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

Master Lin had a look on his face that said, "I knew you were going to ask this. You've been so patient for so long."

"I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Master," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.

"It's just human nature. After all, it concerns our relatives and friends." Master Lin didn't think it was a big deal. "But I don't know the details of this matter. It came very suddenly. I only heard about it yesterday at noon. Besides, our Lin family has produced many scholars and juren, so there is no question of military service. I didn't ask too much."

Zhang Pingan hesitated for a moment, then explained Xiao Yifei's method and asked, "Master, do you think this is feasible? I heard that many wealthy families in the county are doing this now. I have a feeling that the county government will have to take care of this matter in two or three days. By then, it will not be so easy to operate like this. If it is feasible, I will start to do it immediately."

Master Lin thought for a moment and said, "Doing this doesn't violate the conscription system. After all, since the household registration has been changed, he's considered a member of your family. There's no problem. As for the county government taking action, it's only a matter of time. They're not going to give up, so why not take this opportunity to rip you off?"

"Thank you for your guidance, Master. I understand now," Zhang Ping'an stood up and bowed to express his gratitude.

"Well, it's hard to say about your other relatives and clansmen, but there will definitely be no problem with your family, so there's no need to worry too much," Master Lin said after taking a sip of tea.

"But I don't have any connections in the county government, and I haven't decided who to ask for help," Zhang Pingan said worriedly.

Master Lin stroked his beard, shook his head, and laughed, "You're begging for food with a golden bowl in your hand. You have a ready-made supporter but you don't know how to use it."

Zhang Pingan was puzzled and bowed solemnly, saying, "Master, please give me some advice!"

"I remember you just said that your second senior brother is in charge of the household affairs department at the government office."

Zhang Ping'an's mind suddenly moved: "That's right, but I didn't think of him just now. After all, he is in the government office, far away from us. The county magistrate is not as good as the current one."

Master Lin smiled faintly and said, "The position of Si Hu is usually a sinecure, with little chance of promotion. Many people stay in this position for their entire lives, and the superior-subordinate relationship is also maintained for a lifetime. Although the county magistrate is not as good as the current one, changing the household registration is just a matter of raising your hand. As long as you make this identity clear, I believe the people in the county government will not make it difficult for you. There is no fool who can make it in the officialdom."

Zhang Pingan understood that today's trip was not in vain.

"This matter cannot be delayed any longer. I won't keep you any longer. You should get started right away. The sooner you get it done, the sooner you'll feel at ease," said Master Lin, putting down his teacup.

"Thank you for your guidance, Master. I will definitely visit you again when I am done with my work," Zhang Pingan said as he stood up and said goodbye.

"Haha, there's nothing good about me as an old man, so don't worry about me. But if you go to Yingzhou later, you have to hang out with Junhui more and support each other," Master Lin said with a smile.

"Yes, of course! By the way, do you know when the county school will start classes?" Zhang Ping'an saw that his elder brother-in-law seemed to have something to say behind him, so he asked hurriedly.

"It will probably be early February," Master Lin replied.

"I understand. We'll take our leave then!"

After saying goodbye to the Lin Mansion, Zhang Pingan finally felt relieved, and Zhang Laoer also breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that the family probably wouldn't need to send anyone to serve in the army anymore.

Liu Sanlang looked as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

"Don't worry, brother-in-law. I will help you when the time comes. Now we have to find someone to replace you." Zhang Pingan understood his brother-in-law's difficulties.

"Ping'an, thank you. You have helped me so much. My parents-in-law have also helped me a lot. Marrying Daya is the best thing I have done in my life," Liu Sanlang said with emotion. He is not a good speaker, but he swore that he would be good to Daya and his parents-in-law for the rest of his life.

"Oh, I have to tell Fourth Sister about this," Zhang Pingan thought, thinking that Fourth Sister still didn't know what was going on at home. "After that, we'll hurry back."

"If we go back now, we can only rest in the town," said Zhang Laoer, looking at the sky.

"Dad, everything is fine. You can just stay at our house later," Liu Sanlang said hurriedly.

The three of them didn't bother to rest and went straight to the Sun family's house. It was the eldest son of the Sun family who opened the door. He looked carefully before recognizing the three of them. After opening the door, he shouted to the yard: "Sixth Uncle, Sixth Aunt's father and brothers are here!"

After shouting, he said to several people: "Come in!"

Sun Liujin and Si Ya heard the noise and came out from the side room. Sun Liujin saw that it was indeed his father-in-law, his brother-in-law, and his eldest brother-in-law. He hurriedly said, "Dad, eldest brother-in-law, little brother, why are you here? Come and sit in the main room!"

After greeting them, Si Ya hurried to make tea for them.

Zhang Pingan was in a hurry, so he came to the main hall and exchanged a few words of greeting before asking directly, "Have you heard about the conscription?"

Sun Liujin smiled bitterly and said, "How could I not know? It's spread like wildfire. There's already a big fight at home about it, so you see how quiet the yard is now."

"Well, every family has its own problems. How many people did you choose from? How did you discuss it?" Zhang Pingan asked.

"There are 12 people in our family who meet the age requirements. We have to draw four, but we haven't decided who will go yet," Sun Liujin sighed.

Si Ya brought in tea and muttered softly, "Fortunately, the conscription is this year. If it were next year, six would have to go."

Seeing his father-in-law's puzzled look, Sun Liujin explained, "I have three nephews who are fourteen this year and will be fifteen next year."