Chapter 8

Inside the classroom.

Gu Jinnian ignored the resentment on everyone's faces and looked at Mr. Liu.

On the first seat.

Mr. Liu frowned, and he naturally would not agree to Gu Jinnian's request, even if Gu Jinnian was the grandson of a national duke.

Therefore, Mr. Liu lightly rebuked.

"You know what you're thinking, and I am clear about it. Is this really for learning? Go back to your seat and don't cause trouble."

He definitely couldn't let Gu Jinnian sit next to Yang Hanrou, as the entire capital was discussing Gu Jinnian's affairs.

Whether it was true or not, he couldn't let Gu Jinnian and Yang Hanrou be together, or else more trouble would arise, and he would face consequences.

However, upon hearing these words, everyone couldn't help but laugh.

But Gu Jinnian was completely unaware, and he looked at Mr. Liu.

"Zhuang Yan, when a sage sees a person, he sees a sage; when a beast sees a person, he sees a beast."

"Mr. Liu, your words are somewhat biased."

"If Mr. Liu thinks I have ill intentions, then there's no need for me to stay in the study. But when I return home, if my family asks for the reason, I can only tell the truth."

Gu Jinnian spoke calmly.

He wasn't insisting on sitting next to Yang Hanrou; he just wanted to gain some resentment and see what would happen.

But upon hearing these words, Mr. Liu's expression changed.

He hadn't expected Gu Jinnian to use the words of sages to counter him.

What a guy, truly a guy.

Feeling a bit frustrated, but being sixty years old, he wasn't about to quarrel with Gu Jinnian. Instead, he looked at Yang Hanrou and then at Gu Jinnian.

In the end, he said somewhat helplessly.

"Since you can speak such wise words, it shows you've put some effort into your studies. Since that's the case, you can sit next to Yang Hanrou."

"But let me make it clear, if you cause any more trouble, don't blame me for personally visiting the National Duke's residence."

Mr. Liu compromised.

There was no way out; Gu Jinnian had already said his piece. If he still refused, it would be his fault.

"Mr. Liu."

"Mr. Liu, you can't."

As Mr. Liu agreed, Yang Hanrou and Zhang Yun immediately spoke up, especially Zhang Yun, who stood up to refuse.

Zhang Yun was somewhat out of control. In his eyes, Yang Hanrou was his childhood friend. Both came from scholarly families, and if nothing went wrong, Yang Hanrou would be his wife in the future.

Now, Gu Jinnian was forcing himself to sit next to Yang Hanrou. How could he bear it?

Because even he only sat on the right side, with an aisle in between. How could he tolerate Gu Jinnian sitting right next to her?

Thinking about this, Zhang Yun continued.

"Mr. Liu."

"Gu Jinnian is reckless and has ill intentions. Who knows what will happen if he sits there?"

"I hope Mr. Liu will see through this."

Zhang Yun spoke firmly.

But as soon as he finished, Wu An and Li Ping's voices rang out.

"Zhang Yun, what are you talking about?"

"Ha, in broad daylight, what can Jinnian do? Do you think everyone is like you, always meeting with Yang Hanrou in secret?"

Their words drew a lot of laughter.

Indeed, Zhang Yun and Yang Hanrou had a good relationship, both in terms of family ties and personal relations.

They were often seen walking together.

Upon hearing this, Yang Hanrou's ears turned red, and she felt angry. At sixteen, she couldn't tolerate such comments, but she didn't know how to refute them, so she just lowered her head, feeling extremely embarrassed and hoping Zhang Yun would stop.

"Ridiculous."

Suddenly, Mr. Liu's angry voice rang out.

The classroom fell silent again.

The elderly Mr. Liu looked at everyone, his eyes full of anger.

"You are all young, yet you speak nonsense. You haven't even reached adulthood, yet your minds are full of wild thoughts."

"Wu An, Li Ping, go stand outside as punishment."

"Zhang Yun, I know you and Yang Hanrou have a good relationship, but a gentleman is not jealous. Besides, with me here, would I let anything happen?"

"Sit down."

Mr. Liu was full of anger. In his view, these were all mischievous children. It was fine for them to play around, but at such a young age, they had so many strange thoughts, which made him angry.

Especially Zhang Yun.

Born into a scholarly family, with a father who was a renowned scholar, he should have cultivated his character, but he lost control over such a trivial matter.

This made him extremely disappointed, hence the scolding.

Originally, he found Gu Jinnian's request inappropriate, but now he didn't think it was a big deal.

"Gu Jinnian, get your things and quickly change seats. Don't delay the morning class."

Mr. Liu's voice was almost final, making Zhang Yun's face even more grim.

But Gu Jinnian was delighted and immediately moved his things next to Yang Hanrou.

He neatly arranged his books and paper.

Suddenly, a black aura emerged from Zhang Yun's body, not as large as Zhou Ning's, but still significant.

Looking at Zhang Yun, his face was dark, and his eyes were full of coldness.

Feeling Zhang Yun's gaze, Gu Jinnian smiled, which made Zhang Yun even angrier.

But with Mr. Liu present, he couldn't act out, so he just clenched his fists and remained silent.

On the first seat.

Mr. Liu saw everything but said nothing. Instead, he opened his book and began his daily lesson.

The classroom was quiet.

Gu Jinnian didn't dare to cause trouble; with Mr. Liu in front, any misbehavior would result in punishment.

He had already gained an advantage and didn't want to push it.

The resentment was for the ancient tree in his mind, and to take revenge on the two.

"The ancient tree absorbs resentment and bears fruit."

"I wonder what this fruit is."

"I hope it's something good; otherwise, making enemies for no reason would be meaningless."

Gu Jinnian deeply pondered this.

The ancient tree in his mind was currently the only thing he could rely on.

Background and connections were not useful to him now, and the Gu family wasn't as perfect as he imagined.

To stabilize his position, he had to rely on himself.

He checked the ancient tree's status; the fruit was about the size of a fist, almost ripe.

But it was just a little short.

It seemed he needed to put in more effort.

Thinking about this, Gu Jinnian looked at Yang Hanrou and Zhang Yun.

These two already had resentment towards him, and tormenting them would increase it.

However, upon closer inspection.

Yang Hanrou was indeed beautiful, with a delicate and elegant appearance, a touch of coldness, and skin as smooth as jade, highlighting her youthful beauty.

The only flaw was that she was cold towards him.

But Gu Jinnian knew that beneath the coldness, there was fear.

After pushing him into the lake and framing him to escape responsibility, it wasn't a small matter.

Why did the Gu family remain silent?

Because they acted first, taking advantage of his amnesia to frame him, and the Gu family lacked evidence.

Otherwise, how could the capital be so peaceful?

Everyone knew this.

Yang Hanrou couldn't be unaware.

So this was Yang Hanrou's weakness, and he could exploit it.

Of course, Yang Hanrou wasn't the main issue.

The main issue was Zhang Yun. From the earlier situation, Gu Jinnian found that Zhang Yun gave him more resentment.

This meant he could focus on Zhang Yun.

At this moment, while Gu Jinnian was deep in thought, Mr. Liu's voice suddenly rang out, louder than before.

"What is national fortune?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Jinnian snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Mr. Liu, who was calm but glanced at him.

Clearly, he had been caught daydreaming during class.

However, Mr. Liu wasn't asking Gu Jinnian but looked at Zhang Yun and others.

Feeling Mr. Liu's gaze, Zhang Yun confidently answered.

"The fortune of the dynasty is national fortune."

"When national fortune is prosperous, the dynasty thrives; when national fortune declines, disasters and misfortunes arise."

This was Zhang Yun's answer, quite standard.

Mr. Liu, on the first seat, remained calm and continued to ask.

"How do you think we can enhance national fortune?"

Mr. Liu asked.

Upon hearing this, all the students were curious and began to think.

"A war to enhance fortune, reclaim lost territories, and expand the borders can enhance national fortune."

A student spoke, a descendant of a military family, suggesting this method.

Mr. Liu didn't respond or reject it, as it indeed could enhance national fortune.

However, it wasn't the answer he wanted.

"Is there anything else?"

He continued to ask.

"Mr. Liu, I believe the foundation of national fortune lies in the people."

"War can only provide a temporary boost, not a long-term solution."

"Thus, making the people prosperous, well-fed, and well-clothed can enhance national fortune."

"And this fortune can last for generations."

Zhang Yun answered.

His response hit the mark, making Mr. Liu nod repeatedly, and his aged face showed a smile.

"Very good, Zhang Yun. At your young age, you understand the importance of the people, which is excellent, excellent."

The students also looked at him with various expressions.

Most girls showed admiration, especially Yang Hanrou, whose eyes were full of respect. The other boys nodded, except for a few descendants of military families, who showed some disdain.

Of course, they were just jealous.

As for Zhang Yun, he was beaming with pride, glancing at Gu Jinnian as if to show off.

For a moment, Gu Jinnian was taken aback.

What a guy, I was thinking about whether to bother you, and you actually dare to look at me?

Alright, alright.

Feeling Zhang Yun's gaze, Gu Jinnian didn't hold back.

"Putting the people first, indeed."

"Descendants of great scholars are truly descendants of great scholars, your words are truly admirable."

"But talking about the people, and then talking about the people again."

"May I ask, do you know how much a pound of salt costs?"

An inappropriate voice interrupted Mr. Liu's praise.

Upon hearing this, everyone turned to look at Gu Jinnian.

Especially Mr. Liu.

He noticed that after some time, Gu Jinnian's tongue was sharper than before.

But he didn't interrupt and listened patiently.

"I don't know."

Zhang Yun glanced at Gu Jinnian. He wanted to ignore the question but looked at Mr. Liu and gave a faint response.

Not because he didn't want to answer, but because he truly didn't know.

"Then do you know how much a bolt of coarse linen costs?"

Gu Jinnian continued.

"I don't know."

Zhang Yun frowned but still answered.

"Then how much does a pound of coarse rice cost? You should know that, right?"

Gu Jinnian asked for the third time.

This time, Zhang Yun's frown deepened.

"What do I need to know these for?"

Zhang Yun was annoyed.

I'm talking about the welfare of the people, and you're asking me about trivial things?

Are you crazy?

Hearing Zhang Yun's response, Gu Jinnian coldly laughed.

"You talk about the people, and then talk about the people, but you don't even know the basic costs of salt, clothing, and rice."

"How can you have the nerve to talk about the people?"

"Isn't that ridiculous?"

Gu Jinnian spoke.

These words made the classroom fall silent.

Especially Mr. Liu, whose eyes showed surprise.