Upon hearing Zhai Heming's words, the smile vanished from Yu Youniang's face. Her fair, plump, and tender cheeks tensed up in that moment, and her round, bright eyes were filled with gravity as she stared unblinkingly at Zhai Heming.
"Apologize!" Yu Youniang said.
Zhai Heming was taken aback for a moment before bursting into loud laughter. "What did you say? Apologize? You're actually asking me, the Crown Prince, to apologize? What did I say wrong? Why should I apologize?"
"You spoke ill of my father! You must apologize to my father!" Yu Youniang said earnestly.
The Marchioness had spoken ill of her father, but her mother had said that the Marchioness was an elder, her grandmother, and she couldn't just hit her.
But she absolutely would not allow anyone to speak ill of her father!
Zhai Heming suddenly understood. "So that's why you're angry! Hmph! I won't apologize! I didn't say anything wrong! Your mother was left to wander outside—what kind of good man could she marry? Look at what you're wearing—shabby and worn-out! And what are those cheap, tattered pompom hair accessories on your head? If your father were capable, why wouldn't he buy you better ones? If he's no good, why can't I say so?"
With every word Zhai Heming spoke, Yu Youniang's expression grew more serious. Her fair little face turned redder and redder, her cheeks puffed out, and she looked as angry as a little pufferfish.
"You spoke ill of my father. I gave you a chance, but you still refuse to admit your mistake or apologize. Then I'll have to teach you a lesson!"
"You want to teach me a lesson?" Zhai Heming laughed even more arrogantly. "You're not even as tall as my shoulder! You little bean sprout… no, you're a fat bean sprout! How do you, a fatty, plan to teach me a lesson?"
Yu Youniang didn't say another word. Clenching her fists and leaning forward, she charged straight at Zhai Heming.
She ran incredibly fast. Zhai Heming had just shown a look of surprise when he was sent flying backward by Yu Youniang's headbutt.
Zhai Heming was thrown as if flung by someone, flying backward several zhang before crashing to the ground.
Yu Youniang didn't stop. In the blink of an eye, she had already rushed to Zhai Heming's side.
Zhai Heming, aching all over from the fall, was startled to see Yu Youniang standing before him again. "You—"
Before he could finish speaking, Yu Youniang had already planted her hands on her hips and lifted her foot to kick him.
Though she was just a small child, her strength was surprisingly immense. Zhai Heming felt as if he had been struck with a stick, and he burst into loud, wailing tears.
Zhai Heming's attendants and pageboys hurriedly gathered around, reaching out to grab Yu Youniang.
But the little Yu Youniang was as slippery as an eel. Not only did she dodge the grabbing hands, but she also seized every opportunity to land a few more kicks on Zhai Heming.
Hearing Zhai Heming's cries grow even louder, Yu Youniang finally ran through the gates of the Imperial Academy. Standing inside the threshold, she looked down at Zhai Heming from above.
"You spoke ill of my father and mother. This time, it's just a small lesson. If there's a next time, don't blame me for being impolite!"
Zhai Heming was helped up from the ground by his attendants, his face smeared with tears and snot, his splendid clothes covered in dust. He looked both pitiful and ridiculous.
The onlookers around burst into laughter at the sight.
Zhai Heming had been enfeoffed as the Crown Prince from birth and had been pampered all his life. He had never suffered such humiliation or been so thoroughly embarrassed before.
At this moment, Zhai Heming was both humiliated and furious. He pointed a finger at Yu Youniang and shouted, "Seize her! Beat her soundly!"
The servants looked hesitant and did not move.
If Yu Youniang were still outside, they would have rushed to grab her without hesitation.
But Yu Youniang was now inside the gates of the Imperial Academy, and they could not cross that boundary.
Six years ago, the Emperor had decreed that students studying at the Imperial Academy were not allowed to bring their personal guards or servants onto the premises. Violators would be barred from the Imperial Academy for life.
Zhai Heming might not care whether he could continue studying at the Imperial Academy, but the servants dared not risk causing him to be expelled because of their actions.
If that happened, their lives would surely be forfeit.
Seeing the servants remain motionless, Zhai Heming grew even angrier.
"You worthless dogs! What are you waiting for? If you don't go now, I'll have your heads!"
"Young Master Zhai."
A cold, clear voice suddenly rang out, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
Though reluctant, Zhai Heming had no choice but to bow respectfully as a student upon seeing the newcomer.
"Your student greets Director Li."
The newcomer was named Li Chengming, around forty years old, the Director of the Imperial Academy and the highest-ranking official within its walls.
Li Chengming sported a goatee and had a gentle appearance, but his expression was stern, and his voice was icy. "Morning study is about to begin. Why are you causing a disturbance here instead of attending class?"
Zhai Heming immediately pointed at Yu Youniang. "Director Li, it's not that I don't want to go. It's her! She hit me!"
As he spoke, Zhai Heming felt both aggrieved and furious, tears welling up in his eyes once more.
Li Chengming lowered his gaze to Yu Youniang, who was not even as tall as his thigh. "Who are you? Are you also a student of the Imperial Academy?"
Yu Youniang beamed at Li Chengming. "Not before, but starting today, I am!"
Li Chengming stroked his goatee. "Yesterday, the Yong'an Marquis Manor sent word that their legitimate granddaughter, Yu Youniang, would be enrolling today. Is that you?"
"Yes! I am Yu Youniang!"
Li Chengming's expression grew even more serious than before. "You've only just enrolled today. Why did you resort to violence?"
Yu Youniang looked wronged, but her voice was loud and firm. "He was the one who spoke ill of my father and mother first!"
Zhai Heming immediately retorted, "I wasn't wrong! Your mother was lost to the world, lacking proper upbringing, and your father is an unknown—"
"Young Master Zhai!" Li Chengming roared, his voice booming like a bell.
Zhai Heming trembled and instantly fell silent.
Li Chengming fixed a stern gaze on Zhai Heming. "Young Master Zhai, the Book of Rites states, 'Those who insult another's parents shall not share the same sun and moon.' How dare you behave like a street ruffian?"
Seeing Li Chengming's genuine anger, Zhai instinctively straightened his posture, though resentment still simmered within him. He muttered, "But what I said wasn't wrong…"
"The Commentary on the Changes says, 'Words and actions are the pivot of a gentleman.' Your malicious words are like poisoned arrows—first harming your own virtue, then violating the law. Go and copy the Classic of Filial Piety from the Book of Rites one hundred times!"
"What!"
Zhai Heming was utterly shocked.
The Classic of Filial Piety contained around three thousand characters. Copying it one hundred times—how long would that take!
"Young Master Zhai, do you refuse?" Li Chengming's eyes turned cold. "If so, then do not set foot in these gates again!"
"I will do it!" Zhai Heming hastily replied.
If he were truly barred from the Imperial Academy, he would be beaten to a pulp when he returned home!
Zhai Heming, seething with anger, glared at Yu Youniang with fiery eyes. "Director, are you just going to let her get away with hitting me?"
"What else do you propose?"
Fuming but not daring to speak out, Zhai Heming could only shoot a fierce glare at Yu Youniang.
Just you wait, you wretched girl!