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

Judging from the content of the previous correspondence between the two parties, Lin Junhui was doing quite well in the Ministry of War. He was well-versed in social skills and had the support of the Yue family, so he was like a fish in water in the officialdom.

If it were a peaceful time, he would climb up step by step and at least become a third-rank official.

The current situation is really hard to say.

"I'm sorry I'm late. I just went to Luo's house and got delayed," Zhang Ping'an apologized after entering the study.

"That's fine. My afternoon and evening schedules are reserved for you anyway," Lin Junhui said jokingly with a smile. "This can be considered as special treatment from you. You always schedule me to be the last one to perform in the afternoon or evening. It shows that we are not strangers. Come, sit down and chat!"

"You still understand me," Zhang Pingan said without hesitation. He sat down and took a piece of cake to eat.

"I'm sorry, I really can't do anything about the situation between you and your brother-in-law."

Zhang Pingan waved his hands while eating, "Stop it, there's nothing to be sorry about, don't be polite, this is not something you can help with just because you want to. My father-in-law didn't even get involved, so don't get involved in this mess."

Lin Junhui nodded. There was no need to say much to a close friend. He just liked Zhang Ping'an's transparency.

"Tell me about the situation in Lin'an and the front line so that I can have a better idea. I was far away in Ci County before, and I only knew one side of the story about many things. The Wucheng Bingmasi was doing well, so why did they transfer so many people to the front line?" Zhang Pingan was a little puzzled.

"No major events have happened recently in the court or on the front lines. Even what you're talking about is a major event. It's not uncommon for a civil official like you to be transformed into a military officer.

"It's quite sudden what happened to my brother-in-law and his men, but those transferred to the front lines are indeed the best in their respective offices, those with outstanding performance," Lin Junhui replied.

"Listening to my father-in-law's analysis, I think he wants to train capable military generals from them. Putting aside the disputes between the eunuch party and the aristocratic families, there are too few people available on the front line right now. Most of the left and right deputies and the deputy generals under them are Lord Zhou's men. This is not good. With so many civil and military officials in the court, there are not even a few generals who can take on the responsibility. Isn't this a joke?!"

"But I heard from my eldest uncle that he wanted to replace Lord Zhou from the front line. Isn't there a suitable candidate?"

Zhang Pingan recalled in his mind after he finished speaking: "The Luo family, the Huo family, the Geng family, and the Gao family, I remember they are all military families, and now they also have people on the front line."

Lin Junhui sneered and shook his head. "They can only be considered mediocre talents. Daxia has been peaceful for a long time. Although they are called a family of military generals, they don't have much real combat experience. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been so easily defeated by Bai Chao and Abula and fled to the south. If we really want to talk about talented generals, besides Zhou Ziming, Jiang Yuan is one, but unfortunately he died too.

I don't know the specific details of the previous change of leadership, but the court was certainly helpless and ultimately let it go."

"Jiang Yuan is Jiang Fengping's father, right?" Zhang Ping'an really hadn't heard this name for a long time.

"Yes, in that assassination, both the father and son of the Jiang family died. Now only the youngest son Jiang Fengping is left in this family. I remember that he and you were classmates," Lin Junhui nodded and replied.

"Yes, I wonder how he is doing now," Zhang Pingan also sighed. The Jiang family was once so prosperous, but now it is quiet.

"It's difficult to carry the whole thing alone. What can he do? Just stay in the Hanlin Academy. He won't starve anyway," Lin Junhui said casually.

"Honestly, the court is having a hard time right now. People are divided, and there are so many things to worry about. I'm afraid I'll be bald in a few years."

"That's not what you said when you came back last time for the New Year," Zhang Pingan couldn't help but glance at Lin Junhui and joked.

"The longer I stay in the court, the more I realize that the art of checks and balances is the most difficult. We are all smart people, and it is inevitable that we tend to think about all sorts of things. Birds of a feather flock together. This is understandable," Lin Junhui did not deny it and laughed out loud.

"But my original intention remains unchanged. I still hope that someone capable can recapture the North and restore peace to the world."

"Yes, everyone wants to," Zhang Pingan replied.

"But in my opinion, my brother-in-law is really suitable to go to the front line to make achievements. It's a pity that he is staying in the Wucheng Bingmasi. As the saying goes, "Misfortune may be a blessing in disguise!" Lin Junhui said seriously.

"Go away, don't talk without any pain in your waist," Zhang Pingan shook his head.

"I'm very good at judging people and I can never be wrong. Some people are born to go to the battlefield," Lin Junhui said with certainty.

"Honestly, after my brother-in-law and I are gone, my family will be fine. At least my father-in-law is looking after us, so we won't be in any trouble. But my brother-in-law's family will be in trouble. The family is depending on him, so you will have to take better care of them when the time comes," Zhang Ping'an advised.

"Don't worry about that. I will definitely help you to the best of my ability." Lin Junhui also put away his smile and nodded seriously.

Zhang Ping'an stayed at Lin's house for dinner before going back. He couldn't refuse such a kind invitation.

When I got home, my family had already finished their meal.

In addition to the families of Daya, Erya and Liuya, the families of the first wife, the third wife and Xu Xiaojiu were also there.

Seeing Zhang Ping'an come in, Xu asked with concern: "Have you eaten?"

"Mom, I've eaten at Lin's."

"Well, okay, let's sit down and talk. You asked your eldest sister, second sister, sixth sister and their families to come for dinner, but you are not here. I will just ask your uncle, third uncle and your youngest uncle's family to come for dinner together, so that it will be lively," said Xu with a smile, pulling her son to sit beside her.

"My son is busy with important matters," Zhang Laoer continued.

"That's right, Ping'an is a very busy man now," Li agreed with a smile.

Uncle Xu also said, "That's right. Ping An is the most promising one in our family. But when he goes to the front line, he still has to be careful. Swords have no eyes."

The concern in his words was not false.

Daya, Erya and Liuya's eyes were still red and swollen. It seemed that the three sisters cried again while chatting.

Erya said in a tearful voice, "Little brother, take care of yourself. Don't worry about your parents, your sister-in-law, and my nephew. I will come to visit them often."

Liu Ya also nodded quickly and said, "Little brother, I'm here too. I'll come over often, so don't worry."

Zhang Pingan felt warm at the thought. "Then I'd like to thank my second and sixth sisters first. I'm counting on you!"

My aunt Shen couldn't stand the fact that this family was living too well and said sarcastically, "If you ask me, a person's blessings are limited. If they enjoy too much, they will become unbearable. Look, the county magistrate has only been in office for a few years and he's going to the front line. Think about it, we ordinary people still have it better off."

Everyone's faces turned dark when they heard this.

Uncle Xu scolded him, "What bullshit are you talking about? If you don't know how to speak, just shut up. No one thinks you're dumb!"

"What? I have an explanation for what I said. I'm not talking nonsense," Shen muttered unconvinced.

Zhang Laoer and Xu have become much more patient in recent years and rarely get angry.

But no one could bear to hear this.

Zhang Laoer said coldly, "You old woman, you're full of shit. Aren't you cursing my son by saying that? Get out of here! We don't have relatives like you in the Zhang family!"

After saying that, he stood up, grabbed Shen's collar and dragged her out.

Shen's two daughters-in-law held their children, at a loss.

Uncle Xu hurriedly stood up to stop him: "Brother-in-law, brother-in-law, let's talk it out. I'll teach her a lesson when I get back."

Tianshou and Tiancai also secretly hated their mother for not being able to speak.

He immediately went to his aunt Xu for help.

"You deserve it!" Xu just put her hands on her hips and spat.

Zhang Laoer was so angry that he dragged Shen to the gate and threw her out without stopping, no matter who tried to stop him.

The servants looked around at everyone, and Uncle Xu's family was left covered in dirt and felt very embarrassed.

Zhang Laoer snorted coldly at the end, "Before, out of consideration for our kinship, I didn't let you pay back the ten taels of silver your family owes me. Pay it back quickly, or I'll report you to the authorities!"

After saying this, he asked the servant to close the door with a "bang".

Uncle Xu couldn't bear it any longer and hit Shen twice, "You troublemaker, I'll beat you to death!"

Shen was not willing to be outdone. She rushed forward with a cry and grabbed Uncle Xu, leaving his face covered in blood. "You dare to hit me?!"

Adding longevity and wealth is simply unbearable to watch.