Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

"You just said you harmed your classmates and ruined their futures? I can't agree with that!"

Chen Dong's expression was serious, his sharp and firm gaze sweeping over the group as he said in a deep voice, "When you say these things, shouldn't you all consider what wrong you did to deserve such a severe punishment from Biyong?"

The group opened their mouths but then fell silent. They had been incited by Xu Qing and were caught up in their emotions, so they only thought of Gao Zhao as a traitor. After all, how much trouble could a student from the Imperial Academy cause?

It's nothing more than fighting, brawling, and staying out all night!

But they forgot that such a small mistake wouldn't have led to such a severe punishment!

Hearing Chen Dong point it out, they couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed, cupping their hands and saying, "We did act impulsively in this matter, but we meant well!"

Chen Dong looked at them coldly and said sternly, "To draw conclusions based on only one side of the story is not kindness; it's aiding and abetting evil! If you discourage people's kindness, you are heinous criminals!"

The group of men turned pale and then red after hearing Chen Dong's words. They were in a very bad mood, but they had no way to refute him. They could only cup their hands, cover their faces, and leave.

Gao Zhao looked at Chen Dong in surprise, his eyes full of admiration. This guy truly deserves to be called the ruthless man who petitioned the emperor to execute the six traitors!

That's some serious verbal skill!

Unlike me, I'm an honest person who doesn't talk much!

But what's the point of talking to these whiny scholars!

It's not like we can't beat them. If you can fight, then stop talking!

Just then, Gao Zhao suddenly sprang up and punched Xu Qing, knocking him to the ground and causing him to wail in pain.

The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned by what they saw!

No, we were talking peacefully, why did you suddenly attack?

Facing the astonished gazes of the crowd, Gao Zhao declared loudly, "I help people only when they are worthy of my help. Those truly impoverished students, even if they cannot excel in their studies or become officials, will still feel a sense of warmth when they recall those arduous years, and thus pass on this kindness!"

"And what use are you bunch of lecherous gamblers! You'd rather abandon your families who are waiting for you, all for your own selfish desires. Do you think you'd be grateful? Do you think you'd extend any kindness? Lending you money would only encourage this evil trend!"

"Excellent!" Before anyone could react, Fan Tong exclaimed in praise, "Brother Gao's words are profound! Even when we do good deeds, we can't be indiscriminate do-gooders, otherwise, we might inadvertently cause harm instead of helping others!"

Everyone then came to their senses and nodded repeatedly.

The principle is that a virtuous person loves others with kindness, while a petty person loves others with indulgence.

Chen Dong sighed with emotion. He had originally thought that Gao Zhao's actions were merely to satisfy his own vanity, but he never expected that the other party's intentions were so profound.

He couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "I never imagined that Brother Gao possessed such a high level of understanding, and that he could have such far-sighted thoughts when it comes to helping others. It is truly admirable!"

Gao Zhao waved his hand and said calmly, "I'm not good with words, and I can't say those high-sounding things. Farewell!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Gao Zhao turned and left, leaving everyone with only his imposing back view!

"Noble character and integrity, nothing could be more fitting!"

"To be universally condemned, yet remain undeterred! A model for us all!"

……

Seeing him leave at this crucial moment when the truth was out and he was at the height of his fame, everyone couldn't help but admire his noble character and his lack of desire for empty fame!

Xu Qing felt relieved when he saw Gao Zhao leave. He was afraid that the other party would also report him to the Imperial Academy.

Slandering, defaming, and insulting classmates are severely punished at the Imperial Academy, and the offenses will be recorded, affecting one's entire life; in some cases, one may even be sent back to their place of origin.

He hadn't expected Gao Zhao to let him go so easily. However, as soon as he turned his head, that last bit of hope vanished.

The students looked at him with disdain and contempt, as if he were a pile of dog excrement!

Even worse, some people spat at him to his face!

This...this is clearly the treatment he wanted Gao Zhao to enjoy!

How come that boomerang flew back!

He was too ashamed to stay any longer and fled in panic!

Back in the dormitory, he stayed in his room and didn't even watch the afternoon debate. When his roommates returned in the evening, he was about to greet them when they frowned and went straight back to their own cubicles.

Xu Qing opened his mouth, but didn't know what to say.

When the dormitory head checked the dormitories that evening, he saw that Xu Qing was isolated by everyone and sighed, saying, "Xu Qing, if you know anyone, you might as well switch dorms."

Xu Qing was struck dumb, frozen in place, her heart filled with surging hatred. Gao Zhao, Chen Dong, you've ruined me so badly!

However, the scene in Gao Zhao's dormitory was quite different. The room was too crowded, and everyone gathered in the courtyard, looking at the stars overhead and chatting happily.

One moment they were praising Gao Zhao's benevolent actions, and the next they were talking about the five scholars who had been selected for the imperial debate that day, discussing how they would go and join in the fun to broaden their horizons.

The students chatted enthusiastically and with great interest until late at night before dispersing to rest.

……

The next day, Gao Zhao finished his lesson with the old man and then talked about his highlight of the day.

After listening, the old man chuckled and said, "What you've done will have repercussions! Xu Qing is still in the Biyong Hall; you should find a way to get rid of him! Your soft heart won't lead to anything great!"

Gao Zhao shook his head and said, "This has nothing to do with being soft-hearted. His reputation in the Imperial Academy is now ruined. Keeping him here will only subject him to greater torment, making him wish he were dead. If we kick him out, it will only be too good for him!"

"You've got the math wrong!" The old man shook his head and said, "Kicking him out will ruin his future. Even if you torture him severely, there's still a glimmer of hope. If you don't cut the weeds at the root, they'll grow back in the spring! You're leaving yourself with future troubles!"

Gao Zhao scoffed, "Those who always want to eliminate all threats are just weak-minded, afraid of future retaliation! But a true strongman like me has nothing to fear from any enemy in the world!"

The old man was about to mock him for overestimating his abilities when he paused slightly, as if he had remembered something, and his expression became dazed.

Gao Zhao blinked, puzzled. He had only bragged a little, and it had shocked you to this extent.

Old man, it seems you're just an ordinary mortal after all, you still have a lot to learn!

He raised his hand and waved it in front of the old man, about to explain, when the old man sighed softly, a smile playing on his lips: "You're right. Eliminating the problem at its root certainly eliminates potential dangers, but keeping the enemy alive to watch them struggle helplessly is much more interesting!"

Gao Zhao secretly took a step back, feeling that this old guy was a bit of a pervert. He was just showing off and hadn't thought about it at all!

He quickly changed the subject, saying, "The debate before the emperor is in three days. What do you think of my current level?"

The old man gave a meaningful smile: "You will definitely astonish everyone present!"