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

Chapter 434 Accumulating Strength

After finishing breakfast, Zhang Ping'an got on the carriage and went to Tingfeng Pavilion.

Lin Junhui arrived earlier than him and was already waiting in the private room.

The waiter led Zhang Ping'an upstairs and knocked on the door gently a few times: "Master Lin, the guest you invited is here."

"Enter!"

After pushing open the door, the waiter bent down and made a gesture of invitation. After Zhang Ping'an entered, he helped to quietly close the door and left.

"Ping'an, long time no see, come and sit down," Lin Junhui said with a loud laugh.

After not seeing him for a while, Lin Junhui seemed to have become more mature and resolute, and the youthful image of a pale-faced scholar was far away from him.

"It's been a long time since we last met. How did you feel about this imperial examination?" Zhang Ping'an asked with a smile after sitting down.

Lin Junhui didn't act pretentiously and said confidently, "I've already checked the questions with my teacher. I'll definitely be on the list when the results are announced. It all depends on my ranking!"

Then he asked, "What about you?"

Zhang Pingan shook his head and said, "I'm not as confident as you, but I'm also about 70% to 80% sure."

Lin Junhui picked up the brewed tea and poured a cup for each of them. He smiled and said, "Try this Guzhu Purple Bamboo. It's named for its tight, slender, and slender shape, like a bamboo shoot. The tea soup is clear and emerald green, and the aroma is delicate like orchid. It's refreshing and sweet, and it's a rare and fine tea."

"You have the most discerning taste. Following you, I can always taste a lot of good things," Zhang Ping'an joked, holding up the teacup.

After taking a sip, he couldn't help but nodded: "Yeah, it's good!"

"By the way, do you still remember Mr. Fan from our county school?" Zhang Pingan asked.

Lin Junhui recalled for a moment before saying, "I remember he was quite famous in our county. My family said that the Fan family also settled in Jinling after fleeing south, and they still visit each other occasionally."

"He is my benefactor. He once guided me in my studies in the county. I didn't expect to meet him again in Lin'an. Mr. Fan also participated in this imperial examination. I don't know how he did," Zhang Ping'an continued.

"Oh?" Lin Junhui seemed to be lost in thought, twirling the teacup in his fingers. After a moment, he smiled. "I remember that Madam Fan was born into the Guo family in Fu County, a prominent family. Her brother is currently serving in the Ministry of War and holds real power. Given the current situation, she is a popular figure that everyone is trying to win over, so it's no surprise that she came to seek refuge."

After saying that, he shook his head and said, "But I remember Mr. Fan seems to be over forty years old. To be honest, if he was ten years younger, it wouldn't be a problem. Now he is so old and still wants to be involved in this officialdom. Sigh!"

"I have to find something to do," Zhang Pingan said.

"That's right!" Lin Junhui nodded. "To be honest, my father-in-law is already helping me with the operation."

"I guessed it. I wonder if you want to release it?"

"I'm not being sent out. I'm going to the Ministry of War. After all, my martial arts skills are pretty good," Lin Junhui replied.

Actually, Zhang Pingan just wanted to get more information so that he would have a better idea of ​​the situation. However, when he heard that everyone was preparing for a rainy day, he felt very complicated.

From now on, everyone will go their separate ways.

And the relationship will never be as simple as it was when we were in school.

It’s a bit sad to think about it!

After Lin Junhui finished speaking, he saw Zhang Ping'an's complicated expression and comforted him, "You don't have to worry too much. You are now the son-in-law of the Qian family. Minister Qian will definitely have some arrangements for you. Just wait patiently."

Then he added, "Now the Ministry of War is a place that everyone is flocking to. Maybe we can become colleagues!"

"I hope so," Zhang Pingan sighed.

"The eunuch party has considerable influence in the court now, and they have placed many people in the Ministry of War. I hope I can do something after I go in. If the eunuch party is not eliminated, the administration will be chaotic and the court will be in disarray. How can we resist the enemy, let alone the Northern Expedition?" Lin Junhui continued, with some indignation and helplessness in his words.

"I've also heard about the power of the two factories," Zhang Pingan replied. "And during the Chinese New Year this year, I heard from my brothers-in-law at my father-in-law's house that there were frequent movements on the front line, and it was somewhat unstable."

"Yes, it is estimated that the situation will change soon. I wonder if Minister Qian has mentioned to you that the northern forces have been integrated. The Sixth Prince and the Crown Prince were killed years ago. Now it is the rebel Bai Chao and those barbarians who occupy the north. I heard that the two sides have reached a cooperation and want to cross the river to destroy the Southern Dynasty first," Lin Junhui said worriedly.

"What? I only knew there were unusual movements, but I didn't know that the Sixth Prince and the Crown Prince had been killed. Doesn't that mean..." Zhang Pingan was indeed shocked when he heard the news.

Doesn’t that mean the North has completely fallen?

Lin Junhui said with a serious expression, "It's fine if you just keep this news to yourself. Currently, only high-ranking officials at the imperial court know about it, and it's strictly forbidden to spread it outside to avoid shaking the people's hearts! I guess Minister Qian wants to wait until you finish the exam and get the results before telling you!"

"Thank you for letting me know," Zhang Ping'an said with a bow, feeling very grateful. Just for this honesty and trust, Lin Junhui is a person worth making friends with.

"Actually, I have my own little thoughts. We are from the same hometown, classmates, and even the same year. It is very likely that we will be colleagues in the future. This relationship is extraordinary. I also hope that we can support each other. Not to mention saving the common people from danger, but at least live up to this knowledge, do our best, and support the country," Lin Junhui smiled.

He said proudly: "Now I am also accumulating strength!"

After hearing this, Zhang Ping'an felt really ashamed of himself. In comparison, he might be more selfish, considering his family and relatives first, and the common people second.

Or maybe he hasn't been brainwashed thoroughly enough by Confucianism!

After a long chat, the two separated at noon.

Some time later, Zhang Ping'an was invited to attend poetry gatherings and tea parties organized by other classmates and some prestigious scholars.

On several occasions, I also brought my fifth brother-in-law Fang Ziqi along, just to see the world and make more friends.

Just as Zhang Ping'an expected, most scholars are proud and look down on each other, which has been the case since ancient times.

He had watched his fifth brother-in-law being openly and covertly ridiculed and attacked several times by several other self-important scholars. It was simply horrible!

It is impossible for him to always be there to save the situation.

In the end, I could only tactfully suggest to my fifth brother-in-law that he shouldn't come along.

Unexpectedly, the fifth brother-in-law grew stronger with each setback, unfazed by the blows. He said frankly, "I don't care about the taunts those people say. People like that exist everywhere. Well, most of the candidates are quite friendly. Knowing that you brought me here, they give you some face. I've also met a lot of useful people lately, and I've learned a lot from them."

After saying that, he reminded her, "If you have another party like this in the future, remember to bring me along!"

"Okay, as long as you don't mind." Zhang Pingan was really impressed by his fifth brother-in-law after hearing this. With such perseverance and scheming, there was nothing he couldn't accomplish!

Time passed by unknowingly. Later, Zhang Ping'an visited Master Lu and met with several of his former classmates from the Imperial College. His mood became much more cheerful.

In the blink of an eye, it was the day for the results to be announced.