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

Han Juren's face showed no sign of blame. Instead, he looked quite relaxed. He stroked his beard and smiled, "It's okay. There's nothing strange about it. Paying New Year's greetings is a good thing to share in the good fortune."

Zhang Pingan felt relieved after hearing this.

"By the way, I heard that you and your classmates started a duck down business a few years ago, and you two made a lot of money. Are you interested in the ways of business?" Mr. Han asked after picking up the teacup and taking a sip of tea.

Zhang Pingan was surprised to hear this. How did Han Juren know this? After thinking for a moment, he told the truth: "Yes, I made some money, but I'm not interested in business. I just want to make some money to supplement my family expenses. After all, my family is poor and my parents are old. With money, I can study more peacefully. The two complement each other."

Han Juren raised his eyebrows when he heard this and said, "Don't you think it's shameful to be a businessman?"

"It's all earned through my own labor. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Since I have the conditions and ability to make my life better, and it's not against the law, why not do it?" Zhang Pingan said calmly. He never thought it was shameful to make money. On the contrary, being without money is absolutely unacceptable.

"But if this happens once, it will happen twice. If it goes on for a long time, won't it delay your studies?" Mr. Han continued to ask.

Zhang Pingan raised his head and said seriously, "Actually, the most important thing is how a person controls his or her desires. If you know what you want, you won't go astray."

"Oh?" Han Juren said with a smile, "You are indeed quite interesting. No wonder Zijing wanted to introduce you to me."

Zhang Pingan just sat upright. Becoming a disciple also depends on fate, so just do your best.

After a pause, Han Juren put away his smile and asked, "Have you told your parents about becoming their apprentice? If your father and mother agree, I will accept you as my student!"

"Ah," Zhang Pingan was stunned for a moment by this sudden surprise, and then he quickly replied: "I have already talked to my parents about this, and they both agree."

"Okay," Han Juren replied, then counted on his fingers, "The tenth day of the first lunar month is a good day. Let's set the apprenticeship banquet on the tenth day of the first lunar month. By then, your two senior brothers should be able to make time to come and attend. I can then introduce you to each other!"

"Thank you, teacher," Zhang Pingan said excitedly, and immediately stood up and bowed three times.

Han Juren said calmly, "Your two senior brothers are highly educated, but their careers have been as bumpy as mine. Therefore, I've always felt that I wasn't suited to teach students, nor could I provide them with effective guidance. I had originally given up on accepting any disciples, lest I mislead them. But Zijing repeatedly recommended you, saying you were different. After talking to you twice, I've discovered that you're truly adaptable. To be honest, when I was young, I hated people who were too good at dealing with people. Now, after experiencing the vicissitudes of life, I realize that being adaptable doesn't necessarily mean being cunning. People who are adaptable often handle things better. I hope my decision today is the right one."

These words were actually a warning to Zhang Pingan that he should have a bottom line in his conduct and should never do anything treacherous or evil. Zhang Pingan understood this very well, and after bowing, he said solemnly, "Teacher, don't worry. I will do things with a clear conscience and without any regrets for the people, and will not violate the laws of Daxia. This is my basic principle."

"Yes," Han Juren nodded and said, "You should go back today. There have been a lot of people visiting me recently, and I have to deal with some of them. When I'm done with my work in a few days, I'll have my servants come to your house to find you."

"I understand. Teacher, you go ahead and get busy. I'll take my leave now," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile and bowed.

Zhang Pingan felt relieved after coming out. When he reached the door, the doorman went to the small hall next door to call Xiaohu out.

Zhang Pingan saw Xiaohu's two pockets bulging with money and couldn't help laughing: "Xiaohu, it seems you have made quite a harvest!"

Xiaohu scratched his head and grinned foolishly, "Brother Ping'an, please don't laugh at me. It's just some snacks, pine nut candy, osmanthus candy and the like. The other drivers did the same. They helped me load them, saying they were all for the good fortune of the noble. The doorman didn't say anything either. I'll share them with you when I get back."

"Okay, I don't blame you. They are a prestigious Juren Mansion, so they don't need a little candy from you. Just take me to Master Luo," Zhang Ping'an said as it was still early for lunch.

"Hehe, okay," Xiaohu smiled. He loved this job so much. There was fun to play and food to eat. No wonder the fortune teller said he had a good life.

Zhang Ping'an met Master Luo during his visit to the Luo Mansion this time, but now he should call him Old Master Luo. He was still as gentle and elegant as before, but he had gained a lot of weight compared to when he was in the county town.

The Luo family's rules were not as strict as those of the Juren Mansion. Xiaohu also followed him to the main hall and stood behind Zhang Ping'an. When Master Luo saw him, he smiled and waved, "Xiaohu, come and sit down. Don't stand. There are melon seeds and snacks on the table. Take whatever you want. Don't be restrained."

Xiaohu looked at Zhang Ping'an. He had not forgotten how his parents had told him when they came to the provincial capital, telling him to listen to Brother Ping'an at all times and in all matters, so that he could learn skills.

After seeing Brother Ping An nodded to him, he sat down quietly.

"Uncle Luo, you look much better now that you've been in the city for over half a year. I guess you're living a good life," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.

Master Luo smiled and stroked his beard, saying, "After arriving in the capital, my two daughters-in-law have been finding ways to prepare delicious food for me every day. Plus, I've had some free time, so I don't have to worry about anything. Every day I play chess, visit friends, and stroll around the neighborhood. As the saying goes, a happy heart makes the body fat, and I've gained quite a bit of weight!"

"What a blessing this is! Many people envy it but cannot even get it," Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

"Yes, how have you been recently? How do you feel about being in the prefectural school?" Mr. Luo asked with concern.

"I feel pretty good, and my knowledge has improved a lot," Zhang Pingan replied.

"That's good. I've heard my father say before that you are not only talented, but also flexible in dealing with people and things. You are born to take the imperial examination. It turns out that he was right," Master Luo nodded.

"Master, thank you for your kind words," Zhang Ping'an said modestly.

After the two of them exchanged greetings for half an hour, another guest came to visit Master Luo, so Zhang Ping'an said goodbye and left.

If there is no worries in your mind, it is a good time in the world. This year has started well. Zhang Pingan is in a good mood sitting in the car watching the pedestrians coming and going.