Volume One: From Farmer to Official Chapter 67: The Contest for Head of the Academy

“The state academy has its own rules. All regulations are posted behind the classroom. Go and read them yourselves. The first offense warrants a verbal warning; the second will be recorded; the third, you’ll be asked to withdraw. If your behavior is particularly egregious or severe, you’ll be expelled immediately...”

“...Besides your academic performance, your daily conduct is also of great importance...”

Nie Chongli solemnly laid out a long list of rules and admonished the students to comply, warning them of strict punishment should they fail. As the supervisor of Class C, he had to make his authority clear from the start; otherwise, if these newcomers broke the rules, he too would be implicated.

“We need to elect a Hall Leader to help me manage this class. Whom do you think is suitable?”

Chuliu understood now.

This was not so different from his previous life’s experience at school.

The classes at the state academy were divided into A, B, and C, corresponding to third, second, and first years, respectively. Each year, students could advance by passing the examinations; those who failed would repeat the year, but no one could stay at the academy for more than five years. Anyone who failed for two consecutive years would be asked to leave.

The rules were simply the student code of conduct—violating them was unthinkable.

The “supervisor” was the homeroom teacher; the “Hall Leader” was the class monitor.

Now came the election for class monitor.

“Supervisor, I, Gao Lang, recommend myself as Hall Leader. I will certainly help you manage our class well.”

A youth of about fifteen rose and bowed. With his jade coronet and brocade gown, his delicate, aristocratic features exuded an unmistakable air of a pampered scion.

“I object!” Another youth stood up. He was about the same age and similarly dressed, but taller and more relaxed in demeanor.

“Wang Qiming, what are you up to?” Gao Lang glared furiously, but Wang Qiming replied with insouciance, “What else? Naturally, I disagree with you becoming Hall Leader.”

“And why shouldn’t I?”

“Because you’re a repeater!” Wang Qiming gloated. “The Hall Leader should, at the very least, have good grades and be able to lead the class. If you, a repeater, take the role, how will anyone be convinced?”

“Supervisor, you may not know—Gao Lang is not only a repeater but a thoroughgoing wastrel. Don’t be fooled by his youth; he’s already a frequent guest at the brothels... Well, I won’t go into all that. There’s no end to such tales. My point is, if Gao Lang becomes Hall Leader, he’ll ruin the atmosphere of our class...”

“You—” Gao Lang, beside himself with rage, was about to retaliate.

But Wang Qiming cut him off, waving his hands with a mischievous grin. “No, no, Gao Lang, if you nominate me, you’re just throwing me into a pit of fire. I’m not fit to be Hall Leader either, since I’m also a repeater...”

Who nominated you?

Shameless!

His lines stolen, the spotlight entirely on Wang Qiming, Gao Lang was too incensed to speak.

At the state academy, every student started as a licentiate, and new students had to be government-sponsored as well. These two plainly weren’t—clearly, they had connections; otherwise, why squabble over the Hall Leader position? Most students came here to strive for the provincial exam; who wanted to waste time on trivial matters? The Hall Leader’s role was thankless—few wanted it.

Nie Chongli nodded. “Wang Qiming makes a good point. The Hall Leader should be an outstanding student, both academically and morally. That was my oversight...”

Everyone looked up, glancing around.

The licentiates came from many places, and few knew each other well.

Wang Qiming stood again and declared, “Supervisor, I nominate Xie Shuxian. He’s won top honors at all three levels, and placed first in this year’s academy exam. His talents and character are exemplary—there’s no better choice.”

Chuliu was stunned.

He had never met Wang Qiming and couldn’t fathom his motives. He wasn’t the shortest, but he was certainly the youngest. To put a child in charge of a group of older boys—what an awkward arrangement.

“Supervisor, I also recommend Xie Shuxian,” said Su Biao, rising and giving Chuliu another gentle shove toward the fire.

At that moment, Gongsun Tao glanced at Gao Lang’s murderous glare and smiled slyly. He rose, bowed politely, and said, “Supervisor, I also recommend Xie Shuxian. I had the good fortune to be his classmate for a time, and was deeply impressed by his talent and virtue...”

A round of flattery hoisted Xie Shuxian to the clouds.

Chuliu stared at Gongsun Tao as if he were a stranger.

Had he changed his nature?

Among students, respect followed achievement; if you excelled, others deferred.

Seeing the momentum, the rest of the students began to echo the nomination.

Chuliu was bewildered.

He’d once vied for class monitor at the Su family’s private school, but only because the class was chaotic, and he wanted a quiet environment for himself. Now his classmates were all licentiates—the best from the counties, all wealthy or noble, and older than he. How could he possibly manage them?

He couldn’t even tell stories anymore.

Still lost in thought, Chuliu was startled as Nie Chongli called out, “Xie Shuxian, most of your classmates have chosen you. Can you manage the class?”

“I...” Chuliu was about to decline when he saw the enraged Gao Lang shake his fist and make a throat-slitting gesture.

Gao Lang understood he’d lost the Hall Leader’s seat, but he still cared about saving face. If Xie Shuxian refused, he’d regain a measure of dignity.

“Supervisor, I’d like to give it a try,” Chuliu said, undaunted by the threat.

Gao Lang was taken aback.

A mere farmer’s son, daring to defy him?

He, scion of the illustrious Gao family of Qingzhou, was not to be trifled with.

“Very well, then. Xie Shuxian will serve as Hall Leader. Any issues in class, report them promptly...” After a few more reminders, the bell rang, and Nie Chongli ended class and left.

Gao Lang shot a look to his lackey, Ba Wenzhong, who promptly blocked Chuliu’s path and growled, “You’re just a little brat—barely lost your baby teeth! What makes you fit to be Hall Leader? Step down, or I’ll beat you black and blue!”

“Senior, I’m not little at all!” Chuliu retorted, holding his hand above his head—he was half a head taller than Ba Wenzhong.

Ba Wenzhong fumed.

He was fourteen, but short for his age, and known as “the little squash.” It was his sore spot, and he couldn’t bear to be called short.

Xie Shuxian’s sarcasm was unmistakable.

Ba Wenzhong could contain himself no longer—he swung at Chuliu.

Chuliu leaned back and caught Ba Wenzhong’s wrist with his right hand, dodging the slap and twisting sharply, pinning Ba Wenzhong’s arm. Then, pressing his left hand to the back of his neck, he forced his head down onto the desk.

All those months of martial arts training had paid off.

“If you objected, why didn’t you speak up while the supervisor was here? Now you’re bullying me—do you take me for clay to be molded?” Chuliu twisted harder, making Ba Wenzhong grimace in pain.

“Already flaunting your power just after becoming Hall Leader—do you think you own the academy?” barked Gao Lang, stepping forward at once when he saw his lackey bested.

“Are you blind? He started it. I only defended myself,” Chuliu replied, letting Ba Wenzhong go. “Try that again, and you’ll get worse next time.”

Ba Wenzhong, teary-eyed, ran to Gao Lang. “Young Master Gao, you must stand up for me!”

As the saying goes, never hit a dog without looking at its master. Gao Lang was determined not to lose face. He snarled, “Xie Shuxian, do you know who I am?”

“You’re Gao Lang!” Chuliu replied, deliberately mocking. “That senior just introduced you thoroughly—and mentioned your many hobbies, quite unsuitable for your age...”

The room erupted in laughter.

Gao Lang’s face turned instantly dark.