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

After breakfast, Zhang Ping'an went to the boat company with his elder brother-in-law. The boat company was located in the west of the city. Generally, if there were a large number of people traveling, they would go to the boat company in advance to reserve a seat.

The tense atmosphere in the prefectural city and the county towns below it did not affect the provincial capital at all. The streets were still bustling with people setting up stalls selling food and drinks.

Seeing this, Liu Sanlang couldn't help but sigh: "The provincial capital is still the best, it's so popular!"

"Yes, everyone knows that big places are good and everyone wants to go to big places, but it is not easy to live in a big place," Zhang Pingan replied.

"That's true, but I can go to the dock to do porter work. If I can earn enough to buy a house and a half, I'll be able to settle down." Liu Sanlang was very confident about this. Most people couldn't compare to him when it came to porter work. If others could make a living, then of course he could too.

Zhang Pingan glanced sideways when he heard this, and felt that his brother-in-law had a deep obsession with working at the dock!

The east and west of the city are in two different directions, and it would take a long time to walk there. The two of them took a cart and arrived at the boat station after half an hour.

The ship is not big, and the people inside are mainly responsible for reception, and their attitude is pretty good.

After Zhang Ping'an asked about the price and departure time, the other party said, "More and more people have been going to the other side recently, and we don't have enough boats. Plus, the capital and various counties below are said to be under martial law, and the north is not peaceful either. So, the price is much higher than usual!"

"Just tell me directly. If we can sit, we will sit. If not, I will ask again," Zhang Ping'an said directly.

The other party didn't keep it a secret anymore: "600 wen per person, regardless of age or age, luggage is extra. The earliest departure time is the day after tomorrow morning at 9:00 pm."

"It only takes half an hour at most to get from the dock to the other side. You can make several trips a day. The price is too high. Can it be cheaper?" Zhang Pingan negotiated.

The receptionist took a slow sip from his teacup before saying, "Sir, I admit it's indeed expensive, but the market is like this, and there's nothing I can do about it. To be honest, just two weeks ago, it only cost 80 wen to go to the other side!"

Alas, the situation is stronger than people!

Zhang Pingan asked, "If that's the price, can we leave earlier? Later today or tomorrow is fine."

The other person shook his head and said, "There are too many people. We can't get a seat. These seats have all been booked in advance. Although we want to make money, we also value our reputation. If you don't book today, you'll have to wait in line again tomorrow."

"Okay," Zhang Pingan said decisively, "Let's schedule it for the morning of the day after tomorrow."

"Okay, then you pay half of the deposit first, and then pay the rest before boarding the ship. I will issue you an invoice. Remember, our ship will not wait for latecomers," the receptionist said as he stood up to write the deed.

"I understand," Zhang Pingan nodded in response.

After leaving the boat, Liu Sanlang said with a worried look on his face, "Oh, I have to spend a lot of money again. I have to go work and earn money when I get to the south."

"Money can be earned at any time, but people are the most important. I will not let you go hungry, so don't worry," Zhang Ping said comfortingly, feeling much more relaxed after stabilizing the boat.

Liu Sanlang shook his head: "How can I always rely on you? I will find a way to support Daya and the others."

After walking a few steps forward, he met an old man holding a straw and selling candied haws. Liu Sanlang thought for a moment and asked, "Old man, how much is a string of candied haws?"

"Eight cents a string, fifteen cents two strings," the old man replied with a smile.

"Then give me two strings," Liu Sanlang took out his purse from his arms, counted out fifteen cents and handed it over.

Then he carefully picked out two bunches of hawthorns with larger grains, turned his head and said with a smile: "Give them to the children to sweeten their mouths."

Zhang Pingan bought two more skewers and asked the old man to wrap them together: "There are too many children, I'm afraid two skewers won't be enough to share."

Liu Sanlang smiled innocently: "Just take a bite and taste it."

It was still early when the two returned to the inn.

Xu came forward and said, "Doctor Chen just sent someone over and said he can take your third sister and the others to Huichun Hall this afternoon."

"That's great. We have booked a boat for the day after tomorrow morning, so we won't be late. I'll go with you after lunch," said Zhang Ping'an.

Xu said happily, "Oh, oh, okay!"

As a woman, she knew too well how important children were to women. Although she disliked San Ya the most among her children because she was lazy, greedy and selfish, she was her own child after all, and she hoped that she would live a good life.

Mrs. Li had the same idea as Mrs. Xu. In recent years, the mother and son had always quarreled because their daughter-in-law could not have children. Her eldest son had broken her heart, so she naturally disliked her eldest daughter-in-law. However, if there was a way to have a child, she was still willing to help with money and effort, as long as it was within her means.

After finishing lunch early, Mrs. Li took her eldest son and daughter-in-law, Mrs. Xu took her third daughter and third son-in-law, and Zhang Pingan, a total of seven people, and they went out to Huichun Hall together.

A few people called a cart, and Li sat in the cart and thanked him: "Ping An, I'm sorry to trouble you with this matter. Whether it can be cured or not, I thank you!"

Zhang Ping'an waved his hand and said, "We are all family. I also hope that my third sister and brother Dazhu are doing well!"

Yingniang wrung her hands tightly, lowered her head and said nothing.

Dazhu has been quite quiet these past few years, no longer as lively as he was when Daya got married. However, he knows who treats him well, and he also thanked them: "Ping'an, your lover remembers it!"

San Ya was the most excited and positive. She always felt that she was in good health and should not be childless. She had high expectations for this visit to the doctor.

Qian Yongde thought so too, and the two of them were in a very relaxed state of mind.

Arriving at Huichun Hall, Zhang Ping'an introduced himself and the medicine boy said, "Mr. Zhang, please follow me. Doctor Chen and his men are in the backyard. We've already told them and have arranged a separate room for you."

Several people walked through the lobby and went to the backyard.

The medicine boy led the group to the innermost room on the second floor and knocked on the door, saying, "Doctor Chen, Mr. Zhang and the others are here."

Chen Jianqiu stood up and came to open the door. "Alright, go and do your work. Don't let outsiders disturb you."

After the medicine boy left, he explained: "This disease is quite private and not suitable for viewing in front, so I specially arranged a separate room. My aunt is waiting inside. Come in!"

"Is she a female doctor?" Li and Xu asked at the same time.

Chen Jianqiu scratched his head and said bewilderedly, "Didn't I tell you that the doctor who helped me with the treatment was my second aunt? Of course, it had to be a female doctor. A male doctor wouldn't be able to see me!"

Upon hearing this, Xu and Li breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "Female doctors are better! We want female doctors!"

The two of them had been worried all the way, afraid that the male doctor would take advantage of them, but having a baby was more important, so they suppressed their discomfort and didn't dare to say anything.