Chapter 63: The Plot Emerges, Counterattack Unleashed

Chapter 63: Schemes Rise to the Surface, Counterattack Reveals Brilliance

The clamorous noise swelled like a rising tide, wave after wave battering the walls of the Academy, attempting to breach the tranquil sanctuary of the classroom.

Lin Shiya’s elegant brows arched slightly, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes, yet she closed her book at an unhurried pace. Her clear, crisp voice, as pure as a mountain spring, flowed softly through the restless air: “Everyone, today’s lesson ends here. We shall continue our discussion next class.”

The students were momentarily stunned, then quickly composed themselves. They rose in turn, paying respectful homage to Lin Shiya, their gazes filled with admiration and reluctant parting.

The previous agitation gradually subsided under Lin Shiya’s calm presence.

Outside the window, shrill curses thundered, a stark contrast to the classroom’s restored serenity. Tension hung in the air, an invisible string stretched taut, threatening to snap at any moment.

As the students prepared to exit in orderly fashion, a sudden loud crash resounded—the lecture hall’s doors were violently kicked open.

A torrent of piercing screams rushed in, shattering the rare peace.

A group of lavishly dressed, heavily made-up noblewomen surged forward like a flock of squawking hens, led by the ferocious Lady Zhou.

“Witch! You witch! How dare you beguile minds here!” Lady Zhou stood with hands on hips, her corpulent figure crowding her face with folds, features twisted in rage, pointing at Lin Shiya, her shrill voice grating like a saw.

The noblewomen behind her joined in, jeering and cursing in a cacophony, like a swarm of headless flies stirred to frenzy.

“This is the Academy! How dare a depraved woman show her face here!”

“Learning is a man’s duty. Women should stay home, assist their husbands, and raise children!”

“Drive out this witch at once!”

The hall filled with harsh, offensive words. The students exchanged anxious glances, their former admiration replaced by fear, instinctively retreating in hopes of avoiding trouble.

Captain Li arrived with his team, but merely stood aside, coldly observing, making no move to intervene.

Lin Shiya stood at the podium. Facing this sudden chaos, she remained utterly composed.

She slowly raised her head, her gaze deep as a cold pool, sweeping over the snarling noblewomen before her.

She understood clearly—this was only the tip of the iceberg thrown by conspirators; the real battle had just begun.

Prepared, she allowed a faint, almost imperceptible smile to curve her lips.

The atmosphere in the hall plummeted toward freezing, tense enough to solidify the very air as the noblewomen barged in.

Lin Shiya’s gaze finally settled on Lady Zhou’s contorted face. She turned gracefully to face the uninvited guests, first offering them a dignified, feminine salute…

Facing the noblewomen, Lin Shiya executed a courteous bow and spoke in a voice crisp and resolute: “Ladies, your sudden visit to the Academy today—may I ask your purpose? If there is any misunderstanding, please clarify it openly, so that the innocent are not harmed.”

Lady Zhou, irked by Lin Shiya’s composure, snapped in a shrill tone: “Misunderstanding? We’re here to tell you that a woman like you is utterly unfit to teach here! You corrupt the academic spirit and beguile minds!”

Lin Shiya smiled faintly, a subtle trace of mockery at the corner of her eyes. She replied gently, “Madam, you exaggerate. Women receiving education is no different from men. Since ancient times, virtuous wives, mothers, and talented ladies have been exemplary models for women. Do you not hope your own daughter will receive a good education, and one day assist her husband and raise her children well?”

Her words, sincere and powerful, drifted like a fresh, warm breeze, touching the hearts of everyone present.

Some noblewomen began to waver, whispering among themselves, uncertainty flickering in their eyes.

Lady Zhou’s arrogance was swiftly suppressed; beads of sweat appeared on her brow.

At that moment, a chilling laugh echoed from outside the hall.

Strategist Liu appeared at the doorway, his smile sinister as he gestured for Young Master Song to step forward.

Young Master Song, resplendently dressed and smug, strode forth, clearly well rehearsed for this performance.

He cleared his throat and declared loudly, “Lin Shiya, stop your sophistry and perverse teachings that corrupt the academic spirit and beguile minds! Admit your guilt now, or I shall expose your misdeeds!”

Anger surged within Lin Shiya, but she quickly regained her composure. Her voice remained steady, now tinged with sharpness: “Young Master Song, your accusations are groundless. If you have evidence, let facts decide. Why not let the students here judge the merits of my teachings themselves?”

The tension in the hall rose again. The students looked at each other, clearly bewildered by the sudden confrontation.

Lin Shiya’s calm and resolve pierced the gloom like a shining sword, moving all present.

Strategist Liu and Young Master Song exchanged a vicious glance, plotting their next move.

Just then, Lin Shiya spoke again, her voice like water flowing over stone, unwavering: “Why not let facts speak for themselves?”

No sooner had she finished than the students stood up one after another, their eyes resolute as they looked to Lin Shiya, faces alight with thirst for knowledge and admiration.

An elder student spoke first, his voice booming: “Madam Lin’s lessons are rich in classical references, clear and insightful—she has benefited us greatly!”

His words, like a stone cast into a calm lake, sent ripples through the crowd.

Other students echoed in agreement, voicing their support and praise for Lin Shiya. Applause and approval filled the hall.

Young Master Song’s face turned liver-red. He pointed at the students, his fingers trembling, stammering, “You… you… you’ve all been beguiled by her!” He tried to argue, but his words rang hollow.

His ridiculous demeanor brought embarrassment to the noblewomen around him; their previously aggressive airs vanished without a trace.

Lin Shiya met Young Master Song’s predicament with a serene smile. Her gaze swept the hall calmly as she stated, clear and firm, “The pure remain pure, the impure remain impure. Right and wrong will be decided by public opinion.”

Her words, sharp as a blade, tore through the schemes of Young Master Song and Strategist Liu, unmasking their ugliness for all to see.

Thunderous applause erupted. The students used their clapping to express their admiration and support for Lin Shiya. Even the noblewomen bowed their heads in shame; their farce had ended in utter defeat.

The oppressive atmosphere dissipated, replaced by a sense of victorious joy.

Lin Shiya had deftly resolved a crisis. Her wisdom and courage won the respect of everyone present.

News of her successful lecture at the Academy spread through the entire court like wings.

Even those neutral ministers who had watched from afar were moved by her courage and intellect, beginning to seriously consider the current situation and gradually leaning toward supporting her reforms.

Sunlight streamed through the window, gilding Lin Shiya in gold.

Standing in the Academy’s lecture hall, gazing at the eager faces of the students, her heart brimmed with pride and joy. Her efforts had finally been rewarded; a powerful sense of achievement surged within her.

She knew this was only the beginning—the road ahead was long, yet she was confident she could overcome all obstacles and ultimately achieve her goals.

Just then, Captain Li strode forward, whispering a few words in Lin Shiya’s ear. Her smile froze, replaced by a subtle coldness. She slowly lifted her head, gazing into the void with a meaningful smile and murmured, “It seems the real show has only just begun…”

Lin Shiya’s laughter rang clear in the quiet hall, tinged with a barely perceptible chill.

“Young Master Song, you accuse me of beguiling minds and corrupting the academic spirit—do you have any proof?” Her tone was gentle, yet sharp.

Young Master Song was caught off guard by her sudden question, unable to muster a coherent reply.

Ignoring him, Lin Shiya drew a stack of papers from her sleeve and announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, please look—this is a plan personally written by Strategist Liu. It details how Young Master Song was used to spread rumors, tarnish my reputation, disrupt teaching, incite noblewomen to cause trouble, and attempt to prevent women from enrolling—all manner of conspiracies.”

Her words caused an uproar.

Students, noblewomen, even Captain Li revealed expressions of shock.

Strategist Liu’s face turned deathly pale, lips trembling, speechless.

His meticulously plotted scheme had been exposed so effortlessly by Lin Shiya; he felt like a clown, mocked by all.

“This… this can’t be!” Young Master Song, ashen-faced, pointed at the papers in Lin Shiya’s hand, babbling, “You forged these! You’re slandering us!”

Lin Shiya laughed coldly, her gaze razor-sharp. “Slander? Young Master Song, do you dare confront Strategist Liu here before everyone?”

Her tone was firm and unyielding.

Young Master Song glanced at Strategist Liu’s ghastly face, then at the suspicious looks around him. His confidence faltered, and he could say nothing.

The truth was laid bare. Strategist Liu’s scheme was utterly exposed; he was publicly humiliated and fled the Academy like a beaten dog.

Young Master Song followed suit, slinking away amid a chorus of sighs.

Lin Shiya stood at the podium, her gaze sweeping over the crowd, eyes steadfast and confident, like a victorious general.

This turmoil had not defeated her; it had only made her stronger. Her prestige in both the court and the Academy soared.

Sunlight poured into the hall, bathing Lin Shiya in golden radiance.

She seemed like a goddess ablaze with glory, illuminating every heart.

Yet, just as Lin Shiya believed everything was moving in the right direction, she inadvertently discovered Lord Wang and Grand Tutor Zhang deep in secret conversation.

Their faces were grave, voices low, as though plotting a new scheme.

A sense of foreboding suddenly rose in Lin Shiya’s heart.

She quietly approached, holding her breath, straining to hear their words.

She caught Lord Wang saying in a hushed voice, “…We cannot let her continue like this…”

Grand Tutor Zhang nodded, his face dark, replying, “…We must find a way to stop her as soon as possible…”