The Crown Prince had been pulled away, and even the dimmest students understood: Teacher Song believed the Crown Prince would lose, and the consequences would be severe.
In contrast, both Teacher Zhang and Ye Qianning were perfectly calm. They weren't afraid of being challenged to a competition on the spot. The ones who were afraid were their accusers. It was the ultimate slap in the face.
"All students who voiced their doubts today will go to the Ancestor Hall and kneel. You may not return to your lessons until you have copied the Disciple's Rules five hundred times." Teacher Zhang announced, his gaze sweeping over the students before landing on the one on the ground, who looked so terrified he was about to faint. "If you remain unconvinced, you are welcome to compete in public as well."
"I... I..." The student's vision went dark, and he collapsed onto the ground.
Teacher Zhang shook his head. "Send him back to his family's estate. As of now, he is expelled from the academy."
