The journey of the only child of a peasant family to take the imperial examination

When Xu saw that there were prizes for participating in the competition, she felt that her son was an excellent bamboo flute player. Even though Zhang Ping'an explained that every participant would get a prize, Xu still felt that her son was different from others. She happily put the pen holder away solemnly, saying that she would keep it as a family heirloom and did not allow her son to use it.

Zhang Pingan was helpless, as long as his mother was happy!

Almost a month passed, and it was time for the academy's year-end exams. Zhang Pingan was a little nervous and felt a little pressured. Through the past six months of study, his monthly test scores had been hovering around second, third, and fourth place, but only the top three were eligible for the county exam. If he performed poorly in the exam, he would miss out on this qualification.

Under such circumstances, Zhang Ping'an had to extend his study time, often studying with the lights on until 11:00 a.m. before going to bed. When he felt sleepy, he would wash his face with cold water.

Zhang Laoer and Xu loved their son very much, so they would choose one of them to accompany Zhang Ping'an every night. Around the time of Xu, they would make a midnight snack for their son and bring it to him to replenish his energy.

Fortunately, Zhang Pingan slept well. Although he didn't sleep for a long time, he was still energetic when he woke up the next morning, which did not affect his studies during the day.

Zhang Pingan wasn't the only one working so hard. When the four-person group was having lunch in the cafeteria at noon, Jin Bao saw Zhang Pingan and Liu Shengyuan each reading a book while eating, and said speechlessly, "You two are too hardworking, aren't you dizzy?"

Liu Shengyuan shook his head and said without looking up, "We're running out of time. Lin Junhui has been firmly in first place. We only have two spots to compete for, so we have to work hard."

Zhang Pingan also nodded and said, "It would be best if Ayuan and I could both get it, otherwise we'll have to wait until next year, which will take another year, and the annual maintenance fee will be quite high."

Xiao Yifei understood and encouraged her, "Our tuition is not cheap, and you and Ayuan are both so hardworking and good at studying, so there will be no problem! My eldest brother is also going to take the exam this time, and the family is very nervous."

Jin Bao was puzzled: "Then why don't you take the exam? Your family can afford the registration fee, and you don't have to fight for a place. As long as you want to take the exam, the academy will definitely let you register."

Xiao Yifei shook his head and said, "Forget it. I'm not good at studying. I plan to use my father's connections to get a job in the county government. Besides, my mother won't let me take the exam."

Zhang Ping'an knew that every family has its own problems, especially those with complicated family relationships.

The third day was the time for the academy examination. The academy took this examination very seriously. There were six teachers invigilating the examination. They walked back and forth from time to time to look at the students' test papers, which made many students with poor psychological quality very nervous and smudged their test papers when they picked up their pens.

Once Zhang Pingan started taking the exam, he would immerse himself in his own world and would not be affected at all. Therefore, he would not notice the teachers walking around at all, and he wrote every word very seriously.

After an hour and a half, he stopped writing to check the test paper, stretched his numb wrist, and shook the test paper gently to let the ink dry quickly. Zhang Ping'an was quite satisfied with his current handwriting. The practice in the past six months was not in vain. In addition, Xiao Yifei also helped to provide many famous calligraphy copybooks, which inspired Zhang Ping'an a lot. Now he has developed his own style.

Half an hour later, the voice of the invigilator came from the top, saying "Stop writing and collect the papers." The result will be known tomorrow.

When they returned home that night, they found that their family had stewed a chicken. Xu and Zhang Laoer did not dare to ask about their son's exam results, so they could only make a lot of delicious food to nourish their son.

After finishing the test, Zhang Pingan was in a very calm state of mind. He said, "I feel that I did quite well this time. I wonder if I can make it into the top three. Let's see the results tomorrow."

Zhang Lao Er heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing this and said with a smile, "You're right to think so. I was worried that you were too nervous. You've been studying so late every day lately, and I was worried that you couldn't handle it."

"Dad, I'm still young. It's not like this every day. It's okay."

"Well, don't put too much pressure on yourself. It would be best if you can go to the county exam this time, but it doesn't matter if you can't. You are still young. But if you can take the exam, I will postpone your fourth sister's marriage for another year. If you can't take the exam, I will find a husband for her during this New Year to avoid delaying her. A girl's blooming period is short, and the later you wait, the less choice there will be." Zhang Laoer said.

Xu always listened to Zhang Laoer: "It's very easy for our daughter to get married now, there's no need to worry."

Si Ya had been in the county for half a year and her horizons had broadened considerably. She said shyly, "Dad, Mom, I don't want to marry in the village. It would be best if you could find me a family in the town or county."

Zhang Laoer frowned and scolded, "Are you ashamed to say such things as a girl? I have my own plans."

Mrs. Xu also knocked her daughter on the head with chopsticks and scolded her, "Don't talk nonsense. It shows that you have no manners."

"This is a matter of life and death, so you must choose a good family," Zhang Ping'an comforted him, and Zhang Laoer stopped talking.

Have a good night's sleep!

Xu made fried dough sticks and eggnog in the morning. After eating, Zhang Ping'an picked up a few and prepared to bring them to Jinbao and others. He usually ate their food often.

Xu stopped her, saying, "You don't have to do it. It's already been prepared for you, wrapped in oil paper, in the kitchen."

Although Xu was a country woman, she knew that relationships could only last if there was give and take. Moreover, her son often ate other people's food, so she had specially fried some extra food this morning for her son to take to socialize.

Zhang Ping'an was a little touched. Xu was so thoughtful. After arriving at the academy, he distributed fried dough sticks from home to the students, and soon the class started.

In the first class, Mr. Lin announced the results of yesterday's exam, "First place, Lin Junhui."

This was within Zhang Ping'an's expectations. Lin Junhui had never fallen below first place since the start of the academy, so he was indeed a good student.

"Second place, Liu Shengyuan."

Liu Shengyuan was a little excited when he heard this, and looked over with a little worry. Zhang Pingan gave him a comforting look.

"Third place, Zhang Pingan."

"Huh," Zhang Pingan breathed a sigh of relief, finally all his previous efforts were not in vain.

Zhang Ping'an could not hear what the teacher said later. His mind was a little blank. He only knew that he was qualified to take part in the county examination this time, and that the academy would provide extra classes for the students taking the county examination, and the holidays would be later, which was a bit similar to modern training camps.

"Okay, this is the result of this exam. The top three can take part in the county exam in February next year. Remember to go to the county government's etiquette office to register within the specified time, and then come to me to form a guarantor." Master Lin said finally.

Registration is in January, so I have to find time to go back as soon as possible and bring the relevant household registration information, Zhang Pingan thought.