298 Strength (First Update)

Ning Zhiyuan deeply felt sorrow for Xiao Liulang.

It was his first time in the Capital City. However, it wasn't his first brush with officialdom. He had been a teaching assistant at the prefectural school in his area, and served as an ad hoc clerical officer next to the county magistrate.

He had seen the dark side and the struggle that comes with officialdom, but he never expected such injustices to exist even in a pristine place like the Hanlin Academy.

Indeed, his life had not been entirely smooth sailing either. Still, his difficulties were within normal range, typical of a person with no power, influence, or background; someone who was not given much importance.

In contrast, Xiao Liulang was being deliberately suppressed.

Only because Xiao Liulang had a strong mindset, and had not lost his cool, he managed to keep it together. Any other person would have lost their composure by now.

Ning Zhiyuan didn't say anything more, he patted his shoulder and left with a sigh.