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

The Ci County government office is located in a very conspicuous position in the east of the city. It can be seen that the gate has been renovated. There are two large stone lions standing on both sides, which looks very imposing.

After Zhang Ping'an had eaten his fill and presented his visiting card, the yamen runner hurriedly opened the door and bowed to invite Zhang Ping'an into the back hall.

As soon as they passed through the moon gate of the rear court, County Magistrate Lu led the officials of all ranks in the courtyard to come forward and bow.

"Sir Zhang, we've been waiting for you," said County Magistrate Lu excitedly, showing great enthusiasm for Zhang Ping'an's arrival.

Before coming, Zhang Ping'an heard that County Magistrate Lu was only about 40 years old, about the same age as his father.

He guessed that he should look similar to his father, but when he actually saw him, he found that he was very different.

I saw that Magistrate Lu had completely white hair, a thin body, deep wrinkles between his brows, and a dark complexion. If he were not wearing an official uniform, well-dressed, and had the temperament of a scholar, he would look no different from an ordinary old man in the countryside.

He still has tears in his eyes, which makes him look even less dignified.

I don't know if it was a true feeling or just acting.

But there is one thing Zhang Ping'an is very sure of, that is, it is really not easy to be the county magistrate of Ci County. Look at what has become of him in just six years. Not only is he not bloated and plump, but he looks like all his energy has been sucked out!

Judging oneself by others, Zhang Ping'an shuddered in his heart. He must not be like this!

After the two sides exchanged greetings, County Magistrate Lu led everyone to the flower hall to sit down.

Maids began to file in, serving dishes and setting up chopsticks.

Most of the dishes prepared are local specialties of Ci County, mainly seafood.

County Magistrate Yu smiled broadly, his big belly showing off. "Master Zhang, I heard you like seafood, so I specially ordered my servants to go to the beach and buy some fresh fish and prawns, as well as conch and oysters. We're entertaining our guests here, so these eight delicacies are indispensable. Please try them!"

"Lord Yu is so thoughtful." Zhang Ping'an was not an ignorant person and accepted the olive branch.

At this time, a servant brought up braised bear paws on a large round plate.

County Magistrate Lu introduced with a smile, "Knowing that Lord Zhang was coming, I ordered the nearby hunters to keep an eye out for black bears a few days in advance. As luck would have it, we caught one just as Lord Zhang arrived yesterday. This is a rare delicacy!"

"Thank you, Lord Lu, for your consideration. I am really flattered," Zhang Ping'an quickly bowed and expressed his gratitude.

After saying this, he pointed to the sea fish and bear paws on the table and said with a smile, "Mencius said, 'Fish is what I desire; bear paw is what I desire too, but I cannot have both.' Today I am in for a treat."

Magistrate Lu continued to laugh as if it was nothing, "Yes, but Mencius didn't know that as long as you are lucky, you can have both!"

Zhang Pingan glanced at County Magistrate Lu and understood that this was a meaningful implication!

If you are unlucky, you will not be able to have both.

And the second half of Mencius's words is "He who gives up fish and takes bear's paw"!

Upon seeing this, Yu County Magistrate feigned anger and said, "Lord Lu, you are so unkind! You had such a good thing, but you didn't tell me in advance, and now I have to bring the sea fish to show off."

After saying this, he bowed to Zhang Ping'an and said with a smile: "Master Zhang, I'm sorry to have embarrassed you today!"

"Oh, that's alright," Zhang Pingan said hurriedly. "I can't thank you all enough for your generosity, let alone blame you! From now on, I'll have to rely on your help!"

Yu County Magistrate patted his chubby chest, his face bulging with fat, and said proudly, "Of course!"

"Of course, of course," the others echoed.

Magistrate Lu’s eyelids twitched.

As the host, he was the first to raise his glass and toast Zhang Pingan with the others.

Zhang Pingan quickly returned the gift.

As the wine flowed, the meal lasted for more than an hour without us noticing.

In the end, Zhang Ping'an finally realized that County Magistrate Lu was very wary of County Magistrate Yu, and a delicate balance was maintained between the two.

As for other officials and clerks, they seem to have no choice but to be fence-sitters, trying not to offend either side.

To be honest, I might be more inclined towards Yu Xiancheng.

But it's also human nature!

The meal seemed calm and peaceful on the surface, and people were eating with great enthusiasm, but there were so many verbal tests that Zhang Pingan was exhausted from practicing Tai Chi!

It doesn't end until after the evening when the hours of Xu has passed.

Zhang Ping'an reeked of alcohol and appeared drunk, and Chi Bao helped him onto the carriage.

After getting in the car, Zhang Pingan regained his clarity of mind and poured himself a cup of cold tea to sober up.

He now admires County Magistrate Lu very much. He has no background in the court, but he has been able to live peacefully in Ci County for the past few years and has not compromised with County Magistrate Yu.

On major issues, it seems that he can make decisions on his own and is not sidelined. This is very rare!

It shows that he has some skills and abilities.

Such a person is worth learning from!

After the carriage had gone far away, he finished his meal and said, "Master, I have something to tell you. Just now, County Magistrate Yu's driver asked me to have a meal with him, saying that all county magistrates had this privilege. So I ate. After we finished, he stuffed me with five taels of silver, saying that it was a gift from County Magistrate Yu to his subordinates. I refused!"

"Oh?" Zhang Ping'an smiled after hearing this, feeling that it was as he expected. If he was not mistaken, the inn where he lived should have also received gifts.

Seeing that Zhang Ping'an didn't say anything, Chi Bao hurriedly explained: "Master, if I knew in advance that he was such a person, I wouldn't have eaten with him. You must believe me on this. I have no second thoughts. I can swear to heaven!"

"No need. It's just a normal meal and it's what you should do. There's nothing to be afraid of," said Zhang Ping'an.

After that, he praised: "You are doing very well. If the subordinates have any actions, please report to me at any time! I will not treat you unfairly!"

"Oh, okay!" Chibao said with a smile. He was excited after hearing that. It seemed that he would have a chance of getting the household registration.

After returning to the inn, before Zhang Ping'an could even sit down, Qian Youyi came out from the inner room and said, "After you went to eat, County Magistrate Yu sent a servant to bring a box of gold. I asked Rong Mama to weigh it, and it's estimated to be about 200 taels."

"Did you accept it?" Zhang Ping'an asked, tilting his head.

Qian Youyi shook his head and rolled his eyes, a rare occurrence. "Am I the kind of person who's short-sighted? I confiscated it and returned it on the spot. As for whether you accept it or not, that's your business. You can decide for yourself. I can only promise that I won't hold you back, and I won't get involved in these matters!"

"Madam is truly a good wife. It is my great honor to marry you," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.

"County Magistrate Yu's move is so generous, it seems he is not a simple person. He is using courtesy first and then force," Qian Youyi reminded.

"I know," Zhang Ping'an nodded, a gleam in his eyes, "Ge Li and Hua Wanli should be here tomorrow. With their help, I have confidence."

Let’s start the first fire with County Magistrate Yu!

Otherwise, with him as a local tyrant, how can he build his own power in Ci County in the future when there are many constraints?

Have a good night's sleep!

The next day came in a blink of an eye, and it was time for Zhang Ping'an to go to the government office to take over.