Misty Rain of the Old Times

Chapter 191 Why!
In the morning, Chen Xuan finished his activities in the open space behind the academy. When he entered the house, he heard Xiao Ye, who was preparing breakfast, say, "Yesterday I heard that the results of the academy's gift to His Majesty have come out. It will be announced today."

"Really? I wonder which ten talented people's works can represent the academy to present to His Majesty," Xiao Cai, who was helping, asked curiously.

Even people like them are paying attention to this matter, which shows how great its influence is.

Xiao Ye continued, "Anyway, we'll know today, but there's definitely a spot for the works of Master Wei and Master Ning. They are both recognized great talents."

"Who says it's not true? We heard about their great name in Yang County a few years ago..." Xiao Cai said with deep conviction.

Perhaps thinking of what many people have said, that those who studied at the same academy as them are bound to be overshadowed by their halo, and her young master is one of them, Xiao Cai stopped talking in time and turned to look at Gao Jingming and said: "Young master's works are not bad either, and he also has the opportunity to represent the academy."

You see, a person's reputation is like the shadow of a tree. Even though they have seen Gao Jingming's picture, they still feel that they only have a chance and dare not boast that they will definitely get a place.

Not to mention comparing with great talents like Wei Ziyan, the academy is full of hidden talents, and even words of comfort cannot be said so absolutely.

Xiao Ye pursed his lips and said, "I heard that after the results are out, the ten works representing the academy will be exhibited in the hall of the calligraphy and painting club for a day for all students to observe, and then they will be sent to the capital to be presented to His Majesty. It's a pity that we won't have the opportunity to see them in person. When you go to see them, can you come back and tell us about it?"

After all, they are just maids. Their range of activities in the academy is limited and they are not allowed to enter most areas. It is really impossible for them to go to the exhibition site in person to witness the ten works.

Hearing this, Xiao Cai also looked at Gao Jingming expectantly.

He picked up a poached egg and said, "Okay, I'll tell you about it when I get back."

"Thank you, young master," Xiao Cai and the others smiled happily.

Sitting down to eat, Chen Xuan discovered that Gao Jingming was still unmoved at this time. It was not that he was forcing himself to be calm, but he really didn't care about the outcome. At only fourteen years old, this mentality alone was beyond most people.

Looking back, he was just a playful and active kid. He seemed diligent, but in fact, whenever he had free time, he would go to Cuju and read picture books, or go fishing in the water or climb trees to get bird eggs. Those scenes seemed like they were just yesterday. Time flies...

The bell rang, urging the class to start, and Chen Xuan and the others arrived at the classroom.

When Gao Jingming entered the classroom, the teacher had not yet come to start the class, Feng San came to Chen Xuan and said, "Good morning, brother Chen."

"Good morning, Brother Feng. You look so happy. Is there something happy happening today?" Chen Xuan asked with great interest. It was almost like this recently. He would ask questions first and not give the other party a chance to ask again. This would usually hit the spot. Feng San unknowingly fell into Chen Xuan's rhythm.

This guy was already used to the way he interacted with Chen Xuan. He glanced towards the classroom and said naturally, "It's too early to be happy. The results of the academy are going to be out today. My young master put a lot of thought into submitting a piece of work a while ago. It might be selected, but it's just a possibility."

You see, he confessed on his own initiative. It's not that he couldn't keep it secret, but he had become accustomed to Chen Xuan's words and inducements during this period of time. He didn't think there was anything wrong and subconsciously thought there was nothing he couldn't say.

Chen Xuan bowed and said, "Really? Congratulations in advance."

"No, no, no, the results haven't been announced yet. They don't count, they don't count," Feng San quickly waved his hands and whispered. Although he said so, the anticipation between his brows was full, and he was almost ready to celebrate.

Unfortunately, he was destined to be disappointed. As far as Chen Xuan knew, Zhang Ao's was not among the ten shortlisted works.

Forget it, let people wait for a while.

As for how Chen Xuan knew the result in advance, it was not because he relied on his cultivation to sneak over in the middle of the night to check, but because he happened to pass by Mr. Xu's residence one evening and heard him mumbling to himself in uncontrollable excitement.

Anyway, in Gao Jingming's class, only Xiao Gao's work stood out, while Mr. Xu gave a flowery and flattering evaluation to Zhang Ao's work, which Feng San said had great prospects.

As young people, no matter what they come up with, they always feel that it is no worse than others, but it is another matter in the eyes of others.

"By the way, what about your young master? What do you think?" Feng San did not forget to ask about the thing he cared about most.

Shaking his head, Chen Xuan said: "Anyway, I have tried my best."

Feng San thought this was hopeless, but he still smiled and said, "There's still a chance before the results come out. If both of our young masters get a spot, we can celebrate together then."

"Okay, class is starting, let's not talk for now," Chen Xuan said, pointing to the classroom.

Feng San thought he was making up an excuse to avoid the awkward topic, so he smiled and walked away.

Putting aside the fact that Chen Xuan knew some of the results in advance, it was wishful thinking for a class of dozens of people to have two works shortlisted at the same time. What's more, they were new students like Gao Jingming who had just enrolled. How could they compare with those test-taker kings who had studied hard for ten years?

Soon, Mr. Xu came to the classroom with a smile on his face, holding a pile of works submitted by students in the class some time ago. These were the works that were rejected and would be returned to the students.

This time it was a gift to the emperor, not an ordinary skills competition, so the significance was different. Therefore, these works were not suitable for exhibition in the entire academy, and it was reasonable to return them to the students.

Seeing Mr. Xu arrive, everyone, both inside and outside the classroom, was filled with curiosity. Some were excited, some were expectant, and some looked gloomy. People have self-awareness, and most people understand their own level, but that doesn't stop them from feeling involved.

Not only Gao Jingming and his classmates were looking forward to the results, but everyone in and outside the classrooms on both sides was also looking forward to the results.

Arriving in the classroom, he placed a pile of returned works on the table. After greeting the teachers and students, Mr. Xu said bluntly, "I think all the students have guessed what's going on, so I'll make it short. Yes, as a tribute to His Majesty, ten works representing the academy have been produced. After class at noon, they will be exhibited in the hall of the Calligraphy and Painting Society. You can go and observe and learn from them."

At this point, he paused and continued, "Next, I will return the works that were not selected to everyone. Don't be discouraged. You have done your best to present a gift to His Majesty. If there is such an opportunity in the future, just keep working hard. You should also return your mind to your studies. Academics are the most important, and these are secondary. You must know that no matter how good the work is to make His Majesty smile, it will not make His Majesty happier than real talent and knowledge to help His Majesty relieve his worries. Everyone, please remember this."

"Thank you, Mr., for teaching us. We will remember it," the students said in unison.

Most people have given up hope because they have already seen their own works on the table in front of them. They have worked hard on them and no one knows what they look like.

Nodding, Mr. Xu said, "Okay, I'll hand out your works. I'll say it again: academics are the most important thing, everything else is secondary. After handing out the works, we'll go to class. After lunch, if you're interested, go to the calligraphy and painting society's exhibition hall and take a look. Fan Jian, this is yours. Your calligraphy is good, but it needs improvement."

"Nong Fei, this is yours. You should learn more about poetry..."

As the works were handed out one by one, most of the students in the classroom looked helpless. Although this was something they had expected, after all, there were so many talented people in the academy, and it was normal that they could not compete, but they still felt a little regretful. After all, everyone was the same, so there was no embarrassment. It would be uncomfortable if most of them were selected but they were rejected.

The people outside the classroom seemed even more nervous. After all, the fate of those sitting in the classroom was related to everyone's. If they could be selected, it would be a glory for everyone and they would also have some credit on their faces. They would be able to hold their chins higher when walking on the street in the future.

Chen Xuan noticed that Feng San was so nervous that he clenched his fists.

When Mr. Xu called out Zhang Ao's name and asked him to read the work, his face stiffened and he lowered his head with a sad look. His young master was not selected either. He had originally held high hopes for the job. It was not that he felt sad, but more of a regret. After all, no one else in the classroom was selected either.

Feng San secretly glanced at the calm Chen Xuan and thought to himself that it was a good thing he didn't brag before.

A trace of regret flashed across Zhang Ao's face in the classroom, but he walked forward calmly to retrieve his work. Facing the looks of his classmates, he just shook his head and smiled at each other. Everyone was the same, there was nothing to be ashamed of.

After the last piece of work was collected, Mr. Xu said, "Okay, everyone put your things away. We will discuss and observe after class. Let's start the next class."

Since the teacher had said so, the students did not dare to disrupt the class order and took out their books one after another.

Zhang Ao was the same as everyone else, but he soon felt that something was wrong. He couldn't remember what it was for a moment, and subconsciously looked in the direction of Gao Jingming. He saw that Gao Jingming took out the book normally like everyone else, with a calm face and nothing unusual. The feeling of something being wrong in his heart became even stronger.

Suddenly, Zhang Ao's heart was shocked. He felt a little unbelievable and at a loss. His face turned pale and blue. It seemed as if a fire was rushing to his head, but he felt cold all over. His emotions were extremely complicated.

Just as everyone was quietly preparing for class, he suddenly said, "Sir, it seems you didn't read Brother Jingming's name just now?"

He regretted it as soon as he said it and wanted to slap himself.

However, when he opened his mouth, dozens of people in the classroom suddenly looked up at the same time, looking at Gao Jingming with eyes of surprise, confusion or disbelief.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Gao Jingming also realized something. It would be a lie to say that he was unhappy, but he was not too excited. He didn't say anything, but looked at Mr. Xu in front of him.

Zhang Ao's expression changed, and he looked at Mr. Xu as if he was waiting for trial. He kept thinking in his heart, "Impossible, how is this possible? Why!"
Mr. Xu paid attention to Gao Jingming's reaction. Seeing that he was obviously aware of something, but remained calm, he nodded secretly, thinking that this boy had a good character and was unmoved. If he continued to maintain this attitude, he would be a promising talent.

He then waved his hands in front of the public and said, "I think everyone has guessed it, so let me add one more thing. Jingming's work has been discussed by the gentlemen of the academy. They think it can be presented to Your Majesty on behalf of the academy. It will be displayed in the hall of the calligraphy and painting society later. You can go and observe it later."

At this point, he looked at Gao Jingming, nodded, and smiled, "Jingming, you're great. The teacher is happy for you. Keep up the good work. I look forward to seeing you produce more and better works. But remember, your studies should be your priority. Everything else is just icing on the cake."

"Students will remember this," Gao Jingming stood up and saluted.

"Congratulations!" followed by a series of congratulations.

Motioning him to sit down, Mr. Xu said, "Okay, everyone, please be quiet and continue the class. Let's continue from last time..."

In fact, Mr. Xu was not as calm as he seemed on the surface. He wanted to let the whole world know that his student had produced a good work, which he would present to His Majesty. If His Majesty was pleased, it would be the coveted resume and honor.

However, what is there to brag about with these students? The only way to brag is in front of other teachers. It is like a fisherman. When others ask him if he has eaten, he will say, "How do you know I caught a 50-kilogram fish?"

Zhang Ao, who raised this question, suddenly felt his mind go blank after hearing what Mr. Xu said. He was confused and didn't hear a word of what was said next.

His cold hands and feet and burning anger are the most true portrayal of him.

He really wanted to slap his mouth to pieces. Why did he ask that question for no reason?
……

(End of this chapter)