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

Ye Xiaoshu saw Zhang Ping'an's thoughts, shook his head with an expression of expectation and said with a smile: "I knew that our library couldn't keep you!"

Zhang Pingan smiled and didn't deny it. He asked, "I wonder if the martial arts exam will be held as well?"

Ye Xiaoshu raised his eyebrows when he heard this and asked, "Why, is someone in your family going to take the martial arts exam?"

"It's my eldest brother-in-law and a very good friend of mine. They are both good candidates for the military examination. Having a title would be helpful for making a living. Even if they can just become a martial arts student or a martial arts scholar, it would be much more convenient to deal with people. They can also enjoy tax exemption, so it's like killing two birds with one stone," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.

Ye Xiaoshu had spent many years at Lin'an Prefecture School, having access to the latest official gazettes and other political news. Furthermore, his brother was a juren (imperial scholar), so he was quite knowledgeable. Upon hearing this, he replied, "The civil and military examinations have always been held simultaneously. Since they're both recruiting scholars, there's no reason to leave out the military examination. I assume the military examination will be held, but the schedule is tight, and the competition is expected to be fierce."

"I'd like to hear more details," Zhang Ping'an put down his chopsticks and listened carefully.

"Your provincial examination is in August, so you still have more than half a year to prepare, which is not too bad. But if your brother-in-law and your friend start from the child examination, then they will have to take the county examination in February. Today is the 2th day of the first lunar month, so there is only more than a month left," Ye Xiaoshu said slowly.

Zhang Pingan understood, but he felt it was okay. The first round of the county exam was the easiest. He couldn't help but say with a firm look, "I know time is tight, but I believe in their abilities. My eldest brother-in-law studied with a martial arts master in our local county school. He's a little behind in reading and literacy, but he's been preparing for a long time. He should have no problem with the first round. As for my friend, he comes from a county lieutenant's family, and his father is a martial arts scholar, so he should have no problem!"

Then he humbly asked, "However, is there anything special about this martial arts exam or anything I need to prepare for?"

Ye Xiaoshu smiled and continued, "This is the second point I want to tell you. For ordinary people, taking the military examination in Lin'an is much more difficult than taking the local examination. The competition is fierce. Think about how many relatives and friends those noble families brought with them, and how many collateral branches they have. Not everyone can study for fame, so they naturally have to think of other ways. The military examination is relatively simpler. And those families of military generals are even more difficult. Just the people who sign up can take up a lot of places. The competition is as fierce as a knife edge!"

"Thank you for your advice, but I still have to try my best. Maybe there will be a future if I try hard," Zhang Pingan smiled bitterly.

What choice do ordinary people have?

"It's a good thing for young people to be ambitious. I'm old now, so it's fine for me to just hang out in the library," said Ye Xiaoshu slowly.

When he was young, his old father taught him every day, "The lamps burn at three o'clock in the morning and the rooster crows at five o'clock. This is the time for a man to study. If you don't study hard when you are young, you will regret it when you are old." This encouraged him to study hard. At that time, he also studied very hard every day, but sometimes talent is really important. Now he has let it go!

After finishing their meal, the two of them went back together. However, when they passed the pavilion, Schoolmaster Ye turned a corner, walked to the right with his hands behind his back, and said to Zhang Pingan, "Follow me!"

This was obviously not the way back to the library, but Zhang Pingan didn't ask much. It was still lunch time anyway, so there was nothing else to do.

Ye Xiaoshu walked slowly with his hands behind his back until he reached the upper residence.

Zhang Pingan turned around and asked in a low voice, "Schoolmaster Ye, are you here to see Master Ye?"

Master Ye is the younger brother of Ye Xiaoshu, who was a juren.

Ye Xiaoshu replied with a smile, "Yes, come and talk to him. Besides, aren't you concerned about the imperial examination? He must have the latest official reports, which are earlier and more accurate than what we have. You'll feel at ease after asking him clearly, right?"

Zhang Pingan was somewhat touched. He knew that Ye Xiaoshu had made this trip specially. "Thank you!"

"What are you thanking me for? I just wanted to chat with him. It's nice to take a walk after a meal." Principal Ye waved his hand indifferently.

The two of them came to Master Ye's study, and Schoolmaster Ye knocked on the door gently.

After a while, an attendant came to open the door. Seeing Ye Xiaoshu and Zhang Pingan, a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes, but he still quickly bowed to Ye Xiaoshu and said, "Hello, Master!"

Then he warmly welcomed the two into the house, quickly made two cups of tea and brought them over, and then went in to report.

Although this is a study, the teachers in the provincial school are treated very well. There is a flower hall outside the study, a formal living room for receiving guests, and a tea room. The reception area is different depending on the visitor. It is extremely exquisite and comfortable.

After the attendant went in to report, he quickly led the two of them into the formal study in the innermost part.

The room was filled with books and scrolls, with a few paintings hanging on the walls. It was a little messier than the flower hall outside, and it was obviously where the owner spent most of his time.

When Master Ye saw his brother coming, he bowed lightly, and Schoolmaster Ye just nodded lightly. To be honest, the two brothers were not very close, and Zhang Pingan felt a little embarrassed.

After Schoolmaster Ye explained his purpose, Master Ye dug out the latest official gazette, handed it to Zhang Ping'an, and said, "It does mention the start of the military examinations. The dates remain the same as in previous years, with the county exam in February and the prefectural exam in April. However, there are some new regulations, probably to accommodate the current situation. The academy exams will be moved forward to June, followed by the provincial exams in August. The results were posted this morning. Take a look."

Zhang Pingan took it respectfully and read it carefully. He saw that in addition to the assessment items of previous years, there were several new assessment items, which seemed to be more difficult than previous years.

Just as Zhang Ping'an frowned and pondered a countermeasure, Master Ye spoke up, "Although there are difficulties, there are also opportunities. I heard that the court is interested in selecting people with real martial arts and strategy. If you can stand out, your future will be limitless."

Zhang Ping'an nodded, thanked Master Ye repeatedly, bowed respectfully, and asked, "I wonder if I can take this report with me. It contains a lot of detailed information about the assessment. I'd like to copy it back and bring it to a friend. It will be very helpful to them. I can return it tomorrow!"

This official report is more detailed than the list, including who the chief examiner is, what the assessment criteria are, and what points need special attention, etc. It is very useful to copy it down.

Master Ye said calmly, "Okay, take it and return it tomorrow."

He doesn't seem to care about such trivial matters.

After leaving Master Ye's study, Zhang Ping'an said solemnly to Ye Xiaoshu: "Thanks to you for bringing me here today. I have helped my brother-in-law and friends a lot."

"It's just a small matter, don't thank me anymore," Ye Xiaoshu rolled his eyes and smiled, looking a bit youthful.

After saying that, he patted Zhang Ping'an on the shoulder, walked forward, and the two returned to the library together.