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

In particular, the issues raised behind this incident are even more thought-provoking.

After the incident, Zhang Ping'an sent several letters to Lin'an to inquire about the news and learned that the situation had been brought under control.

The court's approach to handling the matter was all talk and no action. After beheading a few people on duty, the matter was dropped.

It seemed that the matter was handled fairly and strictly, but Zhang Pingan keenly smelled something unusual.

Chen Jianqiu didn't have so many thoughts. He was just saddened by the food that was burned. If this food was used to help the people, who knows how many people could have been saved.

He was a man who hated evil and praised the court's way of handling the matter. He hated those who neglected their duties even more.

"If you want beautiful robes, you have to give up a few meditation rooms. It's not that simple," Zhang Ping'an put down the newspaper and sighed.

He was also very sad about the grain, but what he was more afraid of was that the court would take the opportunity to increase taxes.

In the end, it is always the ordinary people who bear the consequences of these people's ambitions.

Hua Wanli had read and listened a lot, so he understood immediately: "These people are so bold, their consciences have been eaten by dogs. They also know how to choose the right time, choosing the autumn harvest when taxes are collected in various places. Isn't this just taking food from the mouths of the people?!"

"The fire at the city gate has affected innocent people. If we stop here, it would be fine. We can still hold on. But if it happens twice more, I'm afraid the food and grass on the front line will be gone," Zhang Ping'an analyzed.

"So this is what they were planning. I never thought these people have any sense of the overall situation!" Hua Wanli angrily slapped the armrest of the chair.

"Haha, this is just my guess. Anyway, the reasons are nothing more than those. Either someone is stealing from the company, or they want to use this incident to disrupt the front-line layout. The probability of a real accidental fire is probably less than 10%." A cold light flashed in Zhang Pingan's eyes.

"But I guess if it's the second reason, Lord Zhou won't just sit there and wait for death. Let's see who will win in the end."

"Oh, the waters are very deep here," Hua Wanli shook his head.

Chen Jianqiu seemed to understand what he heard: "What? You're saying there's another reason, that the fire wasn't caused by God, but by human intervention?"

"It's just pure speculation. We can just talk about it privately among a few of us. Don't spread it outside," Zhang Pingan said seriously.

"Of course I know that," Chen Jianqiu nodded, but when he thought that this was man-made, he felt even more heartbroken. That was a full 10 shi of grain!

Everyone was in a heavy mood, wondering if the court was going to cause trouble again.

When Zhang Ping'an returned to the back court and saw his son, his worries were relieved a lot.

After twenty days, Xu would occasionally carry the child to the eaves of the courtyard to get some fresh air.

Zhang Laoer doesn't go to the farm anymore, since it's still some time before the sweet potato harvest.

Now every day he waits wholeheartedly for Xu to bring the child out and play with the child.

I bought a bunch of small toys like rattles and cloth tigers.

What’s more, the child is easy to take care of. He rarely cries and grins when teased. He is so adorable no matter how you look at him!

Even Zhang Ping'an, the biological father, sometimes can't get a chance to hold the child.

"Baoer, have you been good today? Look at me, look at me, I am your daddy!" Zhang Pingan stretched out his hand and teased.

The child was busy grabbing the cloth tiger and stuffing it into his mouth, his chin full of saliva, and he didn't even glance at his father.

"This kid is so heartless, I'll spank him," Zhang Pingan smiled and patted the child's butt gently.

Not to mention, it feels pretty good, smooth and tender.

Xu was unhappy. She was a typical example of someone who forgot her own son after having a grandson. "Go away, don't bother with our Bao'er. He was having fun, why did you spank him?"

After saying that, she kissed the child on the cheek, doting on him infinitely: "Well! With grandma here, your dad won't dare to beat you. Don't be afraid. If he spanks you again, just spit on him, okay?"

I don’t know if the child understood it. He made two “oh oh” sounds and drooled, making the cloth tiger wet.

"Dad, Mom, I have booked the full moon banquet at Jin Man Lou the day after tomorrow. I have already informed the shopkeeper this morning. Someone from Lin'an's maternal family will be coming over. Do you think we should make some new clothes for the guests in the next two days?" Zhang Ping'an said as he picked up a handkerchief to wipe the child's saliva.

Zhang Laoer thought for a moment and replied, "Your mother and I still have plenty of clothes, some of which we haven't even worn yet. They're enough for entertaining guests. There's no need to make new clothes. Instead, make some for your grandparents. They won't have many more days of luxury left!"

"Even if they are sick, they will not be ill for a thousand years. I think your parents can live for a long time, especially your father. He doesn't have to worry about anything. He can live another ten or eight years without any problem," Xu said casually.

"Then I'll call a tailor over. Single-layer clothes are easy to make and can be finished in half a day. I can also make a few more sets for the children to wear," said Zhang Ping'an.

"Okay," Xu nodded in response.

After saying this, he laughed and said jokingly: "Our Bao'er is really blessed. He will be reincarnated, and he has more clothes than he can wear, and there are so many people to serve him."

Zhang Lao Er also smiled and echoed: "That's right, this kid is a lucky one, come, give me a hug!"

He has been eyeing her for a long time, but the old woman just won't let go, which is really infuriating.

Xu handed the child over reluctantly.

"How is Youyi's complexion today? She's about to leave the confinement period. I heard from the maid that she still can hardly get out of bed and walk around. How about asking a doctor to come and check on her?" Speaking of the full moon banquet, Zhang Ping'an couldn't help but worry about his wife's health.

Even if he didn't know much about gynecology, he knew that being bedridden for a long time was not a good thing.

Xu was also a little worried, but she didn't show it on her face. She only said the good news, "I've been visiting her every day and giving her all kinds of nourishing soups. She looks better than before. Don't worry. Back home, no daughter-in-law could have survived the confinement period. Now the conditions are considered the best."

After that, he continued, "It's because of our family's financial situation. Recently, your eldest cousin's wife has gained some reputation. Her fame has gradually spread, and more and more people have asked her to feel their bellies and deliver babies. Look, she even went out with the child on her back in the hot weather. No matter how you try to persuade her, she won't stop. They are all surnamed Zhang. This kid has a good father, so the treatment he receives is completely different."

As he spoke, he scratched the child's nose affectionately.

Zhang Laoer disagreed with this statement. With a sullen face, he said, "That was also earned by our son himself. Studying was so hard back then. He studied from morning till night, every day without a break. He even had to take risks to travel to other places to take the exams, not to mention the money he spent. He finally graduated, so shouldn't our grandson enjoy the good life?"

"Yes, yes, this old man," Xu was too lazy to argue.

"We have so many servants at home, why don't we ask them to help take care of the child? It's so hot outside today, and the child will suffer," said Zhang Ping'an.

"Your eldest cousin's wife isn't happy about it. She's a strong-willed woman with a sense of propriety. She wants to support herself and her child. Now that Bao'er is about to reach her full moon, someone from the first house will definitely come. By then, she might take them both back to Lin'an. They can't stay in Ci County forever. Your grandmother can stop them for a while, but not forever."

Xu believed that what she said was very objective. Based on her understanding of her sister-in-law, she thought that Li had reached her limit of endurance.

"Last year your cousin's wife didn't go home for the Spring Festival, and your aunt asked me about it privately. I evaded the question, but I guess I have to go back this time," Zhang Laoer also said.

"Your grandma is a cold and aloof person. She has always been fair in her dealings at home and has no patience to meddle in the affairs of the younger generation. She made an exception by helping your eldest cousin's wife before. She is old and her heart has softened!"