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

Lin Junhui smiled and said, "I just came here to sign in. My father-in-law has already hired a famous teacher to teach me at home. I am determined to win the Autumn Examination this time!"

Zhang Pingan was honestly envious, and said with a smile, "Then I'll congratulate you first!"

Lin Junhui said, "Come in with me. I'll have the people in the reception room prepare it for you in advance. Let's go out for a cup of tea and chat!"

The people standing in front and behind Zhang Pingan didn't react much after hearing this. China has been a society based on human relationships since ancient times, and this kind of thing is very normal.

With Lin Junhui's face, the people in the gift room quickly got it done.

"Let's go out and have some tea. I have some good news to tell you," Lin Junhui said with a smile, fanning himself.

Lin'an was already very hot in early July, and the temperature rose at 11:00 a.m. Lin Junhui found a teahouse he was familiar with and asked for a private room on the second floor.

Outside the window, you can see the nearby artificial lake. The emerald green lotus leaves are swaying in the wind, and there are a few pink lotus buds about to bloom. There is also a patch of algae floating on the water, which makes people feel relaxed just by looking at it.

"The scenery is really nice," Zhang Pingan praised, and then asked, "By the way, what is the good news you mentioned?"

After pouring a cup of cold tea for each of them, Lin Junhui replied, "My family wrote a few days ago saying they've settled down in Jinling, and there haven't been any casualties in the clan. That finally puts a worry to rest. Isn't that good news? Now I can finally focus on my exams!"

Zhang Pingan was genuinely happy for Lin Junhui after hearing this. He understood this feeling and sighed, "This is truly a great thing. This way, you can focus on preparing for the exam. By the way, how is Master Lin?"

Lin Junhui nodded and said, "Uncle is doing well. Thanks to his quick reaction, he asked my uncle to use his connections. We took a boat from the prefectural capital to the provincial capital dock, and then took another boat across the river to Pengzhou in the south. We are far away from the war zone in the north, but Pengzhou is still not so peaceful. I was worried the whole time. Now that they have arrived in Jinling, there is no big problem. Jinling is the ancient capital of six dynasties, and the defenses are tight along the way. It is very safe!"

Speaking of this, Zhang Pingan also thought of his fourth sister, Shuisheng, the villagers, and former classmates in the north. He wondered how everyone is doing now!

"What's the current war situation in the north?" Zhang Ping'an asked. This kind of sensitive and confidential information is usually kept secret by students in the state school for fear of causing trouble by speaking out of turn. So Zhang Ping'an had no idea what the current situation in the north was, and it was not easy to ask since he was not familiar with others.

The main reason was that the East Factory and the West Factory had too strict surveillance. This intelligence organization did not decline with the decline of the imperial court. On the contrary, its power became even stronger after the capital was moved, making many officials shudder at the mention of it.

Zhang Pingan had vaguely learned all this after the last painting boat incident. Although he had never come into contact with these two organizations, he could already feel their terrifying nature and their deterrent effect on officials.

Lin Junhui was silent for a while, the joy on his face faded, and finally he only replied with four words: "Hell on earth!"

So Zhang Pingan stopped asking questions and picked up the teacup to drink tea.

In the silence of the room, Lin Junhui suddenly looked out the window at the lake and whispered, "Although Lin'an may seem peaceful now, it's just a false prosperity. If I were lucky enough to become an official, I would definitely support the country, even if it meant death!"

Although the voice was soft, the determination contained in it was as heavy as a thousand pounds!

Zhang Ping'an nodded in agreement: "With your talent, you will definitely achieve great things in the future!"

He never doubted this!

After saying this, he couldn't help but jokingly said, "However, I heard that the competition in this autumn examination is extremely fierce, and all the talented people are eager to try their best. I heard that there are even gambling houses that have started taking bets on who will be the champion!"

Lin Junhui smiled confidently: "It's okay, I will do my best. Besides, my family is safe and sound, I have nothing to worry about, so what's there to be afraid of?"

At this point, Lin Junhui couldn't help but put down his teacup and said with a firm look, "After I graduate from high school, I will definitely find a way to bring my family back to Lin'an and restore our family's former glory!"

"You can do it," Zhang Pingan encouraged with a firm look.

Lin Junhui laughed heartily. "Ping'an, do you know why I like chatting with you? Because you're a person who keeps secrets, and you never spoil the fun. Come, let's toast with tea instead of wine, and wish us a successful provincial examination in advance!"

Both of them hurried back to continue their classes, and after chatting for a while, they dispersed.

When we got back to the state school, it was already noon, which was lunch time.

There were still only four students in the class, including Zhang Ping'an. After the attack on the pleasure boat, no other students were recruited.

Jiang Fengping and Zhong Jinhuai are from the same group. There is another student named Lan, which is a very rare surname. It is said that this person was born in a declining scholarly family and usually keeps to himself. The three parties usually do not interfere with each other and live in peace.

After Zhang Pingan sat down, classmate Lan turned around and said, "Brother Zhang, someone just came to see you. It was Master Lu's entourage from the upper house. They asked you to take some time to go to Master Lu's study when you come back!"

"Did you say what it was?" Zhang Pingan asked.

Classmate Lan shook his head: "No."

"Okay, I got it, thank you," Zhang Pingan bowed and thanked him.

"You're welcome," Classmate Lan nodded, turned around and sat up straight.

Zhang Ping'an first went to the cafeteria to have lunch, and then went to visit Lu Fuzi's study.

After knocking on the door, it was the familiar attendant who led Zhang Pingan directly to the inner room of the study without saying anything.

Mr. Lu was leaning on a chair reading a book, looking listless and listless. When he saw Zhang Ping'an coming in, he waved his hand and motioned him to sit down.

Zhang Pingan bowed and asked with concern, "Master Lu, are you feeling well lately?!"

"Alas, I am in very good health and have almost recovered, but I just feel uncomfortable in my heart," Mr. Lu sighed.

"Why is that?" Zhang Ping'an asked.

"My Lightning is dead, I'm so heartbroken," Lu Fuzi said, covering his chest with a heartbroken expression.

"lightning?"

"That's the sky-blue cricket you found for me. I named it that," Master Lu said. "I've been taking good care of it. But a few days ago, for some reason, it suddenly refused to eat or drink and starved itself to death. I'm so sad!"

After saying that, he picked up a handkerchief and wiped the corners of his eyes. It was obvious that he was extremely sad!

Mr. Lu's hair is almost white now, and he is considered to be well-read and worthy of the title of a great scholar. But now he is heartbroken over a bug and is even crying!

Zhang Pingan really can't understand. Forgive him, he really doesn't understand!