Misty Rain of the Old Times

Chapter 293 Request
"More than ten years have passed, and Xiao Xuan has grown up. The boy back then has grown into a handsome man. I didn't notice it before, but now I suddenly feel that I am old," Mr. Yushan looked at Chen Xuan with half relief and half emotion.

When they first went to Yushan School, Mr. Yushan was already in his early thirties. Now he is almost fifty, and his black hair has turned white. Time really is uncontrollable.

Chen Xuan bent down and said, "Teacher, you are not old at all. You are in your prime. You have nurtured countless talents, which is admirable. But it is your students who have disappointed you. They have not made any achievements in the imperial examinations. I am ashamed of this."

When Chen Xuan was studying under Mr. Yushan, he also had the title of Tongsheng, although it was a bit embarrassing. But now that he has left the Gao family, the teacher naturally has to call him a student in person.

Smiling, Mr. Yushan said, "Everyone has their own aspirations. The imperial examination is not the only way out. Xiaoxuan, why should you be so modest? With your ability, if you can rise up, you will surely achieve something."

Chen Xuan thought to himself that the problem was that he had no ambition and just wanted to lie low and play dead. But he dared not say that, or else Mr. Yushan would whip out his ruler and hit him with it. So he changed the subject subtly, "Sir, please be kind enough to come in. May I ask, sir, are the flowers on Yushan still as vibrant as they were back then?"

"It is more colorful than before, and the cheers on the mountain are even louder than before," said Mr. Yushan happily.

In fact, he has been silently sowing seeds and cultivating in the mountains. More than 20 years have passed since he opened the Yushan School, and initial results have been seen. Even if the harvest is meager, it is not a complete failure!

"It's been many years since we last met. I have to take some time to go to the mountain to see the old scenery. I hope you will allow me," Chen Xuan said with a bow.

He said: "Of course, Yushan students can go back at any time..."

As they walked towards the small building, Madam Gao looked around and said with relief during their conversation, "I was worried that Xiao Xuan wasn't having a good time. It seems like he knows how to enjoy life. It's quiet in a bustling place, and the environment is beautiful. Even an old woman like me is a little envious."

"Thank you for your concern, Madam. I'm just trying to show off my taste. Although it's a bit simple, it's still acceptable. If you have time, I'll be waiting for you to come over. Let me show you my gratitude as a junior. I hope you won't dislike it," Chen Xuan said in a humble tone.

Patting Chen Xuan's head gently, Mrs. Gao complained: "I watched you grow up, kid. What do you mean by dislike or not? Just don't find me annoying when I come here."

With such intimate actions, she really treated Chen Xuan as her junior, which made Gao Jinghao in the distance envious.

Chen Xuan quickly apologized, "How dare I, how dare I, Madam, come here and be so kind to you."

Arriving at the living room, Chen Xuan respectfully invited them to sit down. Su Roujia was busy serving tea and water. If it weren't for this little girl, Chen Xuan would have been a little overwhelmed, and it would have been disrespectful to the elders and guests.

With their arrival, Shu Yao and others who were touring around hurried over to pay their respects. Whether it was Mrs. Gao or Mr. Yushan, they were all very respectful.

Mrs. Gao is of noble status and is the elder, and they have also been taught by Mr. Yushan, so they dare not be disrespectful at all.

After the greetings, Madam Gao glanced at them, seeing that they all looked grown up. She smiled and said, "You young people, go and have fun by yourselves. It's a rare occasion for us to get together, so you should get to know each other well. Xiaoxuan is a nice place, I have to take a good look at it."

"Well, you guys go ahead. I think you won't be able to relax in front of us elders. We are not outsiders, so just be casual," Mr. Yushan also said. Although he was a guest, as an elder he naturally had the qualifications to say this.

Chen Xuan turned around and said to Gao Jingming and the others, "Master, Brother Shu, Master Deng..., you guys go have fun now. I'll have Roujia notify you when the banquet starts. I'll stay with the mistress and the others to talk."

As the owner of this place, how could Chen Xuan abandon his elders and run away?

Gao Jingming was not shy and greeted them, "Alright, Ling Feng, Fatty, Brother Shu, and Xiao Hao... Come on, Ah Xuan's place is spacious, let's go play Cuju. I brought it with me. I wonder if your skills have improved over the years. Let's have a good sparring match today. But first of all, no martial arts allowed."

"I'm not afraid of you. I have been practicing secretly for many years," Luo Taiyun said with a smile.

Deng Lingfeng said enthusiastically: "I was the best at Cuju back then. Today, let's see if you have improved..."

Afterwards, a few young people apologized to their elders and went out to have fun. It was a rare chance to relax. Afterwards, Butler He, Leng Bing, and Geng Hong also asked for permission and then went out to have fun.

Mrs. Gao and the others don't have to worry about their safety at all. With Chen Xuan and Leng Bing, two innate masters, around them, no one would dare to come here and do anything wrong unless they were looking for death.

Looking at them happily playing on the lawn, Mr. Yushan looked away and said with a smile, "It's just like back then, except they've all grown up."

"Yes, it's been a long time since I saw Ming'er and the others so happy," Mrs. Gao said with emotion.

Chen Xuan said: "Madam, Sir, since it's a rare opportunity for you to come here, why don't I take you around?"

"Okay, this is Xiao Xuan's first time here. We need to see if there is anything missing and have someone deliver it to him later," Mrs. Gao said with a smile as she stood up.

Chen Xuan quickly said, "Thank you for your concern, madam. We have everything we need." Then he stepped forward to push Mr. Yushan's wheelchair.

"That's not necessarily true. Xiao Xuan, you're living alone now, and you're careless. As your elder, I have to keep an eye on you," Mrs. Gao said, shaking her head, full of care. Chen Xuan pushed Mr. Yushan to accompany Mrs. Gao for a stroll around the area, accompanied by a maid. Mr. Yushan looked around and said, "Xiao Xuan, this place is really good. Stay for a year or two, it's not worse than Yushan. Especially since it's close to the market, there's more hustle and bustle, unlike Yushan, which seems deserted after the holidays."

"Sir, you are too kind. This place cannot compare to Jade Mountain. It is just a place to live. The fragrance of ink cannot be as pleasant as that on Jade Mountain," Chen Xuan said modestly.

Gradually they avoided the sight of Gao Jingming and others. Chen Xuan probably understood that Mr. Yushan and others had something to say and did it on purpose.

As expected, in a slightly off-the-beaten-path location, Mr. Yushan said, "Xiao Xuan, I heard from Ming'er that you guys at Liuyu Academy found a high-yielding and easy-to-cultivate crop that can be used as food. But after reporting it, there's been no news, is that correct?"

"Sir, this is true. After it happened, the young master devoted himself to studying, but he did not give up on farming," Chen Xuan nodded.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Yushan's eyes flashed with indignation and helplessness. He shook his head and sighed, "How could they do this? Something that benefits the country and the people is suppressed for a ridiculous reason. It's really ridiculous and shameful."

The 'they' that Mr. Yushan mentioned were naturally referring to those high-ranking aristocratic families. At the beginning, Mr. Shuyuan clearly stated that the reason why those aristocratic families suppressed the promotion of cassava was that the common people had too much to eat and wanted too much, which was not good for the stability of the country. It's ridiculous to think about it.

To put it bluntly, it is selfishness. If the people are well fed and have more energy, it will threaten their superior status.

A mere piece of cassava naturally wouldn't threaten them, but what if there were ten or a hundred pieces of cassava?

The plate is only so big. When the people are rich, they have the energy to ask for more. Only when they struggle on the poverty line can they reflect their lofty status and the suffering of the people. Only when they occasionally give a little charity through their fingers can they truly demonstrate their benevolence and virtue.

Chen Xuan didn't respond. It was a deeply ingrained issue that he couldn't overturn by himself, no matter how powerful he was. It wasn't just about beating up one or two people; it was clearly about going against the entire world. He could only say, "The young master was wronged at the time, and it was a huge blow to him. Later, he understood and told me, 'If you can't beat them, then join them.' As the saying goes in the martial arts world, only martial arts can defeat martial arts. When you're on the same level as 'them,' you'll be qualified to start clearing out the cancer. That's roughly what he meant."

"Ming'er sees things more clearly than I do. If I had thought of this at the beginning, I wouldn't have ended up like this. But this path is too difficult and dangerous. Not only will you lose everything if you are not careful, but if you can't keep your original heart, you will end up living the life you hate," said Mr. Yushan dejectedly.

Mrs. Gao was a little frightened when she heard this, but she still said firmly: "No matter what Ming'er wants to do in the future, I, as his mother, will support him. At worst, he can go back to the countryside to farm!"

"Master, just do whatever you want. No matter what, someone has to try some things. What if it succeeds? How bad can it be?" Chen Xuan said with a smile, thinking that even if it fails, it will be no problem to ensure that he can get away with it.

Taking a deep breath, Mr. Yushan shook his head and said, "Too difficult, too dangerous."

After a brief pause, he continued, "Ming'er's current situation is very similar to mine. After the provincial exam, he will set off for the autumn examination in the capital. I'm worried that he will repeat my mistakes. So, Xiao Xuan, I hope you can accompany him and protect him. Is that okay?"

"Sir, what are you saying? It's my duty. I promise you that the young master won't lose a single hair after going to the capital," Chen Xuan said seriously.

Upon hearing this, Madam Gao bowed to Chen Xuan and said, "Then I'll leave it to Xiao Xuan. If things can't be done, your own safety is the most important thing."

"Madam, please don't do this. It's embarrassing for me." Chen Xuan quickly moved away, not daring to accept it.

The matter was settled, and no one mentioned it again.

Whether it is Mr. Yushan or Gao Jingming today, they all cannot stand the cannibalistic faces of some people. If they want to make a difference, they will move forward even if they know that the road ahead is full of thorns. If they can achieve some success in the future, it will be considered a success.

After a while, Su Roujia came over and after greeting him, asked, "Master, the banquet is ready. When will it start?"

"Please have everyone take their seats and serve the food. We will be there soon," Chen Xuan ordered.

Su Roujia left immediately.

Chen Xuan then said to Mr. Yushan and Mrs. Gao, "Madam, Sir, let's go, the feast is about to begin..."

The housewarming party lasted from noon to evening. There was a performance by the opera troupe brought by the Gao family. The party was lively with people toasting each other and eating. Both the host and the guests were enjoying themselves. Except for the elders, almost everyone else, Chen Xuan, was drunk.

When the show ended and everyone left, Chen Xuan also started his own business.

After sending everyone away, the drunken Chen Xuan glanced in the direction of the capital and thought to himself that he would accompany Gao Jingming there in a few months. He hoped that everything would go well.

Then he regained his composure, rubbed his hands, and shouted, "Roujia Roujia, how many gifts have we received today?"

Su Roujia said in a daze, "Master, we might have made a fortune..."

(End of this chapter)