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

Zhang Pingan raised his glass and toasted his father first: "Dad, you have worked hard during this period."

Zhang Laoer smiled innocently and said, "It's not hard at all. As long as everyone in my family is safe and sound, that's all that matters."

Chen Jianqiu also raised his glass and said, "Uncle, I, your nephew, would like to offer you a toast as well. To be honest, I admire you very much. You have raised Ping An so well and even accompanied him to the provincial capital to take the imperial examination. When I was a student, my teacher said, 'Parents who love their children plan for them far-reachingly.' I think you are just like that."

Zhang Lao Er's smile deepened at the compliment, and he waved his hand, saying, "How could it be as good as you say? Jian Qiu is indeed an educated man, and his words are full of knowledge."

Chen Jianqiu was a cheerful person, and he chuckled while the others ate and chatted.

"Jianqiu, will you continue to see patients at Huichuntang when you go back this time?" Zhang Pingan asked.

"I should be assigned to the Medical Bureau for a while. Because I've developed the technique of inoculation and haven't kept it secret, they've made an exception and promoted me there," Chen Jianqiu replied after swallowing his food. "But my ambition isn't to work in the government office. I still want to see patients, but the Medical Bureau offers more opportunities for outside training. I'm still young, so it's time for me to learn more. I'll return to Huichuntang when the time is right."

"I understand. Then let me wish you can get what you want," Zhang Pingan said with a smile, raising his glass.

Chen Jianqiu also raised his glass and clinked it with it, saying with a smile, "Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your imperial examinations. I may need to rely on you in the future."

Zhang Pingan shook his head and laughed, but he really liked the other person's cheerful personality.

Zhang Laoer felt very comfortable when he saw the two children chatting with each other. With a smile in his eyes, he did not disturb them. The more he looked at Doctor Chen's child, the happier he felt. He hoped that he could be his son-in-law. However, the gap between the two families' family backgrounds was too big, which was a pity. Fortunately, Wu Ya could wait for another year. I wonder if there will be a better opportunity!

The meal was not finished until it was completely dark. Zhang Laoer drove the mule cart to take Chen Jianqiu back to the inn. The other party would take a boat back to the provincial capital at 9:00 tomorrow.

The next morning, Zhang Laoer and Zhang Ping'an got up early and asked Xu to prepare more food. They prepared to go to the dock to see Chen Jianqiu off.

The mule cart drove all the way to the dock. There were more pedestrians on the road than before, but everyone was wearing a face mask and keeping a distance from people around them as much as possible. This was the shadow left by the previous epidemic.

When the father and son arrived, Chen Jianqiu was eating breakfast with a bun in his mouth. The breath he exhaled was white and his hands were red and swollen from the cold. The weather was getting colder now.

"Brother Chen," Zhang Pingan shouted after getting off the car.

Chen Jianqiu looked up and said helplessly, "Uncle Zhang, everything is fine. Didn't I tell you not to come and see me off? It's so cold, it's so nice to just rest at home."

Zhang Laoer smiled innocently, pretending not to hear. He handed over the food in his hand and said with a smile, "Be careful on the road. Your aunt made some food. If you get hungry on the way, you can ask the boatman to heat it up and eat it."

"Thank you, uncle and aunt. I'm sorry to bother you. In fact, it only takes half a day by boat to get to the provincial capital. It's quite convenient," Chen Jianqiu scratched his head and smiled.

"Okay, don't be polite. It's just a small token of my appreciation," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.

After a while, the boatman started shouting, asking everyone to get on board quickly and prepare to sail. This was also the last boat to the provincial capital this year.

Chen Jianqiu reluctantly said, "If we don't go back soon, the river will freeze over and we won't be able to take the boat. I really want to stay in the city for a few more days."

"You have done a lot since you came to the provincial capital. You will have many opportunities to come and play in the future. You still have to go back and spend the New Year with your family. Maybe when the spring thaws in March next year, I will go to the provincial capital to play with you. Come on board." Zhang Pingan was also very sad. He hated parting the most.

Chen Jianqiu finally boarded the boat and leaned over the railing, shouting, "Be safe, see you next year!"

Zhang Pingan waved his hand and shouted, "See you next year!"

After a while, the boat slowly sailed away and disappeared in the vast white fog.

The father and son then drove home. After entering the house, Xu came forward and said with a smile, "Someone from the prefectural school just came to inform us that we can go back to school to start tomorrow."

The epidemic is now gradually stabilizing, which is also within Zhang Ping'an's expectations. I just don't know how his classmates and teachers are doing.

The next day, after Zhang Ping'an had tidied himself up, he put on a face mask as usual, brought a small porcelain bottle of strong liquor and a handkerchief, and still had to take the necessary precautions.

Just as he arrived at the gate of the prefectural school, before entering the classroom, he ran into Yuan Ziang. He was also wearing a large veil, revealing only his eyebrows and eyes. However, his sparse hair was so conspicuous that it was hard not to recognize him. Zhang Pingan smiled and greeted him, "Brother Ziang, how are you doing lately?"

Yuan Ziang was walking with his head down when he was suddenly stopped. He looked up and said in surprise, "Ping An, you're back too!"

"Nonsense, of course," Zhang Pingan replied. Ancient scholars admired the spirit of studying with perseverance and hard work. If the teacher knew that he was well but still stayed at home and didn't come to class, he would most likely be expelled, especially since his family had no background.

Yuan Ziang said with a bitter face: "Alas, it would be better if the prefectural school reopens after a while. My mother is worried about me now."

"It's okay. We have vaccination methods now, so don't worry too much," Zhang Pingan said with a smile, and the two of them walked into the classroom together.

More than half of the people had already arrived. After the two sat down, Yuan Ziang whispered, "I don't know about the others, but Lu Xiao definitely won't be coming. He caught a cold earlier, and although he was treated in time, he's the only son in the family, a precious child. We definitely won't let him take the risk of coming to class right now."

Zhang Pingan looked at Yuan Ziang's envious and jealous eyes and whispered, "Others have a good father. If you can compete with your father, you can do it too."

Yuan Ziang touched his chin and smacked his lips: "Competing with daddy? That's a pretty vivid description. I can't compete with him!"

After a while, except for Lu Xiao and Tan Yaoqi, everyone else in the class arrived, even Du Zhong came. Although he had caught a cold and was still wearing a large face scarf, it did not affect his active nature. After he arrived, he started chatting with the classmates in front, behind, and around him, looking like the moon surrounded by stars.

Professor Han came in a short while later. He was very pleased to see so many students in the class. He sat down, stroked his beard and said with a smile, "The spirit is so strong that it cannot be afraid of danger and hardship. The capital city has experienced a great epidemic this time. Fortunately, the final outcome is good. You are all safe and sound, and you were able to return to class on time as notified. This is very good and your spirit is commendable!"