The old man made no attempt to hide his disgust as he looked at Wen Lang:

"A scoundrel like you dares to call yourself a scholar? It's utterly shameful!"

Wen Lang's proudest achievements in life were his ability to read and his gentle and upright reputation.

Now, to be publicly called a villain by some stinky old man who appeared out of nowhere, he couldn't stand it. He frowned, stared at the old man, and sneered.

"Where did this old scoundrel come from, spouting nonsense and shameless? I, Wen Lang, have studied diligently for over a decade. While I wouldn't claim to be a scholar of immense learning, I have achieved some success. Passing the imperial examination was entirely due to my own knowledge. If it weren't for that vile woman Yu Shuyan spreading rumors and framing me, my reputation as a model scholar would be exemplary. Where did you crawl out of, you old bastard, to dare speak so arrogantly? You deserve to die!"

As he spoke, he looked directly at Yu Shuyan and suddenly sneered:

"Yu Shuyan, I've always known you have a lover outside. This bastard, could he be this old man's?! Yu Shuyan, you're too indiscriminate! You even want an old man like this!"

The old man was so angry that he shook his head repeatedly.

"Nonsense! Utter nonsense! This is an insult to scholarship, an insult to scholarship!"

Seeing that he was quite angry, the other elders all spoke up to comfort him:

"Old Qin, don't get angry with this young man, it's not worth it."

"That's right. Fortunately, we can see this young man clearly now. We must never allow him to mingle in the literary world."

"Exactly, exactly!"

······

Wen Lang frowned:

Could it be that they have unusual identities?

But then I thought, given his unusual background, why would he be here?

Besides, he's now the imperial son-in-law, representing Gong Beige. Although Gong Beige's attitude towards him... well, in front of outsiders, he naturally has to maintain his status.

Thinking of this, he raised his head and sneered disdainfully:

"You bunch of half-buried bastards, you're asking for trouble, hoping I'll give you a hand? You'd better kneel down and beg for mercy. I'll deal with you after I've dealt with this bitch. Otherwise—"

The old man stared at him coldly:

"What else?"

When Wen Lang was stared at by the old man's sharp eyes, his heart suddenly trembled, and the harsh words he wanted to say were unable to be uttered for a moment.

Gong Beige sneered:

"Otherwise, I wouldn't mind letting you taste the seventy-two tortures of my Shadow Guard! I'd like to see if you'll still be so stubborn then."

The old man shook his head slightly, looking disappointed.

"The emperor has been begging me to come out of seclusion, making me believe that the literary world today is absolutely a pure land. But only today have I realized just how 'pure' this pure land really is."

The other elderly men nodded in agreement, their faces filled with resentment.

"Yes, Old Qin is right, the world is going to the dogs!"

"Alas, where is there any pure land in the literary world? It's all scheming and ruthless, a one-man show by the royal family!"

"Alas, this girl's medical skills are truly benevolent, earning her the respect and admiration of the people, which is why she received the plaque for being remembered for generations. It's unbelievable that just because the princess dislikes her, she can so easily manipulate things, closing her doors and attempting to extract a confession through torture. Even more terrifying is her attempt to harm such a young child. Truly, it's inconceivable and utterly wicked!"

"Yes, we were just expressing our thoughts, and Her Highness is going to subject us to seventy-two forms of torture. It's truly heartbreaking that there's no moral order or etiquette involved!"

"I've long heard that the Hidden Guards are best at fabricating charges and persecuting loyal officials. Seeing it today has truly broadened our horizons!"

······

Gong Beige's expression suddenly turned grim. She stared intently at Old Qin, her eyes filled with scrutiny.

"You...you are..."

"What a bunch of old fools who don't know their own mortality! How dare you discuss the dignified princess? You won't shed tears until you see the coffin. Since you've asked for death yourselves, I'll grant your wish."

After venting his anger, he pointed at Old Master Qin and gave orders to the guards.

"Arrest them all! First, pull out their tongues. I want to see who dares to cause trouble again!"

Gong Beige's words were interrupted by him, his eyes revealing undisguised displeasure:

"Did you let me speak?"

Wen Lang was startled, a hint of unease flashing in his eyes. He glanced unconsciously at Yu Shuyan, clearly seeing her trying hard to hide her embarrassment, and stammered:

"Bei Ge, I just... just wanted to help you... help you vent your anger."

Gong Beige snorted coldly:

"Bei Ge, how dare you call me that!"

Wen Lang's lowered eyes showed even greater embarrassment.

Gong Beige, however, completely ignored him and looked at Elder Qin:

"Are you Qin Rongtian, the carefree hermit of Qingliang Mountain?"

Wen Lang's eyes widened suddenly. Forgetting his embarrassment, he stared straight at Old Qin, his eyes filled with disbelief, and murmured:

"The carefree hermit, Elder Qin? Impossible, how could such a person be here?"

Old Qin simply stared indifferently at Gong Beige, not giving Wen Lang a single glance.

An old man behind Qin Lao sneered:

"This is none other than Elder Qin Rongtian. Elder Qin came down the mountain this time because he learned that the goddess physician Yuan Niangzi had solved a great problem for women all over the world, and he also happened to learn that the people were petitioning for a shrine to be built for her. He was very moved, so he made an exception and went to the palace to meet the emperor to petition for an imperial archway to be bestowed upon her. Little did he know that he would witness such a scene!"

Yu Shuyan was clearly a little dazed at this moment:

She knew Old Qin.

In his previous life, Bai Chongshan did not accept Wen Lang as a disciple, and he often complained about it at home.

The most common thing people said was that Bai Chongshan was nothing, a literary giant, and that he only benefited because Old Qin was unwilling to leave the mountain.

Qin Lao was not only a literary trendsetter in the Great Yong Dynasty, but also a figure sought after by various states. It's no exaggeration to say that if a ruler received a single compliment from Qin Lao, his prestige would awe all his people and other nations. His kingdom could even extend its reign for several more generations!

Because of his illegitimate methods of seizing power, Gong Nanxian was constantly worried about the stability of his throne. He personally went to Qingliang Mountain countless times to plead with Elder Qin, but all he could ask for was a piece of his calligraphy to be hung in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, and he never received it.

But why would someone like him personally descend the mountain and enter the palace for her sake?

She frowned in confusion, and everyone else, including Gong Beige, looked displeased.

Wen Lang, in particular, was now deathly pale!

Because of Yu Shuyan, his reputation was slightly tarnished, but with Gong Beige's support, he could still make his way in the court.

But what did he just do? What did he say to those who are beyond the reach of intellectuals?

He's finished. His career in politics is ruined!

No, no, you can't.

There must be a way, there must be a way.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and he abruptly turned to look at Gong Beige:

Yes, the gate is closed, and this place is full of Gong Beige's men. As long as we kill the entire Yu family and these old geezers, who will know what anyone said!

Yes, kill them all!

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