Misty Rain of the Old Times

Chapter 118 Commitment
Before Gao Jingming had even finished his own happiness, he heard the news that Chen Xuan was on the list. He immediately looked at him and said happily, "Haha, Xuan, you're on the list too. Congratulations. We agreed in advance to be on the list together. This is considered to be keeping our promise. No one is left behind. That's great."

Yes, the two of them have lived together day and night for several years, eating and living together. Although they are master and servant, their relationship is better than that of brothers in some ways. Now they are on the list together. It is a great pleasure in life and something to be celebrated. If it were not for their age, it would be clear.

"I'm happy for you," Chen Xuan was also happy from the bottom of his heart.

Although it is a bit embarrassing to be at the bottom of the 20, as if just making up the numbers, it is still on the list seriously, which is something to be happy about after all.

It’s embarrassing, but it’s better than those who didn’t make the list. Years of hard work finally paid off with a satisfactory answer.

In the examination room, Chen Xuan saw some people with white beards still taking the exam. They were just students, but how many people had wasted their lives on fame and fortune because of this.

"Oh no!"

After congratulating each other, Gao Jingming's expression suddenly froze, and he looked at Chen Xuan as if he were a monster.

This sudden shock almost made Chen Xuan unable to speak. He asked in astonishment, "Master, what's wrong?"

Taking a deep breath, Gao Jingming looked Chen Xuan up and down, even turning his head in circles. He then exclaimed in amazement, "Ah Xuan, you're only ten years old now, right? A ten-year-old student! My God, there has never been a ten-year-old student in Yang County. This has already broken all the previous records. In this case, the ranking is not important at all. Its significance is even more extraordinary than the first place in the case!"

At this point, he couldn't help but look at Xiao Cai and the other two, who were reacting in disbelief, and asked, "Xiao Cai and Xiao Ye, tell me, is A Xuan really that good? More than just good, he's even better than me, the fifth-place finisher. I'm ashamed of myself, ashamed of myself."

Although he felt inferior to Chen Xuan, he was not jealous. Instead, he was genuinely happy for him.

"Yes, yes, young master is right," they nodded subconsciously, and understood the value of this ten-year-old boy.

Ah, can it be calculated this way?

Chen Xuan had never thought of this. He had never considered himself and Gao Jingming and the others as peers. His bone age was even a few years younger than theirs, but he still had the mentality of an adult.

Under the preconceived notion, we ignore the actual external factors. As a result, we always feel embarrassed when studying with them because our grades are not as good as theirs.

But other people don't know this. It is amazing that Chen Xuan has achieved the title of Tongsheng at the age of ten. It is no exaggeration to say that he can be described as a child prodigy.

No wonder Gao Jingming suddenly reacted like that. Compared to Chen Xuan's age, his result of 20th place was not embarrassing at all. On the contrary, being on the list was a halo, even more dazzling than the first place.

If you think about it, you can understand it. If you are in your teens, twenties or even forties and your performance exceeds that of a ten-year-old kid, what is there to brag about?
Moreover, Mr. Yushan was only ten years old when he obtained the title of Tongsheng. It was rumored that he was a talented person with a chance of winning the top three prizes in the imperial examination. However, he was forced to stop his imperial examination due to an unforeseen change.

In this way, Chen Xuan has now achieved the same achievements as Mr. Yushan did back then. Don’t worry about what will happen in the future, just talk about the present.

Thinking about the whole process, Chen Xuan, who knew his own family affairs, felt embarrassed and said quickly, "How can I compare with the young master? I am just lucky. The teacher taught me well, and the young masters treated me well. Otherwise, let alone passing the examination, I wouldn't even have the chance to study. My insignificant achievements are all due to the cultivation of the master family. I dare not be arrogant."

He was actively downplaying his own achievements, not because he was worried about overshadowing the young master Gao Jingming, but because Chen Xuan himself had nothing to be proud of. However, this did not prevent him from feeling happy after making the list.

Before Gao Jingming could say anything, a gentle voice came from outside the Moon Gate, saying with satisfaction: "Ming'er, you didn't let me down. I'm very happy and proud of you when you made the list. Ah Xuan, you're also very good. Keep up the good work and let's go further together in the future."

She rushed to visit her precious son upon hearing the news and was genuinely happy.

Outsiders may not know that some people in the Gao family are actually under a lot of pressure. Many people think that the Gao family became rich thanks to their daughter. This is like a thorn in their heart, which is difficult to refute.

But now that Gao Jingming is on the list, the meaning is very different. His family also has real talents and knowledge, not relying on his daughter. Although the mere title of Tongsheng is nothing, it is enough to shut some people up.

Anyone who gossips behind his back should think twice. His Gao Jingming passed the examination and became a student based on his own ability, not by relying on nepotism. Anyone who dares to question this is undoubtedly questioning the fairness of the imperial examination. To put it in a bigger way, isn't that questioning the imperial court?
At the same time, Mrs. Gao nodded secretly in her heart, and her impression of Chen Xuan was further improved.

She also heard what Chen Xuan said just now, and she felt extremely relieved. It was commendable that Chen Xuan first thought of the Gao family's cultivation instead of being overjoyed about his own achievements.

This is indeed the case. If it weren't for the Gao family, would Chen Xuan have the opportunity to study?
The key is that Chen Xuan himself can clearly understand this point, and this mentality makes people feel at ease.

Mrs. Gao naturally would not express such a gratified emotion directly to Chen Xuan, but it did not prevent her from choosing the right person. It proved that her investment in Chen Xuan was worthwhile. Although there was no return yet, just the gratitude that came to her mind first was enough to comfort her.

Chen Xuan is still young. If he keeps this clear mindset that his achievements are not entirely dependent on himself, he will gradually have to bear more responsibilities in the future... Chen Xuan didn't know what Mrs. Gao was thinking at this moment. If he knew, he would definitely feel conflicted. Please don't. Your Gao family has been good enough to me. If they are any better, how can I have the nerve to resign in the future?
"Mom, why are you here?" Gao Jingming turned around and said happily after hearing that.

Madam Gao stepped forward and jokingly said, "Why, now that my son has passed the imperial examination and has become independent, can't I come to see you?"

"No, Mom, that's not what I meant..."

Interrupting Gao Jingming's hasty explanation, Madam Gao patted his head and said, "Don't say it, I understand. I was just kidding you. My son has grown up and has become estranged from me. He is no longer the child who used to hug me and act like a spoiled child. Why do you take a joke so seriously?"

Mrs. Gao said this with great emotion. She hadn't realized that her son had grown to be as tall as her. Now she had to stretch out her hand to pat her son's head.

"Mom, I will always be your son. You raised me and I will accompany you until you grow old. When I was a child, you accompanied me when I learned to speak. When you are old, I will also listen to your nagging carefully." Gao Jingming suddenly said with emotion.

These words moved Mrs. Gao so much that a gleam of light flashed in her eyes for a moment. She felt as if she had drunk nectar and her heart almost melted. All her years of hard work for her children were rewarded in the biggest way at this moment.

But she immediately calmed down, looking angry but actually cheerful, and said, "My son, do you think mother is getting old?"

"How can mother get old? You will always be so young."

"You're so young and you're just trying to please your mother with your sweet talk, but no matter how nice you say it, you'll get old anyway..."

Chen Xuan...

You and your son, why don't you consider other people's feelings and act out your deep mother-son love to make others envy you?

Chen Xuan once had parents who loved him, but he was left alone after a car accident. If his parents were in heaven and knew that he was alive and well in another world and had achieved the legendary honor in the imperial examination, they would definitely be happy for him, they would!

Soon, Madam Gao turned her gaze towards Chen Xuan and praised him, "Ah Xuan, you and Ming'er are on the list together, which makes our Gao family even more proud. Outsiders will say that our Gao family's literary style is flourishing, and it brings honor to our Gao family. I am very pleased."

"Also, over the years, you and Ming'er have studied together, encouraging each other to improve. Ming'er's current achievements are half due to you, so I deserve your sincere gratitude. Tell me, what do you want? I can do my best to meet your request."

Chen Xuan had to admire the way Mrs. Gao spoke. It was clearly a reward from a superior to a subordinate, but she did not mention the word "reward" but rather "thank you". There was a huge difference between the two.

Reward is charity for the servant who did something to make him happy, and thanks is treating Chen Xuan as his own.

Alas, if this continues, my ties to the Gao family will become deeper and deeper.

Since the other party did not treat him as an outsider, Chen Xuan naturally would not criticize him in his heart. He just said it without doing anything practical. For many people, the mere fact that they did not treat him as an outsider was enough to make them grateful.

Having said that, what Chen Xuan wants is naturally to get pregnant, and it would be best if he could keep his current well-paid job with a stable income. Although being a free agent does not affect anything at the moment, the meaning is different.

This kind of thing should just be thought about in your head. Speaking it out loud will only embarrass everyone. All the benefits have been taken. Where in the world can such a good thing exist?

"Madam, you are so kind to me. Chen Xuan dare not take credit for it. I am grateful for the master's cultivation. How dare I make any demands? This is my duty. I am very relieved that I have not let the master down." Chen Xuan bowed quickly.

It's not that he's just trying to kick the ball back and play Tai Chi, but Chen Xuan really doesn't have any requirements at the moment. He has no worries about food and clothing, the Gao family treats him well, and he gets paid. Most of the time, the money is useless, so what else can he ask for?
Mrs. Gao had a different opinion when she heard these words. He spoke frankly and his words were true. In her eyes, Chen Xuan was a simple and kind-hearted child. He was down-to-earth and did not have too many unrealistic pursuits, which made her feel at ease.

She nodded and smiled, "Since you don't want anything right now, the promises I made to you are still valid. If you really need anything one day, just let me know. I will do my best not to disappoint you."

"But now that you have achieved fame and honor, you have brought glory to our Gao family. Tomorrow's achievements will also be due to your contribution. This is a great joyous occasion, so I cannot fail to express my gratitude. I will grant you some money. One hundred taels of silver. Don't be disgusted. I will ask the accounting office for permission, and you can withdraw it at any time."

"How can this be possible..." Chen Xuan was immediately surprised and wanted to refuse. This was equivalent to accompanying the 'crown prince' to study. If he achieved some results, he would be given decades of income as an ordinary person. It was too much and it was too hot to handle.

However, Madam Gao waved her hand and interrupted, "It's settled. Come with me to the door to wait for the person who will bring the good news. Now that my son and Ah Xuan have achieved success, we should share this joy with the neighbors..."

(End of this chapter)