Glory

Song Yifeng initially didn't know Zhu Lindao's background and had clashed with him over some matters. After learning that Zhu Lindao came from an official family, he became determined to resolve their conflict.

Thus, whenever they met, Song Yifeng would greet him warmly and deliberately show goodwill.

This made Zhu Lindao despise him, considering Song Yifeng a sycophantic opportunist.

For this reason, Zhu Lindao didn't doubt the rumors at all and was willing to help Ye Jia by tearing off Song Yifeng's hypocritical mask.

However, classes were about to start, and Zhu Lindao had no time to bicker with Song Yifeng. Moreover, arguing with Song Yifeng in public would give him a chance to clear his name. Those who already admired Song Yifeng could easily be swayed by him—Zhu Lindao wouldn't give him that opportunity.

He glanced up at the sundial and immediately said, "Class is about to start. Hurry inside." With that, he ignored Song Yifeng and sprinted away.

The others swarmed toward the classroom.

Unsuspecting, Song Yifeng quickly followed.

That day, after returning from Ye Jia and learning the residence had been given away, Yu Shi cried half the night as if her world had collapsed, and she caught a chill that very evening.

Song Yifeng had been tending to her these past two days, which was why he arrived late this morning.

Entering the classroom, Zhou Xiang glanced at Song Yifeng but said nothing and began the lesson directly.

After class, as Song Yifeng was packing to go home, someone tapped his shoulder with a meaningful smile. "Licentiate Wang Wenzhi is calling for you."

Overjoyed, Song Yifeng hurried out of the classroom and headed toward Wang Wenzhi's resting quarters.

Once he left, the classroom buzzed with discussion: "Licentiate Wang always expressed regret that Song Yifeng was engaged. Now that he's broken it off, could Licentiate Wang really take him as a son-in-law?"

"Impossible, right? With his character, wouldn't Licentiate Wang fear being treated like Ye Jia one day?"

"How is that the same? Licentiate Wang is an official, while Ye Jia are merchants."

"What's wrong with merchants? Without Ye Jia and Licentiate Yin, Song Yifeng would still be a petty peddler or laborer. One shouldn't be so ungrateful."

Those unaware of the situation quickly asked around, and the informed ones explained, sharing what they knew about Song Yifeng's connections with Ye Jia and Licentiate Yin.

Among those fueling the rumors and stirring trouble were not only those jealous of Song Yifeng or bearing grudges but also "volunteer" influencers like Zhu Lindao, who had accepted money from Ye Jia.

Recently, under Ye Yaming's direction, Zhou Xiang and Laiyun not only hired loafers and troublemakers to gather information but also investigated Song Yifeng's relationships with his classmates.

From last night until this morning, Laiyun instructed these loafers to bribe those who held grudges against Song Yifeng, despised his character, or were poor and easily tempted—tasking them with controlling public opinion at the prefectural school.

Among them was a licentiate acting as an insider, observing and recording these individuals' performances to report back to Laiyun, who would reward them accordingly.

Meanwhile, Song Yifeng, at the center of the public opinion storm, remained completely unaware. When he entered Wang Wenzhi's room and was questioned about the matter, he was utterly bewildered.

His composure shattered instantly, and he gritted his teeth in fury.

Ye Jia had some nerve.

Seeing his distorted, ferocious expression, Wang Wenzhi suddenly lost interest in hearing his response.

He had valued Song Yifeng's prospects and privately hoped to make this promising young man his son-in-law, but that didn't mean he favored ingrates.An ungrateful wolf who could betray the in-laws who funded his studies during his most difficult times would inevitably betray future in-laws as well.

Song Yifeng adjusted his mindset and put on a wronged expression: "I broke off the engagement because I heard the Ye family was trading in illicit tea and didn’t want to be complicit. Before that, I even came to ask for your advice, teacher."

Was he shifting the blame onto him now?

Wang Wenzhi laughed in disbelief: "So now you’re blaming me? Did I ever tell you to break off the engagement without even investigating? You owe the Ye family a debt—without their support, you wouldn’t be where you are today. Was it so hard to take some time to verify whether the Ye family was really involved in illicit tea trading?"

"But…"

Wang Wenzhi had no patience left to argue further and cut him off impatiently: "Let me ask you directly—did the Ye family trade illicit tea or not?"

Song Yifeng knew he couldn’t lie about this and answered truthfully: "The Ye family denies it."

"Enough. Get out." Wang Wenzhi waved him away, no longer willing to speak with Song Yifeng.

But Song Yifeng refused to leave. Just as he was about to explain his predicament, Wang Wenzhi suddenly roared, "Get out!"

If this matter hadn’t blown up, Wang Wenzhi might have considered forming a marriage alliance with Song Yifeng. Even if not, he would have treated him like a nephew, offering some support as an early investment.

He was confident he was different from the Ye family. The Ye family were merchants, while he was an official with connections in the bureaucracy. Song Yifeng might dare to scorn and offend the Ye family, but he wouldn’t have the nerve to cross him.

But now that the scandal had erupted, if Wang Wenzhi continued to treat Song Yifeng kindly, the scholars of Lin’an City would surely judge him harshly. They’d label him as someone who "colludes with an ungrateful wolf."

It wasn’t worth tarnishing his reputation over someone like Song Yifeng.

Song Yifeng left the room dejected and returned home in a daze.

As soon as he entered, he heard Yu Shi’s cries: "Son, you’re finally back! These people are trying to throw us out—please talk to them!"

Only then did Song Yifeng notice several strong men standing in the courtyard and a steward-like man seated under the corridor.

Seeing him return, the man stood up and cupped his hands in greeting: "My surname is Li. This residence has been sold by the Ye family to our Old Master. Since you’re back, pack your things with your mother and move out quickly. I won’t make it difficult for you—I’ll give you two days. After that, we’ll reclaim the property. If you haven’t left by then, don’t blame us for throwing your belongings out."

Ever since Song Yifeng passed the provincial exam and became a Recommended Man, Guizi had fully embraced the art of "a fox borrowing the tiger’s fierceness."

Hearing Li’s words, he shouted, "How dare you? My young master is a Recommended Man! Aren’t you afraid of offending a Recommended Man?"

Steward Li sneered, his gaze toward Song Yifeng laced with mockery: "Since we dared to buy this property, we’re not afraid of your status as a Recommended Man. Go ask around about the Ge family of Baiteng County. Our eldest master holds a fifth-rank position in the capital; the second master is also a Recommended Man. We bought this house simply because our young master needs a place to stay while studying in Lin’an. This house isn’t yours—if you refuse to leave, we’ll have no choice but to take this to the authorities."

With such specific details, it was clear they weren’t bluffing or lying.

But the Ye family had pushed them too hard. They had just returned the house deed, and already the Ye family had sold the property—and to such a household.