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

After riding fast all the way, they finally arrived in Yangzhou before the city gate.

This time, Zhang Ping'an did not go to the posthouse, but went directly to General Luo's mansion to visit General Luo.

I didn’t tell you last time you came, so I’d better not say hello again this time.

Moreover, since Zhang Ping'an wanted to establish a good relationship with General Luo, it was natural for him to pay him a visit.

General Luo was a little surprised when he heard the servant come to report that Zhang Ping'an was coming, but he quickly adjusted his expression and ordered the servant to bring the person in.

Zhang Ping'an was warmly received as soon as he entered the flower hall.

After General Luo ordered his servants to serve tea, he casually asked, "How did my nephew find time to come to Yangzhou this time?"

"The spring sowing has just ended, and Prefect Huang is very busy. As the co-prefect of Huai'an Prefecture, I should inspect the counties under it to see how the spring sowing is going. The last stop happens to be Chang County, which is so close to Yangzhou, so I thought of stopping by to visit you, Uncle Luo, and see how my sixth brother-in-law is doing recently," Zhang Ping'an replied with a smile, his words flawless.

General Luo was delighted after hearing this. "It's rare that you still remember me, nephew. Uncle Luo is very pleased! How's the spring planting going?"

"Very good. The county magistrates have all performed their duties conscientiously and haven't delayed the spring planting at all. I've noticed that the people along the way are looking much better, and they're all busy in the fields in an orderly manner. I think if we give the people a few more years to recuperate, we'll be able to return to even half of our former prosperity."

"That's right. Rice is the lifeblood of the people. It seems that in a few years, we won't have to transfer grain from the south anymore," General Luo nodded.

"Yes, as long as we can maintain peace and stability like we do now, the northern granaries will be full in no time," Zhang Pingan replied.

Then he asked about the main purpose of this visit, "I wonder how my sixth brother-in-law is doing now. Can you arrange for us to meet?"

"Well, this is not allowed according to the rules. Everyone in their firearms workshop must eat and live in the firearms workshop and are not allowed to contact outsiders. You know, this is an order from Lord Zhou," General Luo said with embarrassment.

Seeing Zhang Ping'an's bad face and disappointment, he changed the subject and continued, "But my dear nephew, you are not an outsider. Our two families are so close. Even if it means breaking the rules, I have to let you meet. I can't let you make a wasted trip!"

"I know this is embarrassing for Uncle Luo. Thank you, Uncle Luo. I will remember this kindness in my heart," Zhang Ping'an bowed to express his gratitude.

"By the way, you probably haven't eaten yet. Why don't we talk while eating? Don't talk on an empty stomach. I've just told the kitchen to start the fire, so it should be time to serve the meal now," General Luo said.

Everyone then moved to the dining room.

The atmosphere at the table was quite lively.

General Luo mentioned, intentionally or unintentionally, that Zhang Ping'an personally delivered food and fodder to the front line at the beginning of the year.

He probed, "I never knew my nephew was so skilled in both literature and martial arts. He personally accompanied me to the front lines to deliver food and fodder. Putting aside other things, I'm afraid that few people can match his courage!"

"Uncle Luo, you are too kind. I didn't think much at that time. I was only thinking that the food and grass were of vital importance and must be delivered to the front line personally. There are many garrisons in Ze County, and they don't need one more, so I took the risk to go there with them. I'm sorry to have embarrassed you, Uncle Luo." Zhang Ping'an didn't say much, and just smiled and evaded a few words.

He then threw the question back and said, "I didn't expect that Lord Zhou was so strategic that he could actually fight back in one fell swoop, recapture most of the food and grass, and even uncover the traitor. It's really gratifying!

I just don't know why the imperial court took a few days to receive the news? They finally sent the reinforcements, and they must have been heartbroken after hearing the news, right?

"Haha, that's for sure," General Luo laughed dryly and quickly invited everyone to eat.

Zhang Ping'an also stopped talking about this topic.

He knew that General Luo had a hand in this, whether it was betting on both sides or having other ulterior motives.

All in all, this person is quite flexible in thinking. He does not place all his hopes on the court, and he is not a blindly loyal person who only cares about the interests of his country.

This also indirectly represents the Luo family's thoughts.

Although Liu Sanlang didn't fully understand what he was saying, he was still trying hard to digest the information.

He knew that such situations would be inevitable in the future, and he had to learn how to deal with them. He couldn't be sold out and then help others count money.

After dinner, Zhang Pingan and others stayed in Luo Mansion to rest.

General Luo did not break his promise. The next morning, after everyone had breakfast, he arranged for people to meet at a teahouse near the firearms workshop.

Yangzhou City is a bit more lively than when I came here last year, and there are more teahouses.

Despite this, at this critical juncture, people who can open teahouses and restaurants still need a certain background.

For example, Zhang Pingan knew that this place was opened by General Luo in the name of someone else.

Whether or not you make money is secondary. The main thing is that you have one more place to get information, and you can feel more at ease when meeting people.

Not long after Zhang Ping'an and Liu Sanlang sat down, they saw through the window their sixth brother-in-law, Yu Shiqi, walking quickly towards them with his head lowered.

He obviously didn't want to attract attention and walked on the street very low-key.

After going upstairs and entering the private room, he saw Zhang Pingan and the other man, and he could no longer contain his excitement. He choked up and said, "Pingan, brother-in-law, why are you here?"

"We are inspecting the spring sowing situation in the nearby county. Since we are close, we decided to stop by to see how you are doing. Sixth brother-in-law, how are you doing recently? We were very worried when we didn't receive your letter," Zhang Pingan said with concern.

"I'm fine," Yu Shiqi said, feeling a little embarrassed after being excited.

After calming down, he tried to speak calmly, "Oh, by the way, I have good news for you. I've been promoted, and your Sixth Sister and her children might come to Yangzhou soon!"

"Come to Yangzhou?" Zhang Ping'an and Liu Sanlang looked at each other and said in surprise in unison.