"Haizong Yan? Are you Imperial Teacher Haizong Yan?" The three widened their eyes, staring at Old Hai with shock and disbelief filling their gaze.

Old Hai did not speak, simply lifting his teacup and slowly savoring it.

Song Bochao and the other six also sipped their tea in silence.

Not speaking was tantamount to admitting it, the three Scholar Officials hurriedly stood up, kneeling in front of Old Hai: "This humble office has seen the Imperial Teacher!"

The two Scholar Officials who had not spoken, Fu Ping, and Du Yingyuan, were extremely respectful in their demeanor, feeling both alarmed and delighted.

It was well known that the Imperial Teacher possessed both incredible talent and impeccable character, deeply respected and admired by people all over, many students even taking him as their goal to strive for.

They were naturally no exception, but unfortunately, due to the Imperial Teacher's revered status and prolonged residence in The Capital, they had never had the chance to meet him in person.

Never had they expected that today they would be so fortunate to meet the renowned Imperial Teacher. How could they not be excited and thrilled?

If they could receive guidance from the Imperial Teacher, it would be a tremendous blessing for them. Even if they couldn't get his guidance, just having seen him with their own eyes, their friends would surely die of envy.

The middle-aged man Jia Gujing's complexion turned pale, his brow beading with large drops of cold sweat as he trembled uncontrollably, not daring even to breathe loudly with his head bowed.

Everyone knew the Imperial Teacher was deeply esteemed and trusted by two Emperors, yet he was only a ninth-rank Scholar Official. Having inadvertently offended the Imperial Teacher, his career prospects were likely bleak now.

All because of Yang Chengyou—if Yang Chengyou had earlier stated that he was a disciple of the Imperial Teacher, he wouldn't have offended the Imperial Teacher. He would have tried everything to ingratiate himself with Yang Chengyou to climb onto the big tree of the Imperial Teacher, without any worries about his career flourishing, surrounded by wealth and glory.

Yang Chengyou had cut off his career path, and he would not let Yang Chengyou off the hook. Just spreading rumors that Yang Chengyou was of poor character would ruin his reputation. Even if the Imperial Teacher stepped in to clarify, Yang Chengyou's name would be tarnished, and he would never think of returning to officialdom again.

Seeing through Jia Gujing's thoughts, Yang Mengchen's eyes and brows contained a piercing chill, a fleeting murderous intent passing by in an instant.

Outside the reception hall, Long Xuanmo had been deeply gazing at Yang Mengchen all along, naturally not missing the icy murderous intent in her eyes. He made a gesture to Mo Lei who, understanding, nodded in respect.

Putting down the teacup in his hand, Old Hai looked at Fu Ping and the other two, his face calm, his eyes profound as the abyss, "As Scholar Officials, you should be strict with yourselves and tolerant towards others. Yet you have been arrogantly outspoken and overbearing. If you cannot conduct yourselves properly, how can you teach and nurture others?

Furthermore, when Chengyou went to report to the county school, he had already made it clear that he intended to study at home and would participate only in the annual and imperial examinations. This is not only explicitly permitted by the law, but it also does not affect the county school's teaching system, and both the County Magistrate and the head of the county school agreed on the spot.

Then why did you step over the County Magistrate and the school's head, coming to threaten by revoking Chengyou's scholarly status?"

"For many years, I have been at the side of two Emperors, and I have never heard of any law that says Scholar Officials can arbitrarily revoke a student's scholarly status. So, who gave you the authority to take such liberties?"

"The County Magistrate would also like to know who gave you this authority?" Xiao Hongtao strode into the reception hall, his stern countenance cold and solemn.

Seeing Xiao Hongtao there too, the already pale faces of the three Scholar Officials grew even paler, their hearts churning with turbulent waves.

They had reviewed Yang Chengyou's registration information and found him to be just a common villager from Yangliu village, without any background whatsoever. But now, could someone please tell them why the esteemed Imperial Teacher was at the Yang family home, and even took Yang Chengyou as his disciple? Why was Magistrate Xiao so obviously protecting the Yang family?

"Imperial Teacher, calm your anger! Sir Xiao, calm your anger!" Seeing the situation turn dire, Fu Ping tried to avoid the serious and seek the trivial: "This humble office came to inquire about Scholar Yang's studies, not to coerce. Please investigate the matter, Imperial Teacher and County Magistrate!"

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