Chapter 15: Enrollment

Returning to her room in Lifeng Academy, Zhixue finally let out a sigh of relief.

However, when he saw Yu Li lying weakly on the bed, his heart ached again, and he complained, "Ah Li, why did you dare to drink that soup yourself? Do you know that when I saw you drink that obviously poisonous soup, I was so frightened that every hair on my body stood on end!"

Yuli smiled lightly and said, "You've been worried."

"How dare you put yourself in danger like this? What if the soup has been poisoned? What will you do then?!"

Yu Li shook her head and said, "No, they only want to frame me and make me fall out of favor with my grandmother, but they would never have wanted to poison her to death. After all, if it escalated to that extent, not only would it alarm my father, but it would also surely alarm the magistrate of Jingzhao Prefecture. At that time, the situation would be beyond the control of the Qin family..." He was confident that the poison in the soup would not be fatal, which is why he boldly drank it himself.

And if it weren't for his poisoning, I'm afraid he wouldn't be able to completely pin the blame on Madame Wang, much less invoke Old Lady Yu's sympathy.

Upon hearing this, Zhixue suddenly realized, but she still complained, saying, "But you should have told me too! You have no idea what kind of mood I was in back then!" As she spoke, her nose wrinkled along with her small face.

Yuli held his hand, comforting him, "It's my fault, Zhixue. I was just afraid that if I told you earlier, you wouldn't be able to portray that kind of panic and worry."

Zhi Xue couldn't help but raise the corners of her lips, but pretended to be annoyed as she said, "Don't underestimate me, alright? Did you see any mistakes from me just now?"

"Hmm, you're the most capable and intelligent." Yu Li smiled. With Yu Li by their side in this lifetime, they indeed had gained a capable assistant.

Zhi Xue smiled and then grew worried: "If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have known that there could be so much intrigue and deceit within a wealthy household... If the main wife failed to harm you this time, she will definitely find another way to do so. What should we do?" She continued, "Her daughter, Yu Wan, and Aunt Zhao are not on good terms. However, Aunt Zhang and the second wife seem relatively decent."

Upon hearing this, Yuli smiled and shook her head, "Zhang Yiniang and the Second Madam are not necessarily good people. Right now, they are only speaking up for me or not sabotaging me because we have no conflicting interests. Once there is a conflict of interests, it is not surprising for them to turn their backs on me."

"That can't be good! You're surrounded by enemies in the Jade Palace," Zhixue exclaimed worriedly.

"Don't worry, after Wang Mama's incident, the Qins won't target me for now. We are safe for the time being," Yuli said, her beautiful eyes looking up at the top of the tent, her gaze intense. "Besides, I am not a puppet made of mud. How could I let them shape and mold me, and allow them to bully me at will?"

......

After a few days, Yu Li finally recovered completely. As a result, he also planned to go to the family school to study.

The family school was set up in a small courtyard next to the Jade Mansion, serving as a school of sorts. The school started every morning at dawn and ended at mid-morning, which was approximately an hour and a half.

In his previous life, Yuli did not attend a private school, so he was naturally excited to be able to attend one in this life. He deliberately got up early and went to the academy to meet Mr. Jiang Hechen.

However, Jiang Hechen's servant said that their master had drunk too much yesterday and hadn't woken up yet, so he asked him to wait for a while.

Yuli pondered for a moment. Since they had already arrived, waiting for a while wouldn't be a big deal. Thus, they waited in the main hall of the school.

"Third Young Master, why is this gentleman still drinking? Can he teach people how to read?" Zhi Xue lowered her voice and whispered.

Yu Li smiled when she heard the words and replied, "That's just his nature."

Jiang Hechen, due to his unfulfilled talents, is therefore quite unconventional and unruly. He often compares himself to famous poets like Li Bai and Su Shi, emulating their manner of drinking and enjoying the moon. Sometimes, he appears a bit tipsy when encountering others. However, he does possess knowledge and literary accomplishments, so others dare not underestimate him.

The two of them were waiting and talking when they suddenly heard someone entering while chatting and laughing. They turned their heads and saw Yuchi Yuhong and a chubby teenager walking in together.

Yuli naturally recognized the fatty, whose name was Yuhai, the sole son of the second wife.

"It's you again!" Yuyan's face turned red when he saw Yuli. He looked like an angry rooster with his fighting spirit. "You wretched illegitimate child, dare you come to our grandmother and complain about us? We haven't even come to find you yet, but you've come knocking at our door!"

Yu Hai was plump with big ears, and a hint of arrogance appeared on his face when he saw the situation. "Is this the person who bullied you all? Let me teach him a lesson!" As he spoke, he rolled up his sleeves and was about to walk towards Yu Li.

Although Yuhai is only thirteen years old, one year younger than Zhixue, he is tall and chubby. Moreover, Yuli has just recovered from an illness, so even two Yuli are no match for him.

"What are you doing?" Zhixue took a step forward and stood in front of Yuli. With a stern expression, she said, "If you dare lay a finger on our Young Master San, just try it!"

Yu Hai cracked his fingers with a crackling sound, then laughed with a smug and contemptuous expression, "You're just a servant, I am the Second Young Master. If you dare to lay a hand on me, watch me call my grandmother to beat you to death! Now hurry up and get lost!"

As the class time approached, some children from other households gradually arrived. Witnessing a few people getting into a dispute, they all stood on the side and watched the commotion.

Yu Chi and Yu Yan laughed delightedly. Yu Chi said, "Yu Li! Why aren't you kneeling down and calling us 'brothers' a few times? If you do, we'll go easy on you. But if not, we'll kill you today!"

"Just do it. Kneel down now and apologize to your aunt later!" Yu Yan added, echoing his words.

Yuli coldly stared at the three mischievous boys in front of her, showing no fear. She looked at Zhixue and asked, "Axue, do you have any confidence?"

Zhixue learned a bit of martial arts at the Bright Temple. She might not be able to defeat adults, but dealing with the plump child in front of her posed no problem. She nodded and said, "Don't worry, I'll protect you."

Shouting towards Yuhai again, he exclaimed, "Whether you're the Second Young Master or a second-rate nobody, if you have the guts, come and fight me! Let's see if I dare to hit you!"

This remark immediately infuriated Yuhai. He roared and charged towards Zhixue, about to punch her in the face. However, she quickly grabbed his wrist, twisted it, and then kicked his shin with her foot. Before he could react, Zhixue used all her strength to knock him to the ground. He immediately howled in pain.

Yuchi Yuyan, who was expecting a good show, was immediately dumbfounded. Yuhai was known for being foolish and easily manipulated. They would often use him to bully other children in the academy and wield their power. However, they never expected that this servant by Yuli's side would be so formidable, to the point of making Yuhai cry out in pain from the beating.

"Who else wants to give it another try?!" Zhixue exclaimed victoriously, looking menacingly at Yuchi and Yuyan.

Yu Chi naturally did not want to lose face in front of everyone. After thinking for a moment, he shouted, "Yu Li, you have no shame! Our servants are all waiting at the door. Yet, it is your servant who comes to fight us. If you have the guts, come and fight us yourself!"

"Just because you guys rely on the strength of the Yuhai people to fight against me, does that mean I can't rely on the intelligence and skill of Zhixue to fight against you? What kind of ridiculous reasoning is this?" Yuli sneered, glancing at Yuhai, who had fallen to the ground. He continued, "A 'gentleman uses words, not fists.' I am not a vulgar person who would engage in a fight in front of everyone. Only the lowly scoundrels of the street would resort to violence at the drop of a hat!"

"You!" Yuchi and Yuyan couldn't refute what was said and could only blush in response.

Coincidentally, at this moment, Jiang Hechen arrived. Massaging his painful head, he wore a displeased expression and said, "What are you all making such a fuss about again?"

When Yu Chi and Yu Yan saw him approaching, their expressions immediately changed. Among them, one person with a righteous demeanor said, "Sir, please come and uphold justice! Yu Li has instructed his wicked servant to assault someone!"

Yu Hai also realized what was happening and grumbled as he lay on the ground, "Sir, you must ensure justice for me! He instructed his servant to bully me!"

Jiang Hechen frowned and looked at Yu Li. He coldly reprimanded, "So, you are Yu Li? How can you freely let your servant act violently before joining my faction?!"

"Sir." Yu Li bowed to him, showing neither humility nor arrogance, and said, "It was Yu Chi and Yu Yan who initiated the provocation, attempting to humiliate me and provoke me into a fight. I had no choice but to defend myself!"

"You're talking nonsense!" Yu Yan shouted loudly. "Everyone saw your servant hitting people and bullying Yu Hai!" Speaking this, he loudly asked the others, "You all tell me, did he start the fight first?"

Those children are either distant relatives or subordinates of the Jades' Mansion. They are always instructed by their parents to make concessions to the children of the Jades' Mansion. Jade Chi and Jade Yan are both little tyrants, so no one dares to defy them. They either agree with them or simply lower their heads and remain silent.

"You see, everyone can testify!" Yu Chi gloated, "Yuli, do you have anything else to say?"

Jiang Hechen also looked coldly at Yu Li. Perhaps in his heart, he was thinking, "Indeed, he is a uncultured country bumpkin who doesn't understand any manners!"

Yuli remained silent without any defense. Just as she was about to say something, a clear and gentle voice came:

"Sir, public opinion can be destructive and detrimental, but I can see the truth very clearly."

Everyone followed the sound and saw a slender young man dressed in a navy blue brocade robe. He had handsome brows and bright eyes, exuding an elegant and refined aura. Standing beside him was a young man who resembled him, but appeared even more vigorous. Although his figure was not as tall and robust as his brother's, it was evident that they were brothers.

"Yù Qīng greeted the gentleman and asked about his well-being. It's been a long time since they last met. How has the gentleman been recently?" As it turned out, the young man was Yù Zhāngcí's nephew, Yù Zhāngshū's eldest son, Yù Qīng. He was sixteen years old this year and no longer studied here. He had come today to send his younger brother, Yù Chè, but happened to witness this scene.

Jiang Hechen apparently likes this well-mannered and humble student very much. When he sees him approaching, even his expression becomes gentle and joyful. "Yuqing, it's you! Have you been doing well recently while studying at the National Academy?"

"Thank you for your concern, sir. I am fine," Yuqing said. Seeing a trace of regret on the face of the wronged young man, he knew that the young man was lamenting his own appearance, which denied him the chance to explain himself. He smiled and continued, "Sir, earlier I escorted Yuche here and personally witnessed Yuhai provoking trouble, claiming to teach Yuli a lesson. Yuchi and Yuyan insulted Yuli verbally, which led to Yuli ordering his servant to fight Yuhai. It was definitely not Yuli instigating violence against his slave. I hope you can discern the truth, sir."

"Eldest Brother! On what basis do you accuse us of bullying him?" Yu Chi wanted to argue further, unwilling to accept it. "Clearly, everyone said that it was Yu Li who bullied us. How is it that when it comes out of Eldest Brother's mouth, suddenly we are the ones bullying him? Could it be that Eldest Brother's eyes are eyes, but everyone else's eyes are not?"

"You're being completely unreasonable!" shouted Yuche angrily, joining in. His face turned red as he continued, "My brother and I clearly saw you guys bullying him, yet you deny it and even turn it around on us. You despicable scoundrels!"

"Ah Che!" Yuqing glanced at her younger brother, her gaze containing a hint of restraint.

Yuqing knew that while Jiang Hechen believed in himself, others accused Yuli of bullying Yuhai and the situation needed to be clarified. Otherwise, it would still be untenable. If Jiang Hechen passed judgment without evidence, he would undoubtedly gain a reputation for favoritism. Yuqing glanced at Yuli, who calmly looked back at him with his delicate and handsome face, as if he had nothing to do with the matter. Yuqing thought to himself, this little guy is really composed. I stood up for him, but now he's acting like it's none of his business?

Although he had thought that way, he still intended to help Yuli. Thus, he said to Jiang Hechen, "Sir, do you still remember that you once taught us the phrase 'to keep silent'?" "Now, the others' situation is just like 'to keep silent'!"

Hearing these words, the crowd was somewhat puzzled because they did not yet understand the meaning of "holding one's tongue." However, Jiang Hechen understood it in his heart, so he stroked his chin beard and said, "I understand." He then said, "Yuchi, Yuyan, Yuhai, you insulted others first, but now you cry foul. I'll punish you by having you copy 'The Standards for Being a Good Student and Child' and hand it over to me tomorrow!"

Yu Chi and Yu Yan wanted to say something else, but Jiang Hechen narrowed his eyes and let out a "hmm?" They immediately lowered their heads.

"Alright, everyone else is off duty today, Yuli, you stay behind!" Jiang Hechen said.

"Then, sir, Ache and I will bid farewell and leave first," Yuching respectfully bowed to him and turned around, preparing to leave with Yuche.

"Dang Tang Ge—" Yu Li took a step forward and also bowed to Yu Qing, "Thank you, Dang Tang Ge, for your help today. Yu Li is deeply grateful."

Yu Qing smiled gently and said, "No need to be so polite, it's just a small favor."

Beside him, Yuche couldn't contain his excitement as he held Yuli's hand and said, "Little brother, I can't stand how Yuchi and Yuyan bully others. From now on, as long as I'm around, they won't dare to bully you!"

"Thank you." In their past life, Yuli had never had a deep relationship with Yuting and Yuche, the two brothers. They only greeted each other when they met during festivals. However, after she married into the Jing'an Marquis's residence, she heard that Yuting had achieved the top score in the imperial examination and became the youngest top scorer in the history of this dynasty. Naturally, she admired this cousin in her heart. But upon seeing him in this life, it seems that this cousin is indeed quite upright."

"Alright, then we'll take our leave." Yuqing and Yuche bid farewell together and departed.

Jiang Hechen watched his proud disciple leave, then turned to appraise Yu Li. He didn't comment on what had just happened, only saying, "My academy is not so easy to enter. I will test you. If you pass, you can come to study. If you fail, it's best for you to return home as soon as possible."

"Yes, thank you, sir, for giving me this opportunity," Yu Li said respectfully.

Although he is not particularly talented, he couldn't compare to his cousin who achieved the top-ranking scholar position in the imperial examination. However, compared to someone like Yuhai, he still possesses an abundance of abilities.