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

Another good night’s sleep!

After breakfast the next day, Zhang Ping'an went to the provincial school to visit Master Lu.

It was a hot summer day. Although it was cooler in the morning, it was still hot. Zhang Pingan started sweating after walking a short distance outside, so he quickly called a cart.

I was thinking whether I should also buy a fan to carry with me. Although it looks a bit fancy, it is very practical in this summer!

Remembering that Master Lu liked to eat lotus seed ice cream, Zhang Ping'an specially stopped by the snack shop on the way and bought two servings.

When we arrived at the state school, it was still early and we could see groups of students walking to the classroom.

If it were the school in my hometown, the field holiday would have been given by now, but the provincial school did not have that holiday. Except for the students taking the provincial examination, everyone else attended classes as usual. Almost everyone had to take the imperial examination.

Zhang Ping'an walked to Master Lu's study with ease and knocked on the door. An attendant quickly came to open it and ushered him in. He smiled and asked Zhang Ping'an to sit for a moment. "Mr. Zhang, please sit for a moment. The master is busy right now. I'll let you know later."

"No problem!" Zhang Pingan said with a smile, "It seems that the teacher is well-informed!"

The attendant smiled and said, "Master's student, Mr. Liang, came here early this morning."

Then he served tea to Zhang Ping'an and left.

After hearing this, Zhang Ping'an understood. It seemed that this man had found out everything about the people who had passed the provincial examination yesterday!

Since he is a Juren himself, he is probably determined to take part in the imperial examination in February next year. After all, everyone on the list is considered an invisible competitor. Only by knowing yourself and your enemy can you win every battle!

After sitting there for about two quarters of an hour, a man came out of Master Lu's small study. It was none other than Mr. Liang, Master Lu's direct disciple and also his only disciple. The two had met once before.

Seeing Zhang Ping'an waiting outside, this person nodded slightly and left, still with the shrewd look of a businessman. Zhang Ping'an always wondered if he was born in a wealthy merchant family.

I don’t know how he felt about himself, a Cheng Yaojin who showed up out of nowhere. He should be unhappy. I feel a little ashamed when I think about it. I always feel like I stole something that belongs to someone else!

But there was nothing we could do before, we could only say that it was all fate!

The attendant went in to report after seeing someone coming out, and after coming out, he bent down and made a gesture of invitation.

Only then did Zhang Ping'an enter the study.

Mr. Lu seemed to be in a good mood today. Although there was nothing on his face, the corners of his mouth were slightly raised. After being together for so long, Zhang Pingan could still see this.

In modern times, Lu Fuzi is a typical tsundere.

Zhang Pingan bowed respectfully, and Master Lu raised his arm to signal for him to sit down and talk: "Sit down!"

"Thank you, Master," Zhang Ping'an bowed again before sitting down.

"You topped the list of the best students in one fell swoop, and reached the Phoenix Pool in ten years. You are really lucky. You don't have to go through the trials of the imperial examinations again and again!" Master Lu said with a smile.

"Master, you are well-informed, but this is also thanks to your teaching. I will always remember this great kindness," Zhang Pingan said humbly.

Master Lu helped him avoid many detours and was a noble person in his life. He will never forget this kindness.

"Okay, this is your own luck," Mr. Lu said slowly, stroking his beard.

Then he asked, "What are your plans next? Will you continue to participate in the examination in February next year?"

Zhang Pingan nodded and said, "Yes, I want to give it a try, even if it's just to gain some experience in advance. Now that I have the title of Juren, I am not so afraid of failing the exam anymore!"

Master Lu sighed, “Yes, youth is our capital, there are plenty of opportunities to take exams, and our future is limitless!

Then he changed the subject: "But I'm afraid I can't guide you in this exam!"

Zhang Ping'an didn't ask any further questions, but there was some doubt in his eyes.

Master Lu explained, "My student, Bo Yi, will also be taking the imperial examination next February. He's not very young anymore, and he's failed twice. As the old saying goes, 'The first attempt is a great effort; the second is weaker, and the third is exhaustion.' I will devote my full attention to guiding him this time. You two have different foundations and different weaknesses, so we can't take classes together, and I don't want to waste your time. So it's best for you to find another teacher."

After saying this, there was a hint of guilt on his face.

Zhang Pingan was very calm after hearing this and said, "Kid, I understand. It was a great fate for me to meet you to guide me individually before. Now Liang Juren also needs to prepare for the imperial examination. Time is tight and your energy is limited. It is indeed not suitable for us to guide two people together. I will find another teacher, don't worry!"

When he heard his attendant say that Mr. Liang had come early in the morning, he actually had a vague premonition in his heart.

If I get it, I am lucky, if I lose it, it is my fate. Just like what I just said to Master Lu, he now has the guarantee of the title of Juren, which can make him and his family live a good life. There is really no need to rush. One should not be too greedy!

Master Lu said with relief, "As a human being, you must be open-minded and broad-minded. Only in this way can you go a long way and not get so tired. To be honest, I find it difficult to do this myself. I think you have some of this in you."

"Master, you are too kind," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.

"I went to Hanshan Temple in the suburbs to escape the summer heat these days. I made a few new summer paintings. Can you take a look at them for me?" said Mr. Lu. After that, he took out a few paintings from the scroll box next to the desk and unfolded them on the table.

Zhang Ping'an knew that Mr. Lu was feeling a little uncomfortable and wanted to change the subject, so he continued talking along the line, and the atmosphere became very harmonious.

In fact, the relationship between the two is like that of teacher and friend. He really doesn't mind and can understand it.

It was almost noon when he came out of Master Lu's place. As expected, Master Lu did not invite him to dinner, but gave him a precious collection of poems when he left.

Zhang Ping'an felt warm, sour and swollen in his heart, and had many emotions!

After walking for a while and calming down, Zhang Pingan went to the library again.

The library is still the same as before, with several former colleagues drinking tea and reading books, looking very leisurely.

When Zhang Ping'an entered, Ye Xiaoshu exclaimed, "Wow!", put down his teacup, and jokingly said, "How come you have time to visit our library today?!"

Then he continued, "Don't tell me yet, let me guess, did you pass the provincial examination and come to treat us to a meal?!"

Zhang Pingan was very comfortable here, and without being polite, he walked over, moved a chair and sat down, and said with a smile: "Schoolmaster Ye, it's a pity that you don't change your career and tell fortunes!"

"What do you mean?" the Secretary of the Library asked curiously, "Did he really pass the imperial examination?!"

Zhang Pingan nodded. "I was really lucky to pass the provincial examination this time. Thank you all for your care. When I move to my new home and hold a buffet, I'll send you an invitation. You must come and support me then!"

"See, I guessed right," Principal Ye smiled.

"Ping'an is awesome, we will definitely go when the time comes," said the library secretary, holding his big belly and laughing, like a Maitreya Buddha. Those who can work in the library for so long are generally not ambitious and have a good attitude.

"It's lunch time now. Let's go to the cafeteria. You have to treat me to a meal today," Principal Ye said as he stood up.