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

Chapter 448: Each Going His Own Way

When Zhang Ping'an arrived, the eldest brother and his servants had almost finished packing their luggage.

The cousin had a look of joy on his face, and he was in high spirits, unable to hide it, which showed how happy he was inside.

"Big Brother, congratulations," Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

In any case, he is now an official of a certain rank and is about to take office, which is something worthy of congratulations.

"Congratulations," Pan Shibei also bowed and said with a smile.

Then he said, "Sit down!"

Then he poured Zhang Ping'an a cup of tea and continued, "Although my ranking wasn't ideal, at least I got the job. I'm satisfied to be able to go to southern Fujian. This trip to Lin'an can be considered a complete success!"

"Yes!" Zhang Ping'an replied, "By the way, Senior Brother, I asked the servants to prepare some gifts. I will ask them to send them over later. I also need to ask you to help give them to the teacher. When I have time in the future, I will definitely go to Changzhou to visit him," said Zhang Ping'an.

"Okay, I'll definitely bring it to you," Pan Shibei said with a smile, and then comforted Zhang Pingan: "The higher-ups are urging me to take up my post this time, and Changzhou is a long way away. The teacher will understand!"

"It's a pity that you can't attend my Jinshi banquet this time," Zhang Pingan said regretfully.

People have joys and sorrows, separations and reunions, the moon waxes and wanes, it has always been difficult to have both!

Everyone has to pursue their own future!

Pan Shibei didn't say anything and silently patted Zhang Pingan's shoulder.

So, on the morning of the next day, Zhang Ping'an saw off his senior brother.

It took him a while to calm down and go to Qian's house.

It’s not that he didn’t want to go early, but the Qian Mansion had a constant stream of guests in the past two days, and Minister Qian was very busy.

First, his two sons were appointed officials, and many people came to congratulate him. Second, his uncle from the next room was too old and retired. However, he was still a first-rank official, and many people came to visit him, so he had to help with the reception.

You also have to take over some personal connections.

I really don't have time to take care of my son-in-law.

I specifically asked the housekeeper to inform Zhang Ping'an in advance and ask him to come and pay his respects in two days.

That’s why we have waited until today.

After Zhang Pingan entered the study, he saw his father-in-law leaning tiredly on the chair, pressing his nose with his hand and closing his eyes to rest.

After hearing the footsteps, Minister Qian raised his head and said slowly, "Sit down!"

Then he sat up straight.

He continued, "I've been really busy these past two days and haven't been able to spare any time for you. However, I've been following your affairs closely. I didn't expect that you would end up going to Ci County. Although it's a little different from what I expected, it's still a good place."

After he finished speaking, he paused and said with a sharp look in his eyes: "Do you know who helped you this time?"

When Zhang Ping'an met his father-in-law's cold eyes, he felt all the nerves in his body tense up.

There is suspicion, doubt, coldness and murderousness in this look, but there is no care!

My father-in-law no longer trusts me!

Zhang Pingan suddenly realized something at this moment. There has never been a moment more clear than now that it is better to rely on oneself than on others!

Don’t say that the royal family is ruthless. Among the aristocratic families that have been passed down for thousands of years, which one of them does not put the interests of the family first?

Feelings may be the least valuable thing.

The Qian family has so many sons-in-law, and I am not special at all, nor do I have any privileges. When I am a tool, everything is fine. But if I am not, or even uncontrollable, then it is hard to say what the consequences will be!

Thinking of this, Zhang Pingan collected his thoughts, looked into Minister Qian's eyes, and replied respectfully, "I really don't know, and I'm also very surprised. I hope my father-in-law can give me some advice!"

Minister Qian said coldly, "It's Mr. Zhou Ziming from the Grand Canal!"

Although he had a vague prediction in his heart, when he heard the exact answer, Zhang Pingan still felt that this was the truth.

"Do you know him?" Minister Qian's eyes flashed like lightning.

Zhang Ping'an nodded and said seriously, "We've met a few times. When I came to Lin'an, a canal transport ship took me for a while. Later, Lord Zhou saw that I was good at mathematics and asked me to help him with his accounts, but we didn't have much contact."

Zhang Ping'an's sixth sense prevented him from mentioning the pleasure boat.

What he said is similar to what Minister Qian found out.

Minister Qian's expression softened slightly after hearing this, but he still sternly admonished, "Our Qian family is a prestigious family with generations of history. It's no exaggeration to say that we only talk and laugh with great scholars, and we associate with no ordinary people. The people we associate with can be poor, but they must be of clean family backgrounds. Zhou Ziming rose from a sixth-rank escort magistrate to a fourth-rank grain inspector in less than a year. He holds an important position in charge of finances and grain. It's impossible to say that this person didn't have the hand of one of us. This person has a complicated background and close ties with the two factories. We are not on the same side and we must not have anything to do with him! Do you understand?"

After saying this, he warned: "If you get involved with him, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Zhang Pingan responded respectfully: "I understand, my son-in-law, and I will follow my father-in-law's instructions!"

"Well, I'm glad you understand. Now that things have come to this, you should take up your post on time," Minister Qian said lightly.

After saying this, he asked the butler to see the guest off.

He was completely different from his usual kind and loving image and appeared to be very rude.

Zhang Pingan knew in his heart that his father-in-law was really angry this time!

But he didn't understand why Lord Zhou wanted to help him like this.

And to be honest, Lord Zhou left a good impression on him. He was calm, resourceful, and decisive. He seemed cold, but he was compassionate to his subordinates.

The most important thing is that he is not like ordinary officials who are so greasy, greedy, lustful, and just sitting in office doing nothing.

He can really get things done!

When Xiao Yifei and his second brother-in-law were working in the canal transport, they all praised Mr. Zhou highly.

Discuss the deeds but not the heart!

Judging from their actions alone, such diligent officials can be regarded as a breath of fresh air in today's court.

But in the eyes of the aristocratic families, anything connected with the eunuch party is considered dirty.

Minister Qian’s attitude is clear now. Although Zhang Ping’an does not want to anger his father-in-law, he will not be a puppet to be manipulated by others.

It is necessary to go and pay a visit to Mr. Zhou and express gratitude!

After thinking about this, Zhang Ping'an returned home and sent a letter to Lord Zhou.

In order to avoid being seen, he did not ask the housekeeper to send him off, but instead instructed Old Man Lu to go to Zhou's house alone.

After this incident, he did not plan to bring his housekeeper and servants with him when he went to Ci County this time.

It just so happened that there were people of all ages who had come over from Heifengdu, and he planned to select some young and strong ones who were willing to follow him to take up the post together.

It's time to build up your own power!

Zhang Ping'an even prepared a speech for what he would say when he met Lord Zhou, but who would have thought that Lord Zhou would only reply with eight words: "What you need every day is what you need, and what you can use at any time"!

"Did you deliver it to Zhou's house personally?" Zhang Ping'an asked.

Old Man Lu said respectfully, "Master, it is absolutely true that I personally delivered it to the Zhou Mansion. The housekeeper of the Zhou Mansion saw the name card and asked me to wait in the side hall. Then, Master Zhou came back with this. The housekeeper said that Master Zhou was very busy, so there was no need to come to express my gratitude. Just remember it in your heart!"

"Okay, I got it. You can go ahead and do your work," Zhang Ping'an nodded and gave Old Man Lu a piece of silver as a reward.

Although Old Man Lu is old, age has its advantages. He is very tight-lipped and knows what is important.

Zhang Pingan is relatively confident in what he does!