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

After a brief conversation, Zhang Ping'an gained a deeper understanding of the current situation and government affairs.

Minister Qian was indeed too busy to handle everything. As soon as the two of them left the study, the housekeeper came forward to report that someone else had come to visit.

Zhang Ping'an tactfully bowed and said goodbye.

"Lord Liu is in a high position and should not be neglected. I will go and socialize first. If they are not busy, let Qian Ying and the others take you around so that you can meet more people," Minister Qian said with his hands behind his back and his head tilted. His tone was much gentler than just now in the study, and he looked like a kind elder who cared about the younger generation.

After Zhang Ping'an nodded and saluted in response, Minister Qian strode away.

This time he came back with tight schedule, and he didn't plan to waste all his time at the Qian family. In the morning, he followed a few uncles around and met some prominent people. After giving face to his father-in-law, Zhang Ping'an went to his sisters' homes in the afternoon.

Da Ya and Er Ya were already looking forward to it. All the dishes had been braised, cut and put aside, ready to be put into the pot as soon as someone arrived.

The two houses were close to each other, and knowing that Zhang Ping'an was in a hurry to return this time, the two families set up a banquet together.

It’s been almost a year since we last met, and my nephews, Donkey Egg and Cat Egg, have grown a lot taller.

Following their mother's orders, several children squatted at the entrance of the alley, playing and waiting for Zhang Ping'an's carriage to come.

Since Zhang Ping'an always bought them food and toys since they were young, the children had a very close relationship with their uncle Zhang Ping'an and had been looking forward to it for a long time.

As soon as Zhang Ping'an's carriage entered the alley, Donkey Egg saw it, shouted "Uncle" and ran towards the carriage.

The other children reacted and ran after him.

Zhang Pingan heard the sound and pulled aside the curtain in front of him, saying with a smile, "Don't run away, be careful not to fall!"

While telling people to stop the car after eating!

"Uncle, have you brought us New Year's gifts? We miss you so much," Maodaner said crisply with his head tilted back and sniffed his nose.

"That depends on whether you have been well behaved this year and whether you have studied well in the private school?" Zhang Ping'an rubbed the children's heads and said.

Peng Peng and Man Man rushed to reply, "Uncle, we are very well behaved and study very hard. If you don't believe me, ask mom. We can recite the Three Character Classic now, and the teacher even praised us!"

"Okay, then your uncle will give you gifts later, one for each of you," Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

Several children gathered around Zhang Pingan like a tail and returned home.

Da Ya and Er Ya were delighted to see someone coming. They patted Zhang Ping'an's shoulders and said with a smile, "You've grown taller and look more energetic!"

"Yes, elder sister and second sister, I'm doing well, don't worry," Zhang Ping'an replied with a smile as he let the two of them look at him.

Zhang Ping'an's brother-in-law Liu Sanlang warmly invited him to have tea. He still looked as honest as before, but his eyes were much more resolute. It was obvious that his more than a year in the Wucheng Bingmasi was not in vain.

My second brother-in-law has changed a lot. He has become much darker and stronger, and he talks more. He is especially good at chatting. There is no trace of the shy and handsome boy he used to be.

Zhang Pingan asked a few questions in surprise.

Arya said cheerfully, "Well, I learned it all from those people on the boat. As the saying goes, follow a good person and you become a good person, follow a fox and you become a goblin. Now he smokes and drinks and eats a lot more. Look at how fat he is, so rough! But canal transportation is hard work, so I just let him do what he wants!"

"I'm not fat, I'm strong," Zhang Ping'an explained after hearing his second brother-in-law muttering.

Hearing this, Erya rolled her eyes at her husband and was too lazy to argue with him: "Okay, okay, whatever you say is what it is. My younger brother is back today, and I'm too lazy to argue with you!"

Butcher Liu and his wife rolled up their sleeves and watched the people chatting happily. Now their hair is almost completely white, and they have lost a few teeth. They don't seem to be as energetic as before.

Zhang Pingan greeted everyone one by one and distributed the gifts he had prepared to everyone.

The adults were more reserved and refused at first before accepting it.

The children were much more straightforward. They screamed with joy when they saw the pile of food and rare toys, and kept saying "Uncle is the best!"

As for the box of pens, ink, paper, inkstone and books, they were simply ignored.

"It's too expensive," Daya complained.

"Haha, who asked them to call me uncle?" Zhang Pingan laughed. These really didn't mean anything to him now.

After a while, everyone sat down. Butcher Liu said regretfully, "If your father came over, I could have a few drinks with him. I haven't seen him for a long time!"

"Dad, there's nothing we can do about it. Father-in-law and Ping'an are in a hurry and have to leave tomorrow morning. Logically, father-in-law has to visit Ping'an's uncle, third uncle and younger uncle's house today, otherwise people will talk about him. If you want to drink with father-in-law, it's the same if you wait until evening," Liu Sanlang advised.

"I understand the principle, do I need you to teach me?" Butcher Liu rolled his eyes at his son.

Liu Sanlang laughed innocently and did not argue. His father was getting worse and worse as he got older, so he had to be pampered.

"By the way, little brother, I heard from your letter that your sister-in-law is pregnant. This is great news. Your sister-in-law eats fine food, and you don't lack anything. So I prepared some diapers and small clothes for the children. They are all made of the best fine cotton cloth, which is sweat-absorbent and breathable. It is a little gift from me as your aunt. Don't dislike it," Daya said with a smile.

"And me, I calculated that the baby will probably be born in July next year, which is the hottest time of the year. I made some bellybands, hoods, and patchwork quilts for the baby, which I'm sure will be useful when the time comes," Erya also said.

Although she is carefree, has a bad temper, and doesn't say nice things, she remembers all the kindness her family has shown her.

Although the things are not expensive, they are made with her heart and care.

"My elder and second sisters are so kind, how could I reject them? And they are all practical, so I won't be polite," said Zhang Ping'an.

The relationship between relatives also needs to be maintained. Naturally, you cannot be polite at this time, otherwise it will seem too distant.

Sure enough, when Daya and Erya saw that Zhang Pingan did not refuse, the smiles on their faces deepened.

It was a very enjoyable meal!

While drinking tea after dinner, Zhang Pingan thought of Jinbao and said, "Sister, sister, you are women and often interact with the women in the surrounding neighborhood. If there are any suitable girls waiting to be married, you can help Jinbao keep an eye out for them. He will be 19 after the new year, and the marriage can't be delayed any longer!"

"That's true. Jinbao was born in the same year as you, and he's already 19. I heard from my aunt that he has high standards and is picky. Marriage is a very difficult thing for him, and the whole family is worried about it," Daya continued.

"He has a good appearance and a decent family background. He owns a house and a car in Lin'an. He has also studied for several years, can write storybooks, and has a decent job. It shouldn't be difficult to find someone with these conditions, but I guess he wants to find a woman who can read. Anyway, you guys keep an eye out for her. I'll ask my mother to help find out about her after I return to Ci County," said Zhang Ping'an.

Erya was the first to agree: "Okay, I'll help him find out tomorrow. This way, being single won't be a problem!"

After chatting for a while, Zhang Ping'an stood up and said goodbye. Seeing that his elder sister and second sister's families were getting better and better, and were thriving and harmonious, he felt relieved!

He also had to visit his eldest uncle, third uncle, younger uncle, and a few classmates with whom he had a good relationship, even if it was just for the sake of formality.

There are also Jin Bao's family and Xiao Yifei's family. Whenever I come back, I have to visit them and wish them a happy new year.

The final time is left for Lin Junhui.

Lin Junhui happened to be busy too, so the two of them made an appointment to have a midnight snack and a drink together.