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

The entire Huaiyang Pass was swept away by the solemnity and solemnity of the previous few days.

The fire room has already started preparing for the celebration banquet in the evening.

Zhang Ping'an, Lao Tu and Captain Chen walked slowly back to their residence.

Captain Chen had many feelings after spending a few days at Huaiyang Pass.

He said with his hands behind his back, "After attending the celebration banquet, we should go back tomorrow. To be honest, I've heard of Lord Zhou's reputation before, but at first I thought it was just an outsider who didn't know the inside story and was exaggerating. But after meeting him this time, I realize he's truly extraordinary. I'm afraid that from now on, we'll have to rely on Lord Zhou to recover the northern hinterland!"

The old bald man's eyes flashed with pride when he heard this. He puffed out his chest and laughed loudly, "Are you convinced this time?!"

"I'm convinced!" Captain Chen nodded.

Zhang Ping'an just smiled and said nothing, and was glad about his decision this time.

A few of them walked and talked as they returned to their residence.

It's night time soon.

There was a bright bonfire in the military camp, and the fire illuminated the gradually darkening night sky.

After an afternoon of rest, the soldiers were all in high spirits.

I can't wait for the celebration party.

Everyone cleaned up early and came here, it was even more lively than the Chinese New Year.

Since there is enough food and supplies now, the cook is not stingy, and the dinner is the most sumptuous meal in recent days.

Not only are there generous portions of steamed buns to eat, but the aroma of the stewed meat wafts from far away, mixed with the smell of alcohol, making one drool.

The soldiers' stomachs, which had not eaten hot food for three days, suddenly began to rumble.

Most people brought a straw mat and sat on the ground, took off their armor and drank to celebrate their hard-earned victory.

There was a lot of drinking and noise!

"Drink, everyone, give me a big bowl of wine!" A deputy general called out to everyone loudly.

The sound was so loud that it made the eardrums vibrate.

Although his arm was still wrapped in blood-stained cotton cloth, it did not prevent him from moving among the crowd with the wine jar in his arms.

He drank and laughed, "Today the coach has given us a special permission. This is a rare opportunity. Everyone, please don't leave until you are drunk!"

Zhang Pingan and his companions were arranged to sit at the front of the banquet table, which was considered a great honor.

Lao Tu responded most actively. He was already familiar with many of the people and they quickly became friends.

He ate while shouting, "Damn it, stewed meat is so delicious, I can never get tired of it. Eating meat with big mouthfuls and drinking wine with big bowls, this is what a happy life is. When I get rich in the future, I will eat meat for every meal!"

The other soldiers agreed with this and responded one after another.

Zhang Pingan and Captain Chen drank peacefully together.

About half an hour later, when everyone was present, Zhou Ziming wore light armor and attended the celebration banquet.

There is no sign of any injuries on his body anymore. He is full of energy and his eyes are as bright as lightning!

The soldiers on both sides of the long table saw the commander approaching and stood up in awe. They greeted him with a military salute and shouted, "Greetings, commander!"

"Please stand up, soldiers!" Zhou Ziming stood at the top and turned around to reply.

He did not rush to sit down immediately, but raised his glass, faced north, and paid tribute to the fallen soldiers.

The voice was as cold as iron in the night sky. "This first cup of wine is to the 4,632 soldiers who died in this battle."

The whole place fell silent in an instant. Only the crackling of the burning fire could be heard in the air, and a solemn atmosphere permeated the camp.

Suddenly the laughter and joy just now disappeared.

Zhang Ping'an seemed to see a hint of sadness and desolation in Zhou Ziming's eyes, but also with determination, which was very complicated.

After the words fell, the soldiers below also raised their glasses and said in unison: "Cheers to the dead soldiers!"

After saying this, he poured the wine on the ground but did not drink it.

After the memorial ceremony is completed, rewards will be given according to merit.

The soldier next to Zhou Ziming stepped forward and read out the list of soldiers who had made meritorious contributions in this war and their rewards. The rewards were very substantial, including gold, silver, cloth and food.

At this time, everyone in the military camp was still shrouded in grief and anger.

Although we are used to seeing death, most people still find it difficult to face it calmly when it is someone close to them who passes away.

The old bald man lifted the front of his clothes, revealing various scars of various sizes, and pointed them out to Zhang Pingan: "Since I joined the army, I have suffered many injuries. Look here, this knife wound closest to my heart, it almost took my life. If it weren't for a fellow villager who risked his life to save me, I would be dead long ago. On the battlefield, it is truly a life-or-death struggle. That's why they say a good man doesn't join the army. Now you know why I really want my grandson to take the imperial examination in the future!"

"It's hard for men to be soldiers!" the bald old man concluded with a choked voice.

Captain Chen also came from a military background and felt deeply touched.

The two of them hugged each other and cried bitterly.

Zhang Ping'an said nothing, patted the two of them on the shoulders, giving silent comfort.

It was not until three o'clock in the morning that the atmosphere gradually became lively again.

There were also camp prostitutes who came forward and danced in the bonfire.

Although his dance was very ordinary, it still attracted the attention of many soldiers.

Zhou Ziming has never been interested in these things, and his expression remained unchanged.

After a while, he let these people go to the ordinary soldiers below.

The atmosphere was extremely warm.

People kept clapping and cheering.

Fortunately, the military has strict discipline and no one dares to take direct action.

Only then did Zhang Ping'an realize that there were camp prostitutes in the Huaiyang Pass army. This was the first time he had seen one after being there for a few days.

Although they had almost finished eating, Zhang Ping'an didn't want to leave as the atmosphere was very lively.

I could only chat with Lao Tu and Captain Chen and a few others in a casual manner.

The celebration banquet lasted until dawn.

Zhang Ping'an was so sleepy.

Just as he was about to get up and go back to rest, the deputy general beside Zhou Ziming came over and whispered, "Master Zhang, our commander invites you to join him. We'll give you a ride, please!"

After saying that, he bowed and made a gesture of invitation.

Zhang Ping'an's eyes suddenly became clearer.

After greeting Lao Tu, Captain Chen and others, he stood up and waited at the exit.

Then he followed Zhou Ziming into the carriage.

Zhou Ziming also hadn't slept all night, and although there was a hint of sleepiness between his brows, his eyes were still sharp.

His fingers tapped rhythmically on his knees.

After a long while, he said, "Ping An, don't be nervous or suspicious. There's nothing special about me looking for you. I just want to give you a ride and chat with you. Sometimes, being alone can be very lonely!"

The words ended with a deep sigh.

It is no longer as cold as before, and has more true feelings of its own.

Zhang Ping'an was speechless for a moment, even a little frightened. If before, he still thought that his fellow villager was just resourceful and strategic, then after this war, he now had even more fear on top of these impressions.

It feels like living with a tiger.

Although Lord Zhou had never harmed him, it was always a bad feeling to have everything seen through and to be manipulated by others.

After thinking for a moment, Zhang Pingan replied, "As the ancients said, it's cold at the top. I'm afraid that's exactly what you're feeling right now."

"Maybe!" Zhou Ziming replied ambiguously.

After a moment's silence, he casually continued, "What about you? What are your plans for the future? Are you going to continue wasting your time in this humble position as a co-governor?"

Zhang Pingan was stunned for a moment after hearing this, then shook his head and smiled, saying seriously: "Your Excellency really thinks too highly of me. I am not even twenty years old yet, not even at the age of twenty, and to be able to hold the position of Fifth Rank Co-governor is already the dream of many scholars. No matter what happens in the future, I must work diligently and selflessly for the public good. I dare not ask for too much!"

For an ordinary scholar, his life has been too smooth.

Enough to make most people envious!

"Why do you think so little of yourself?" Zhou Ziming frowned slightly.

"In ancient times, Gan Luo was appointed as Shangqing at the age of twelve and sent as an envoy to the State of Zhao. Later, Huo Gong was granted the title of Langjuxu and Marquis of Guanjun at the age of seventeen. They are all human beings, so what's the difference? You, you still lack a bit of wolf nature, and you have implemented the doctrine of the mean to the fullest!" Zhou Ziming said while shaking his head slightly, his tone somewhat helpless.

But I have to say that Zhou Ziming is very good at judging people and his evaluations are very sharp.

Zhang Pingan himself could not deny this.

He only replied modestly, "They are indeed gifted individuals. Moreover, one thing that cannot be overlooked is that both Gan Luo and Huo Gong have family backgrounds in learning. Coupled with the influence of the situation at the time, they were able to stand out. I can't say I am as good as them and dare not compare myself to them."

There was another point he tactfully did not mention. Although both men achieved success at a young age, neither of them lived long. One disappeared mysteriously, and the other died of illness in his prime. It was a sad thing to hear whenever it was mentioned!

People often only see the most brilliant side of two people, but ignore the ending.

After hearing this, Zhou Ziming continued to shake his head in an ambiguous manner and did not continue the topic.

He leaned slightly sideways, supported his head with his hands, and began to rest with his eyes.

Zhang Pingan felt that he had ruined the conversation. He felt awkward for a moment and stopped talking.

The next period of time seemed to become unbearable.

After about two quarters of an hour, the carriage finally reached the center of the city and passed by Zhang Ping'an's residence.

The driver let out a "whoosh" and stopped the carriage steadily.

Zhang Ping'an then bowed quietly and said goodbye, preparing to get off the car.

Zhou Ziming finally opened his eyelids and said calmly, "Thanks to you for reminding me just now, I remembered that this year is your coming of age. I think it was July, right?"

"That's right," Zhang Ping'an nodded, wondering what this meant.

"Old people say that children born in July and August are blessed, have plenty of food to eat, and are easy to raise. It seems there is some truth to this. The coming-of-age ceremony is a big event for scholars. I will definitely send someone to give you a generous gift when the time comes," Zhou Ziming continued.

Without waiting for Zhang Ping'an to reply, he waved his hand to indicate that it was time to get off the car: "Get off and have a good rest!"

The tone seemed extremely tired.

"Thank you for your concern!" Zhang Ping'an had to say politely.

Then got off the car.

After watching the carriage go away, Zhang Ping'an turned around and went into the house.

He was very clear in his mind that he and Lord Zhou might be allies walking the same path in the future, but it would be impossible for them to become close friends.

Alas, life is always unpredictable!

……

When I woke up from a nap, it was already noon.

Outside the window, the sun was hiding in the clouds and it was a cloudy day.

Zhang Ping'an went to the next few rooms to take a look and found that Lao Tu, Captain He and others were snoring loudly, with a very fragrant smell and suspicious traces of water at the corners of their mouths.

So I didn't bother him, went downstairs and ate lunch leisurely.

When he had almost finished eating, the few of them went downstairs yawning.

The old bald man picked his eye boogers, sat down and asked, "What's in the kitchen?"

"Salted pork porridge and whole grain pancakes, the food is not bad," Zhang Pingan replied.

"Oh, it seems that the granary is really full, not bad," said the bald old man with a smile.

After saying that, he raised his hand and asked people to serve the food.

As they ate, Zhang Pingan discussed the matter, saying, "Now that the war is over and the boats are no longer needed, it's time for us to return. I think we should leave this afternoon. What do you think?"

"No problem, that's what I meant. Let's go today. I'm a little worried about leaving Huai'an for too long. I have a family at home!" Captain Chen nodded.

Although Lao Tu was a little reluctant, he missed the people in Ze County more and nodded in agreement: "Okay, let's go back today. I'll go say hello to my brothers later!"

After the few of them had discussed it, they finished their meal and cleaned up, then went together to visit Zhou Ziming and say goodbye to him.

Zhou Ziming was looking at houses in the study and was not surprised by the departure of several people.

He only said in a deep voice: "At present, the bandit problem near Huaiyang Pass is still serious. I will let Li Yue bring people to escort you back to Huai'an!"

Zhang Pingan and the others were naturally overjoyed when they heard this, and immediately bowed their hands in thanks: "Thank you, sir!"

This is the best.

It also saves a few people from asking for help.

Captain Chen asked, "Sir Zhou, I'm still confused about one thing. Now that the crisis at Huaiyang Pass has been resolved and we have ample food and fodder, should the remaining food and fodder from the cities below be returned? The cities below Huai'an don't have a lot of food either."

Zhou Ziming did not answer immediately after hearing this, but just unfolded the map on the desk for everyone to see.

Captain Chen frowned in confusion, looked carefully for a long time, and said nothing.

Zhang Ping'an speculated, "Your Excellency means that there will be more fighting soon, so we need to continue to transport food and fodder?"

"That's right," Zhou Ziming said in a deep voice, "You've also seen how many rebels and Tatars are entrenched outside Huaiyang Pass. The Tatars we killed and captured this time are just the tip of the iceberg compared to the entire northern land. It's far from enough. I originally wanted to wait for a few years to recuperate before doing anything else, but now it seems that's not going to work. We have to drive them far away and beat them hard until they're scared!"

"The hundreds of thousands of troops stationed at Huaiyang Pass and Zhengyang Pass may not be enough. We have to report this to the court for a decision," Captain Chen said hesitantly.

"That's natural," Zhou Ziming nodded.

No matter what, Zhou Ziming is the commander-in-chief of the North. Since he has made a decision, Zhang Pingan and others should obey it.

In the evening, several people took the accompanying soldiers and sailed back to Huai'an.

With Li Yue and his men accompanying them for protection along the way, and since they had just experienced a great battle outside Huaiyang Pass, the return journey was smooth and peaceful.

Because they were traveling against the wind, they were delayed two days longer than when they came. They arrived on the evening of the sixth day.

Magistrate Huang had been looking forward to everyone's return for a long time.

The ship was four or five days later than expected and had not returned yet. He was worried that something had happened to everyone and was very worried.