Ming Dynasty: I, Yan Maoqing, am truly radiating auspicious energy!

Chapter 15 Extreme Power Leads to Humiliation
"..."

The other scholars who had been shouting arrogantly just moments before had already disappeared into the crowd, afraid that Yan Maoqing might suddenly turn his gun on them and drag them down with him.

They couldn't understand Yan Maoqing at this moment; his behavior was simply contradictory!
During the imperial examinations, in order to please the emperor, he disregarded his reputation and acted like a jester to attract attention, wanting to advance his career more than anyone else.

Now, however, they dare to assault people outside the palace gates and even try to alert the Embroidered Uniform Guard, escalating the situation further.

Doesn't he realize that if this matter reaches the Emperor, even if the Emperor disdains to investigate the cause and effect and simply sentences both sides equally, he will be the first to bear the brunt?

What's wrong? Has he suddenly lost the will to improve?

"A wise man never suffers a loss in front of him!"

Seeing Yan Maoqing, who was holding Zhang Yusheng hostage, walking towards him step by step, Gao Gong quickly weighed the pros and cons and dared not get entangled with him.

But after taking only a few steps back, his back bumped into the crowd of onlookers behind him, leaving him nowhere to retreat.

"Um?!"

Gao Gong could vaguely sense that some of the scholars behind him were secretly exerting their strength, deliberately pushing him toward Yan Maoqing.
These people are definitely doing this on purpose!
Gao Gong felt a chill run down his spine. They were not only enjoying the spectacle, but they also probably harbored sinister intentions to ruin his future.

After all, as the third-ranked student in the second class, he had a high probability of being selected as a junior scholar in the subsequent selection process.

If they could use this opportunity to destroy him, they would naturally lose a powerful opponent.

I never imagined that the wickedness of people would be so vividly displayed so soon after I passed the imperial examination. They really will stop at nothing!

Is this what officialdom is like?

Gao Gong suddenly felt a pang of regret. He regretted that he had acted rashly and impulsively, and that he had provoked Yan Maoqing. Otherwise, he would not have given these wicked people the opportunity to frame him!
Compared to these people, even a true villain like Yan Maoqing seems much more upright.

At least when no one provoked him, he didn't involve others; he simply sought a shortcut to advancement in his own unique way.

"Who is it? Who pushed me!"

With these thoughts in mind, Gao Gong's anger flared up again, and he turned around and roared.

But there were many people standing behind him, and those behind were crowding those in front, making it difficult for those in front to move forward or backward. For a moment, it was impossible to tell who was really struggling to move forward or backward, or who was just pretending to be struggling.

There was clearly a large open space behind them; if they wanted to retreat, they could have scattered in all directions.

But now that the group of people is so crowded, it's extremely difficult for him to take another step back.

at the same time.

Seeing Yan Maoqing approaching step by step.

A sense of despair and panic welled up in Gao Gong's heart.

He absolutely cannot ruin his future because of this; no one knows how difficult it has been for him to get to where he is today.

He studied the classics diligently from a young age and became a successful candidate in the provincial examination at the age of seventeen.

However, he wasted thirteen years on the path of the imperial examinations, and it was not until he was over thirty that he finally passed the examination and got the opportunity to enter officialdom and realize his ambitions.

This opportunity was undoubtedly a redemption for him; if he were to lose it all because of this trivial matter, he would probably never be able to forgive himself for the rest of his life…

Closer! Yan Maoqing was even closer to Gao Gong; they were practically right in front of each other!

The surrounding scholars, each with their own thoughts, all stared wide-eyed, waiting for what was about to happen. The once noisy environment suddenly became quiet, almost comparable to the Huagai Hall where the imperial examination ceremony had been held.

"..."

Gao Gong looked grim and raised his hand to protect himself.

Although he did not want to fight Yan Maoqing in public and confirm the accusation of mutual fighting, he was also unwilling to sit idly by and wait for death. So after thinking it over, he decided to take a passive defensive stance.

However, Yan Maoqing simply smiled calmly and said:
“Brother Gao, since you just spoke up for me and gave me some pointers, it’s only polite to reciprocate. So, I’ll give you a piece of advice as well.” “W-what advice?”

Gao Gong was taken aback, not understanding what Yan Maoqing was trying to do.

Yan Maoqing continued smiling, shaking his head as he said:

"Extreme strength leads to humiliation, and excessive rigidity leads to destruction. I share this sentiment with my elder brother."

Gao Gong was taken aback again.

What do you mean?
Is this some kind of instruction directed at me?
How could someone who came in last place in the third division be giving advice to someone who came in third place in the second division?
joke!

Gao Gong was furious and wanted to retort, but upon reflection, he realized that Yan Maoqing's words were not unfounded and had indeed hit the nail on the head.

His problem of being easily angered and unable to hide or suppress his emotions is something he has to admit, even if he doesn't want to.

Leaving aside other matters, let's take the incident of stopping Yan Maoqing earlier as an example. Upon careful recollection, it seems that I was also provoked by others' words, which made me increasingly displeased with Yan Maoqing. In the end, I couldn't hold back and became the one who stood up for him.

The few people who instigated him stayed hidden in the crowd from beginning to end, watching from the sidelines, at most joining in a few cheers.

and so……

With these thoughts in mind, Gao Gong suddenly found Yan Maoqing in front of him much more pleasing to the eye.

At least Yan Maoqing saw through his problem at a glance and didn't hide it, speaking his mind as frankly as he did.

On the other hand, those scholars he had previously met, compared to Yan Maoqing who had never interacted with him, were naturally more knowledgeable about his personal issues.

But they usually treat him like a brother, always talking about benevolence and morality, yet none of them have ever mentioned this issue to his face, let alone given him any reminders. On the contrary, they have just tried their best to provoke him to the point of creating the current situation.

Who is the villain?

Who is a gentleman?

Who can I befriend?

Who should be wary of?

Having just experienced what happened, Gao Gong seemed to have gained some insight, and inexplicably, he clasped his hands and bowed:
"Thank you for your guidance, Brother Yan. I have benefited greatly from it."

Eh?
A murmur of discussion immediately arose around them, and many people looked disappointed.

Go ahead and fight?

Why did you stop fighting?!
Those who were particularly close to Gao Gong were extremely disappointed, exchanging bewildered glances: "Why did Gao Gong back down so easily? Is this really his personality?"

While talking.

"spread!"

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard is on duty. All irrelevant personnel, please disperse!"

Just then, a rough shout and heavy footsteps came from outside the crowd, and the commotion had finally attracted the attention of the Imperial Guards.

Especially after Yan Maoqing shouted, "The Embroidered Uniform Guard is responsible for protecting the palace. Are you planning to ignore it?" Even if the guards did not want to provoke these newly appointed scholars who might become their superiors in the future, they could no longer remain bystanders. Otherwise, if the news reached the emperor's ears, the consequences would be severe.

In an instant, the crowd parted to make way.

The captain, his hand on the hilt of his sword, led in more than ten Imperial Guards:

"Who are Zhang Yusheng and Yan Maoqing? They have the audacity to provoke a fight at the palace gates! Seize them!"

(End of this chapter)