The Marquis Mansion's Elite Class-Chapter 287

The assassination of the Crown Prince sent shockwaves through the imperial court, sparking days of heated debates among the ministers.

The military officials argued that You Country’s actions were despicable and intolerable, insisting that the Great General of Pacifying the West should storm their gates to assert Great Chu’s might.

The civil officials, however, believed the prolonged war had drained Great Chu’s strength and advocated for recuperation, urging swift integration of the three captured cities into Great Chu’s territory.

Ultimately, the Emperor decreed: "Order the Great General of Pacifying the West to withdraw the army and return to the capital for recuperation. Once Great Chu has regained its strength, we shall avenge the Crown Prince’s assassination."

With the imperial edict issued, the officials ceased their disputes, but a new wave of unease spread—because Luo Jingfeng was returning.

At the Minister of War’s Mansion, Minister He paced restlessly, his furrowed brows deep enough to crush three crabs. Growing increasingly agitated, he finally barked at a servant, "Go to Yangyuan Marquis Manor and bring He Zheng back!"

Upon hearing this, Madam He hurriedly intervened, "My lord, what are you doing? Zheng’s Childhood Scholar examination is in a month. Why summon him now?"

Since He Zheng had begun studying at the Marquis Manor, Minister He had turned a blind eye, never demanding his return—not even during festivals—as if his presence or absence made no difference. Yet now, he suddenly wanted He Zheng back. Why?

Madam He sensed impending disaster.

Minister He snapped, "Just do as I say! A year and a half at Yangyuan Marquis Manor—isn’t that enough?"

Madam He pleaded, "But you promised Zheng that if he achieved good results, you wouldn’t interfere. The exam is still a month away. Whether he’s cut out for it or not, you must give him a chance!"

Minister He’s voice rose sharply, "Can’t he study at home? Must he stay at the Marquis Manor? Do you not know that Zong Jincheng once offended Luo Jingfeng? While Luo Jingfeng was away these past two years, it didn’t matter. But now that he’s returning, if He Zheng remains entangled with the Zong family, our entire household will suffer!"

"Luo Jingfeng…" Madam He shuddered at the name. The man’s power was terrifying—far beyond their ability to oppose. "But Zheng is only studying there. He hasn’t offended Luo Jingfeng!"

"Foolish woman!" Minister He rebuked. "Do you think political factions are formed by choice? Whether he offends Luo Jingfeng or not, the outcome is the same—death. Before Luo Jingfeng left for war, he nearly strangled Zong Jincheng. What could the titled Zong family do? What could the Crown Prince—rumored to be his father—do? The matter was swept under the rug!"

Madam He made one last plea, "But it’s only a month! Calling him back now will ruin his Childhood Scholar results. My lord, you don’t know how hard Zheng has worked. He’s already ranked first in the entire capital! He’s making us proud. We can’t disrupt him now…"

Minister He roared, "Then what do you suggest? Should we all die? Let the children perish with He Zheng?"

Desperate, Madam He whispered, "The Emperor’s decree must first reach the border, and Luo Jingfeng will need at least two months to reorganize the army before returning. My lord, just give Zheng this one month. After the exam, I… I’ll bring him back myself."

Minister He glowered. "You’d better keep your word, or I’ll resort to force."

"Yes…"

At the Marquis Manor Elite Class, news of the Emperor’s decree had yet to spread, but the students, keeping up with current affairs, engaged in a fierce debate over whether to continue the war or withdraw.

The ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌‌​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​‌​​​​‌‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​‌‌‌‍little troublemaker, Zong Jincheng, was the first to slam the table in outrage. "Fight! Only cowards retreat! They dared to strike at the feet of our Emperor and assassinate the Crown Prince—such crimes cannot be forgiven! Great Chu’s iron cavalry should trample their capital!"

Zong Wenxiu countered rationally, "We mustn’t. Though these refugees were lured to the capital by You Country’s schemes, the border regions continue to see an influx. If this persists, our own stability will collapse."

He Zheng nodded vigorously. "Wenxiu’s right. Our court is already weakened. After being bullied by You Country for centuries, suddenly gaining the upper hand feels like sheer luck—it’s not our true strength. Pushing further would only harm us."

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Wei Xinglu added, "I agree. Jincheng, don’t be rash. We should recuperate and strike back in a few years. As the saying goes, revenge is a dish best served cold."

Shen Yibai smacked the table in approval. "Exactly! I’m with them. But Xinglu, since when do you spout proverbs?"

Wei Xinglu: "…"

Who knew? The words just slipped out.

The debate raged on, with Zong Jincheng—personally affected by the Crown Prince’s ordeal—arguing emotionally for vengeance, though his stance lacked solid reasoning.

For once, the four boys, usually outmatched by the little troublemaker in arguments, triumphed through logic, their cheers echoing through the manor’s grand study.

"Tch." Zong Jincheng crossed his arms and rolled his eyes.

After the lively dispute, the five boys huddled together, summarizing the pros and cons of war versus retreat, jotting down a lengthy list of discussion points.

Just as they finished, Shunzi rushed in with breaking news: "Young masters, the imperial decree has been announced—the decision is made!"

"Withdraw the troops?" the boys chorused.

Shunzi nodded. "Yes, withdraw. The Emperor has ordered the Great General of Pacifying the West to return to the capital."

The scholarly boys leaped in excitement.

"We guessed right! We actually thought like the Emperor!"

"Pah! It’s not guessing—it’s deduction. We analyzed the facts and reached the optimal conclusion."

"Ha! Seems we’ve got the makings of officials, matching the court’s top minds… Well, except Jincheng. He was all for continuing the war." Shen Yibai smirked teasingly at Zong Jincheng.

Zong Jincheng grinned dangerously. "Brother Yibai, you’d better worry about your grandfather. Post-war, he’ll be buried in work—too busy to even touch the ground."

Shen Yibai stuck out his tongue. "The civil officials will handle it. Not my problem, hehe."

Zong Jincheng: "…"

What a filial grandson.