Chapter 65: Who Truly Lacks Virtue

Chapter 65: Who Truly Lacks Virtue

The room fell silent for a long moment following Master Fang's declaration of expulsion. Then, abruptly, the Earl of Nanling rose to his feet, his eyes blazing as he challenged, “No, that's unacceptable. They cannot be expelled.”

Realizing the harshness in his tone, he softened his voice, “Master Fang, my son Zimo may be a handful, but I assure you he will be strictly disciplined at home. He cannot be expelled! He's only fourteen; what is he to do if not study? Fritter away his days in frivolous pursuits?”

Master Fang’s expression turned grimmer, “My lord, the academy is a place for learning, not for squandering time.”

“Just give him two more years to mature, to gain some sense,” the Earl persisted, not yet ready to concede.

But Master Fang had made up his mind, “Discipline your child at home. That will be all, take your children home.”

The Earl of Nanling opened his mouth to protest but was silenced by a tug from Qi Liangsheng. Qi Liangsheng then turned to Master Fang, bowing respectfully, “We apologize for the inconvenience we’ve caused.”

This was an acknowledgment of the decision to expel Qi Heguang. The Earl of Nanling panicked; he had thought Qi Liangsheng had a persuasive solution for Master Fang, not realizing he was conceding.

“Master…”

“We apologize for the trouble,” Tang Shuyi interjected with a bow, cutting off the Earl. The Earl glowered at Tang Shuyi and Qi Liangsheng, but they remained unmoved.

It was then that Master Fang turned to Tang Shuyi, “Madame Marquess, how fares your eldest son in his studies?”

Tang Shuyi, unsure why he suddenly inquired about Xiao Yuchen, replied, “Yuchen is more diligent in his studies than Yuming, he’s quite assiduous on a regular basis.”

Master Fang huffed softly, a sound barely audible, yet Tang Shuyi read volumes in his glance. He continued, “One may read a thousand books, but if one’s character is flawed, it’s all for naught.”

Tang Shuyi’s expression chilled instantly; this was an overt indictment of Xiao Yuchen’s character, and in front of others no less, blatantly sabotaging his future. How could someone of such esteemed scholarly stature, the headmaster of the Upper Forest Academy, cast aspersions on Xiao Yuchen’s character in such a public manner? How was he to interact with others, to conduct himself in the future?

Xiao Yuchen may have been naive in matters of the heart and somewhat old-fashioned in his ways, but to label him as lacking in virtue was a verdict she could not accept.

Turning around to look down at Director Fang Shan, who was seated behind the desk, Tang Shuyi's lips curved into a smile, but her eyes were icy as she asked, "Director Fang, what brings about such a statement?"

"Humph!" Director Fang Shan's snort was much louder this time. He continued, "Does the Lady not know what the young master of your esteemed house has done?"

"I would appreciate Director Fang's guidance," Tang Shuyi bowed slightly in respect and said seriously, "If my son Yuchen has acted against virtue, I will surely discipline him strictly. If not, I would ask Director Fang to retract his previous statement, as a gentleman does not indulge in slander."

The phrase "a gentleman does not indulge in slander" caused Director Fang Shan's face to change color. Being a renowned scholar of the age, it was a direct affront to be accused of lying. He had not expected this widow of Marquis Yongning to be so forthright. Even high-ranking court officials treated him with great respect, Qi Liangsheng being one such example.

Angered, he asked, "I would like to ask you, has your house annulled the marriage arrangement with the Wu family?"

Tang Shuyi was momentarily stunned; she hadn't expected Director Fang to inquire about this matter, but this only made her less fearful. "Indeed, the arrangement was annulled a few days ago. Does Director Fang find anything improper in that?"

"Improper?" Director Fang Shan snorted coldly again. "Could it be that your esteemed young master has done something to tarnish his virtue?"

Tang Shuyi was almost amused with frustration. She hadn't spoken a word about the annulment yet, and now she was being questioned about it. The Wu family sure had some nerve!

Smiling at Director Fang Shan, she said, "My son Yuchen began his studies at the age of three under the personal guidance of my father, the old Marquis Yongning. At the age of six, he entered the Shanglin Academy, taught by the masters there. He only left the academy six months ago due to family matters, and has been studying at home since. I cannot claim that my son Yuchen is perfect, but he is certainly beyond reproach in terms of virtue. Otherwise, who would you suggest has taught him to be otherwise? My father, the old Marquis Yongning, or the masters of Shanglin Academy?"

"This..." Director Fang Shan found himself at a loss for words. Could he blame the old Marquis Yongning or the masters of Shanglin Academy? Certainly not.

Both the Earl of Nanling and Qi Liangsheng couldn't help but turn their attention to Tang Shuyi, who was dressed in a dark green robe with a peony pattern and her hair elegantly styled in a double peony bun. She looked dignified and graceful, reminiscent of a lotus flower. Yet at this moment, what struck them the most wasn't her delicate beauty but the imposing aura she exuded, her words striking directly at the heart of the matter, leaving no room for rebuttal.

They never knew that the Lady of Marquis Yongning was such a person.

Seeing that Director Fang Shan was unable to refute her, Tang Shuyi pressed on: "The annulment of the marriage between my house and the Wu family happened only a few days ago. How did Director Fang come to know of this? And who has been whispering in your ear, leading you to slander my son?"

"Cease your nonsense, woman," Director Fang Shan, growing even more irate upon hearing her use the word 'slander', but still lacking a rebuttal, said, "I shall not argue with a woman. Later, I shall discuss this matter properly with Duke Tang."

Tang Shuyi, annoyed at his sexist remarks, retorted, "Director Fang slanders my son and cannot provide a reason, and now he shirks responsibility because I am a woman. Such behavior is unbecoming of a gentleman, is it not?"

"You..."

At a loss for words, Director Fang Shan watched as Tang Shuyi scoffed and continued, "I, Tang Shuyi, have conducted myself with integrity and sat uprightly. Today, I have been slandered by Director Fang without cause, concerning both my and my son's reputations, and I cannot let this matter rest lightly."

"What would you have me do?" Director Fang Shan, seeing her insistence on not letting the matter rest and suddenly regretting his earlier words, realized that the affairs between the Marquis Yongning's household and the Wu family were none of his concern and that he should not have meddled.

He had merely heard that the annulment of the betrothal between Xiao Yuchen and Wu Jingyun was due to Xiao Yuchen's failing, with the Marquis's house using their influence oppressively. Because he had a close relationship with Wu Jingyun's maternal grandfather, upon seeing the Lady of Marquis Yongning today, he couldn't help but blurt out that Xiao Yuchen was lacking in virtue.

Regret was evident in his eyes as he witnessed the Marchioness's relentless pursuit of justice, but it was too late for regrets; his words were already out there.

At that moment, the formidable and beautiful lady slightly parted her red lips and said, “Master Fang, you accuse my son of lacking virtue because of the annulled engagement with Miss Wu. Then, let's summon Minister Wu and have him clarify, in front of everyone, the details of the annulled engagement and who exactly is lacking in virtue.”

As she spoke, she gave Master Fang a cold smile, her gaze fixated on his wrinkled face, and added, “Let’s see if Master Fang has been speaking nonsense and slandering my son.”

She then turned to face Minister Qi and the Earl of Nanling, giving them a deep bow, “I implore Minister Qi and Earl Nanling to bear witness.”

“Of course, since I am here, I shall bear witness,” responded the Earl of Nanling. He had already taken a disliking to Master Fang and, seeing Tang Shuyi's firmness, he readily agreed, believing she had the upper hand in making the old man concede.

Minister Qi, addressing Master Fang, remarked, “One should not lightly believe hearsay. Master Fang, today I shall also witness this matter for both parties.”

Master Fang, his eyes deep as he regarded Tang Shuyi, realized he had no choice but to agree to summon Minister Wu. From Tang Shuyi’s resolute demeanor, it was evident that in the annulled engagement between the Yongning Marquisate and the Wu family, the former likely held the just position.

Now, any regrets he harbored were futile.

Just then, the Marchioness called out towards the door, her voice resonant, “Someone, come here.”

PS: The matter with Wu Jingyun will soon pass, we won't dwell on her too much longer.