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

When Jin Bao's mother saw Zhang Ping'an coming, she was so enthusiastic that she hurriedly fried two more meat dishes and couldn't stop him.

"It's just simple meals, very quick," said Jin Bao's father with a smile, pulling Zhang Ping'an to sit down.

"Then I'll trouble you and Auntie," Zhang Pingan said with a smile, no longer being polite, and asked, "How is your and Auntie's breakfast business going now?"

Jin Bao's father poured tea and said, "Well, it's okay. It's okay for living. Everything is expensive in Lin'an, much more expensive than our hometown!"

Jin Bao dropped a broad bean into his mouth and chewed it while saying, "I've told my parents not to work so hard. The money I earn from writing storybooks is enough for us to live on, but they just won't listen."

Jin Bao's father said angrily, "You haven't even married yet, so your mother and I can't rest. We have to work as long as we live!"

"You are just trying to force yourself to suffer," Jinbao muttered.

Jin Bao's father didn't hear clearly: "What did you say? Speak louder!"

Zhang Pingan was afraid that the father and son would start arguing again, so he quickly changed the subject and said, "Uncle, your yard is really well kept. The flowers and plants are growing so well. It's so festive just looking at it."

Jinbao's father laughed and said, "It's all taken care of by Jinbao's grandmother. She's just killing time!"

As she spoke, Jin Bao's mother called out, "It's time for dinner, Daddy, set the table!"

Upon hearing this, Jinbao got up and went to the entrance of the alley to call his grandmother to come back for dinner. There was an osmanthus tree at the entrance of the alley, and very elderly people would go under the tree to enjoy the cool air and chat, and do some work by the way. It was better than staying at home. Jinbao's grandmother would go there early in the morning every day and come back at dinner time.

"Here I come," Grandma Jinbao said as she walked, holding a small stool.

Although it was simple food, the lunch was still very rich. After resting for a while, Zhang Ping'an saw that it was not too hot outside, so he took Jinbao to the Xiao family. After knocking on the door, a maid opened it.

Xiao Yifei was pounding straw in the yard, covered in straw debris. Seeing the two men approaching, he quickly put down his work, stood up, and said, "It's hot outside. Come in! I left a message at both your houses the day before yesterday, asking you to come to my house for dinner tomorrow. Why are you two here today?"

Zhang Pingan said with a smile: "I came here to ask you out for a drink!"

Jin Bao pointed at the ground and asked curiously, "Why are you hammering so much straw? It's hot in the summer, so there's no need to pad it so thick!"

Xiao Yifei patted the grass debris off his body and explained, "This is for the baby. It's used to cover the cradle. My wife is probably going to give birth in the next few days. I want to bask in the sun and pound it until it's soft enough for sleeping!"

"It's so fast, you're going to be a father," Zhang Pingan sighed, and then said, "By the way, I haven't congratulated you on passing the exam yet. I only found out yesterday when I got home after the exam. Congratulations!"

"Hahaha, it was just luck," Xiao Yifei said modestly, and then joked, "You two will be together soon, right? Isn't Jin Bao's family already arranging a marriage for him?"

After having the maid serve tea, he said to the two of them, "You two sit down for a while. Since we're going out for a drink, I'll go in and change my clothes and fix my hair. We can't go out in a shabby way."

Zhang Pingan nodded and smiled, "Well, go ahead. Dress nicely. We're going to drink with Lin Junhui today."

Xiao Yifei was a little surprised when he heard this, but he didn't ask any more questions and went in to change his clothes.

After coming out, Zhang Pingan finally expressed his thoughts and advised: "Just a word, Lin Junhui is a smart man and won't make things difficult for you. Then your life will be easier. We can help each other."

Xiao Yifei took a sip from his teacup and responded cheerfully, "Okay, I was planning to go find him in a few days."

"Ah?" This time it was Zhang Pingan who was surprised, and Jinbao also looked over curiously.

"I was young and didn't think so much before. Now the child is about to be born and I will be a father soon. Life is stressful and there are some things I have to think about. Face is useless and I still have to be practical. I want to ask him to help me find a job that doesn't require me to follow the boat, and it would be best if the monthly salary is higher," Xiao Yifei sighed.

"It's the best that you can figure it out. I was afraid that you would be too proud of yourself," Zhang Pingan breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Yifei waved his hand and said with a wry smile, "A penny can make a hero fall. Only those who manage a household know how expensive firewood, rice, oil and salt are. Two days ago, my stepmother invited my mother and me to her house for a meal when she found out I passed the military examination. They're having a hard time now, so I've come to terms with it. You're right. If you have connections, don't waste them. There's nothing shameful about asking for help!"

Zhang Pingan patted Xiao Yifei's shoulder, knowing that he had endured many hardships in life and had grown up. He stood up and said, "Why don't we set off now? It's already 3 p.m., and it's getting late!"

"Row!"

The Xiao family had a mule cart, so the three of them rode together to the Lin Mansion.

The doorman recognized Zhang Ping'an and led a few people to the flower hall.

After a while, Lin Junhui came out with a warm attitude and said with a smile, "Jinbao, Yifei, you two are rare guests. Come and have some tea. I'm so sorry to have kept you waiting. A colleague of mine happened to be here and was playing chess with him in the back garden just now!"

Zhang Pingan waved his hand: "It's okay, we just arrived not long ago. To be honest, it's my fault for not considering it carefully enough and not sending you a visiting card."

"There's no need for these empty formalities between us," said Lin Junhui.

A few people exchanged pleasantries.

It was an unfortunate occasion today, and Zhang Pingan was thinking of making an appointment next time.

Lin Junhui suggested, "This colleague of mine and I have a very good relationship, so he's no stranger. We originally planned to go out for a drink together tonight, so why don't we go together? I'll also introduce you to him. More friends means more opportunities!"

After saying that, he turned to look at Jinbao and asked, "Jinbao, Ping'an told me last time to keep an eye out for a job for you. I heard your family is looking for a marriage for you. If you have a decent job, the girl's family will look at you with respect. How is the progress now?"

Jin Bao blushed and scratched his head, saying, "We haven't even started yet. This matter is entirely up to my parents."

Seeing Jinbao's shy look, several people laughed. The atmosphere became much more harmonious and the restraint disappeared.

Zhang Pingan casually mentioned Xiao Yifei and his elder brother-in-law: "Brother Lin, you may not know this yet, but Yifei and my elder brother-in-law have both passed the military examination and are now military scholars. They will also take the provincial examination in October."

Lin Junhui raised his eyebrows when he heard this, and said with a cupped hand: "Oh, Yifei, then I have to congratulate you. When are you going to have the banquet? You must invite me!"

Xiao Yifei smiled and replied, "I'm not planning a big celebration this time. I'm just inviting my stepmother, stepbrother, Jinbao, Ping'an, and Liu Dalang's families to come over tomorrow for a simple meal to liven things up."

"Okay, then I'll go for a quick meal tomorrow. You don't mind an extra pair of chopsticks, do you?" Lin Junhui joked.

"That's not the case. I can't welcome you enough. I'll be waiting for you tomorrow," Xiao Yifei said with a smile.

After chatting for a while, Lin Junhui saw that it was almost dark, so he told his servants to go to the back garden to invite his colleagues over, and they all went out for a drink together.

Lin Junhui's colleague was not too old, about twenty years old. He looked very handsome and had a righteous face, but there was a gleam in his eyes. It was obvious that he was an extremely intelligent person with deep scheming.

According to Lin Junhui, he worked as a warehouse supervisor in the government office, which means he was in charge of the granary. He was an eighth-rank official, but this position was very lucrative.

After getting to know each other, they went out together. Zhang Ping'an thought they were going to a tavern to drink, but the carriage drove all the way to the most famous brothel in Lin'an City, Qunfanglou.