Whoever can strike me hard will be rewarded handsomely.

After Fu Xingjian spoke up for Jiang Jibai, many students wavered on whether or not to leave Sidingzhai, but most remained skeptical.

Whether someone has real skills or not can only be proven by their actions.

Jiang Jibai took in the changing expressions of the students, but did not rush to refute them. Holding his book, he slowly walked to the center of the dormitory. "The argument you just had can be described as a debate between name and reality."

"What is name? What is reality?"

"Names are guests of reality. They are guests, not hosts."

"Mr. Wang's name is not something that the world praises, but rather something he earned through thirty years of hard work and the fruitful results of his students' success. It is a well-deserved reputation."

"Gu is a newcomer, unknown and unknown, hence the name of the nameless."

"Reputation may vary in size, but it is not a matter of high or low."

"If one is misled by fame, and feels awe and respect for those who are renowned throughout the world, while looking down on those who are unknown, this is human nature, but it is not the way to pursue scholarship."

"The way to pursue scholarship is to learn from each other, draw on the strengths of others, think carefully, and make clear judgments. One should not judge the quality of a subject based on its reputation."

Jiang Jibai's words not only gave Mr. Wang considerable affirmation, but also showed no humility because of his "small name".

His magnanimity and composed speech are like a gentle breeze to those around him.

Upon hearing these words, some students looked ashamed, while others were moved by Mr. Gu's magnanimity and breadth of mind.

Of course, some students who disagreed argued, "You only say that because you don't have it yourself."

"Because of being unknown, one should not value fame."

"Most students like myself are just ordinary people with limited abilities. We can't judge the teachers' actual abilities, but we can easily understand the magnitude of their reputations."

"If not by name, then by what?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Jibai was not angry at all. Instead, he smiled slightly and said, "This question hits the nail on the head. Since we cannot determine the 'truth,' how should we choose?"

First, ask yourself honestly: what is the purpose of your ten years of hard study? Is it to achieve academic success and apply your knowledge to practical use? Or is it to pursue knowledge and explore its principles?

Secondly, seek advice from wise people. Surely among your classmates, there are those whose character and knowledge you can trust. If you cannot judge for yourself, you might as well listen to other people's opinions and then decide whether they are the ones you need.

Thirdly, inquire about the results: After a period of time, have your writings and knowledge improved? Have you achieved a tangible improvement?

Jiang Jibai's gaze was gentle as he walked back to the lecture table and said unhurriedly, "I am an unknown person. Whether I have real knowledge or not, you can judge for yourselves after the lecture."

Whether I stay or leave, as I said before, I can always find a replacement, and I won't force anyone.

"But if you choose to stay, my rules are strict, and those who don't meet the requirements..." Jiang Jibai glanced at a junior disciple in the corner who was trying to make himself inconspicuous, and smiled warmly, "Don't blame me for being ruthless in my punishment."

The room was quiet. Although they didn't know who this Mr. Gu was, his calmness, wisdom, demeanor and composure were more convincing than any heated debate.

Jiang Jibai casually opened the book in his hand. "The imperial examination is just around the corner. Today we'll talk about how to make our policy essays substantial and practical, rather than just empty talk."

Jiang Jibai's voice, neither too loud nor too soft, lingered in the Sidingzhai, carrying a calm power that drew everyone to listen.

He effortlessly weaves in historical allusions and current events, combining them with vivid and engaging anecdotes. His teachings are insightful yet grounded in reality, closely connected to people's lives and tangible things. He brings the dry classic texts to life, making them clear and engaging, captivating the students.

Looking at Jiang Jibai, whose strokes were free and unrestrained, as deep as the sea, Qin Ji felt a sense of pride for some reason.

As expected of the teacher I carefully selected, you blind students are so lucky!

After the lecture, the students' initial resentment gradually dissipated, and no one dared to provoke or spout nonsense as before.

Even the most stubborn student would at most say, "Mr. Gu's lectures are good, but I still prefer Mr. Wang's style."

Jiang Jibai did not force anyone to stay or leave. He simply arranged for the student who had previously registered as absent to re-verify the identities of all the students and compile a list.

Those who are willing to stay and substitute will have their real identities recorded; those who are not willing to stay will be asked to find substitutes themselves.

No matter how good his lectures were, he was still an unknown teacher, and a small number of students discussed finding someone to replace him.

On the contrary, Yan Mingli, who had made such a mess before, actually left his identity information when the students who were registering came up to him.

Many people were astonished by what they saw.

Even Qin Ji cast a slightly surprised glance at him.

Gu Zhenhe leaned over and explained, "Don't let Yan Mingli's appearance fool you; he has a good eye for talent. He's single-mindedly focused on climbing the ladder, and he's shameless enough to abandon any pretense of decency. He always makes decisions that are in his own best interest. He's a ruthless person, and who knows, he might not be someone to be underestimated in the future."

Ruthless people have their ways of being ruthless, and petty people have theirs.

Qin Ji's eyes darkened slightly, but he didn't say anything.

Soon, the students who had registered their identities came to them.

Gu Zhenhe was not a substitute; his name was originally on the roster. After verification, the registered students quickly switched to Qin Ji.

"Since you are not Li Hongye, which dormitory were you originally from? What was your name?"

Qin Ji answered without hesitation: "Si Dingzhai, Jiang San."

The student registering looked so worried he could practically trap a fly between his brows. "I'm asking which dorm you were in before, and which 'third' is Jiang San?"

Qin Ji dipped his brush in ink and wrote "Jiang San" on the Xuan paper with a flourish.

Just as the students who were registering were about to cross out Li Hongye's name with some skepticism and were about to ask about the original name of the study, Jiang Jibai put down the book in his hand and walked over.

He glanced at the large "Jiang San" on the Xuan paper, then his gaze fell on the young disciple's face.

Qin Ji picked up the Xuan paper in front of him and flashed it in front of Jiang Jibai with a big smile.

Jiang Jibai chuckled and said to the students registering, "Write down his name, take him to get a new set of student clothes, and make him an identity tag. He's not a student of Songjian Academy, but he occasionally comes and goes to Sidingzhai. I will explain to the headmaster."

"Also, there's no need to cross out Li Hongye's name. Go tell him tomorrow to come and listen to the lecture, and collect his forty feet for the two days he will be absent."

The student nodded and went on to update the roster.

Seeing this, Gu Zhenhe thought to himself: These two really do have a past relationship.

Jiang Jibai took the Xuan paper from his junior disciple, glanced at him, and said, "Jiang student, you impersonated someone else and infiltrated the academy. Come with me and explain yourself."

...

Second update delivered! Goal achieved! Double updates tomorrow!