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

Chen Jianqiu looked very excited and did not seem tired even after the long journey from the provincial capital to the provincial capital by boat.

Zhang Pingan poured a cup of tea and handed it over, smiling and saying, "Did you come here alone or something?"

Chen Jianqiu wiped the water stains from his mouth and smiled. "I came here with the people from the Provincial Medical Bureau. There was almost a large-scale outbreak of epidemic in the provincial capital, but fortunately it was brought under control in time. I tried the vaccination method you told me about last time on rabbits, chickens and ducks. It didn't work at first because I didn't control the dosage well, and all the chickens, ducks and rabbits died. Later, after slowly adjusting it, the effect came out. After I told my elders about this discovery, they discussed it and reported it to the Medical Bureau. The Medical Bureau allowed me to try it on those who were infected and quarantined. Anyway, we had to give it a try. I didn't expect it to be so effective. It only takes five or six days to recover with the medicine."

Zhang Pingan's eyes widened in surprise: "It really worked?" He then exclaimed: "You really are a medical genius!"

Chen Jianqiu grew increasingly excited as he spoke. He waved his hand nonchalantly, "What genius? I'm just interested in medicine. I've loved researching various prescriptions since I was a child, but patients always looked down on me because of my young age. This incident has impressed my elders, and that's why they allowed me to come to the provincial capital with the Medical Bureau to participate in epidemic prevention."

"That's good. It looks like this epidemic will end soon," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile. "Since you're in the capital, why don't you have dinner at my house today? Let me, as your host, do my best to be a good host."

Chen Jianqiu smiled helplessly, "I do want to, but the epidemic is serious right now, and the hospital is short-staffed. I have to go over there to help. They provide meals. After everything is settled, I will definitely come over to try my aunt's cooking. The main reason I came here today is to say hello to you and reassure you."

"You're thoughtful," Zhang Ping'an nodded, knowing he had made the right choice. "By the way, there's one more thing. I've discovered that liquor can also prevent the spread of diseases to a certain extent. You come into contact with infected people every day, so you can use alcohol to wipe your hands and clothes more often."

"So when I came in just now, you wiped my hands and clothes for me, just to prevent infection, right?" Chen Jianqiu listened thoughtfully. "If it really works, then it's a great achievement. My family didn't agree with me coming to the capital at first. They were worried that I would catch the disease, but I insisted on coming here. If it really works, then I can rest assured."

Zhang Pingan didn't promise anything, but just smiled and said, "I've already done the ninety-nine steps, so this one won't be a big deal."

Chen Jianqiu propped up his chin and jokingly said, "Ping'an, I find that you have a talent for medicine. What do you think? Would you consider studying medicine with me?"

Zhang Pingan almost choked on his tea. Before he could say anything, Xu waved her hand and said, "That won't do. My Pingan wants to take the imperial examination and become an official."

"Mom!" Zhang Ping'an finally stopped coughing, and his face turned red with embarrassment when he heard his mother say such immodest words.

Chen Jianqiu quickly explained, "Aunt, I was just joking with Ping An."

Zhang Laoer cleared his throat and called out in the yard, "Sanniang, isn't it time for you to go cook?"

Only then did Xu come out of the main room and go to the kitchen to prepare lunch.

Chen Jianqiu also stood up and said goodbye. "Be safe. I'll come visit again after this matter is resolved."

"Well, of course. I, the host, must give you a chance to treat you to a meal," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile. He admired Chen Jianqiu, a doctor who disregarded his own safety and was on the front line. Not everyone has such courage.

More than half a month passed in a flash, and it was December. Laba Festival was just a few days away, and the epidemic in the city was gradually brought under control. However, some people were too seriously ill, and many people died in the end.

Only when the yamen runners went door to door to inform everyone that they could go out did everyone dare to go out slowly. After putting on a mask and a handkerchief soaked in alcohol, Zhang Ping'an also went out with his father. He had not eaten vegetables for almost a month and his mouth was almost tasteless. Besides, Chen Jianqiu had sent a message to come over for dinner today, so there had to be a few decent dishes.

The East Market and the South Market were still slowly recovering. Zhang Ping'an and his father walked around for a few rounds and only bought some radishes, cabbages, tofu and the like. Finally, they went to the grocery store and bought some dried fungus, mushrooms and other mountain products as well as smoked bacon and smoked fish, so that they could at least have a few dishes.

Xu had a good impression of the young doctor, so she used all her cooking skills and finally managed to put together eight dishes.

Chen Jianqiu arrived just after 3 p.m., bringing with him a box of snacks and a bag of pears. It was not easy to find some fruit in this situation.

"Just come if you want to, why bring so many things with you?" Zhang Ping'an came forward and said with a smile.

Chen Jianqiu chuckled: "It was given by the Medical Department. My home is not here anyway, so I brought it here so we can eat together!"

Zhang Ping'an shook his head helplessly, took the pears to the kitchen, washed them, and brought them out on a plate. Chen Jianqiu didn't hesitate and took one to start chewing. "I've been exhausted for the past half month. You don't know, after those infected people were isolated, they would grab the doctor as soon as they saw him. I've used up all my saliva just trying to appease them. My mouth is almost dry. It's more difficult than treating the patients."

Zhang Pingan nodded in understanding: "It's like a drowning man grabbing a piece of driftwood."

"That's right!" Chen Jianqiu nodded enthusiastically and continued, "I informed the doctors at the prefectural and provincial medical offices of the inoculation technique. They worked day and night, and finally managed to quell the epidemic."

"What about the county town down there?" Zhang Pingan asked. This was also the issue he cared about most, as his family members were still in their hometown!

"The provincial medical department is planning to send people to various counties to teach vaccination techniques in the next two days. I heard that the situation in the counties is very grim, and there is still a lot of work to do. I plan to return to the provincial capital tomorrow," Chen Jianqiu replied.

Zhang Ping'an felt a sinking feeling in his heart after hearing this. After wasting so many days, he had no idea what was happening in the county town. Previously, the city gates were closed to prevent anyone from entering or leaving, and even communication was impossible. After the city gates were opened today, although he immediately sent a letter home, it would take at least three to five days for him to receive a reply.

"Wu Ya, Liu Ya, and Xiao Hu, come over and help serve the dishes," Xu called out from the kitchen.

Soon, eight dishes were placed on the table. Xu took some out in advance and ate with her two daughters in the kitchen.

Zhang Laoer poured a small glass of white wine for each of the two children and said with a smile, "You are all grown up now and can drink. One small glass each."