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

Although Wu Ya, Liu Ya and Xu were a little disappointed, they thought that it was better than getting a bad fortune. After hearing that the result was good, they felt relieved and stopped worrying about it. Xu even took out a dozen copper coins from her purse and put them in the box as a donation for incense money.

Zhang Laoer also felt that today's incense burning was quite successful. He drew two auspicious sticks with good meanings, and walked over to add a dozen coins for the incense.

The two of them usually live frugally, so although the money is not much, it is considered generous for them.

The family was about to go back when the old monk slowly said, "Wait a minute, young donor. I see you're wearing a special amulet around your neck, made especially for the Daguo Temple in the capital. May I take a closer look?"

Seeing several people turning around with surprised expressions, the old monk explained, "The scriptures on each blessed amulet are different. The one the young donor is wearing looks a bit like the one written by my senior brother. He has been traveling around for more than ten years, so I just wanted to confirm it!"

This wasn't an unreasonable request. Zhang Pingan took off the amulet from his neck and handed it over, saying, "Here, Master, take a look."

It's amazing to say, this amulet is made of some unknown material, but it hasn't rotted in more than ten years, and it's hard in the middle. When he was a child, he wanted to open it and take a look, but was sternly stopped by Zhang Laoer, who thought it was taboo.

Zhang Ping'an thought it was not a big deal, so he let it go and respected the customs and rules of each place.

The old monk took it and looked at it carefully before nodding and saying, "Yes, it was written by my senior brother. Where are you from? Where did you meet him?"

After saying that, he handed the amulet back to Zhang Pingan.

After Zhang Pingan accepted it and put it on, he replied, "Our hometown is near a small town under Ezhou Prefecture in Huguang Province. My parents told me that this was given to me by a passing master who came to stay at their home when I was very young. He saw that I had a good impression of him and gave it to me."

Mrs. Xu nodded and added, "That was more than ten years ago. We had just returned from visiting relatives at my mother's home on the second day of the Lunar New Year when we met your senior brother and a young disciple who wanted to stay overnight. I knew at first sight that he was a highly accomplished monk who traveled extensively. I agreed without hesitation and even prepared a lot of dry food for them. I never thought he was a high-ranking monk from the Daguo Temple in the capital!"

Since it could be consecrated, Xu thought that this must be a high-level monk who had attained enlightenment. What's more, he came from the capital, a big city. It was really unexpected!

"It seems that I have quite a connection with these donors," the old monk said with a smile, stroking his beard slowly.

"Who says it isn't?" Xu smiled, feeling deeply that it was fate, and now she believed in the contents of the fortune even more firmly.

Zhang Laoer thought of what the great monk had said when he was fortune-telling, and felt a little excited. It seemed that there must be God's will in all things.

The old monk smiled and continued, "Since we are so fortunate to meet today, I would like to offer you a few words."

The family hurriedly listened respectfully, "Master, please speak!"

The old monk first looked at Zhang Ping'an and said, "Young donor, you are destined to have extraordinary things, but you will have to go through hardships. You must wear this amulet well and never leave it."

Zhang Ping'an nodded thoughtfully.

Then the old monk said to Zhang Laoer and Xu: "You two donors are kind-hearted. Your family will surely be blessed in the future. But remember not to be greedy. You still need to be humble, diligent, and cautious in your actions."

"Yes, we remember it," Xu and Zhang Laoer responded respectfully.

After thanking the old monk, the family walked towards the temple gate and prepared to go home.

On the way, Zhang Laoer said to Xu, "This old monk's words sound mysterious, but they also seem to make sense. No matter what, we should live a down-to-earth life. From now on, you should stop showing off and control your hot temper."

Xu was in a good mood today and responded loudly, "I know!"

However, Zhang Ping'an was thinking about the extraordinary things the old monk said, and his hand unconsciously touched the amulet on his chest.

After returning home and having dinner, the family went to bed early and had a good night's sleep!

The next day, Zhang Ping'an went to the provincial school to attend class. The first day of classes was the busiest time in the library. Teachers from all classes sent students to pick up books. Of course, these gifted students could not do the hard labor, so the book boys helped to move the books.

But all the classes arrived at the same time, and there were a lot of books and miscellaneous items on the first floor, so the increase in people made the first floor of the library seem crowded.

Zhang Ping'an was very busy following the two proofreaders, directing the servants to line up in an orderly manner to receive the books and registering the books.

At this time, he actually heard several students standing aside leisurely discussing the matter of the imperial examination.

One of the older students fanned himself and said, "Have you heard? The chief examiner for this provincial examination is the extremely strict Grand Secretary Du."

"I heard about it. Why do you care so much? In the current situation, the court needs talents. I feel that this is the opportunity I have been waiting for," responded another slightly plump student.

Zhang Ping'an was moved when he heard this. It seemed that Lin Junhui's information was indeed accurate. Since this matter could be discussed openly by these two students, it seemed that the notice would be posted to the world today or tomorrow.

He thought again of the fortune-telling that the old monk from Lingyin Temple had interpreted yesterday. Perhaps this imperial examination was his chance to change his fate?

Just as Zhang Pingan was lost in thought, a young man in elegant clothes came over and glared angrily, "What are you doing? You have no manners. I'm from Class A, Upper Dormitory. Hurry and arrange the books for our class first!"

Zhang Ping'an recognized the young man as Xie Yingshi, the son of the Lin'an prefect and also Lin Junhui's brother-in-law. He heard of this man's name the second day after he came to the provincial school. It was said that his eyes were on the top of his head and he looked down on ordinary people the most.

As the country was broken into pieces and the imperial court moved its capital to Lin'an, coupled with the migration of aristocratic families to the south, the status of the local tyrant Xie family also rose, and this man became more and more arrogant.

I don't know why I was assigned to pick up the books.

Zhang Pingan, a man of insight, said quickly, "Look, I'm so busy I'm losing my mind. Thank you, Master. I'll make arrangements for you right away!"

"Hmph, that's more like it," Xie Yingshi snorted coldly and walked away with a flick of his sleeves.

After seeing the person leave, Zhang Pingan took a deep breath, stopped thinking about anything else and got down to work.

Seeing the man walk away, Schoolmaster Ye whispered to him, "Don't worry, these noblemen are just like that. We don't usually interact with them many times a year, so just bear with it."

"Yeah, I understand," Zhang Pingan nodded. He really didn't care.

When he went to the cafeteria to eat at noon with Ye Xiaoshu, Zhang Ping'an heard the students in the cafeteria discussing the imperial examination. After asking around, he found out that the results had been posted in the morning.

Last year, due to the political instability in the government, no provincial and metropolitan examinations were held. This year, they will be made up and still scheduled for August. There is no restriction on the place of residence. All places implement the policy of proximity. As long as the students have settled in Lin'an, they can take the examination in Lin'an.

In other words, Zhang Ping'an can take part in the provincial examination in Lin'an.