"This is the crucial top priority," the man said, pointing to the already deceased guards on the ground, and concisely recounted what had just happened.
The messenger was shocked. "The Imperial Academy has just received the same thing. The students are already in an uproar."
Xie Jiayan's heart sank upon hearing this. The students at the Imperial Academy included noble children from the capital, as well as scholars recommended from various prefectures.
The noble children from the capital might have some reservations, as their every word and deed concerned their families.
But these recommended scholars were different. They came from various prefectures and almost all relied on the recommendation of influential families to study at the Imperial Academy. They would also rely on the connections of these families to establish themselves in court in the future, so they naturally obeyed the influential families.
Their current uproar must have been instigated and manipulated by someone with ulterior motives. If the Sage were to kill these scholars, the imperial examination system would become a joke.
"Commander, those students have already rushed out of the Imperial Academy, saying they want to enter the palace to demand an explanation from the Sage. We were afraid of harming them, so we didn't dare to use force and couldn't stop them..." another Qianniu Guard ran over to report.
These students were highly treasured by the Sage. The cooks responsible for meals at the Imperial Academy were chefs transferred from the Imperial Kitchen, and the academy was equipped with imperial physicians to ensure the students' safety.
Even their four sets of school uniforms per season were provided free of charge by the imperial court. It was unheard of for even a second-rank official to have four sets of official robes added per season.
Who would have thought they would raise such ungrateful wretches? They didn't even consider who provided them with these benefits.
"Sixth Miss, you should return to the mansion first. I need to go to the Imperial Academy," Xie Jiayan said hastily.
If something were to happen at the Imperial Academy, the capital would be thrown into chaos first. There might be those in the capital who wished to take advantage of the situation.
"Alright, Brother Jiayan, be careful too." Yu Mingyue dared not delay.
Uncle Xie was once a Vice-Director of the Imperial Academy and had high prestige among the students. Xie Jiayan, as the top scholar in the imperial examination, was also an object of worship for the students. His words should be of some use.
The wind grew stronger, the sky darker, and after a clap of thunder, the rain poured down.
Almost instantly, Xie Jiayan was thoroughly soaked. He didn't care about anything else and urged his horse forward, fearing that a delay would lead to a grave mistake.
Xie Jiayan intercepted the students on Zhuque Street as they were heading towards the palace gate.
As he had expected, these students were all recommended scholars from various prefectures.
Xie Jiayan reined in his horse. The horse under him neighed loudly, its front hooves raised high, and then it stopped steadily.
"Scholar Xie, please let us pass. We have the right to know the truth of the palace coup from that year," the leader said impassionately.
Rainwater washed down his handsome face, making it difficult for him to open his eyes, but his gaze was incredibly firm.
Xie Jiayan did not dismount. After glancing at the agitated students, he spoke, "I'd like to know why you left your homes, bid farewell to your parents, and came to the capital to study?"
The crowd fell silent for a moment. The leader reached out to catch the pouring rain and then said, "The heavens grieve, the capital weeps, and the rain falls heavily."
"Sacrifice oneself to face national calamity, viewing death as returning home."
"Though the body is dead, the spirit is divine; though the soul becomes a ghost, it shall be a hero."
"Young ones aspire to serve the country, not for noble titles."
...
The crowd echoed in agreement. Despite the heavy rain, they all stood tall, refusing to bow their heads.
"Good, good, 'Young ones aspire to serve the country, not for noble titles.' Jiayan also admires your aspirations. Mencius said: 'To dwell in the grandest dwelling place under heaven, to stand in the most correct position under heaven, and to walk in the greatest Way under heaven. When successful, to share it with the people; when unsuccessful, to walk the Way alone.' Are you today seeking the truth, or have you been instigated and become complicit?"
Xie Jiayan's voice suddenly turned cold, and his gaze became sharp as he looked at the leader, completely unlike his usual gentle demeanor.
"Of course, we are seeking the truth. Then I ask Scholar Xie, have you achieved success and shared it with the people? Or have you been swept up by power and become numb and indifferent?"