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

Guo Jia was stunned for a moment, then shook his head and laughed. His smile was filled with helplessness, mockery, relief, and finally a carefree attitude: "Ping An, I'm not like you. You're so successful and your life has been smooth sailing. You're also very adaptable to this royal system, but I can't. I don't have your good luck, nor your indifferent and peaceful mind. Living like this only makes me feel depressed and miserable!"

"Isn't it like this for most people? Accepting your own mediocrity and making peace with yourself is also a kind of character in life," Zhang Ping said calmly.

He never thought that he was a genius. Besides, how many geniuses can there be among millions of people? In his previous life, there was only one Einstein among billions of people.

"Yes, I admit this. Most people in this world are mediocre and have their own predetermined life trajectories, just like willow trees that sprout in spring and shed leaves in autumn. Most people have many frustrations, and I am no exception!" Guo Jia said lightly, looking into the distance.

"But there are too many people like this, like ants. What's the point of living to be a hundred? If a man doesn't eat from five cauldrons while alive, he will be cooked in five cauldrons after death. I don't want to live a cowardly life!

When I was young, I listened to the rain in a boat, and now I listen to the rain under a monk’s hut. In a word, I just can’t get over the knot in my heart!

"Thank you for still thinking of me. Don't worry, I won't do anything out of line for the time being. The time is not right yet. If one day in the future I am really beheaded at Caishikou, you don't have to collect my body. This is my fate. If there is an afterlife, I will still be your friend," Guo Jia turned around and continued softly with a serious look.

"This is the second time you've said something like this. I can't pretend I didn't understand anymore," Zhang Pingan replied in a deep voice, his eyes flashing. "Honestly, when I think about it, even though we've known each other for so long, I actually know nothing about your background. Who are you?"

"Hahahaha, I'm just an ordinary scholar in a small town, don't you know that?" Guo Jia suddenly laughed out loud.

The two looked at each other, and no one spoke for a while.

After a moment, Zhang Pingan said, "Your courage and insight are not what a young man in this town would have. Since you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you today. I am also powerless to change your mind. I can only wish you take care!"

"I rarely see you so serious. Don't worry, I will try my best to live a good life," Guo Jia said.

The two walked back along the way they came.

Zhang Laoer had been waiting eagerly beside the carriage. The old servant from Guo Jia's house had been standing outside the door, which made people feel very uncomfortable and miserable. Zhang Laoer just wanted to leave as soon as possible.

When they were almost at the carriage, Guo Jia pulled out a small medicine bottle from his bosom and said, "This is our family's ancestral detoxification pill, which can cure all kinds of poisons. You will be in Ci County for another year before returning, and I don't have anything good to give you, so I'll give you this bottle of medicine. Take care!"

Zhang Pingan saw it was just an ordinary small medicine bottle, so he took it without any hesitation, put it in his arms, and then bowed and thanked him, saying, "Thank you very much, take care of yourself too!"

After the carriage drove away, the old servant beside Guo Jia whispered: "Sir, the detoxification pill is very precious and difficult to make. It also involves the future plan. You shouldn't give it to him. Do you want to..."

Before he could finish his words, Guo Jia said in a cold voice, "Don't say anything more. I know my limits, and it's not your turn to make the decision on my affairs!"

"I was talking nonsense," the old servant said after hearing this, with a hint of unwillingness in his eyes as he looked at the carriage going away.

Zhang Ping'an didn't know about these things, but Zhang Laoer, Chi Bao and others felt much more relaxed both physically and mentally after walking away.

People have an instinctive sixth sense about danger!

After listening to the complaints of several people, Zhang Pingan said confidently: "With Guo Jia here, there will be no problem. He won't harm us, at least not now!"

"There's definitely nothing wrong with Guo, but his vision in choosing servants is not good," said Zhang Laoer.

Zhang Pingan smiled faintly and said nothing. There are some things that cannot be explained too clearly to his father. I hope Guo Jia can have a good result!

Everyone returned to Ci County safely.

Although they had only not seen each other for a few days, Xu felt as if she had been separated from the father and son for a long time.

He was very happy to see the two of them come back, and ordered the cook to prepare a large table of dishes.

"Mom, don't prepare so many dishes next time. We can't finish them all. It's such a waste," Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

"You must have not eaten well after the long journey, so you need to replenish your energy. Come to think of it, except for the time when your father accompanied you to take the exam, I have never been separated from you and your son for such a long time," replied Xu, picking up a piece of fish belly for her son.

To be fair, he used his serving chopsticks to pick up a piece of fish for Zhang, Old Man Zhang, Second Zhang, and Qian Youyi, and said, "These are all caught by fishermen breaking the ice. They are very fresh. Come and try them!"

The family finished their meal happily.

Zhang Pingan then announced, "From now on, we should not be too extravagant on food. Tomorrow morning, after I go to the government office, I will post a notice announcing the tax increase. At this juncture, our family should keep a low profile. Food is not easy to come by!"

Everyone was stunned after hearing this. After a moment, Xu asked nervously and surprised, "Why is that?"

Although Xu and others had not received any education, they all knew that raising taxes was not a good thing.

Zhang Pingan gave a brief explanation: "There's a war going on on the front lines, and the imperial court is determined to reclaim the northern territories. Naturally, they'll need a lot of food and fodder, so raising taxes is inevitable."

After that, he said in a gentle voice to comfort everyone, "I didn't tell you in advance because I was afraid you would think too much. I have asked Youyi to prepare a lot of food in advance. Our family will definitely not have to worry about food. I just want you to not be too extravagant!"

"Oh, I see," Xu breathed a sigh of relief.

However, Zhang and Zhang Laoer were not so naive. Zhang Laoer said with some worry, "How long will this war last? I wonder if the imperial court will raise taxes again. If the people of the whole county go hungry, we will be the only ones left with food. That won't be a big deal!"

Zhang continued, "If that day ever comes, you won't have to be a county magistrate anymore. You'd better run away and save your life!"

"Ah, so serious?" After hearing this, Xu began to worry again.

"It's not at that level yet. Even if taxes are to be increased, it will be done step by step, and the court has already made arrangements," said Zhang Pingan.

It's been so long, the New Year is over, and it's time for Mr. Zhou's letter to arrive.

If it really doesn't work, he can lead people to plant sweet potatoes in February. It just so happens that Green Bean Eyes and Fatty Wu have also learned how to do it.

As long as sweet potatoes can be successfully grown, combined with Annan rice, food problems will be greatly reduced.