After her transformation and rebirth, she manipulates the innocent and ruthless to overthrow the wor

As dusk fell, a fine drizzle began to fall, the raindrops gently tapping on the banana leaves in the courtyard of Guangwentang. The crisp sound was just like the rhythm of Xiao Ran casually tapping on the table by the window, one tap after another, a melodious sound wafting through the air.

Inside the hall, the teacher was lecturing eloquently, his voice clear and resonant, like a booming bell.

This was supposed to be the day Wen Ming came to give a lecture, but due to his injuries, he was unable to keep his appointment.

The students obediently cooperated, all reciting in unison as the teacher lectured.

The reason for this was that this gentleman was the strictest in Guangwentang and was used to reporting on others to his superiors, so everyone was wary of him.

However, in that inconspicuous corner, a man and a woman were both lost in thought.

Xiao Ran rested her chin on one hand, her gaze fixed on the view outside the window, her thoughts seemingly drifting far away, and it was unclear what she was pondering. Nangong Ming, on the other hand, lay on the table, silently watching the rhythm of Xiao Ran's tapping, lost in thought.

In fact, he had specifically suggested going out for a trip with Xiao Ran today, but for some reason, Xiao Ran seemed to ignore him and frequently fell into a daze.

This situation greatly annoyed Nangong Ming. He had thought that once Xiao Ran returned to Guangwen Hall, he would no longer suffer from that boring torment.

Suddenly, a loud thud came from the tabletop.

Nangong Ming suddenly looked up and saw that everyone's eyes were focused on them. When he looked up again, the schoolteacher was already standing beside his desk with a gloomy expression.

"Do you two think you've thoroughly grasped today's lesson by acting like this?"

Nangong Ming subconsciously scratched his head, then grinned at the schoolteacher, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Hehe, sir, you are unaware of the truth. It is because your lessons are too profound that I, a shallow person, am struggling to swim in the vast ocean of knowledge. I am unable to extricate myself for a moment, which is why I lost my focus. I hope you will forgive me, sir."

His words drew laughter from the crowd, but the teacher's anger intensified. He slammed his ruler heavily on the table, making a sharp sound.

"You two, stand up!"

Seeing this, Nangong Ming, though unwilling, could only obediently get up. Xiao Ran also slowly came back to her senses and silently stood up as well.

"Today, let's hear your thoughts on what the Analects means by saying, 'Without learning propriety, one cannot stand.' Nangong Ming, you go first!"

Nangong Ming scratched his head, his eyes darting around, and grinned mischievously.

"Sir, does this mean that if you don't learn manners, you can't stand up straight? You see, if someone doesn't know manners and rushes around recklessly, they will definitely be disliked by others, just like a stool without legs, which can't even stand steadily and can only be kicked into a corner."

After saying that, he exaggeratedly imitated the way someone stands unsteadily and crookedly.

Upon hearing this, the crowd burst into laughter again. The schoolteacher was so angry that his beard bristled and his eyes widened. He waved the ruler in the air, seemingly trying to suppress his rage.

"You...stop talking nonsense! Fine, Xiao Ran, you explain yourself!"

Xiao Ran calmly replied, “Sir, this sentence emphasizes that propriety is the foundation of one’s character. A person without propriety is like a person without a lamp in the dark. In personal cultivation, propriety restrains one’s nature. A gentleman displays virtue by following propriety, as in ‘A gentleman does not seek to be full when he eats, nor does he seek comfort when he dwells. He is diligent in his work and cautious in his speech, and he seeks guidance from those who possess the Way.’ In social interactions, propriety is the bridge to friendship. ‘Is it not delightful to have friends coming from afar?’ Yanzi’s mission to Chu was to use propriety to transform the difficult situation, winning respect and establishing good relationships. Propriety has a profound meaning in all situations, and it is not just the literal meaning.”

When these words came out, everyone was stunned.