No matter the reason Mu Hanyan accused Qiu Pingâan of cheating, given his reputation as the Capitalâs most notorious playboy, Gong Hongru might find it hard to believe him.
The problem they faced was that among all the experts present, not a single one detected Qiu Pingâan cheating. How could Mu Hanyan have known? If itâs merely speculation, this time it wonât be easy to resolve.
If it were another tutor on the high stage instead of Gong Hongru, even the Dean of Long Yan Academy would give the Mu Family some face. But encountering Gong Hongru, he doesnât even give face to the Royal Family.
"Sir, Mu Hanyan had disputes with my son Ping Hao earlier, then had conflicts with Pingâan. Itâs clear heâs jealous of Pingâan passing the assessment and has spoken irresponsibly to ruin Pingâanâs reputation. I hope, sir, you can stand up for my Qiu Family." Hearing Gong Hongruâs tone, which showed no fondness for Mu Hanyanâs notorious name, Family Head Qiu felt delighted and continued.
"Family Head Qiu is right, our Long Yan Academy selection is extremely rigorous, with you personally presiding, who would dare cheat? Mu Hanyan is obviously speaking maliciously without basis." Yu said angrily.
"Such careless playboys dare attend the Long Yan Academy selection, in my opinion, he should be expelled, and never allowed to step into Long Yan Academy for life." Tian followed suit.
Earlier, the two tutors nearly got into a fight to win over Qiu Pingâan. With Mu Hanyan accusing him of cheating, itâs like saying theyâre blind. Hence, their stance against Mu Hanyan was surprisingly united.
Seeing even these two tutors speaking against Mu Hanyan, everyone looked at him with pity: This Mu Hanyan, truly worthy of his title as the Capitalâs most notorious playboy, used to being arrogant, even in such a setting, dared to maliciously defame someone.
No wonder they thought this way; even those tutors, and someone as strong as Gong Hongru didnât find Qiu Pingâan cheating. A playboy from a family like Mu Hanyan having that capability is ridiculous.
They knew of the conflict between Mu Hanyan and Qiu Pingâan, believing eight-tenths of Family Head Qiuâs words: Mu Hanyan likely felt jealous after Qiu Pingâan was favored by two tutors, sparking his playboy tendencies, recklessly slandering him.
Unfortunately, this was the Long Yan Academy selection, and he dared to act like a playboy, awaiting punishment.
"Expel him, never to step into Long Yan Academy again. Thatâs settled." Gong Hongru nodded, saying.
What? Huayue and others were simultaneously shocked.
Perhaps in everyoneâs eyes, Mu Hanyan was just a careless playboy, doing anything recklessly. But they knew that wasnât the case. Every move Mu Hanyan made was calculated, often even surpassing Zirongâs planning.
She dared to claim Qiu Pingâan cheated; she must have her reasons!
Still, they never imagined Gong Hongru wouldnât give her any chance to speak, directly expelling her.
The infamous reputation had caused it! Huayue and others knew it was because of Mu Hanyanâs infamous name. Someone like Gong Hongru, who is upright and intolerant, wouldnât tolerate such a playboy.
But just for one infamous title, Mu Hanyan would be expelled, never to step into Long Yan Academy again! Gong Hongru claimed justice but was too domineering, too arbitrary!
Thinking this, Huayue and others showed a trace of anger.
Unlike their anger, Family Head Qiu showed a cold smile: Hum, daring to speak wildly in Long Yan Academyâs selection, blatantly embarrassing my Qiu Family; doesnât need Pingâan or others to act, Iâll personally handle you.
Mu Family, what can you do? My Qiu Family is one of the three major families in East State County, not afraid of your Mu Family.
"Family Head, how could Hanyan do such a thing? Fortunately, Lord Gong didnât take it out on Chengxuan, or we wouldnât even have the chance to plead." On the Mu Familyâs observation stand, the Third Elder looked worried, yet inwardly delighted: This Mu Hanyan acted so foolishly; watch how he handles this.
"Alas, so disappointing, too disappointing, throwing Mu Familyâs face away." The Supreme Elder seemed pained, though his eyes revealed joy; finally a chance to suppress Mu Beichen. His grandson dared cause trouble before Gong Hongru!
"Family Head, wouldnât it be better to plead with Lord Gong, see if he might be lenient?" The Fourth Elder anxiously said to Mu Beichen.
"No need, I believe Lord Gong will make his decision, just watch." Mu Beichen calmly replied.
"Family Head..." Seeing Mu Beichen still leisurely, the Fifth Elder also advised.
"Enough, just watch." Mu Beichen gestured, interrupting the Fifth Elder.
Watch for what? Watching Mu Hanyan being publicly expelled, ruining Mu Familyâs reputation? The Fifth and Fourth Elders were anxious, but faced with Mu Beichenâs confident demeanor, could no longer advise, only sighed.
"Pretend, still pretending to be a Family Head at this point, see how long you can keep it up?" The Third Elder and Supreme Elder scoffed simultaneously, secretly cursing.
Under everyoneâs gaze, several disciples from Long Yan Academy approached Mu Hanyan, including Qiu Zicheng and other Qiu Family disciples.
"Young Master Mu, such a pity. I wanted to spar after your entry to Long Yan Academy, but you even lost the chance to enter the selection, truly regrettable." Qiu Pingâan said proudly, facing Mu Hanyan.
Soon, Qiu Zicheng and several others surrounded Mu Hanyan, their hands on their sword hilts, ready to act if Mu Hanyan made any move, forcing him out.
"What are you doing, Iâm speaking of him." At this moment, Gong Hongruâs voice rang again, raising his arm slightly, pointing at Qiu Pingâan.
What! Qiu Zicheng and others froze. Family Head Qiu froze, smiling proudly Qiu Pingâan froze, Mu Familyâs Supreme Elder, Third Elder, and others froze, and all the academyâs tutors froze, everyone present froze.