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

"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back!" Magistrate Huang was very excited to see everyone return safely, and hurriedly ran forward holding the hem of his official robe.

The old bald man was so disgusted by this that he muttered to Zhang Pingan, "Why does this happen every time we meet? Mr. Huang said he was smart, but why doesn't he look smart at all?"

"Stop mumbling, he means well," Zhang Ping'an said, pushing the old bald man's head away.

Seeing that Magistrate Huang was about to come forward and grab their hands again, the two of them quickly dodged.

Finally, seeing that he had nowhere to put his hand, Prefect Huang looked around and then grabbed General Li Yue.

The bald old man couldn't help but burst out laughing.

I guess General Li was not used to it either, and soon he found an excuse to pull his hand out.

Zhang Pingan saw him and wiped his hands behind his back.

When the bald old man saw this, he laughed so hard that his stomach hurt.

Magistrate Huang turned around and asked in confusion, "Master You, is there anything funny?"

"No, no, I have a stomach cramp, don't worry about me," the old bald man waved his hand and replied.

After arriving at the government office, Magistrate Huang did not care that it was late at night and directly asked someone to wake up the people in the kitchen and light a fire to cook for everyone.

Li Yue and Zhang Pingan wanted to refuse: "It's too late today, let's eat tomorrow morning! There's no need to make such a fuss!"

Prefect Huang said with a firm face, "That won't do. How can we let you go to bed hungry? You are all heroes who transported food and fodder, especially General Li, who even escorted our people all the way from Huaiyang Pass. This is a great favor, distinguished guests. Huai'an Prefecture cannot treat guests lightly. All of you, please sit down for a while, rest, and have some tea. It will be fine in a moment!"

It was hard to refuse such a kind invitation, so everyone had no choice but to wait.

After a few pleasantries, Magistrate Huang asked, "What's the current situation at Huaiyang Pass?"

This is what he cares about most now.

The food and fodder collected from Yangzhou and several other counties had been delivered a few days ago, but due to lack of shipping, they were stranded in Huai'an for several days.

The soldiers and porters who were escorting the food all needed to eat, and they didn't bring any extra dry food.

It can only be paid by Huai'an Prefecture first.

The daily food expenditure was staggering, which made Magistrate Huang very distressed.

The most important thing is that he needs to know whether the food he gave is worth it.

Captain Chen worked under Magistrate Huang, so naturally he would listen to Magistrate Huang first.

Hearing this, he put down his teacup and replied, "Your Excellency, the crisis at Huaiyang Pass has been resolved. Lord Zhou led his troops in a counterattack, wiping out the Tatars who had been entrenched in Xi County, and also seized a large amount of food and prisoners."

"Oh?" Magistrate Huang stroked his beard, narrowed his eyes, and praised, "That's great news. Lord Zhou is truly a man of both civil and military talents, a pillar of the nation!"

After a pause, he looked at General Li Yue and asked, "If that's the case, then there's no need to transport the remaining food and fodder. The people in Huai'an Prefecture and the other counties under it are not well-off either!"

Li Yue, already familiar with Prefect Huang's temperament and anticipating this situation, raised his teacup and replied, "Prefect Huang, your sending Captain Chen to deliver the grain and fodder was a timely help. I'll offer you a glass of tea instead of wine, thanking you on behalf of all the soldiers at Huaiyang Pass!"

"That's true. We are colleagues, and I understand the principle of lips and teeth being cold," Magistrate Huang said politely.

"No, no, no, Prefect Huang, your generous donation of grain to help the army out of its difficulties is truly a great kindness. I am not good at speaking and don't know how to thank you. Lord Zhou often mentions this favor, praising your broad mind and decisiveness. I only hope that God will bless good people and bring them long-lasting blessings. If there is any place where I, Li, can be of use in the future, I will do my best to serve you," Li Yue said sincerely.

After hearing this, Magistrate Huang felt relieved, and a hint of smile appeared in his eyes. He waved his hand and said, "Master Zhou, you are too kind. Although I did take a huge risk in doing this, I knew that Master Zhou had a strategic mind and would definitely be able to turn this crisis into safety. I had expected that."

Although Magistrate Huang was very pleased with the compliment, he still did not forget the main point and continued to ask, "What about the remaining food and fodder...?"

"The remaining food and grass will probably have to be escorted to Huaiyang Pass as usual," Li Yue replied.

After saying this, he threw out the argument he had prepared, saying, "Although the Tatars in Xi County have been dealt with, the people of Baichao, a hundred miles away, are also eyeing us covetously. They might invade Huaiyang Pass again at any time. Also, once the news of the annihilation of the Xi County Tatars spreads back, it is inevitable that other Tatar tribes will send people to retaliate and seek revenge. Therefore, Huaiyang Pass may break out again at any time. At that time, food and fodder supplies will be crucial, and the transportation of food and fodder cannot be interrupted!"

This sounded reasonable at first, but Magistrate Huang was no fool. He asked doubtfully, "Isn't the captured food and fodder enough?"

"To be honest, it's enough for now, but it's definitely not enough in the long run," Li Yue replied.

After saying this, he pretended to be nonchalant and said, "I also know that everyone's life is not easy right now. It's much worse than in the south. Before I came here, I was worried that you, the prefect Huang, would not be willing to continue allocating grain. But Lord Zhou told me that although you are a scholar, you have a broad mind and will definitely allocate grain. I wonder if Lord Zhou is right?"

Being outmaneuvered, Magistrate Huang looked a little embarrassed and had to pick up the cup and drink tea to hide his embarrassment.

But I have already made up my mind. I have taken ninety-nine steps, so I don’t mind this last step. I will see the Buddha off to the west!

Zhang Ping'an and Lao Tu watched the interaction without getting involved. They just drank their tea and watched from the sidelines.

Captain Chen was probably the only one in the room who seemed a little confused. Fortunately, although he was a little stupid, he had one advantage: he didn't ask too many questions.

After a while, the kitchen started serving the meal.

Magistrate Huang greeted everyone warmly, "Come, come, come and eat quickly. Eat something warm to make your stomach feel better. Don't complain about the simple food!"

"Prefect Huang, what you said is very distant. We are all family. How can you treat us unfairly? This is already a very delicious meal," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.

"Prefect Huang, if you have the chance to come to Ze County someday, I will treat you to barbecue, it will be so delicious," the old bald man said casually.

"I'll remember this," Magistrate Huang said with a smile.

After making the decision, I seem to be in a good mood.

After the meal, everyone became closer.

Early the next morning, Li Yue led his men to escort the grain and fodder back to Huaiyang Pass.

Zhang Pingan got up early in the morning and accidentally ran into Li Yue and Huang Zhifu standing in a pavilion not far away and talking before setting off.

Judging from their expressions, they seemed to be having a very pleasant conversation.

Magistrate Huang no longer showed any reluctance when he saw the man off.

I don’t know what kind of agreement was reached in secret.

Zhang Ping'an just kept this matter in mind and didn't tell anyone else. After breakfast, he said goodbye and left with Lao Tu.

There are many porters and soldiers accompanying them, so there is no need to worry about safety.