Chapter 4: Collective Petition

Chapter 4: Collective Petition

In the end, Gao Qingyu concluded, "Our higher-ups have accused our academy of leaving Fang Che on too loose a leash, and I was severely reprimanded during my trip to the southeastern headquarters. After what happened with Xue Wanshi in the World Academy Tournament, the Xue Clan has gone to the southeastern headquarters, demanding a rematch against Fang Che next year with a huge reward on the line.

“Such an opportunity should not have befallen Fang Che, nor should he have access to any of our academy's facilities because the suspicions around him being a demonic church member have still not been entirely erased. Our academy has been punished over this matter, and Fang Che has been made to enter the Hall of Protectionists so that they can keep a closer eye on him.

“I don't get a say in any of this, so don't come blaming me! Old Man Shen, even if you hadn't come here today, I would've visited you and explained things to you in private. I know you've grown really close with him, but there's simply nothing I can do!"

For those unfamiliar with Gao Qingyu, this sounded like a reasonable explanation. His jurisdictive power was limited, so he had no choice but to follow orders.

However, those that

did

know him clearly knew that something was up.

His rundown of events had been extremely detailed and organized, delivered like a well-rehearsed speech, and it was clear that he had been preparing for this very moment.

Clearly, he had every intention of escalating this matter as much as possible to catch the attention of the higher-ups.

Lü Jiaoshan was fuming.

"What the hell's their problem?! It's like the southeastern headquarters has a personal grudge against Fang Che or something! He's already gone through the Path of Self-Inquisition, is that not enough? What more can he do to prove his innocence?"

"I don't think the southeastern headquarters is behind this," Meng Chizheng sneered. "I don't know which clan initially reported Fang Che, but it seems like they're not willing to give up just yet!"

"I won't accept this!" Old Man Shen yelled as he slammed the lectern with his fist. "Gao Qingyu, if you can't give me a satisfactory explanation, then I'll take this to your higher-ups!"

"I've already explained everything to you, what more do you want from me?" Gao Qingyu asked in an exasperated manner.

"We can't just let this slide!" Xiang Xinghe protested. "We have a duty to look after our students!"

"If they won't hear us out, then we'll just have to go and kick their doors down!" Lü Jiaoshan yelled, and the sentiment was echoed by everyone.

Gao Qingyu was more than happy to play along, relenting, "Fine, I agree that this matter must be taken up with the higher-ups. How about this? Let's all sign a petition to submit to the southeastern headquarters!"

He pulled out a large sheet of paper as he spoke, one that he had clearly prepared well in advance.

"We are a united academy of justice, and on this day, we're going to make a collective stand! Who said go on strike?! Fine! Seeing as you've all proposed a strike, I'll go on a strike with you all! My staff has collectively turned on me, so what choice do I have as dean but to join all of you in protest?"

Everyone: "???"

***

Soon, an explosive headline came out of White Cloud Warrior Academy.

Elderly War Hero Storms Monthly Meeting in Protest, Leaving Dean with No Choice But to Lead A Collective Strike

At the same time, a report was made to the southeastern headquarters, requesting the firing of corrupt official Zhao Shanhe.

A petition was signed by all of the staff of White Cloud Warrior Academy, demanding justice for Fang Che and punishment for Zhao Shanhe.

At the southeastern headquarters, Zhao Shanhe had no choice but to turn to Dongfang Sansan for help. The situation had completely spiraled out of his control.

Dongfang Sansan was also at a loss for what to do.

I told you to put on an act, not to get yourself impeached by the entire population!

He had no choice but to summon Zhao Shanhe back to the main headquarters to be reprimanded.

Zhao Shanhe immediately fled back to the main headquarters.

He had become public enemy number one, and the masses were eager to tear him to shreds!

Of course, given his cultivation base, no one would dare to attack him, but they could certainly get back at him by throwing faeces onto his house!

Upon reaching the main headquarters, Zhao Shanhe immediately requested an audience with Dongfang Sansan, but he was met with mockery from his peers.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't the corrupt scoundrel of the southeast!"

Zhao Shanhe was on the verge of tears.

His reputation had been completely dragged through the mud.

Finally, Dongfang Sansan had time to see him, and he entered the former's study with his head lowered as if he really were a corrupt official.

All everyone heard was a furious "look at what you've done!" from Dongfang Sansan, and they were unable to hear anything else.

For someone who never lost his temper, this could already be considered a massive flare-up from Dongfang Sansan.

Everyone observed a moment of silence for Zhao Shanhe, then returned to work. After all, it wouldn't be a good look if Dongfang Sansan suddenly came out, only to catch them shirking their duties.

***

"Master Nine, I did all this for you!" Zhao Shanhe said, on the verge of tears.

"Quit acting! I know this isn't enough to get you down," Dongfang Sansan scoffed. "I've already thought of a solution. You can stay here for a day, then go back tomorrow."

"Yes, Master Nine."

Sure enough, Zhao Shanhe really was putting on an act, and his demoralized expression instantly disappeared. After all, even serving as a scapegoat for Master Nine was an honorable undertaking.

The next day, Zhao Shanhe returned to the White Cloud Prefecture looking very dejected, as if he had been sternly reprimanded by Dongfang Sansan.

***

Zhao Shanhe went straight to White Cloud Warrior Academy, where he was met with Old Man Shen, still fully decked out in his medals of honor.

Old Man Shen immediately erupted into a furious diatribe, and even though he had no cultivation base, Zhao Shanhe didn't dare to lay a finger on him, bearing the abuse in silence, even as Old Man Shen's spittle sprayed all over his face.

"As the chief supervisor of the southeast, I'll admit that I've mishandled Fang Che."

All the while, Gao Qingyu was side-eying Zhao Shanhe in vindictive glee.

Weren't you acting all tough and arrogant last time? Looks like Master Nine must've really gotten on your case!

"However, I must reiterate that the suspicions surrounding Fang Che still exist," Zhao Shanhe. "I feel very guilty over the fact that this matter had to be escalated to Master Nine when he already has so much on his plate. I have been officially reprimanded by Master Nine for my mishandling of the situation, but Fang Che's official assignment in the Hall of Protectionists has already been made, and it cannot be rescinded.

“However, Master Nine has stipulated that during Fang Che's time at his official post, he is not to be targeted or oppressed in any way, and he can vindicate himself through his work. He will receive the same opportunities and career progression as all of his peers, and White Cloud Warrior Academy has the right to oversee his work arrangements. Is that a satisfactory response?"

Gao Qingyu and the others still weren't entirely satisfied, but this decision had been made by Dongfang Sansan, and White Cloud Warrior Academy had been granted the right to oversee Fang Che's work arrangements, so things had already taken a favorable turn.

Furthermore, they understood Dongfang Sansan's difficulties. The Hall of Protectionists had already made the decision official, and if it were to be rescinded, that would be a huge blow to their authority and credibility.

Now that it had been ensured that Fang Che wasn't going to be targeted and oppressed in the Hall of Protectionists, this had turned into a good thing.

Through his work performance, Fang Che could vindicate himself and prove his innocence to everyone, and once he cleared his name, his future path would be much smoother.

Hence, everyone agreed to this arrangement, and in conclusion, they were informed by Zhao Shanhe that the punishment handed down to White Cloud Warrior Academy had been rescinded.

Old Man Shen was still a little reluctant, but seeing as everyone else had already accepted this compromised arrangement, he had no choice but to follow suit.

"Fang Che must be permitted to return to the academy for lessons whenever he's free from his work obligations," Old Man Shen demanded.

Zhao Shanhe agreed to this request, and with that, the debacle was settled.

This felt like a major victory for the academy, and Huang Yifan yelled, "Well done, everyone! To celebrate, Dean Gao has decided to treat everyone to a banquet this morning! A round of applause for our generous selfless dean!"

Everyone erupted into applause.

Gao Qingyu turned to glower at Huang Yifan with a bewildered and infuriated expression.

When did I say I would be treating everyone?!