Misty Rain of the Old Times

The entire council hall was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop, and everyone's eyes turned in the direction where the sudden angry voice came from.

Chen Xuan glanced in that direction through the crack in the door. The person who spoke was a sixty-year-old man with thick eyebrows and a righteous face, giving people a sense of incorruptibility and incorruptibility.

He was wearing a crimson official uniform with a pine, crane and cloud pattern on his chest. His official position was not low, at least starting at the third rank. Even if his status was lower, he probably wouldn't have the courage to suddenly speak out in such an occasion.

Chen Xuan didn't know much about the corresponding ranks of official uniforms in Jingguo, nor did he know who that person was. However, he recognized the answer sheet in his hand. It was Gao Jingming's answer sheet.

The man holding the answer sheet had an angry look on his face and his hands were shaking. He was obviously very angry about the content on the answer sheet. His eyes swept over the many successful candidates of this year's exam like knives, as if he wanted to find out who wrote it and cut it into pieces.

Chen Xuan was not surprised at all by this situation. It would be strange if Xiao Gao's answer did not cause any waves.

But was that person's big reaction due to the content of the answer sheet itself, or was he deliberately taking the opportunity to attack Xiao Gao?

If it is the former, it is quite normal. After all, the disaster relief method proposed by Xiao Gao is very controversial, and different people have different opinions. If it is the latter, Xiao Gao will probably find fault with anything he writes.

"Could it be someone from the Wu family? Or someone from some aristocratic family? If so, time and again, we've failed to stop Xiao Gao's progress. This is his last chance. After all, he's an official, and his words are reserved. But he can even say, 'I'm ashamed to be associated with him,' which clearly means he's trying to ruin his future. This feud is huge. If it were in the martial arts world, it would be comparable to the endless hatred of killing one's father or stealing one's wife!"

After taking a look, Chen Xuan was unmoved. This was Xiao Gao's own path and his battlefield, which he should face alone. Moreover, since he dared to submit such an answer, he must be prepared to deal with various situations. He probably wanted to make a big fuss so that he could stand out better. Chen Xuan had confidence in him.

After a moment of silence in the hall, someone said in amazement, "Master Zeng, what did you see that made you so angry?"

Mr. Zeng took a deep breath to calm himself, then stood up and saluted Emperor Shang Xuan. He then glanced at the group of successful candidates, holding their answer sheets and sneered, "It's not easy for you all to get to where you are today. You all know how much hardship you've endured after ten years of studying hard to get your names on the list. This is something to celebrate, but some of you are truly chilling. You have cold hearts and corrupt minds, unworthy of being scholars!"

At this point, he bowed to Emperor Shang Xuan and said, "I dare to say that this kind of person is not fit to be an official. Otherwise, it will bring disaster to the people and the court. I hope Your Majesty will think twice."

He didn't mention anyone by name, not to save face for others, nor to leave a way out for himself. It was simply because he was a seasoned official who didn't say what he wanted to express directly. This is how the officialdom is, and ordinary people can't handle it at all.

I dare to ask Your Majesty to think twice. What do you want to think twice about? People like this should not be hired.

"Who is it? How could you make Master Zeng so angry?"

"We've come this far. If all our efforts are wasted because of a single word from Master Zeng, then... then..."

The people in the hall were whispering to each other and looking around. Some were watching the show from the sidelines, while others were terrified and uneasy.

Emperor Shang Xuan put down his teacup and looked down calmly, saying, "Lord Zeng, calm down. Anger is harmful to your health. Why are you so angry?"

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Lord Zeng left his desk, stepped forward, saluted, and said, "Your Majesty, it's not that I'm angry, but this report is simply too chilling. Please take a look at it, and you'll understand how I feel. We are here to share the country's worries, how can we tolerate such people entering the court and harming the people!"

"Oh? Present it to me and let me see it. Please take a seat, my dear Zeng, and don't scare the younger generations," Emperor Shang Xuan said with a smile, his expression showing no emotion.

While he was speaking, Eunuch Wang quickly came down and presented the answer sheet in both hands to Emperor Shang Xuan for him to see.

Who in this hall wasn't a shrewd person? Anyone who could make it here wasn't a fool. Keeping an eye out for all directions was essential. From collecting the papers to distributing them to the ministers, everything was under the watchful eyes of the public. Naturally, many people knew that the paper belonged to Gao Jingming.

At this moment, some people were watching the show with great interest, while others looked at Gao Jingming with great sympathy. What on earth did he write? You say, you have finally come this far, just deal with it casually, why risk your future?
Gao Jingming sat there with his head held high and his chest puffed out, his face calm, as if he could remain unmoved even in the midst of a storm. His demeanor was truly remarkable.

"What happened? Isn't it said that the palace examination is usually just a formality? The list has already been drawn up. Is there going to be any unexpected changes?" The bored little princess leaned close to the crack of the door and said excitedly.

This is a person who likes to watch the fun and not mind the big things. He glanced at her little head so close, and the sweet smell penetrated his nostrils. Chen Xuan wanted to rub her head, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. He shook his head and smiled: "I haven't participated in the palace examination, so I don't know. Just wait and see."

Upon receiving the answer sheet, Emperor Shang Xuan immediately recognized its author. He glanced at Gao Jingming from the corner of his eye before quickly skimming through the contents. Though his expression remained calm, his heart was swirling with emotion as he reflected on the explanations, sometimes even pausing to ponder. After reading it once, he couldn't wait to reread it from beginning to end, carefully poring over it. From his perspective, he couldn't help but secretly praise the work as brilliant. However, the content was difficult for some old-fashioned people to accept, which was why he was so angry.

Emperor Shang Xuan remained calm on the surface. After reading it, he looked up and instructed Eunuch Wang, "Show it to the Crown Prince, the examiners, and everyone present. Afterwards, everyone can discuss their opinions."

In fact, the palace examination is just as the little princess said. It is usually just a formality. The list has been drafted long ago. Everyone eats and drinks. The top group on the list is determined to be in the first class based on their performance in the palace. Then, as long as they are not too bad, they will be in the second class, and the others will be placed in the third class. There is almost no major controversy.

It just so happens that someone has stood up and spoken this time, so let's discuss it together.

As for whether Mr. Zeng wanted to kick people out overtly or covertly, he had no say.

Next, Gao Jingming's answer sheet was first sent to the prince, then to the examiners of this imperial examination, and then circulated among the court officials. After reading it, people had different expressions. Some were surprised, some were thoughtful, and some were disgusted. Their mentalities were all different.

After about half an hour, when they had seen everything they needed to see, Emperor Shang Xuan finally spoke: "What do you think, my dear ministers? Please express your opinions freely and share your views."

Lord Zeng, who had been the first to speak out, spoke again, insisting on his own opinion: "Your Majesty, such remarks are disgusting. You are unworthy of being a scholar. I hope Your Majesty will reconsider."

At this moment, someone slammed the table and said in a deep voice, "This is truly unreasonable. Your Majesty, I dare to ask this person to come out and ask him in person why he made such a statement!"

"Although it's a bit extreme, it does have its merits. There are many things I don't quite understand, so I really should ask," someone spoke again.

Amidst the chatter, Emperor Shang Xuan signaled Eunuch Wang to strike a nearby bronze bell, quieting everyone down. He then said, "Since that's the case, let's ask him directly where this year's Jinshi Gao Jingming is."

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Gao Jingming stood up calmly and saluted without arrogance, saying: "Your Majesty, I am here..."

He had already achieved the title of Jinshi, but had not yet been appointed to a position, so he was still called a student.

"No need to formalize, just stand up," Emperor Shang Xuan nodded, thinking that it was this kid who helped him live a few more years. Perhaps the credit for the map also went to that kid. He was really a handsome man, and the disaster relief method he proposed was brilliant, which was totally beyond the imagination of someone of his age.

The more he looked at it, the more he liked it. However, Emperor Shang Xuan did not show his emotion on his face. Instead, he looked around and said, "My dear ministers, since you have disputes about his answers, he is here. If you have anything to say, just ask him in person."

After a moment of silence, Lord Zeng, who spoke first, looked Gao Jingming in the eye and said, "Mr. Gao, I have a question for you. You said that the victims of the disaster are not human beings. You have read the books of sages in vain, but how can you say such a shameful thing? The victims of the disaster are already suffering, so where do you put them? Are you living up to your conscience? Are you worthy of the word "scholar"? I have no tolerance for any sand in my eyes. If you don't give me an explanation that convinces me, I will give up my official uniform today and expel you from the court to prevent you from harming the people in the future!"

Gao Jingming listened calmly, then bowed to Emperor Shang Xuan and said, "I dare to ask Your Majesty for permission to explain a few things to Mr. Zeng."

Emperor Shang Xuan nodded in approval, but wanted to hear how he would explain his opening statement that the victims were not human.

Zeng sneered and said, "You little brat, I am listening to your sophistry."

After a moment's hesitation, Gao Jingming calmly looked him straight in the face and spoke eloquently, "Disaster victims are not human beings. All living beings are equal in natural disasters. How are we any different from ants? Ants survive by stealing, and so do humans. To survive, they plunder and rob, disregarding the law, selling their children and daughters, and losing all family affection. Haven't you heard of people cannibalizing each other? Without humanity, are they still human beings? What do you think, Lord Zeng?"

Xiao Gao's voice wasn't loud, but it resonated throughout the hall. His words were true. In despair, what could a person do? Was he still human? What was the difference between him and an animal?
But these remarks are indeed a bit extreme. Some people agree with them, but there are always some people who find it difficult to accept.

In response to Gao Jingming's question, Lord Zeng sneered, "What Mr. Gao said is true throughout history, but it only applies to a very small minority. Those people are not considered human beings... They cannot represent everyone. You are clearly making specious arguments and it is hard to convince anyone."

Nodding, Gao Jingming continued, "What makes a person human is propriety, righteousness, integrity, shame, loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and justice. However, these qualities are only meaningful when they are alive. Without life, how can there be any morality? In the early days of civilization, people ate raw meat and drank blood. What was the difference between them and animals? The same is true for disaster victims. They have nothing, see no future or hope, and just want to survive. Survival is their only goal. To this end, they can do anything and can abandon any laws and human nature. Talking to them about human nature and morality is nothing compared to a full stomach. First of all, they have to survive to be called human. If they lose their lives and their bodies are exposed in the wilderness, how are they different from animals that survive the survival of the fittest? Lord Zeng, do you still think that disaster victims are human?"

After hearing Xiao Gao's words, Lord Zeng was momentarily at a loss for words. However, he was also a man of quick wits, and he immediately shouted angrily, "You... I think you are a snake and a scorpion. You don't treat the disaster victims as human beings. Otherwise, how could you do such a thing as throwing dirt into the rice and ginseng porridge? They are already in dire straits and can't even get enough food. They have finally waited for the imperial court to provide disaster relief. This is simply unscrupulous!"

Hearing this, Gao Jingming curled his lips in his heart. I was asking you whether disaster victims are human beings, but you changed the subject?
...(End of chapter)