Who Said a Study Servant Can't Win the Imperial Exam? - Chapter 13 - A Bright Future Ahead

The night before Cui Xian was set to leave for the Pei Mansion, his new clothes were ready.

Three full sets.

The fabric was the smoky blue silk sent by the Pei Mansion-light, durable, and with a vibrant elegance that spoke of refinement.

Eldest Aunt had gone to the County Town to pick up the clothes and returned in a hurry. “Quick, Xian-Ge’er, try them on and see if they fit!”

After all, it was silk!

Cui Xian took the clothes and went to his room to change.

When he stepped out again, his appearance left the entire family stunned.

He looked dazzling!

Xian-Ge’er had always been handsome, with fair skin and a tall stature. Now, dressed in a smoky blue silk robe, he looked even more striking-rosy lips, pearly teeth, and an undeniable charm that drew every eye.

Cui Xuan’s eyes sparkled like stars. “You look amazing!”

Cui Xian, rarely shy, hesitated. “Isn’t this a bit too bright?”

Eldest Aunt Lin fussed over his outfit, adjusting it with care. “Bright? Not at all! This is perfect for someone your age.”

At her words, Cui Xian lifted his gaze to Lin, his expression sincere. “These past few days, you’ve worked so hard for me, Eldest Aunt. Thank you.”

Lin’s heart warmed at his gratitude, and she waved her hand hurriedly. “We’re family; there’s no need for formalities.”

Cui Xian smiled. “If that’s the case, then Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt, you mustn’t be formal with me either.”

His remark drew laughter from the adults in the room.

Chen, resting her hand on her pregnant belly, turned to Lin. “Xian-Ge’er is right, Sister-in-law. As a family, we should support one another.”

Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt exchanged a glance, their previously tense expressions finally relaxing.

“Yes, yes, we’re family. That’s how it should be,” Lin agreed, her tone slightly bashful.

After a brief pause, she looked at her husband and hesitated. “Still, Xian-Ge’er is leaving soon. As his elders, we should show some care, shouldn’t we? Right, Eldest Uncle?”

Cui Boshan nodded quickly and went to retrieve a bundle from his room, grinning sheepishly. “This is for Xian-Ge’er.”

Inside were two sets of lightweight summer robes, a jar of candied fruit, a pack of osmanthus cake, a bag of sunflower seeds, and two pairs of cloth shoes Lin had recently made late into the night.

It was evident they had spent both money and effort on this gift.

Cui Zhongyuan immediately protested. “No, no, we can’t accept this. Eldest Brother, what are you doing?”

But Cui Xian was quicker than his father, taking the bundle with a cheerful smile. “Thank you, Eldest Uncle and Eldest Aunt.”

And then-

Cui Xian opened the jar of candied fruit, grabbed a handful, and handed it to Cui Xuan. “Big Sis, have some.”

Cui Zhongyuan sighed, rubbing his forehead in exasperation.

Meanwhile, Cui Xuan’s eyes widened in delight. She glanced at her parents for approval, and seeing their smiles, she let out a joyful cheer. “Thank you, little brother!”

“You little glutton!”

Lin feigned annoyance, rolling her eyes at her daughter before gesturing toward the inner room. “Go share some with your grandmother.”

Since Yu-Ge’er had left home, Old Madam Cui had mostly stayed in her room, rarely coming out.

Selling one grandson to fund another’s education-it was clear the old woman was struggling with her feelings.

Cui Xuan obediently went to her grandmother’s room. “Grandmother, have some candied fruit. It’s so sweet! Xian-Ge’er gave it to me.”

Normally, the old madam would have refused.

But today she smiled and took one, letting it dissolve slowly on her tongue.

So sweet indeed.

From the Main Hall outside, faint laughter drifted in-the Eldest Uncle, the Second Uncle, and their wives were chatting lightheartedly. The atmosphere felt relaxed, almost unfamiliar.

Old Madam Cui’s gaze grew distant as she listened to the muffled sounds of joy. How long had it been since the house felt this warm? Ever since the Eldest and Second Uncle had failed the imperial examination years ago, the household had been steeped in tension and gloom.

The generous gifts from the Pei Mansion, along with the ten taels of silver, had alleviated their immediate financial strain. And Xian-Ge’er, with his perceptive and gentle ways, had quietly smoothed over the awkwardness within the family.

As she held the candied fruit in her mouth, Old Madam Cui’s thoughts wandered back to the day Xian-Ge’er knelt before her, his words ringing with conviction. A sudden, inexplicable certainty welled up in her heart-this boy would undoubtedly achieve great things in the future.

Meanwhile, in another corner of the house, Cui Xian-the grandson deemed destined for greatness-was being scolded by his father for accepting the package from the Eldest Uncle.

In the dimly lit bedroom, the oil lamp flickered. Cui Zhongyuan’s voice droned on, his tone filled with disapproval. Chen, growing impatient, interjected, “Your brother and sister-in-law feel guilty. Let Xian-Ge’er accept it; it eases their conscience.”

Cui Zhongyuan faltered, momentarily silenced. But soon, he resumed his fretting. “Have you packed everything? Did you include the shoes your aunt made? Oh, and make sure to sew a hidden pocket into each set of clothes for money. Xian-Ge’er has always been a restless sleeper; he tosses and turns at night. I wonder if the beds at the Pei Mansion are wide enough…”

His voice began to choke with emotion. Chen, who had earlier found his rambling tiresome, now felt her eyes sting with tears.

Cui Xian sighed, pulling his parents close. The three of them huddled together on the bed, surrounded by two neatly packed bundles.

“Alright, alright,” Cui Xian said, feigning exasperation. “What’s with all this? How am I supposed to leave with you two acting like this? Father, you need to focus on your studies and not slack off.”

“Mother, you must eat well, rest well, and take care of yourself. Make sure my little brother or sister arrives safely.”

He wiped away their tears, pretending to be troubled. “Seriously, earning money as a man out in the world is exhausting. You two need to be sensible and take care of yourselves. Don’t make me worry about home while I’m out working.”

“Listen to me, stop crying. I’ll come back every month to visit you and bring you some treats.”

Chen couldn’t help but laugh, playfully swatting his hand away. “You’ve got such a sharp tongue.”

Cui Zhongyuan chuckled too, though his smile carried a hint of melancholy. It was as if these words should have been his to say, as the father.

Seeing his parents’ spirits lift, Cui Xian continued, “Father, Mother, I’ve been selfish. I didn’t discuss it with you beforehand and made the decision to go to the Pei Mansion on my own. Please don’t hold it against me.”

“But rest assured, once I’m there, I’ll work hard and make something of myself. Someday, I’ll move our family out of Hexi Village, buy a big house, earn plenty of money, and study for the imperial examination. I’ll even secure a noble title for Mother.”

Under the flickering light of the oil lamp, the young boy, on the brink of leaving home, gazed at his parents with clear, determined eyes, pouring out his heartfelt promises.

Chen pulled Cui Xian into her arms, her voice trembling with tears. “Xian-Ge’er is such a good child. How could your father and I ever blame you? I know you have great ambitions, and it’s wonderful that you want to make something of yourself.”

“But earning big money, buying a grand house, and securing a noble title-it all sounds so exhausting. You’re still so young, Xian-Ge’er. Don’t let yourself get caught up in unnecessary burdens and worries.”

“Take care of yourself first. Nothing else is more important than you.”

Cui Zhongyuan nodded in agreement. “Absolutely, absolutely. Your mother is right. If you go to the Pei Family and face any grievances, come back immediately. Our family’s health and safety are more important than anything else.”

This time, it was Cui Xian’s turn to feel his eyes grow red.

From now on, he was a child who had parents who truly cared for him.

How wonderful that felt.

The next morning, bright and early.

The Pei Mansion’s carriage arrived once again at the Cui Family’s doorstep, with the Family Steward himself coming to escort Cui Xian.

The entire family gathered outside to see him off.

Chen, who had been annoyed by her husband’s endless chatter the night before, now held her son’s hand tightly, repeating her instructions over and over.

Old Madam Cui leaned against the doorframe, her aged eyes filled with both affection and guilt.

Behind them stood their dilapidated, impoverished home.

“Father, Mother, Sister, Eldest Uncle, Eldest Aunt, Grandmother.”

Cui Xian’s gaze swept slowly across each family member’s face, a smile tugging at his lips. “I’m leaving now. Take care of yourselves.”

Having spent over a month in this world, he had long since accepted this family and become a part of it.

Now, as the moment of departure approached, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of reluctance.

Old Madam Cui looked at her young grandson, who had already begun to grow into a fine young man. Her voice trembled with both pride and sorrow. “Good, good. Go on, then. Xian-Ge’er, take care of yourself.”

Cui Xian walked over and embraced his frail, elderly grandmother.

Then, he turned, waved goodbye to his family with his back to them, and climbed into the Pei Mansion’s carriage.

The Family Steward reassured them repeatedly that Xian-Ge’er would be well taken care of before instructing the driver to set off.

The Cui Family stood at the doorway, their eyes fixed on the carriage as it moved further and further away, until it disappeared at the end of the road, leaving no trace behind.

That year marked the sixteenth year of Jiahe in the Great Liang Dynasty.

At just eight years old, Cui Xian left Hexi Village, stepping onto the stage of history.

Awaiting him was a future destined to be dazzling and filled with boundless promise.