Faced with such a cheap teacher, we might as well try to make a dead horse come back to life.
Besides, isn’t the number one of the Six Halls, Shuaixing Hall, suffering alongside them?
The students of Justice Hall probably feel a bit more balanced in their hearts.
However, it seems Shuaixing Hall is different from them.
They haven’t completely submitted to the tyranny of this ’Mr. Zhao.’
No need to think too hard about it.
As the top academy of the Six Halls, the students inside are mostly arrogant and proud; how could they easily submit to a newly arrived special admission student who got in through backdoor connections?
If this guy named Zhao Ziyu was good at teaching calligraphy, that would be another story.
The main issue now is that his classes seem incomprehensible, and probably only the Justice Hall students, under the somewhat simple-minded leadership of Senior Gu, can tolerate it.
They might even be foolishly enjoying the classes amidst their suffering.
Therefore, most of the evaluations and comments about Zhao Ziyu have emanated from Shuaixing Hall.
However, what puzzles the students of the other four halls is why Shuaixing Hall, which has long suffered under ’Zhao Ziyu,’ still hasn’t ’risen in rebellion.’
But on second thought, even if they were to rise up now, it doesn’t seem like it would do any good.
Teacher Zhu seems to adopt a laissez-faire approach toward this Zhao Ziyu, and within Mochi Academy, including the stewards, like the Sacrificial Officer...
The woman who most enjoys meddling has left the academy and gone down the mountain; she hasn’t returned yet.
So, does this mean there’s nowhere to turn for help?
The students of the other four halls jest among themselves, observing the commotion of Shuaixing Hall and Justice Hall.
Additionally, they’re beginning to think about the mid-monthly exam.
Many of them have become quite thoughtful.
It seems Cultivation Hall might be the biggest beneficiary.
The previously dominant Shuaixing Hall and the relentlessly pursuing Justice Hall are now both being tormented by Zhao Ziyu.
Plus, it’s said that Teacher Zhu initially chose Cultivation Hall when assigning this new teaching assistant.
But afterwards, Senior Han Wenfu decisively refused.
Looking at it now, it surely was a move of great foresight, avoiding this pitfall and instead leaping ahead.
In contrast, there’s Senior Gu Yiwu of Justice Hall.
Who knows what he and the students of Justice Hall are thinking now?
The amused Mochi Academy students chuckle quietly to themselves.
By now, the sun has risen, dispersing much of the mist enveloping Mochi Academy.
Zhao Rong, Fan Yushu, and Jia Tengying walk together along the corridor toward Shuaixing Hall.
Zhao Rong looks around him.
It’s a tranquil morning scene, yet bustling with activity.
He had long thought this place was indeed a good environment for quiet study, far from the buzz of Du You City and the debates and disputes among the students of the Academy.
Well, if only these students from the other academies didn’t keep sneaking glances at him from time to time, it would be even better.
The corners of Zhao Rong’s mouth turn up slightly.
He seems to have gained quite a reputation within Mochi Academy, earning the nickname...
"Look, there’s Mr. Zhao..."
"That’s the Zhao Ziyu we talked about a few days ago..."
"Which one, the one in the middle?"
"Yes, the tallest one among the three..."
Fragments of conversations are carried by the breeze.
On the corridor, Mochi Academy students are walking, some in groups, whispering and pointing at a distance.
Once again, Zhao Rong becomes the center of attention.
Zhao Rong continues walking with composure, his stride confident.
However, after a moment’s thought, he suddenly stops and, with a cupped fist salute, greets his peers all around.
Zhao Rong says with a smile, "Good morning to my fellow students."
He pauses for a moment, then asks politely and curiously, "Have you all had breakfast?"
The surrounding students exchange looks, and after a few moments of eye contact, many of them cough and return the gesture.
"Zhao brother, I have long admired you."
"We’ve eaten, thanks for your concern, Zhao brother."
"Zhao brother, you’re too polite..."
Zhao Rong nods in satisfaction, bows once more.
Then he smiles and turns his head back, continuing to lead Fan Yushu and Jia Tengying forward confidently.
Following this, Zhao Rong’s mutterings, again carried by the wind, reach the ears of those behind him.
"So early in the morning, it turns out everyone is well-fed."
Mochi Academy students: "..."
Up ahead, Fan Yushu laughs in response to what he hears and teases his companion, "Ziyu, it looks like you’ve become quite the celebrity in our academy."
Zhao Rong nods in agreement, "Thanks to you guys."
Fan Yushu coughs lightly, changing the subject.
Suddenly remembering something, he says, "Right, Ziyu, about the really hard assignment Teacher assigned for the second class on calligraphy and cultivation, have you finished it?"
Zhao Rong, while thinking about the upcoming calligraphy class, nods absentmindedly.
Fan Yushu exclaims with joy, "That’s great, I knew our Ziyu would not be stumped by it; let me have a look for reference."
Zhao Rong gives him a look, sincerely saying, "Brother Yushu, mine might not be correct either."
Fan Yushu waves his hand dismissively, "It’s fine even if it’s wrong, just let me copy it."
Zhao Rong looks at Fan Yushu, nodding earnestly.
He feels this is the most boot-licking thing he’s ever heard in his life.
It’s so like you, Brother Yushu.
Zhao Rong speaks with a mixture of speechlessness and concern, "Okay then, but remember to change a few words... and don’t forget to switch out the name."
The first morning calligraphy class in Shuaixing Hall begins.
Zhao Rong goes up to the podium as if it were a familiar road, facing the pairs of eyes below, and speaks softly:
"Fellow students, the mid-month exam is in just a few days. We must not fear... not fear... forget it, I’ll do the motivational talk later. Let me talk about the assignments you’ve turned in."