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

After Zhang Ping'an finished writing the letter, he instructed the people at the post station to send it out as soon as possible.

Whether it is true or not, we just have to wait for the reply from Fu County.

Out of caution, Zhang Ping'an did not immediately send a letter to his hometown to tell them about this matter, so as to avoid everyone being overjoyed and bringing up sad memories, which would only add to the sadness.

Especially since my second sister’s parents-in-law are already old, I am afraid that the two elderly people cannot bear the emotional ups and downs.

With excitement and anxiety, Zhang Pingan did not receive a reply from Lin Junhui until mid-June.

There was another letter inside the large envelope.

Zhang Ping'an looked at the signatures. One was written by Lin Junhui and the other was written by Liu Shuisheng. He suddenly felt about 70% sure.

He quickly unfolded Lin Junhui's reply to read and understand the situation first.

The letter stated that this person was indeed Liu Shuisheng, absolutely genuine!

This time the letter described the situation in more detail.

Only then did Zhang Ping'an realize that Shuisheng was now the son-in-law of the Wu family's eldest wife, and that he had three children in Jiaozhou, two sons and one daughter, of whom the youngest son and daughter were twins.

Now he mainly helps the eldest branch of the Wu family to manage maritime trade, involving important areas such as salt, iron, and medicinal materials.

Although the status of a son-in-law is very low and most outsiders look down on him, he is still a person with some real power in the Wu family.

Lin Junhui and Liu Shuisheng talked about their relationship with Zhang Pingan and the current situation of the Zhang family.

Liu Shuisheng was also shocked after hearing this.

After all, how could such a coincidence happen in such a vast sea of ​​people?!

He didn't even dare to hope that he would see his family again in this life.

I just hope that everyone can live in peace and happiness on this land.

The Wu family is now mainly working for the rebel Bai Chao, and is also somewhat involved with foreign tribes.

They are one of the few merchant families in the North who can still live well in this chaotic world.

After Lin Junhui's lobbying, Liu Shuisheng's attitude has now softened somewhat, and he agreed to consider abandoning the dark and joining the light and submitting to the court.

So Lin Junhui told Zhang Pingan not to worry, he would make arrangements for Liu Shuisheng.

After the incident has died down, if Liu Shuisheng is willing to come to Ze County to join Zhang Pingan, he can also arrange for someone to escort him.

Zhang Pingan felt much more relaxed after reading it, and even had tears in his eyes unconsciously.

After reading it, he opened the letter written by Shuisheng again. The handwriting was still the same as he remembered, but the strokes were heavier!

There were only a few sentences in the letter, mainly asking Zhang Pingan not to worry about him and asking him not to tell his family about his situation for the time being.

Zhang Ping'an knew at a glance that Shuisheng still didn't trust Lin Junhui!

In any case, at least we now know Shuisheng's whereabouts.

After a while, Zhang Pingan sorted out his thoughts and wrote back to each of them.

It is not difficult to save Shuisheng, but the difficult part is that he is married now, has a wife and children, and his wife and children have a large group of people on their side.

The two sides have different interests, which is definitely embarrassing.

Now they are no longer the same as they used to be, and have more concerns and considerations, so he can understand.

I just hope his letter can help Shuisheng to the greatest extent.

Before waiting for another reply from Fu County, Ze County slowly ushered in the harvest season.

First of all, there is Annam rice. The golden ears of wheat in the fields sparkle like gold in the sun.

Radiating the joy of harvest!

The military and civilians in Ze County worked together to complete the harvest in less than five days, collecting nearly 300,000 kilograms of grain.

All that remains is threshing and drying. The threshed rice straw must also be carefully bundled and stacked into bundles to form straw stacks.

These are important food for cattle and horses.

With so much grain, drying it is more troublesome than harvesting it.

If the current situation was not stable and the people in the cavalry battalion were free to help roll the rice in the field with a millstone, just drying it would be a big problem.

After harvesting Annam rice, the next crops to come are various beans, which are also high-yield crops.

In order to reward everyone, Zhang Ping'an killed five pigs that he had raised for several months.

With oil and water, both radish and cabbage taste delicious.

Everyone is more motivated!

The old bald man touched his belly and looked at the mountain of grain in the warehouse. He smiled and said with emotion: "As long as there is food at home, there is no need to worry. Farming is still the best!"

"That's nothing. After the sweet potatoes are harvested next month, I'm afraid the granary won't be able to hold more!" Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.

"Hehe, we never have too much food," Ruan San interrupted, touching his head.

The autumn harvest lasted for more than ten days.

After the grain is stored in the warehouse, it is time for the people to distribute the grain, which they are most looking forward to.

Zhang Ping'an and Lao Tu had discussed this matter. First, they divided people into four grades: A, B, C, and D. Those who were graded A would have a little extra food, those who were graded B would have just enough to get by, and those who were graded C would have to eat carefully, as they might go hungry if they were not careful. Those who were graded D were the worst, and the food they were given was barely enough to feed themselves even if they cooked porridge mixed with wild vegetables every day.

Secondly, those who perform outstandingly will be rewarded with extra food and meat, and the government will not interfere with how the people use the food.

In the past, people ate from a big pot. After the food was distributed, each family had to cook for themselves.

It was impossible to have an iron pot, so every household could go to the government office to get a clay pot.

Stack two earthen bricks on both sides and you have a simple stove.

In addition to pottery jars, salt and oil are also indispensable, and the government office supplies them per person on a monthly basis.

It is not yet time for free trade.

Based on the current development trend, Zhang Pingan estimates that the market will be able to open in three years at most.

At this moment, the court suddenly issued new appointments to everyone in the north.

Zhang Pingan carefully looked at the documents in his hand and found that most of the people in his group who came to the north had been promoted.

He was promoted twice and became a fifth-rank prefect.

Governs eight cities near Ze County.

But the strange thing is that he doesn't need to go to Huai'an to take up his post, he can just stay in Ze County for the time being.

It's not just him, it's the same for others. They have been promoted but don't have to move for the time being.

I don't know what song it is.

Lao Tu was promoted to the sixth rank military commander.

Liu Sanlang, Ruan San and others were also promoted from the ninth rank to the eighth rank.

Apart from some changes in salary, there are not many other changes.

Zhang Pingan focused on those who were closer to him, such as Lin Junhui, who was still at the same level.

It is said that since he went to Fu County, most of the pirates in the coastal areas have been wiped out and the country has become much more peaceful.

A lot of stolen goods were also seized and reported to the court.

If rewards were given based on merit, he would definitely not be only a seventh rank.

Zhang Ping'an couldn't help but think of what the old bald man had said before.

Close or distant relationships are far more useful than abilities and are crucial for promotion in officialdom.

If you have both connections and abilities, that would be even better, and you will most likely rise to the top.

I don’t know how Shuisheng’s matter is being handled now. It’s really worrying that I didn’t receive a response to the letter I sent!