William Carter was stomped so hard by Emily Bennett that he felt like one Buddha was born and two Buddhas ascended to heaven—it was even more unbearable than that whip to his back. Seeing Charles Bennett beckon, he quickly spat out two breaths and limped over to Charles Bennett. As he passed by, a rather large, chubby man secretly gave him a thumbs-up, his face full of admiration.

William Carter forced a smile at the greasy, plump man. Today, at the academy gate, thanks to Emily Bennett's interference, it was obvious how the students viewed him. Now that a fat guy showed him a bit of goodwill, it was better than nothing. It seemed his plan to swindle the rich kids of Chongzhou Academy was dead before it even started.

"Teacher." William Carter walked up to Charles Bennett and gave a meticulous bow. Charles Bennett's temples were graying, but his thick, sword-like brows were still full of authority. Whether he could enter the academy this time depended on Charles Bennett; as for his master's words, out of ten, you could only believe half a sentence. William Carter had known Charles Bennett since childhood, so he wasn't too reserved.

"Haha, that girl's bamboo whip and that kick didn't feel good, did they?" Charles Bennett looked at William Carter and laughed.

William Carter grinned and nodded, lowering his voice: "Not just uncomfortable—it was deadly! She's a real little tormenting demon."

"In front of others, she still gives me some face. Otherwise, you would've had it even worse today." Charles Bennett turned and walked into the academy, speaking as he went.

William Carter nodded and hurried to catch up. He knew Emily Bennett wasn't afraid of Charles Bennett, just like he himself wasn't much afraid of his own master. But Emily Bennett understood propriety and would never embarrass Charles Bennett in front of outsiders.

The academy students, after greeting Charles Bennett, all lowered their heads and quickly walked away, so no one overheard their conversation. Still, they glanced at William Carter a few more times. Although few took the morning's incident seriously, to dare tease Emily Bennett in public and still chat so easily with Dean Bennett, they found themselves a bit more interested in this young Taoist in a half-worn robe.

"William, since you're preparing for the qualifying exam in two months, we need to set three ground rules before you enter the academy. Do you agree?" Charles Bennett stopped in front of a ginkgo tree, turned, and looked at William Carter. This ginkgo was said to have been planted four hundred years ago, so thick that two people together could barely encircle it. Every autumn, its golden leaves were a highlight of the academy.

"You tell me first." William Carter scratched his head, not agreeing right away.

Charles Bennett couldn't help but laugh in exasperation: "You rascal, just as slippery as your master."

"Teacher, you can't say that. If we're talking slippery, even if I tried my best, I couldn't match a ten-thousandth of my master." William Carter chuckled.

Charles Bennett pondered for a moment before saying, "The three rules: First, no causing trouble. Second, no skipping classes. Third, in the academy debate three days from now, you must rank in the top ten."

William Carter thought it over and nodded: "The first two are no problem, but teacher, what exactly is this debate in three days?"

Just then, a melodious bell sounded from deep within the academy. Charles Bennett waved his hand: "Ask about the debate yourself. The morning bell has rung—go to Autumn Hall. From today, you should study hard here and learn how to prepare for the exams. The autumn exam is in August; you don't have much time left."

With that, Charles Bennett turned to leave. After a few steps, he stopped, turned back, and said to William Carter, "By the way, the academy doesn't provide lunch. If you have nowhere to eat, come to Tong Hall yourself—but you'll have to cook."

William Carter responded, then turned and tugged at the corner of his mouth, muttering under his breath, "He just doesn't want to eat that girl's burnt rice..."

William Carter stopped a student and asked for directions to Autumn Hall, then hurried off with the other students. It wouldn't do to be late for his first class.

Chongzhou Academy had four lecture halls: Spring Hall, Summer Hall, Autumn Hall, and Winter Hall. These were where the teachers explained the classics and taught the students.

The academy had over a hundred dormitories, but the four lecture halls were the most important. The rest were either teachers' residences or lodgings for students who had come from afar, plus a dozen or so study rooms.

Since only men could serve as officials, Chongzhou Academy did not admit female students. So, along the way, all William Carter saw were scholars in flowing robes, books in hand, exuding a scholarly air.

William Carter looked down at his half-worn Taoist robe, wondering if he should change. But seeing the quality of the academy uniform, he figured it would cost at least a hundred coins, which he couldn't afford, so he decisively gave up the idea. Though his old robe was worn, it was comfortable. New clothes were nice, but a hundred coins could buy several good meals. William Carter consoled himself with this thought and quickly convinced himself.

Autumn Hall was quite spacious, with over a hundred low desks, almost all occupied by students. When William Carter hurried to the entrance, he was the only one left outside. The students sitting cross-legged inside all looked up at him, and some who had witnessed the earlier scene at the gate whispered among themselves. At the very front, facing the students, sat an elderly gentleman holding a book—presumably today's teacher—who turned to look at William Carter when he heard the commotion.