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

"Oh, that's right, so we can hang a plaque of Juren in our house, right?" Erhe slapped his forehead before he realized it.

Plaques, door thresholds and eaves are all symbols of a family's status. The distinction between a wealthy family and a high-ranking official can be made not just by words but by the literal meaning.

"That's right. When we build a house in the future, we can build the roof and the threshold one foot higher so that we can hang a plaque for the title of Juren and erect a flagpole. I have started preparing to look at houses in the past two days," Zhang Ping'an nodded.

He also felt a little proud of himself. His talent could only be described as above-average. The fact that he passed the imperial examination was not only because he met a good teacher, but also because he worked hard enough.

Uncle Xu suggested, "Brother-in-law, this is a great event that will bring honor to our family. Should we hold a three-day banquet?"

Zhang Lao Er waved his hand, his face flushed with ruddy light as he said, "Show it! Show it for three days!"

Xu didn't feel bad about the money and said happily, "This money should be spent!"

Although Zhang was also happy, she acted calmly. She pondered, "Didn't you say you wanted to buy a house? I think you should go look around in the next two days and decide on one as soon as possible. It would be best if you could have a wedding banquet at the new house. You can also get to know the neighbors and make some friends!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Pingan admired his grandmother again.

He thought so too. Holding a wedding banquet after passing the imperial examination was a rare opportunity. If he held the banquet in the south of the city, the people who came would be a bunch of people who were much poorer than his family, with no money, no knowledge and no vision. It would be useless except for having a meal and having fun. If he went to the north or east of the city to buy a house and hold the banquet, the people who came would at least be minor officials or people with a serious job. The circle would be completely different, and he could take this opportunity to make friends with each other.

"Grandma, I thought so too. My parents and I will go to the dental clinic tomorrow to have a look," Zhang Pingan replied.

Zhang Laoer and Xu had no objections either.

At this time, a neighbor knocked on the door with a hint of envy and uncertainty, and asked, "Mr. Zhang, did your son pass the provincial examination?"

Although the yamen runners had just come and announced the good news, the neighbors were still a little bit unbelieving. It was so difficult to pass the imperial examination. This family was too low-key. Moreover, Zhang Ping'an was too young, which broke their previous understanding of the imperial examination!

Xu grabbed a handful of candy and handed it over, grinning widely. "Yes, my Ping'an is so amazing! He ranked 55th in the provincial examination. Come, have some candy and share in the good fortune!"

The neighbor was a little flattered when he received a handful of candy. He quickly put on a smile and congratulated, "Congratulations! You have a new baby boy! Your family will have no worries in the future!"

After the news was confirmed, more neighbors flocked into the yard to congratulate them.

Everyone was talking at once with auspicious words. Zhang Pingan was overwhelmed and couldn't tell who was who. He could only put on a smile and listen to what others said.

Zhang Laoer actually enjoyed being the center of attention and chatted happily with his neighbors.

Mrs. Xu was busy distributing candies and peanuts and pouring tea for the guests.

The last tray of sugar was distributed cleanly, but it was still not enough. Xu didn't feel bad and happily went into the room and brought out a tray of fried peanuts to share.

An old woman in the crowd smiled and said, "Young man from the Zhang family, now that you've passed the imperial examination and have made a name for yourself, don't forget the neighbors in this alley!"

Zhang Pingan looked carefully, remembered the person, and responded politely: "Grandma Wang, how could that be? All the uncles and aunts remember how they took care of Pingan!"

Erya rolled her eyes. If it wasn't a wedding day, she would have kicked this woman out. They had lived in the same alley for so long, so everyone knew each other. She was always taking advantage of others and trying to establish a relationship with them!

The yard itself was not big, and with so many people and children squeezed in, there was really no place to stand. The noise lasted until after noon, when the neighbors went back reluctantly, and half a bag of peanuts that Xu had fried was eaten up.

Wu Ya and Liu Ya boiled several pots of hot water.

After the neighbors left, Daya and Erya helped Xu clean up the peanut shells scattered on the ground, while Li and Ma helped to cook and have a simple meal at noon.

Zhang didn't like this noisy scene. It gave her a headache because of these people's noise. After they left, she finally had a quiet time. She discussed with Zhang Laoer, "Laoer, although our family has moved thousands of miles away from our hometown, we still have to worship our ancestors for the sake of passing the imperial examination safely. I think it's better to do it sooner rather than later. After dinner, go out and buy some incense, candles, paper money, and paper clothes."

"Oh, okay," Zhang Laoer responded loudly.