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

Chapter 440 Goodbye, Senior Brother

"If you have something to say, just say it," Minister Qian said in a deep voice, stroking his beard.

Qian Ying pondered, "Right now, the north and the south are divided, and the country is in turmoil. The court's seclusion in the south is not a long-term solution. The emperor is young and has not yet personally ruled the country. The court is basically controlled by relatives and the two factories. There is serious party strife. In this situation, there are many people who are ambitious and want to establish themselves as kings. Although we are a prominent family, we are civil officials after all. Once chaos breaks out, without our own generals and soldiers, how can we have a say? I am afraid that we will be the fish on the chopping board!"

At this point, Qian Ying's usually gentle smile turned serious. "Because we are a prominent family, we should prepare in advance. The Ministry of War is indeed the best place to go. If the Ministry of War fails, we should at least be sent to a wealthy place, and it can't be too far away from Lin'an!"

Zhang Pingan agreed with this.

As the saying goes, when a scholar meets a soldier, he cannot explain his reason clearly, and a scholar is useless. This is the truth!

At critical moments, it is absolutely impossible to be without military power!

My second uncle Qian Jie was originally in the Ministry of War. He went there because his ranking in the palace examination was not ideal. Looking back now, it was a blessing in disguise.

However, he currently does not have much power in the Ministry of War and has little say.

I have gotten to know almost all the factions of the Ministry of War, and I have good relationships with my superiors and subordinates. This network will definitely be very useful in the future.

Third uncle Qian Wei did quite well this time. After a moment's thought, he continued, "Father, I did quite well this time. A second-class Jinshi shouldn't be a problem. With our family's influence, it shouldn't be a problem for me to join the Military Selection Department or the Personnel Department under the Ministry of War."

"Well, I am also planning to send you to the Zhifang Division. The Zhifang Division is in charge of expeditions, training, garrisons, city gods, military systems and maps. It is the most important department of the Ministry of War. Any disturbance from all parties can be known at the first time. It is essential to deploy our own manpower there," Minister Qian nodded.

Then he looked at his youngest son Qian Yu and said, "Tell me about your plan!"

Qian Yu was very clear-headed about important matters. After bowing, he said, "Father, I have failed your expectations this time and failed the exam! However, since things have come to this, there is no point in saying more. Here's what I think: with my current status as a juren, it's impossible for me to serve in the six ministries. It would be best for the family if I were assigned to Xiangshan or Cishan."

"Oh? Why do we have to go to these two places? Tell me!" Minister Qian said slowly, with a look of satisfaction on his face.

Qian Yu analyzed calmly, "First, these two places are neither too far nor too close to Lin'an; the distance is just right. Secondly, they are close to the sea, with a well-developed shipbuilding industry and convenient water transportation. Finally, these two places are relatively wealthy, with frequent maritime trade. There are reportedly many private traders, and many wealthy locals. This is what I decided on after much consideration and research. It suits me perfectly."

Qian Ying was also very impressed after listening to this: "Fourth brother's idea coincides with mine. Small places have their own advantages. The emperor is far away and the people in Lin'an can't reach that far. It is better to store up grain first, wait for peace, and make yourself invincible before you can defeat the enemy!"

"Well, I originally wanted you to go to Chang County. Now that you mention it, Xiangshan is not bad either," said Minister Qian.

After saying this, he said with some regret: "You, you, if you had made it to the list this time, why would you be exiled to a small county nearby?"

Zhang Ping'an listened for a long time without saying anything. Now that his four brothers-in-law had finished speaking, it was probably his turn.

As expected, Minister Qian turned and looked over, continuing, "Ping'an, although you are my son-in-law, a son-in-law is only half my son. Your future shouldn't be taken lightly. Here's what I think. You have a good rank and solid academic record. I'm planning to have someone recommend you to the Hanlin Academy. Your main responsibilities will be compiling, editing, and reviewing literature and history, and occasionally lecturing to His Majesty. This is a prestigious office, and there's a saying that 'only Hanlin scholars can enter the cabinet.' In times of peace and prosperity, you'd be vying for attention among the other Jinshi scholars."

After hearing this, Zhang Pingan felt mixed emotions and smiled bitterly. Yes, this was a popular place during the peaceful and prosperous times, but not now!

But he didn't show it on his face.

He believed that he had worked hard to pass the imperial examination and that his title was of some value. The Qian family would not let him be abandoned. There must be a motive behind this!

Minister Qian saw Zhang Ping'an's calm expression and continued, "This job may seem insignificant now, but you often walk around the palace. You will be the first to sense any unusual movements within. Only by not lagging behind others can we seize the initiative. Your position is actually crucial and may even influence the family's decision-making! Do you understand?"

"I understand that my father-in-law has good intentions. I really have no way to repay him. I will be loyal to him in the future," Zhang Ping'an said solemnly.

"Well, you are a smart man," Minister Qian said with a smile.

Then he reminded Qian Wei and Zhang Pingan, who were about to take the palace examination, "During the palace examination, you don't need to strive too hard. Just perform as usual. You don't need to be too outstanding. I will arrange everything."

After saying this, fearing that the two might act rashly, he explained, "At this stage of the palace examination, your performance is unimportant. Don't be too impulsive; just don't make any mistakes!"

"Son, I understand," Qian Wei nodded.

"I understand, son-in-law," Zhang Ping'an nodded.

"Okay, let's settle it this way for now. You guys can go back. I still have official business to attend to," said Minister Qian.

Several people bowed and left together.

After coming out, several uncles wanted to invite him to dinner, but Zhang Pingan politely declined, saying that there were guests at home and it was not appropriate to have dinner at the Qian Mansion.

When I got home, it was rare that Zhang Lao Da and Zhang Lao San's families were not there.

After asking, I found out that Zhang told Zhang Ping'an to prepare for the palace examination with peace of mind, and come back in a few days to worship the ancestors together, and took both families back.

Alas, Zhang Ping'an sighed in his heart. His grandparents' efforts were in vain. How could they know that the performance in the palace examination was no longer important. Everything was decided in advance!

It is the result of the game between various forces!

"Master, I have found the address you asked me to check. Master Pan lives in Guangyuan Inn in the east of the city. Do you want to prepare the car and go there now or go tomorrow?" The butler asked with a bow.

Zhang Pingan had been planning to have dinner with his family tonight, after all, the first and third wives were all guests. Now that the first and third wives were not at home and it was still early, he naturally called it a day.

I can’t contain my desire to see my old friends anymore!

"Get the car ready now," Zhang Ping'an said as he stood up.

The inn is just east of the city, and the carriage will arrive soon.

After getting off the car, Zhang Ping'an asked the shopkeeper and learned that the eldest brother was in the No. 1 room on the third floor, so he went directly to the third floor.

"Knock knock knock," after three knocks on the door, an elegant male voice came from inside: "Excuse me, who is this?"

Accompanied by footsteps.

With a "squeak" sound, the door opened.

The two people inside and outside the door looked at each other.

"Big Brother, do you still remember me?" Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

The person inside the door was puzzled at first, then surprised, and finally realized. After recognizing the person, a look of shock appeared on his face: "It's you, Ping An?!"