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

I secretly thought that maybe Mr. Zhou would come up with corn, potatoes or something in the future. It seemed from the letter that he thought highly of Old Man Ding.

So it’s not certain that Old Man Ding can stay in Ci County for long.

But Old Man Ding shook his head and smiled gently, "I'm old now, and I'm not going anywhere. It's a good place to retire in Ci County. It's close to the mountains and the sea, and the people are simple and honest. It's a good place!"

After saying that, he glanced at Zhang Ping'an and explained, "Lord Zhou has many talented people under him, and he doesn't need an old man like me. I came to Ci County because he wanted to take care of us grandfather and grandson because we are from the same hometown. It doesn't mean that I am indispensable."

Zhang Pingan smiled and didn't ask any more questions.

He could feel that this old man Ding was also a man with a story.

He loves cleanliness, is particular about some details, and can read. Even now in his sixties, he still maintains the habit of reading, which is rare!

I knew that Old Man Ding could read from what Fatty Wu said by accident one day.

Fatty Wu has now returned to the inn to help out, get some food and shelter, and find something to do to pass the time.

Then I saw Old Man Ding reading by the window several times. Occasionally, when his eyesight was not good, he would ask his granddaughter Dingxiang to help him read.

When I told Zhang Pingan and others about it, I treated it as a rare thing.

Zhang Ping'an had no intention of prying into other people's privacy. Besides, it was arranged by Lord Zhou, so his background must be clean, so he didn't need to worry about it.

Just as he was about to leave, Old Man Ding hesitated and said, "Wait a minute, sir!"

"Hmm?" Zhang Ping'an stopped and looked a little confused, then gestured to continue.

Old Man Ding said with a worried look on his face, "To be honest, sir, I have something to ask of you!"

"But it doesn't matter!"

"It's about my granddaughter Dingxiang," said Old Man Ding. "I'd like to ask you to find a matchmaker for my granddaughter Dingxiang."

"Oh?" Zhang Pingan was really surprised.

To be honest, his relationship with Old Man Ding was not very close, and they did not have much interaction.

If you want to arrange a match, you should find a matchmaker. What's the point of finding him?

Old Man Ding sighed and said, "I am already over sixty years old. Every day I live is a day I earn. I have already put life and death aside. The only thing I am worried about is my granddaughter Dingxiang. She only has me as her relative. If something happens to me one day, she will have no one to rely on. Just imagine how difficult it is for an unmarried girl to have no relatives in this world.

So I want to find her a good marriage while she's still strong, preferably this year. I don't mind the betrothal gifts, as long as she's a good man with a clean family background!"

Zhang Pingan couldn't help but ask, "These conditions aren't too harsh. Miss Dingxiang is literate and pretty. Logically, if we find a matchmaker, she won't have any trouble finding a good family for her!"

Old Man Ding shook his head. "Ah, if it were that easy, I wouldn't have to worry about it. First of all, the fact that someone is a good person can screen out a lot of people. I said, I don't need the other person to be rich, but he must have good character!"

Hearing this, Zhang Pingan began to understand. Haha, it turned out that the old man was still playing Tai Chi with him and keeping him in suspense.

"Just tell me directly, who do you like? Do you want me to be your matchmaker?" asked Zhang Ping'an.

Old Man Ding felt a little embarrassed when his thoughts were exposed, but he didn't pretend. He smiled and said, "Then I'll be frank. I think the boy from the Chen family is not bad. They are a family of medicine. Although they are down and out now, their foundation is still there. Our family is still a little bit behind them. I wonder if they mind?"

I have also heard that you have a close relationship with the Chen family, so I would like to ask you to help me make a trip!"

Without waiting for Zhang Pingan to respond, he continued, "Marriage is a union between two families and cannot be forced. If the Chen family has no such intention, it's fine.

I know you are a scholar and don't care for vulgar things like gold and silver. I once accidentally collected Mr. Gu's "Night Banquet in the Palace of Han" and Mr. Yan's "Draft of the Sacrifice". Regardless of whether this matter succeeds or not, I will take one as a thank you gift and leave the other for Dingxiang as a dowry.

Zhang Pingan was really surprised after hearing this. It turned out that this old man Ding was a real person who never showed his true face!

Either of these two items is a treasure passed down from generation to generation worth more than a thousand gold coins, and they are in short supply.

Even though it is a chaotic time now, it can still be sold at a good price.

Using it as a thank-you gift is a huge expense!

It cannot be denied that Zhang Pingan felt his heart really moved for a moment.

This is everyone's authentic work!

Well, it seems that I am still some distance away from the state of mind that wealth and honor cannot win. I am a little ashamed!

But after thinking about it, Chen Jianqiu was indeed old enough to get married and have children. He was a little older than herself. Judging from their appearance and conversation, the two of them were quite compatible.

There is no need to completely reject it. The key lies in the attitude of the Chen family.

However, I still cannot accept this generous gift, otherwise it will be a bad thing.

Zhang Ping'an's mind raced through several thoughts in an instant. After figuring it out, he remained calm and said, "These are all priceless treasures. No merit, no reward! As for the matchmaker, I can go ask. Men should marry when they are old enough, and women should marry when they are old enough. The harmony of yin and yang is the righteous way of heaven and earth!"

"Thank you very much, sir," Old Man Ding bowed and thanked him, with a smile on his face, and it was obvious that he was really happy.

This matter has to be discussed sooner or later, the sooner the better.

After dinner in the evening, Zhang Pingan took a walk to Chen's house.

The Chen family also lived near the yamen, not far away, and could be reached in less than a quarter of an hour.

Seeing Zhang Pingan coming over, Chen Jianqiu was quite surprised: "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"Come and have some tea," Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

"Okay, sit down, I'll make you some tea," Chen Jianqiu said as he stood up.

Chen Ergu saw something and asked with a smile, "Is there some happy event?"

Zhang Ping'an didn't hide anything and replied with a smile, "Second Aunt, this is what happened. Someone asked me to act as a matchmaker and has set their sights on Jianqiu. This is a serious matter, and it's up to my parents and the matchmaker to decide. I have to discuss it in detail with my uncle, aunt, and the rest of the family. It concerns Jianqiu's lifelong happiness, so we can't be careless."

"Cough cough cough," Chen Jianqiu suddenly started coughing after hearing this and shouted, "What? Cough cough cough!"

"Are you so surprised?" Zhang Ping'an rolled his eyes, feeling helpless. He clearly remembered that Jianqiu used to be a smart, cheerful and outgoing young man. How come he is so shy now? He is getting worse and worse!

Chen Ergu became interested when she heard this: "Then tell me, which girl is this?"

"Second Aunt?" Chen Jianqiu shouted.

"You have no right to speak!" Chen Ergu said unhappily.

The family is worried about this brat's marriage!

Very worried!

"This girl is none other than Jianqiu. She is Dingxiang, the granddaughter of old man Ding from the farm," said Zhang Ping'an.

After saying that, he looked at Chen Jianqiu and said, "You've met her too. Miss Ding is well-educated, sensible, and good-looking. She comes from a clean family. It's just that she doesn't have many relatives at home. Old Man Ding is worried about her, so he asked me to be a matchmaker!"

After saying that, he added, "Oh, by the way, although Miss Ding's parents are both dead, Old Man Ding also saved up a dowry for her. It's made of antiques, calligraphy and paintings, and it's quite valuable!"