jdhmnovel Chapter 250 The Budding of Justice
Chapter 250 The Budding of Justice
The school in the Nanzhao Kingdom's royal palace was nestled in a tranquil garden, surrounded by lush trees and blooming flowers. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows that added to the serenity and peace of this scholarly building. However, today, a tense and oppressive atmosphere permeated the school.
Hand in hand, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao entered the school as usual. Xiao Nanyi wore a dark blue brocade robe with delicate silver thread embroidery at the hem, and a warm jade pendant hung at his waist, making him look dashing and spirited. Xiao Nanyao wore a pale yellow silk skirt, the hem embroidered with lifelike butterflies that swayed gently with her steps, like a nimble little elf. Their faces were filled with innocent smiles, full of anticipation for the new day of learning.
"Brother, what new things will the teacher teach us today?" Little Nan Yao asked curiously, blinking her big, watery eyes.
Xiao Nanyi smiled and patted her head, saying, "No matter what we learn, we must study hard and become knowledgeable people in the future."
Just as they were about to enter the classroom, a commotion came from a corner. Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao exchanged a glance, a hint of doubt rising in their hearts, and followed the sound. In one corner of the classroom, several children were gathered together, with a thin little boy in the middle, his face streaked with tears, trembling.
"Hand over your snacks, or you'll be sorry!" a tall, richly dressed boy said menacingly. He was Sun Hao, the son of the Minister of Rites. At this moment, he stood with his hands on his hips, his face filled with arrogance. Behind him were several other well-dressed children, who joined in the jeering with malicious smiles.
"I...I'm out of snacks. I finished them yesterday." The little boy's voice trembled, his eyes filled with fear. He clutched his schoolbag tightly, as if it were his last refuge.
"Hmph, you dare to lie to me? Search me!" Sun Hao waved his hand, and several children behind him swarmed forward, grabbing the little boy's schoolbag. The little boy struggled desperately, but they pushed him to the ground.
Seeing this, Xiao Nanyi felt a surge of anger. He released Xiao Nanyao's hand, strode over, and shouted, "What are you doing! Why are you bullying people?" His voice was clear and loud, carrying an undeniable authority.
Hearing the voice, Sun Hao and the others turned around. Upon seeing that it was Xiao Nanyi, a hint of panic flashed across Sun Hao's face, but he quickly regained his arrogant expression: "Your Highness, this is a matter between us, you'd better not interfere."
Xiao Nanyao ran over and stood next to Xiao Nanyi, angrily saying, "What you're doing is wrong! How can you bully your classmate!" Her face turned bright red, and her eyes were filled with anger.
Xiao Nanyi looked at Sun Hao and said coldly, "No matter who it is, no one can bully the weak. Apologize to him immediately!" His eyes were firm, showing no fear of Sun Hao's identity.
Sun Hao scoffed, "Why should I? He's just the son of a poor official, I'm not apologizing!" His words caused a burst of laughter from the children behind him.
Xiao Nanyi's expression grew even more serious: "Status is no excuse for bullying. In this school, we are all classmates and should be friendly to each other. If you don't apologize, I will tell the teacher and let him handle this matter!"
Upon hearing that he would be told to the teacher, Sun Hao hesitated for a moment. He knew that the teacher hated students bullying and fighting, and if the teacher found out, he would definitely be severely punished.
"Your Highness, we know we were wrong, we apologize." One of the children behind Sun Hao was the first to back down. He looked fearfully at Xiao Nan Yi, then at Sun Hao, his voice trembling slightly.
“Yes, Your Highness, we were wrong.” The other children echoed, their faces showing remorse.
Seeing that things were going badly, Sun Hao reluctantly said, "Okay, I apologize." He walked up to the little boy and whispered, "I'm sorry."
The little boy looked up at Sun Hao, still somewhat incredulous. Xiao Nanyi stepped forward, helped the little boy up, and said softly, "Don't be afraid, they won't bully you anymore. If anyone bullies you again, come find me and Xiao Nanyao."
The little boy nodded gratefully: "Thank you, Your Highness, thank you, Your Highness."
Xiao Nanyi smiled and said, "No need to thank me, we're classmates. What's your name?"
"My name is Li Ming, and I am the son of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice," the little boy answered timidly.
"Li Ming, we're friends from now on," Xiao Nanyao said with a smile, holding Li Ming's hand.
Just then, the bell rang for class.
Xiao Nanyi, Xiao Nanyao, and Li Ming walked into the classroom together, while Sun Hao and the others sheepishly returned to their seats. During the lesson, Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao were somewhat distracted, their minds preoccupied with what had just happened.
After class, Xiao Nanyi called Li Ming to his side: "Li Ming, don't take what happened earlier to heart. If Sun Hao and the others bully you again, you must tell us."
Li Ming nodded vigorously: "Yes, I will. Your Highness, Princess, thank you for your help."
Xiao Nanyao took a pastry out of her schoolbag and handed it to Li Ming: "Li Ming, this pastry is for you."
Li Ming quickly waved his hand: "Your Highness, I cannot accept this."
Xiao Nanyi smiled and said, "Take it, this is a token of Xiao Nanyao's affection."
Li Ming hesitated for a moment, then accepted the pastries and said gratefully, "Thank you, Your Highness."
From then on, Xiao Nanyi, Xiao Nanyao, and Li Ming became good friends and studied together.
As time went by, the story gradually spread throughout the school.
Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao's righteous act won the praise and admiration of their classmates.
Li Ming is no longer the timid and cowardly child he once was, thanks to the encouragement of Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao.
He became more cheerful and confident, and studied even harder.
During a break between classes one day, Xiao Nanyi, Xiao Nanyao, and Li Ming gathered together to chat as usual.
Li Ming suddenly took out a painting from his schoolbag and handed it to Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao: "Your Highness, Your Highness, this is a painting I made, a gift for you."
Xiao Nanyi took the painting and saw that it depicted the three of them holding hands and playing in the garden.
Everyone's face was beaming with a bright smile, and the surroundings were filled with colorful flowers and butterflies. "Wow, Li Ming, you drew so well!" Xiao Nanyi exclaimed.
Xiao Nanyao also came over to look, her eyes sparkling: "It's so beautiful, Li Ming, you're so amazing!"
Li Ming scratched his head a little embarrassedly: "Thank you. My life has become much happier since I met you. I used to be bullied and didn't dare to come to school. You gave me courage."
Xiao Nanyi patted Li Ming on the shoulder: "We are friends, so we should help each other. No matter what difficulties we encounter in the future, don't be afraid, we will face them together."
However, things weren't peaceful for Sun Hao. Although he outwardly restrained his bullying behavior towards his classmates, he remained resentful, feeling that he had lost face in front of his classmates, all because of Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao.
One day after school, Sun Hao quietly stopped Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao: "Hmph, don't think you're so great. You're just relying on your status as the Crown Prince and Princess."
Xiao Nanyi frowned: "Sun Hao, what are you trying to do now? Do you want to continue bullying your classmates?"
Sun Hao said dismissively, "I won't let you threaten me anymore. Today I'm going to show you all that you shouldn't meddle in other people's business."
Xiao Nanyao stepped forward and said without fear, "We meddle because you're in the wrong. Bullying the weak is wrong, and if you don't change, you'll be punished sooner or later."
Just then, Li Ming happened to pass by and saw this scene. Without hesitation, he stood next to Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao and said, "Sun Hao, if you dare to bully them, I'll never forgive you!" Although Li Ming's voice was still a little immature, it was full of determination.
Sun Hao looked at the three of them, feeling a little scared, but still stubbornly said, "You just wait and see!" After saying that, he slunk away.
"Li Ming, thank you." Xiao Nanyi looked at Li Ming gratefully.
Li Ming shook his head: "Your Highness, there's no need to thank me. You helped me before, and now I want to help you."
After this incident, Xiao Nanyi, Xiao Nanyao, and Li Ming became even closer. They decided to work together to eliminate bullying in the school.
They began organizing various activities for the students to enhance their friendship. These included poetry competitions, painting competitions, and sports competitions. Through these activities, the students became more harmonious, and the classroom was filled with laughter.
Xiao Nanyi also suggested to the teacher that a "mutual help corner" be set up in the classroom, where students could leave their spare stationery, books, or snacks for others to use. This suggestion received the teacher's strong support, and soon the "mutual help corner" was set up. The students responded enthusiastically, actively bringing their own things to share.
Thanks to the efforts of Xiao Nanyi, Xiao Nanyao, and Li Ming, the atmosphere in the school improved significantly, with students helping and loving each other. Seeing all this, Sun Hao's heart gradually changed. He began to reflect on his behavior and realized how wrong his previous actions had been.
One day, Sun Hao approached Xiao Nan Yi and Xiao Nan Yao, bowing his head and saying, "Your Highness, Your Highness, I was wrong. I shouldn't have opposed you, nor should I have bullied my classmates. I want to work with you to contribute to the harmony of the school."
Xiao Nanyi and Xiao Nanyao exchanged a glance, then smiled and said, "Sun Hao, we're happy that you can recognize your mistake. Welcome to join us, let's work together to make the school even better."