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

After leaving Deng's house, Zhang Ping'an went directly to the provincial school. He had to hurry up and prepare for the provincial examination.

The colleagues in the library were unaware of what was happening at Zhang Ping'an's home. Schoolmaster Ye asked over tea, "You've been going to Master Lu to learn from him quite a bit lately. How's it going? Have you made any progress?"

"It helps me a lot. Mr. Lu's advice is very insightful," Zhang Pingan replied with a smile.

"He is very knowledgeable, but he has high requirements and doesn't accept many disciples. Otherwise, it would be great if you had the opportunity to become his disciple," said Ye Xiaoshu, smacking his lips and stroking his beard.

Zhang Pingan shook his head: "That's not necessary. I once worshipped a teacher in my hometown, Fucheng. Once a teacher, always a father. I will only have this one teacher in this life!"

"Oh? That's a pity! Your teacher is a Jinshi," asked Ye Xiaoshu.

"No, he is a juren, born into a scholarly family and very knowledgeable. It's just that the current situation is bad, so I haven't seen him since I returned to my hometown to visit my relatives," Zhang Pingan said dejectedly.

Seeing this, Schoolmaster Ye comforted him, "Don't be too sad. If your teacher knew how much you cherish him, he would be very pleased. I believe he has his own good fortune. Now you should concentrate on preparing for the provincial examination!"

Zhang Ping'an took a deep breath, bowed in response, put aside all distractions, and went to the third floor.

The days of study passed quickly, and six or seven days had passed in a flash. The eldest son of the Deng family was buried on the seventh day after his death, and the second son of the Deng family did not come to the Zhang family to cause trouble again. Things seemed to have calmed down.

Later, Zhang Laoer felt uneasy and worried about being retaliated against, so he went to Deng's house once. As a result, he heard from the neighbors that Deng Qingshi had sold the house and disappeared without saying goodbye to anyone.

This person disappeared from Zhang Ping'an's life.

Zhang Laoer and Xu also gradually put their minds at ease and planned to wait until their son passed the provincial examination before finding a husband for Wu Ya.

On February 25th, Zhang Pingan rarely asked his boss for a whole day off.

There was no other reason. Tomorrow was the day when his elder brother-in-law and Xiao Yifei would go to take the county martial arts examination. No matter what, he had to set aside this day to accompany them.

Previously, he asked Lin Junhui to find a retired centurion to train the two of them for half a month, but he didn't know how effective it was.

Lin'an is now the capital, so the two of them don't need to rush to other places. They can take the exam in Lin'an, which saves a lot of effort.

Both families are very concerned about the two people's participation in the martial arts examination. After all, it concerns their future and destiny.

Xiao Yifei's house is more spacious, so Daya and Liu Sanlang have been at Xiao's house during the day for the past half month. The two men study together, and Daya helps with some housework. She is dexterous and used to doing housework. She helped Xiao's mother make a lot of pickles, dry vegetables, and help grow vegetables. When she is free, she chats with Xiao Yifei's wife, which makes Xiao's mother like her very much.

Zhang Ping'an got up this morning and went to his eldest brother-in-law's house first, preparing to go to the Xiao family together.

Daya smiled and said, "Little brother, since you are here with me, I won't go today. I will prepare things for Sanlang's exam tomorrow so that he won't have to rush back home in the evening!"

"Okay," Zhang Ping'an nodded, and then comforted her, "Sister, you don't have to be too nervous. Just do what others say. I've asked around several times before, so relax!"

"Oh, I know, you guys go ahead," Daya waved her hand.

The two of them walked all the way to the Xiao family. Liu Sanlang was really nervous at the moment, his mouth tightly pursed and his face was serious.

Zhang Pingan saw it all, stood on tiptoe, patted his brother-in-law on the shoulder, and said with a soothing smile: "Brother-in-law, don't worry. Look, your tall and strong physique is so rare. This big body alone can shake off a large group of people. What's more, you have been training with Xiao Yifei and the centurion for so long, so there will be no problem!"

"Hmm," Liu Sanlang hummed in frustration and walked forward with his head down. He was mainly worried that he had put in several months of hard work but had not passed the exam, disappointing his family and losing a lot of money from work. He felt uneasy and was a little nervous. He felt a little better after being comforted by his brother-in-law.

When we arrived at the Xiao family, Xiao Yifei was stretching his muscles in the yard.

Seeing Zhang Ping'an and Liu Sanlang coming over, he grinned and joked, "Ping'an, what a rare guest! I heard you've been very busy lately, and you even came here before the exam. It seems that your brother-in-law and I are quite prestigious, hahahaha!"

"Stop joking and tell me how your training is going," Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

Upon hearing the sound, Xiao's mother brought out tea and snacks and asked everyone to sit down and talk.

Xiao Yifei said confidently: "No problem, at least I can get a martial arts student. I think I can also get a martial arts scholar. All these years of training are not in vain!"

Zhang Pingan noticed that his brother-in-law was a little unsure, so he comforted him, "Brother-in-law, look how calm Yifei is. You've been practicing for a long time, so your strength is not bad!"

Liu Sanlang scratched his head and said nervously, "I'm still unsure. What if I don't perform well?!"

Xiao Yifei also came over and patted Liu Sanlang on the shoulder, agreeing, "We've been training for so long. You're better at what the centurion taught you than I am. Just do it the way you usually practice. Keep a calm mind!"

After everyone chatted for a while, Xiao's mother took out a brand new martial arts uniform from the house and handed it to her son, saying gently, "Yifei, this is specially made for you by your mother. You will definitely look energetic when you wear it. I hope it will bless you with good luck in the exam tomorrow."

Xiao Yifei took the clothes and was very touched, but he said nonchalantly: "Mom, why are you spending this money? I have clothes to wear."

"Okay, stop being so fussy. This is your aunt's gift. Go ahead and try it on," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.

Clothes make the man, and saddles make the horse. I feel more energetic after putting it on!

This was the last day before the exam. Liu Sanlang and Xiao Yifei went to the yard together and practiced a few moves. They corrected each other's movements and didn't practice too hard. They also reviewed the possible contents that might be tested in the military books.

As the sun set, Liu Sanlang and Zhang Ping'an said goodbye and went back.

"See you tomorrow!" Xiao Yifei said confidently.