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

"Ice skating?" Jin Bao was curious. "How do we play it?!"

Lin Junhui explained, "There are many ways to play ice skating. If you don't want to sweat or are physically weak, there's something like a sled, about five feet long and three feet wide, made of wood with iron bars at the feet. A strong man pulls it in front, and it can seat three or four people. You can just sit on it. It's very fast, and gliding on the ice is a pleasure. There's also sliding, also called skating. The ice skates are made of iron, with a single strip tied to the shoe, and you just stand up and sprint. I have a friend who is very good at it. He glides like a dragonfly skimming the water or a purple swallow flying through the waves. It's quite a sight!"

Zhang Pingan concluded: "So one way is to slide with someone pulling you along, and the other way is to slide on your own, right?"

Lin Junhui raised his eyebrows and praised, "Good, that's right. These two should be enough for you for now. The other one is ice hockey, but that's too difficult, and I'm not very good at it either. You can learn it after you become proficient in skating!"

"People in Lin'an City really know how to have fun and are really brave," Xiao Yifei said with a smile. "When I was a kid, I also stepped on the ice on the river near my home. My father found out and gave me a good beating. He said if the ice broke and I fell in, I'd be doomed. Typhoid fever is no joke!"

"People in our area are relatively conservative. It's rare for people to risk their own safety for fun. When I was a kid, my parents wouldn't let me get near the water in winter," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.

Lin Junhui waved his hand and smiled, "Don't worry, it's very safe. Jingyue Lake is only open for fun three or four days a year, when the ice is thick and solid. After that, if the ice is thinner, we can't go. We're not stupid, and we have a doctor with us."

Jin Bao was eager to try it, and Xiao Yifei and Zhang Pingan were also tempted. There is no boy who doesn't like these sports.

The three of them agreed, and Lin Junhui even ordered his servants to bring them a few cloaks.

Then he brought a few people to the hall and started chatting with others. Zhang Ping'an observed that almost all of them were children of officials or wealthy families. They were all dressed up handsomely and there was really no ugly ones.

Any of these guys would be a perfect domineering male lead if they were put into modern times!

Xiao Yifei grew up in a family of minor officials. Although he was a concubine's son, he was well-mannered and could handle the situation with ease. Zhang Pingan was humble and good at talking. Even though he was dressed shabbily, no one would deliberately pick a fight with him. Jin Bao felt uncomfortable all over, and his enthusiasm was half extinguished. This was not his world.

Fortunately, everyone set off soon and divided into seven or eight carriages to go to Jingyue Lake. There were many maids and servants accompanying them, and they also brought tea, teacups, snacks, fruits, heaters, etc.

When we arrived at Jingyue Lake, another group of people were already playing there, and it looked quite interesting.

Lin Junhui was very good at handling things and took good care of everyone. He also arranged two servants to follow Zhang Pingan and others, so that everyone could do as they pleased. If they were hungry or thirsty, the maids had food and drinks available and they could just call the servants to get them at any time.

Jin Bao's eyes lit up and he suggested, "Why don't we play with the tug bed first? It sounds fun and not dangerous."

Xiao Yifei and Zhang Pingan had no objection, so they ordered their servants to find a strong man to pull the stretcher onto the ice. Several people sat on the stretcher one by one. After they were seated firmly, the strong man shouted and hung the tow rope on his shoulder and ran away.

The sled slid quickly across the ice, and the cold wind blew in their faces, but it couldn't stop the excited shouts of the crowd.

After playing around for a few rounds, Jin Bao watched some of the officials' sons skating freely and effortlessly, and he was eager to try again. "How about we try skating on our own?"

"I'll forget it," Zhang Ping'an knew his own worth. He had only roller skated once in his previous life, and he couldn't skate very well on smooth ground. What's more, compared to skating on this natural ice rink, he preferred to play on a sled, just for the pure enjoyment.

Following Jin Bao's gaze, Zhang Pingan kindly reminded him, "They've all practiced before. If they're not exceptionally talented, they'll definitely make a fool of themselves the first time they skate."

Xiao Yifei and Jinbao still wanted to give it a try, after all, the opportunity was rare, so they ordered their servants to get ice skates.

After putting on their clothes, the two men stood up carefully. As a result, Jinbao almost fell down as soon as he stood up straight, causing several people around him to whisper.

Seeing this, Zhang Ping'an went to find a servant to skate with him and asked him to guide Jin Bao and the other two. It was much better to have someone to guide them. The two gradually found the feeling, slowly mastered the balance and began to slide, moving forward crookedly on the ice.

After a while, they were able to skate more smoothly, and Xiao Yifei and Jin Bao couldn't help but smile.

As soon as the two men came off the stage, a servant came over and handed them a clean towel to wipe their sweat, and then served them hot tea.

Everyone had a great time and played until after noon before going back. Lin Junhui originally wanted to keep the three of them at home for lunch, but Zhang Pingan guessed that Xiao's mother had already prepared the food, and it would be bad to disappoint the elders. In addition, Jinbao would definitely not feel comfortable eating with these children of officials, so he declined.

Lin Junhui nodded, indicating that he understood, and did not force it. He ordered the servants to drive the carriage to send the few people back.

When the three of them arrived at the Xiao family's house, Xiao's mother was indeed looking forward to it. Xiao Yifei's new wife was also there, setting the table in the main hall. This was the first time Zhang Ping'an and Jin Bao saw her in person. She was a very pretty girl.

"Hello, sister-in-law," Zhang Pingan and Jinbao hurriedly greeted her.

Seeing this, the other party was a little flustered and didn't know what to do. It was obvious that he came from an ordinary family.

Xiao's mother came to the rescue and said, "Xiao Man, go inside first. We don't need you here."

"Oh," the young wife said as if she had been pardoned, and hurried into the house.

Xiao Yifei said, "Hurry up and sit down to eat. I came back a little late today, and I guess you two are starving."

The meal prepared by Xiao's mother was rich and exquisite. Although they were all ordinary dishes, they were carefully presented.

Zhang Ping'an and Jin Bao hurriedly thanked Xiao's mother again before sitting down to eat.

I don’t know if it’s because their appetites were particularly good after exercise, but the three of them actually ate for almost an hour.

They ate and talked, and everything from national affairs to daily necessities, the three of them could talk about everything, as if they were back in the days when they studied together in the academy.

After dinner, Zhang Pingan and Jinbao said goodbye and left together.

The first day of the new year passed by, and in the blink of an eye it was the second day.

This day is the day when Daya and Erya return to their parents' home with their husband and children, and the family of the man that Wuya is engaged to will also come to give holiday gifts today.

I heard from Mrs. Xu that the man was very handsome and had good hands. He and his brother both had the skill to make lanterns. Matchmaker Wang was right and her words were indeed reliable.

In order to entertain her future fifth son-in-law today, Xu also prepared a lot of delicious dishes.