lips.
Facing a Great Beyond as a Bitter Sea, Chen Chao won with great difficulty.
But in the end, he had won.
Crossing a major realm seemed like something Chen Chao did casually now.
But he knew very well that this victory was not due to his strength, but rather because Teacher Zhang was too weak.
Spending time on studying unavoidably neglected cultivation.
"Take him back. Even if we can't do anything, we can lock him up for a few days."
Chen Chao rubbed his chest and added, "Disgust him a bit."
Teacher Zhang was very silent. At this moment, he was very calm and began to understand many things that had puzzled him before, which made him feel somewhat uncomfortable.
The students of the academy also felt uneasy, especially Huang Zhi. They had come in a threatening manner, expecting an excellent outcome, but they never anticipated this kind of result.
The fact that Scholar Xie was a spy had been conclusively determined, and they naturally could not say anything about it.
The Left Guard's officials looked at Chen Chao with undisguised admiration.
If killing Lin Shan in the Left Guard before had already subdued them, from this moment on, there was no doubt in their hearts about their admiration for Chen Chao. They had become Chen Chao's most loyal followers.
Teacher Zhang remained silent and was about to leave, with the students from the academy following suit.
However, at this moment, Chen Chao stepped out and blocked Teacher Zhang's path.
Teacher Zhang looked at this Left Guard Commander and asked, "What else do you want?"
Chen Chao glanced at the not-so-distant Weng Quan and calmly said, "This official said it before, harming my Left Guard's officials without cause is not allowed."
Teacher Zhang was taken aback, recalling that he had injured Weng Quan earlier. Normally, something like this could be major or inconsequential. As a teacher at the academy, he was highly respected, and usually, even if he were to kill one or two people, someone would naturally come forward to cover for him. But, this was the first time it was like this.
Chen Chao looked at Teacher Zhang and said, "As this official has mentioned before, if Teacher doesn't abide by the laws of Great Liang, then it's not acceptable."
Teacher Zhang asked, "So what do you want now?"
Chen Chao calmly stated, "Take Teacher back, detain you, and punish you according to the Great Liang's laws."
Though his words were spoken calmly, it soon caused a stir and shocked exclamations. The students from the academy never expected that as this incident was about to conclude, Chen Chao would choose to make things difficult for Teacher Zhang.
Putting aside everything else, Teacher Zhang's identity alone commanded respect from the majority of people in the Divine Capital. No one would choose to offend him.
While Chen Chao had a somewhat extraordinary status, it seemed that there was not anything particularly special when facing Teacher Zhang.
"What if this old man refuses to go with you?"
Teacher Zhang's expression turned ugly. He had been a teacher at the academy for many years, and he had taught quite a few students, many of whom had already entered the officialdom. Similarly, Chen Chao held a position in the Great Liang Dynasty's government. If he wanted to have a successful career, the best approach was to turn a blind eye to certain things. There was no reason to trouble Teacher Zhang.
But he chose to do so.
Chen Chao replied, "If Teacher is unwilling to accompany this official to the Left Guard, then this official will personally take Teacher there."
As he spoke, he had already gripped the handle of his saber. This time, he was ready to fight.
Teacher Zhang laughed from extreme fury, "Do you really think you can stop this old man?"
Staring at Chen Chao, Teacher Zhang's turbid eyes carried a profound aura.
Chen Chao said, "The Great Beyond Realm is not invincible."
"Not all scholars are worthy of respect."
""In fact, it should be said that not all scholars truly deserve the title of scholars."
As he spoke, Chen Chao drew the broken saber from his waist, and said calmly, "In reality, Teacher looks down on martial artists, hence the arrogance."
Teacher Zhang remained silent. This was naturally what he was thinking, but he certainly would not reveal his thoughts to Chen Chao.
Scholars looking down on others was virtually a common ailment.
Chen Chao said, "You scholars excel in reasoning with words, this official won't waste words on that. But there's one thing this official wants to tell Teacher: when you make a mistake, you must pay the price."
Teacher Zhang narrowed his eyes.
Chen Chao calmly said, "Everyone, leave this place. No one is allowed to enter without this commander's order."
The Left Guard's officials were about to speak, but Weng Quan pulled on the sleeves of his colleagues and shook his head.
Hence, this place was quickly cleared out,
Soon, only Chen Chao and Teacher Zhang remained.
Chen Chao looked at this Teacher Zhang, and this Teacher Zhang was also looking at him. "This old man thinks that you shouldn't be wasting too much time on this old man."
Teacher Zhang said, "That's a trivial matter to begin with."
Chen Chao shook his head and simply said, "It wasn't."
He never considered such matters trivial.
……
……
A carriage slowly stopped in front of a mansion. After the carriage came to a halt, a young man stepped out from the carriage and walked to the front gate. The guards at the entrance quickly recognized his identity and quickly knelt down.
The young man wore a slight smile. "This imperial highness just came to visit my elder sister. Please go and inform her."
Hearing this, someone quickly left to convey the message. After a short while, a steward-like person came out to welcome the Second Prince inside.
As he entered this princess manor, the Second Prince strolled leisurely. Soon, he walked through a corridor and stopped in front of a pavilion. Under the pavilion, a woman was currently sitting there, enjoying the snow by the fire.
Approaching, the Second Prince bowed and said, "Greetings, Elder Sister."
Princess Anping raised her head for a moment to glance at her brother, responding indifferently, "Take a seat."
Only then, did the Second Prince sat down. Still smiling as he looked at his sister, he asked, "It's been quite some time since I last visited you, sister. I wonder if your health is still robust?"
Princess Anping rubbed her forehead and said softly, "The old ailment persists. It's not as bad as your elder brother's health. Why bother specifically checking on this imperial highness? Go see your brother instead."
Hearing this, the Second Prince furrowed his brows slightly but did not retort. He just smiled bitterly and said, "I'm afraid Imperial Brother doesn't want to see this younger brother at the moment."
Princess Anping laughed coldly and immediately said, "Indeed, aside from in front of Imperial Father, how can you two be considered brothers?"
It was a straightforward statement, and the Second Prince did not refute. The relationship between the two had never been that of typical siblings.
"If you have something to say, just say it. No need to hold back," Princess Anping casually said self-deprecatingly, "Whether you guys enjoy staying with this imperial highness or not, do you think this imperial highness doesn't know?"
The Second Prince smiled bitterly. In truth, he harbored some fear for this elder sister. When they were children at the Prince Fan's residence, he did not think about so many things. Amidst their play and mischief, this elder sister held the most authority. If she furrowed her brows, everyone would be filled with trepidation.
Even though they grew up, he subconsciously preferred to keep his distance from this big sister. He simply did not want to get too close.
Today, if it were not for a significant matter, he would not have come here in person and speak to this elder sister.
"I have a small matter to inquire you, Elder Sister. Regarding Chen Chao, did he spend the night in Elder Sister's carriage that night?"
The Second Prince was cautious, carefully gauging the mood of this princess before him.
Princess Anping looked at the Second Prince, interrupting what he was about to say. She calmly said, "Do you still not understand this imperial highness' meaning? Or perhaps you think that since you'll ascend to the throne shortly, your big sister's thoughts don't matter anymore."
The Second Prince smiled bitterly again. "Elder sister is like a mother. Now that Imperial Mother is gone, why does Elder Sister say this? In my heart, Elder Sister has always been worthy of respect and must be respected."
Princess Anping smiled and did not speak.
……
……
The Dean sat in the small pavilion at the center of the lake, once again enjoying mutton. In this winter season, eating lamb was an excellent choice.
The Lord Warden Commander sat across from him, being his only guest.
"Didn't expect it, did you? That little guy would actually do such a thing."
Watching the Dean devouring lamb, the Lord Warden Commander said with vicissitudes of emotion, "You have a good student."
The Dean snorted and muttered vaguely, "What good student? What's the difference between her and an ordinary girl? She can't walk straight when she sees a man she likes. What kind of future can such a silly girl have?"
Raising an eyebrow, the Lord Warden Commander said, "You can't say that. I see them as a match made in heaven; indispensable figures for our Great Liang Dynasty in the future."
The Dean scolded, "That kid doesn't have good intentions. Whenever there's a problem he can't solve, he'll go find a woman. What kind of capability does he have?"
The Lord Warden Commander replied, "That's knowing how to take advantage of the situation, very wise."
The Dean looked up, set down the lamb bone in his hand, and clicked his tongue, "How come I didn't know before that you, this guy, could be so eloquent? You make it freeloading off a woman sound so impressive."
The Lord Warden Commander remained composed and sighed, "Freeloading off a woman also requires a skilled tongue and technique."
The Dean chuckled and then smiled, "Well then, tell me about some of the skills needed."
"Nothing other than relying on an incredibly handsome face."
The Lord Warden Commander sighed, "Thinking back, I was also..."
"Stop."
The Dean said expressionlessly, "I've just eaten. If you continue, I'll vomit, and you'll be the one to compensate."
The Lord Warden Commander smiled and said, "Let's talk about something serious."
The Dean nodded and continued, "News from the Northern Frontier, His Majesty has descended south again. In the battle with the Demon Emperor, His Majesty returned safely."
The Lord Warden Commander nodded, "His Majesty is mighty."
The Dean continued, "However, that Northern Frontier Great General is about to die."
The Lord Warden Commander said with vicissitudes of emotion, "No matter how great a hero is, they will grow old too. Even the most amazing heroes will die too."
The Dean said, "After his death, what will happen to the Northern Frontier?"
As the frontline against the demons, the Northern Frontier had been guarded by that Northern Frontier Great General for many years. After his death, determining the fate of the entire Northern Frontier was indeed a difficult matter. Although there are many talented generals in the Northern Frontier, finding someone capable of suppressing the entire Northern Frontier like the Great General was an impossibility.
"His Majesty must have a plan. We don't need to think too much about it. However, this time, it seems that the desired results were not achieved?"
The Lord Warden Commander smiled at the Dean, "Those people are still clever, just testing the waters."
The Dean said, "Making a big commotion doesn't necessarily yield results. On the other hand, achieving goals quietly doesn't necessarily mean that one will see what they want to see. The smart people in the world are all gathered in the Divine Capital, how can it be that simple?"
The Lord Warden Commander said, "However, some people still have to die."
The Dean did not speak and was rather silent.
……
……
The courtyard was already damaged to begin with, and now, dust and smoke filled the air. However, there were not many audible sounds. That Left Guard Commander did not make a sound, and neither did Teacher Zhang.
Both of them were very silent, but the final outcome was about to be revealed.
It was unknown how long had passed.
Chen Chao appeared at the courtyard entrance. At this moment, his clothes were torn and he looked extremely miserable.
However, there was no activity behind him at all.
The Left Guard officials looked at this commander, not knowing what they were thinking.
Chen Chao glanced at them and said calmly, "Bring the criminal back to the Left Guard."
Upon hearing this, the officials were somewhat surprised but also faced a dilemma. Although doing so could vent frustration, would it offend the academy?
Even if the academy did not care about such matters, what would the students of Teacher Zhang, who held official positions in the court, do?
Weng Quan stepped forward and said, "Lord Commander, there's no need to be so harsh, is there?"
Chen Chao looked at Weng Quan, shaking his head, "In handling matters and dealing with people, if you always yield, others will perceive you as weak. Only if you stand firm, will there be a different result."
As he spoke, a trace of blood oozed from his lips.
Facing a Great Beyond as a Bitter Sea, Chen Chao won with great difficulty.
But in the end, he had won.
Crossing a major realm seemed like something Chen Chao did casually now.
But he knew very well that this victory was not due to his strength, but rather because Teacher Zhang was too weak.
Spending time on studying unavoidably neglected cultivation.
"Take him back. Even if we can't do anything, we can lock him up for a few days."
Chen Chao rubbed his chest and added, "Disgust him a bit."
