Ancient Wen Heng had thought the lad would put up a bit more of a fight, but just as he was about to head out, the boy instantly changed his mind.

"Seventh Uncle, in that case, I’ll wait and go back with you all. I’ll work here for a while longer; that way, I can earn more Silver Taels to take back."

Without turning back, Ancient Wen Heng gave a silent nod in tacit approval.

Inside the room, Jin Qianqian gently shook her head. ’That boy thought he was being clever, trying to gain an advantage. But look at him now, he walked right into Wenheng’s trap.’

Ancient Wen Heng was surprised to see a few familiar figures as soon as he reached the summit.

They gave him a friendly nod first. Ancient Wen Heng smiled back before hurrying away. He had been delayed at home, and if he didn’t pick up the pace, Mr. Nan would likely be arriving soon.

Once the newcomer had departed, Shan Ke’an collapsed onto the ground, all decorum forgotten. "Do I have to climb like this every single day?"

Lu Ping, incessantly rubbing his own legs, chimed in, "You know, I could just stay behind and watch the house for everyone. That way, you could all focus on your studies without any worries."

Bai Jinglie shot Lu Ping an indifferent glance. "There are already people watching the house. Besides, with those flashy but useless moves of yours, if someone with malicious intent actually broke in, how many blows could you possibly take?

Ke’an, your constitution is too weak. Since I’m the one who brought you here, I will fulfill the promise I made to my aunt. If you really can’t make the climb, I’ll have Ye Yi get you a hiking staff."

Lu Ping was speechless. ’On second thought, marrying the Magistrate’s daughter from a concubine with my eyes closed doesn’t seem so bad after all.’

Shan Ke’an was at a loss for words. ’I thought we were supposed to be taking refuge! Does this look like a refuge? It’s a disaster!’

Bai Jinglie ignored them and, followed by Ye Yi, started walking toward the headmaster’s quarters.

Shan Ke’an and Lu Ping exchanged a look, then helped each other up and limped along behind them.

Upon entering the classroom, Ancient Wen Heng found many students slumped against each other haphazardly. He shot a questioning glance at Deng Yuanhang, who had arrived just before him.

"They probably didn’t even stretch or soak their feet to relieve the fatigue when they got back yesterday," Deng Yuanhang said knowingly. He hadn’t done so either, but that was because he was in good shape from his usual early morning training with the dart masters.

He looked at Ancient Wen Heng. "I’m surprised your stamina is so good. It’s the second day, yet you ran up here without even getting flushed or out of breath."

Ancient Wen Heng thought, ’...That’s because my wife has a cheat-like artifact. Though it was only one night in the real world, I’ve already spent several days studying inside it.’

"Have you forgotten, Senior Brother Deng? I’m a farmer’s son," Ancient Wen Heng replied. "I also endured a long journey as a refugee fleeing the famine, so my legs were trained long ago." He felt no shame in admitting this; in fact, he was quietly proud of it.

Deng Yuanhang gave him a thumbs-up. "I suppose that’s a valuable experience in its own right."

...

With a grim expression, Nan Wenrui walked in, followed by three people. "Find a seat for yourselves," he said flatly. "And from now on, be on time. If you’re late, I don’t care who you are—you won’t be allowed in."

Bai Jinglie performed a student’s bow. "Understood, sir."

Seeing Shan Ke’an and Lu Ping standing there in a daze, he subtly nudged each of them with his foot.

Snapping out of it, they quickly followed his lead and bowed as well.

Nan Wenrui waved his hand impatiently and went to his seat. "Now..."

Ancient Wen Heng silently raised an eyebrow. ’What’s this all about? Why would a young master from an official family come here to join the chaos instead of enjoying his comfortable life?’

’Then again, this Mr. Nan is quite interesting. He clearly knows who they are but shows them no deference whatsoever. He didn’t even bother with an introduction.’

The moment Mr. Nan left, the people with Mr. Bai immediately started making the rounds, striking up conversations.

Ancient Wen Heng, Deng Yuanhang, and Zhou Ping had already retreated to a corner, but to their surprise, they weren’t spared.

"Greetings, brothers!" Lu Ping said with a wide, easygoing grin, introducing himself as soon as he approached. "I’m Lu Ping from Dao City. I hear you’re all from Dao City as well, which makes us fellow townsmen! When I get the chance, I’ll treat you all to some food from back home. It should help with the homesickness."

Deng Yuanhang was about to speak, but Ancient Wen Heng, who was beside him, discreetly tugged his sleeve. "Then we thank you in advance, Brother Lu," Ancient Wen Heng said.

"Don’t mention it, it’s my pleasure," Lu Ping said, his eyes suddenly fixing on Ancient Wen Heng. "Brother Wen Heng, you’re the top scholar from our Dao City. I’ve long heard of your reputation. To think we’d meet here—it must be fate! I hope you’ll offer me your guidance in the days to come."

Ancient Wen Heng wasn’t surprised that Lu Ping had heard of him. After all, he had attended several banquets back in the Prefecture City. Though he’d never met Lu Ping face-to-face, they moved in the same circles, so it was only natural.

"You’re too kind," Ancient Wen Heng replied. "Since we are all studying under Mr. Nan for the time being, that is the greatest fate of all. Let’s all learn from each other in the future."

...

After a bit more polite back-and-forth, they finally managed to see him off. Deng Yuanhang couldn’t hold back any longer. "You knew him before?"

Ancient Wen Heng didn’t hide anything, briefly recounting his previous encounter outside Dao City. "That Bai fellow is no simple character," he added. "If I’m not mistaken, he must be the new Heir of Marquis Wu’an."

Ever since deciding to walk this path, Ancient Wen Heng had been quietly gathering information. By connecting a few clues, he was able to piece things together.

"Really?" Zhou Ping asked, looking at Ancient Wen Heng with excitement. This was the most prominent nobleman he had ever encountered.

Deng Yuanhang cut in, "So what if it’s true? We’re just minor Scholars. If it weren’t for the fact that we’re all studying under Mr. Nan, a person like that wouldn’t even give us a second glance."

Ancient Wen Heng was surprised by Deng Yuanhang’s dismissiveness; it was unlike his usual attitude.

Perhaps noticing Ancient Wen Heng’s questioning look, Deng Yuanhang fell silent.

"But regardless, we’re classmates now," Zhou Ping said, still visibly excited. He even got up and slowly started to edge toward Bai Jinglie’s small group.

"You shouldn’t have told him," Deng Yuanhang said, watching Zhou Ping’s retreating back with concern.

Ancient Wen Heng replied, "Even if I hadn’t said anything, do you think he wouldn’t have found out eventually?"

He found it hard to believe that Deng Yuanhang hadn’t noticed how restless Brother Zhou had been lately.

’This is a great opportunity to build a foundation and make more connections. If he ever manages to make a name for himself in the future, these relationships would be his greatest assets.’

The three of them used to be inseparable, doing almost everything together. But ever since they started living separately, Ancient Wen Heng had sensed a subtle distance growing from Zhou Ping.

Deng Yuanhang was silent for a moment before giving a quiet warning, "The Marquis Wu’an Mansion is not a family you want to get involved with. It’s best to keep your distance if you can."

Ancient Wen Heng had no intention of trying to curry favor with his lowly status as a Scholar anyway. As for Lu Ping, who had come over to say hello, he had actually made a rather good impression.