The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 213
…sorry it’s another cliffhanger (╥﹏╥)
Translated by Pure
Chapter 213 Embracing the Inevitable (2)
The crowd of onlookers gradually increased. Observing this, Sun Qiu immediately instructed his servants to disperse them, strictly prohibiting any students from following. However, the allure of such an intriguing scene proved too strong to resist. Despite being driven away repeatedly, a persistent group of students lingered, trailing behind the commotion.
Sun Qiu, preoccupied with handling the situation, gave little thought to the persistent spectators. If any genuine harm befell Fu Tanghuan within the confines of Songhai Academy, Fu Sheng, the influential prime minister, would undoubtedly ensure that those involved faced severe consequences.
Fu Shi 'coincidentally' crossed paths with the Teachers as they headed towards Nuanxiang Pavilion. Noticing the sizable crowd moving in a specific direction, she feigned curiosity and inquired, learning that it pertained to her sister. Consequently, she joined the procession in a state of apparent concern.
Meanwhile, Fu Zixian, having just completed his meal with Mu Yang and preparing to return to his studies, encountered the commotion. Noticing Fu Shi among the group, he couldn't help but take a heightened interest.
Mu Yang, eager to be part of the spectacle, promptly asked the spectators for more information. Initially hesitant, the informant, aware of Mu Yang's amicable connection with Wen Yantong, was hesitant to divulge the details. It was only after Mu Yang applied some pressure that the information reluctantly surfaced.
Upon hearing the news, the two of them were stunned. Mu Yang, fueled by disbelief, surged ahead of the crowd, positioning himself beside Sun Qiu. He asserted, "Teacher Sun, it's impossible for Wen Yantong to commit such an act. This must be a false rumor or someone framing him."
Sun Qiu maintained a stern expression. "The matter hasn't been investigated yet, so don't rush to conclusions."
Mu Yang clicked his tongue in frustration, recognizing the futility of his words in the present circumstance. Swiftly, he dispatched his servants out of the Academy to convey the news to Cheng Xin and Chi Jingxi, both of whom had entered the palace.
Being the offspring of a high-ranking official, Mu Yang was well-versed in the art of crisis management. While he was certain that Wen Yantong would never harm Fu Tanghuan, the current focus shifted from truth to containment. The crucial task at hand was ensuring Wen Yantong's restraint before the Academy took formal action.
Everyone proceeded toward the entrance of Nuanxiang Pavilion, discovering a student lurking nearby, looking rather furtive. The door to Nuanxiang Pavilion was secured with a lock.
Upon spotting the approaching crowd, the student hastened to greet them.
"Did you lock the door?" Sun Qiu inquired, his tone cold.
The student nodded vigorously, "Yes, yes! I was afraid that Wen Yantong would escape, so I quickly locked the door."
Mu Yang, standing beside Sun Qiu, reacted swiftly. Hearing the student's explanation, he delivered a resounding slap to the young man's face.
Mu Yang did not hold back any strength into this slap, sending the student reeling backward several steps, stunning the onlookers.
"What kind of f*cking bullshit is that?!" Mu Yang exclaimed. "When Wen Yantong brought Third Young Lady Fu in, you chose to lock the door instead of helping her? Isn't this clear evidence that you're intentionally framing Wen Yantong?"
Faced with Mu Yang's confrontation, the student, realizing his predicament, faltered and admitted, "Yes, I was foolish. I didn't think it through..."
Mu Yang sneered, tightening his grip on the student's collar. "You didn't think about that? I presume you didn't think about how you're going to meet your end. Your scheme has dragged my good brother into this mess. If you come clean and expose the mastermind, there might be a slim chance for you to survive."
"No, it's not like that!" The student, trembling with fear, pleaded for Sun Qiu's intervention. "Teacher, save me!"
Sun Qiu, witnessing the situation, made no effort to restrain Mu Yang. The student's desperate flaunt of achievement only heightened the suspicion surrounding this matter.
Sun Qiu ordered, "Go and unlock the door."
Mu Yang exerted force, shoving the man to the ground. After rolling a few times, he quickly stood up and rushed to unlock the door. As soon as the lock was opened, Fu Tanghuan came into view, her delicate face masked with frost. "Who confined me in this room?"
Fu Tanghuan, impeccably attired, wore a stern expression, with only a slightly paler complexion.
This left the onlookers bewildered. Hadn’t Wen Yantong rendered Third Young Lady Fu unconscious and brought her into the library? Why, then, was a spirited Third Young Lady standing here upon the door opening? Furthermore, her countenance bore an evident displeasure.
Fu Tanghuan fixed a stern gaze on the student who had locked the door. "Was it you?"
The man, caught off guard by Fu Tanghuan's wakefulness, took a step back, stuttering, "I, I..."
Fu Tanghuan's voice surged with anger, "I was enjoying my read in here, and suddenly I found out I was locked inside. What are your intentions in locking me up? How audacious!"
Upon witnessing Fu Tanghuan's reaction, the student instinctively glanced at Fu Shi, knelt down, and began to cry, pleading, "No! I saw Wen Yantong bringing you into the room, and I was afraid that he would do something wrong, so I locked the door!"
"What nonsense! It was clearly me who walked into Nuanxiang Pavilion to read. What does it have to do with Wen Yantong?" Fu Tanghuan commanded, "Xiao Liu! Arrest this person who spreads false malicious rumors and send him to the authorities!"
Before Fu Zixian could react, Mu Yang couldn't restrain himself any longer. He stepped forward, kicking the student to the ground, and bellowed, "Take this fool, this brainless fool, to the authorities!"
Mu Yang's highly skilled martial arts guard, who usually accompanied him, swiftly moved into action. Before anyone could react, he had restrained the student, pinning his arms behind his back and escorting him out.
The student pleaded desperately, "No! I admit my mistake! I'm innocent! Someone manipulated me into doing this. Please spare my life, Young Master Mu!"
Mu Yang, upon hearing the student's plea, hesitated for a moment. He shifted his gaze to Fu Tanghuan, recognizing that she was the true victim in this situation. While the apparent target was Wen Yantong, the underlying aim was to implicate Fu Tanghuan. The course of action to be taken now rested on Fu Tanghuan's decision.
Fu Tanghuan, with a scornful expression, ordered, "You can explain youself in front of the authorities."
Mu Yang, acknowledging Fu Tanghuan's decision, raised his hand, signaling for the detainee to be taken away.
Observing this, Zhao Yu stepped forward and whispered to Sun Qiu, "Given that it's a false rumor, it's best to disperse the crowd quickly. If this matter spreads, Prime Minister Fu might take offense."
Sun Qiu was well aware of this and intended to signal the dispersal of the crowd. However, to everyone's surprise, Fu Shi suddenly stood up and inquired, "Third sister, are you the only one in this room?"
Fu Tanghuan glanced at her coldly, as if she had no desire to engage in conversation.
Fu Shi raised her eyebrows and adopted an innocent tone. "They just mentioned that Wen Yantong brought you into the room. Everyone was concerned about your safety, so they hurried here. Don't be upset."
Fu Tanghuan snorted in disdain. "Locking me in a room suddenly and spreading rumors that tarnish my reputation. If I'm not angry, should I be applauding and cheering? What does this have to do with Wen Yantong?"
Fu Shi pretended to be indignant, "Those who spread rumors and create trouble should indeed be severely punished!"
Fu Tanghuan ignored her and turned to enter the library, stating, "There's an exam tomorrow, and I've reserved the entire Nuanxiang Pavilion for the afternoon. Others can go read elsewhere."
Fu Shi, undeterred, took two steps forward and said, "I actually want to read a particular book on the Knowledge of Calculations here. Can I join you, Third Sister?"
Fu Tanghuan hesitated, her hands clenched in her sleeves. Fu Shi was undoubtedly trying to use this situation to her advantage. However, being in a public place with numerous onlookers and the recent rumors, refusing might be seen as suspicious.