Zhang Chen watched the Young Master munching on grass, a hint of contemplation in his eyes: "Has the Young Master been cursed too? I just wonder how many curses have befallen him."

Zhang Chen held the missive in his hand, suddenly recalling the invitation from his master, Han Suzhen, calling him to study and research at the Academy.

The Young Master nodded with satisfaction upon seeing Zhang Chen's action, knowing full well that Zhang Chen would never miss such an opportunity.

"Once you go to the Academy, you will never regret it." The Young Master continued munching on grass.

"How many curses have you received?" Zhang Chen asked.

The Young Master paused in his grazing, his expression helpless: "I underestimated it. I've been hit with three curses."

"What kind of curses?" Zhang Chen asked curiously.

The Young Master didn't reply but continued eating the grass, his eyes filled with sorrow.

As the two spoke, a graceful silhouette approached from a distance, stepping into the inn and standing by the table.

"Master." Zhang Chen hurriedly bowed upon seeing Han Suzhen.

"I hadn't expected you to become acquainted with the Young Master. But then, a person like you will shine wherever you go." Han Suzhen praised Zhang Chen.

"Master, you're not upset with me?" Zhang Chen was taken aback by Han Suzhen's words, having anticipated she might reprimand him for associating with the Academy, especially given the impending Dao debate with Chen Sanliang.

"You may not know, but the Young Master is also a relative of mine. The invitation I gave you to attend the Academy was through the Young Master's connection." Han Suzhen spoke, now seated in Zhang Chen's place, her eyes resting on the Young Master across:

"Cousin!"

Upon hearing 'Cousin,' Zhang Chen was profoundly shocked, as though an earthquake of magnitude eighteen had struck, his eyes filled with disbelief.

The intricate web of noble relationships was truly astonishing.

Facing Han Suzhen, the Young Master wore a look of regret: "It's been years since I've seen you, little sister. You've aged quite a bit; your temples show more traces of hardship. I suggest you divorce that rebellious Chen Sanliang. Why suffer here in the Northern Land with him? Your parents' health is deteriorating, far worse than before. Last year, your mother went blind, your father fell seriously ill and is bedridden, and your brother was sanctioned by the court. Your entire lineage has suffered due to Chen Sanliang. He defied traditional etiquette, offending countless scholars back then, and those scholars now hold power, leaving no stone unturned in settling scores with anyone connected to Chen Sanliang. Even my mediation has been insufficient."

"When I headed south, Aunt called me to her bedside, asking if I could bring you back. Her health wanes by the day, often feeling bone-chilling cold, fearing she won't last much longer. She hopes to see you one last time before the end." Zhu Xun's voice was heavy.

Upon hearing this, Han Suzhen was already in tears: "As the saying goes, 'Marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog.' You can tell them to consider me as though they never raised a daughter."

The Young Master's expression darkened, his face turning ashen: "Why are you so stubborn? Not even willing to see Uncle and Aunt one last time? You can't fulfill their last wish?"

"Cousin..." Han Suzhen weakly called, tears streaming down her cheeks. Zhu Xun was furious but forced himself to remain calm.

"If you destroy that rotten Confucian, can you return?" Zhu Xun's voice regained its composure, his gaze fixed on Han Suzhen, as cold as a thousand-year-old icy pond, instilling fear.

"I've come for Sanliang! He has pioneered his own studies, forging a path for himself. Given time, he might rival the Master and become Confucian Dao's second Saint. He truly needs time! Can you spare him during the Dao debate?"

Han Suzhen's voice was full of pleading.

"I know he's carved his own path, but what does that change? His knowledge contributes to Confucianism, like a building block for a new peak, which is certainly a joyous event. But for the Academy, it's not beneficial. His presence shakes the Academy's foundation, shifting its power. Do you think the Academy will let him continue?" Zhu Xun sighed:

"Over the years, the Academy refrained from striking because of the Chen family's influence. The plan was to force him to the Northern Land and have Prince Pingbian's Mansion deal with him, yet unexpectedly, Prince Pingbian lacked the courage to act."

"Cousin, I beg you! Just give him a sliver of hope during the Dao debate!" Han Suzhen stood up from her seat and kneeled, attracting the stares of many in the hall.

"Get up, don't embarrass yourself here." Zhu Xun frowned at the scene, hurriedly increasing his pace upstairs to avoid further attention in the hall.

Han Suzhen stood and followed after him, Zhang Chen helplessly trailing behind, arriving in Zhu Xun's room, where Han Suzhen again knelt without a word.

Faced with his cousin's stubbornness, Zhu Xun was full of helplessness: "At this point, with the Dao debate a day away, I can tell the truth: I'm not the one debating Chen Sanliang. It's a ruse by the Academy, meant to distract Chen Sanliang into studying my theories, wasting time and effort. Then, during the debate, someone else will step in, catching Chen Sanliang off guard, throwing him off balance. His studies are already full of flaws, and with calculated moves, his chance of winning is nearly zero."

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