Fortune Across the World

Chapter 64: Unintentional Trouble with the Lady (Middle)

Yun Yi tried to back away, but the hand continued to reach for her. Instinctively, she clutched the front of her dress, tears welling up in her eyes, her throat tight with a feeling she could not bear...

"Teacher!" Unable to sit by any longer, Ding Qiyu stood up and called out, "I have a question I'd like to ask, sir!"

Startled, Liu Jiping instinctively withdrew his hand, his guilty conscience making him jump at the loud interruption. He turned to Ding Qiyu, cursing inwardly at the audacity of the person who had dared to interrupt him.

Yun Yi, with tears in her eyes, looked at Ding Qiyu, who had stood up to help her. A sense of relief washed over her, and she felt an overwhelming urge to hide behind Ding Qiyu, blindly trusting that this person would protect her no matter what happened.

Ding Qiyu's action drew everyone's attention. A drowsy Lu Weiming was jolted awake, blinking sleepily at the confrontation between Ding Qiyu and Liu Jiping. Lu Weixi looked up, her eyes moving from Ding Qiyu to the disgruntled Liu Jiping and the nearly tearful Yun Yi. Piecing together the bits of conversation she'd overheard, she seemed to understand the situation. The young lords hoping for a spectacle were visibly disappointed. Zhao Tianran frowned, while Zhang Zhiyao's eyes flashed with malice before he turned away.

Liu Jiping wanted to lash out, but the young man before him was Lu Weiming's companion, and Lu Weixi's gaze was already laden with warning and displeasure. Forced to suppress his anger, he asked, "What is your question?"

Ding Qiyu picked up the history book from the desk, walked around Lu Weiming, and positioned herself between Liu Jiping and Yun Yi, forcing him to step back. Pointing to a section in the book, she said, "Sir, you emphasized the reasons Emperor Fuyuan defeated the last ruler of the previous dynasty, Emperor Hongze, but didn't analyze why Emperor Hongze failed. You said, 'Study history to gain wisdom.' I'm not well-read, so I'd like to ask, what was Emperor Hongze's gravest mistake that led to his downfall and death?"

Liu Jiping's eyes showed contempt. "Hmph, isn't it obvious? Emperor Hongze was foolish and incompetent. He insulted the Regent Prince Guanghe while drunk, and Prince Guanghe held a grudge ever since. During the war, the fledgling military genius Qin Yushuo joined him with fervor but was met with disdain..." His voice trailed off as he squinted at the young man before him.

Ding Qiyu feigned sudden understanding, nodding. "I see. You're right, sir. Speaking without regard for others' status and neglecting to recognize the potential in talented individuals like Qin Yushuo — such foolishness justifies his fate." Ding Qiyu closed the book and bowed slightly, a sardonic smile playing on her lips. "I've learned a valuable lesson. It's something we should all take to heart, don't you agree, sir?" She had read this part of Da Qian's early history like a novel during her idle time. Since even Lu Weiming couldn't ascertain Yun Yi's background, she guessed Liu Jiping might have doubts too. Regardless of Yun Yi's current status, who could predict her or Yun Ke's future potential? Using this historical lesson to warn Liu Jiping seemed fitting.

Liu Jiping remained silent for a moment, scrutinizing Ding Qiyu. He couldn't confirm Yun Yi's background and had let his desires cloud his judgment. Ding Qiyu's warning brought him back to his senses. If Yun Yi had a significant background, he could be in serious trouble. He glanced over Ding Qiyu's shoulder at the shaken girl whose vulnerable appearance tugged at his desires, yet he dared not act further. Frustrated, he directed his resentment at the young man before him. Liu Jiping grunted an acknowledgment and turned back to the podium, addressing the class sternly, "However, I did cover this in the last lesson, and you seem unaware, wasting everyone's time with public questions. Do you realize your mistake?"

Ding Qiyu glanced back at Yun Yi, giving her a reassuring look, mouthing, "It's okay, sit down." Seeing her comply, Ding Qiyu returned to her seat and nodded indifferently at Liu Jiping. "Yes, I realize my mistake." She had anticipated that Liu Jiping would need to take some action to quell his anger, even if it meant punishing her.