Chapter 82: Campus Bullying

Chapter 82: Campus Bullying

After the banquet celebrating the hundred-day mark, Princess Xianning paid a visit to Wenqin Academy.

However, the outcome was not what she had expected. The students there were indeed much worse than those educated at Hongwen Academy.

She had to admit, how could Hongwen Academy, which gathers the best tutors in the empire, suddenly decline?

So why was this happening?

Bei Jinwan sought out Bei Qin’s former teacher.

"What did you say!?"

"Princess!?"

Zhao Qin's mother was actually a princess of the Yue Dynasty?

This is terrible. Terribly so.

Why didn’t he mention this before?

Seeing his astonished expression, the academy head was puzzled.

Wenqin Academy is a prestigious institution in the capital, and many noble children attend. There’s no need for such surprise.

"Tutor Dou, what’s the matter?"

Tutor Dou quickly regained his composure and said, "Academy head, Zhao Qin has never mentioned his family background."

"I was surprised to learn he is the son of a princess."

This reason did make sense.

The academy head led him to the tea room, instructing him as they went, "You are Zhao Qin's tutor and should know him well. If the princess has any questions, you are to accompany me to the meeting."

As they walked, the footsteps behind seemed off.

He turned and saw Tutor Dou shuffling slowly, taking tiny steps.

He couldn't help but urge, "Hurry up, Tutor Dou, we shouldn't keep the princess waiting."

"Right away, academy head."

But his tone sounded reluctant.

Bei Jinwan was escorted to the tea room and served delicious food and drink.

Soon, there was a knock at the door.

"Enter."

An elderly man with a white beard opened the door. "Greetings, Princess. I am the head of Wenqin Academy, and this is Tutor Dou, your son’s former teacher."

"Feel free to ask us any questions."

The princess waved her hand, gesturing for them to sit.

Only then did they sit down opposite her.

"This child Qinger received a favor and was admitted to Hongwen Hall."

"His previous academic performance at Wenqin Academy was extremely poor. I thought he would just be there for show, but unexpectedly, the headmaster told me that this child is among the top students."

"Therefore, I, Lord Bei, want to understand the reasons behind my son’s poor academic performance to prevent history from repeating itself."

At this, both she and the headmaster looked at Master Dou.

Master Dou quickly glanced at them, then lowered his eyes and didn't dare to look again. The smile on his lips seemed forced, and he answered dryly, "Perhaps the teaching methods at Wenqin Academy weren't suitable for young Master Qinger."

"After all, Hongwen Hall is full of talented individuals; it's no wonder young Master Qinger could fully demonstrate his abilities there."

He was trying to avoid the question.

The Princess Royal keenly sensed something was off and countered, "Qinger's talents were personally acknowledged by the academy headmaster."

"As long as he has mastered the basics of reading, even without a teacher's guidance, he could study on his own and wouldn't perform so poorly."

The princess, who had been leaning on the backrest, sat up slightly. "Master Dou, I am a royal princess after all; it's not hard for me to investigate a matter."

"If you lie today, can you bear the consequences of my wrath?"

A large bead of cold sweat dripped from Master Dou's temple.

The headmaster also chimed in, "Master Dou, simply share what you know about Young Master Qinger. We’re not making unreasonable demands; don’t hide anything from the Princess Royal."

Master Dou wiped the sweat flowing down to his chin and added, "It’s my fault, there is indeed something I should mention."

"Young Master Qinger is naturally quiet and didn’t get along well with the other students, making him quite lonely at the academy."

"Children, perhaps influenced by their emotions, might..."

He spoke tactfully, but Bei Jinwan didn't think it was that simple.

And given how hesitant Master Dou was just now, she didn't believe there was no involvement on his part.

For a teacher to be involved in a student's affairs, especially when her Qinger was at a disadvantage...

The Princess Royal's gaze grew colder, and the headmaster also realized something.

But before they could say anything more, Bei Jinwan had already stood up. "It’s nearly noon, and it’s time for my son to come home from school, so I must take my leave."

As soon as she returned to the princess’s mansion, Bei Qin's carriage arrived shortly after.

"Mother!"

He hopped down.

At this moment, Bei Jinwan wouldn’t remind him to be careful about falling.

He bounded over to her, his eyes shining as he asked, "Mother, where did you go today? Did you sneak out to have fun without me again?"

"You little rascal, do you think I need to sneak around to have some fun?"

They walked in together, and the midday meal was already prepared and served.

Servants brought two basins of water, sprinkled with flower petals, for them to wash their hands. Beiqin washed his hands very thoroughly, carefully rubbing each finger.

"Have you encountered anything unusual recently?"

Beiqin paused when he heard his mother's question.

Hmm... the strangest thing is probably that I can hear the First Princess’s thoughts.

Despite his young age, he’s quite cunning.

But it's better to keep this to himself.

Beiqin replied that nothing noteworthy had happened.

"How about before that?"

Beiqin finished washing his hands, took a towel, and asked while wiping, "Mother, if you have something to ask, just go ahead."

"At Wenqin Academy, has anyone bullied you?"

Without hesitation, Beiqin nodded, "Yes, quite a few."

Princess Xianning’s mouth opened slightly, but it took her a moment to speak. "Why didn’t you tell me about it?"

Beiqin was more concerned with another matter and urged, "Mother, please start eating, I’m starving~"

His mother was very indulgent towards him, but necessary etiquette was never neglected, to prevent him from being rude or losing his composure outside.

For instance, the rule that the person of higher rank must start eating first is one such custom.

Princess Xianning picked up her chopsticks, lightly touched the braised meat in front of her, and sighed, "Eat, then."

Beiqin quickly picked up a piece of meat and began eating it with rice. Though he ate hungrily, his manners remained elegant; his movements were swift yet graceful.

After eating half a bowl and feeling somewhat full, he slowed down and responded to his mother’s earlier question, "It's all in the past, the issues are resolved, no need to talk about it anymore."

"The injustices I’ve endured aren’t just a few; if I were to recount them all, it would take at least three days and nights."

Mentioning that woman dampened Beiqin’s appetite.

He muttered, "I did tell her..."

Princess Xianning’s voice softened as well, and she asked patiently, "Then how did she handle it?"

Bei Jingwan had a pretty good guess; it probably wasn’t a good solution. She wanted to hear just how incompetent that brainless aunt was.

"She said..."

"Why do others not bully the rest, but only you?"