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

Ezhou Prefecture is located in the central part of China. Although it does not snow as heavily as in the north in winter, and it is so cold that water turns into ice, it still snows. At its deepest, the snow can reach up to a person's calf.

On the second day of the holiday, Zhang Laoer went to the town to discuss the planting of medicinal herbs with Dr. Dou, to see how the discussion went with Dr. Dou, so that he could buy seeds before the New Year.

This time Zhang Ping'an also went with them, one reason being to see the specific situation, and the other being because he was afraid of having to sign a contract. As the only two literate people in the family, Zhang Laoer also agreed to go along, just to let the child see the world.

When they arrived at Tongxin Hall, Doctor Dou was treating a patient. After seeing Zhang Laoer and his son, he called the medicine boy and took them to the small hall in the backyard.

The medicine boy was very nice and served them tea and snacks.

Zhang Laoer waited for about two quarters of an hour before Doctor Dou finally came in, lifting the curtain. "I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. The patient was in a critical condition, so we were delayed a little longer."

"It's okay. Of course, it's more important for you to see a doctor. It's okay for us to wait," Zhang Laoer replied with a silly smile, rubbing his hands. He could understand this.

Doctor Dou didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point. "Okay, it's getting cold now, and it's getting dark soon. Let me explain the situation directly so I don't delay you from getting home later. My senior brother and I have planned to plant Bupleurum and Astragalus on half of our one-acre field. These two herbs are used in many prescriptions, but the amount harvested in the wild is small, making them the most suitable for planting. We'll plant Pinellia, Fritillaria, and Honeysuckle on the other half. There are also many wild chrysanthemums, so we won't plant them for now. We can harvest more from the wild later."

Zhang Laoer nodded and said, "Okay, we'll listen to you. You definitely know more than us."

Zhang Laoer had actually heard from Mr. Luo before that these medicinal herbs were suitable for local cultivation and were more valuable than wild chrysanthemums, so he had no objection.

"Well, actually we really hope that you can really grow it well, so that our clinic can save some costs and patients can get medicine cheaper. However, there is one most crucial point that I haven't told you yet. If you grow it well, you can only supply it to our two clinics in the future, and you are not allowed to sell it to other clinics. I hereby give you this document as evidence." Doctor Dou stroked his beard and said, then picked up the teacup and drank tea. He said no more and let Zhang Laoer think about it himself.

"This..." Zhang Laoer was a little hesitant.

Isn’t this an exclusive monopoly?

Zhang Pingan listened, thought for a moment, and said crisply, "Doctor Dou, since you said you can only supply to your two families, what if my father works so hard and you don't want the crops he grows? Seeds, fertilizers, and harvesting all cost money."

"The reputations of our two clinics are here. Don't you believe it?" Doctor Dou didn't think there was anything wrong.

"Uncle, although I'm still very young, my teacher told me when I was in school that some things can't be proven by words, especially when it comes to money. Since we need a written agreement, can we also clearly stipulate the consequences if the clinic refuses to accept the money? And also the lowest price, which will also make my father feel more at ease. It won't be a big loss for you either." Zhang Ping'an continued to pretend to be ignorant.

It was most appropriate for him to ask this question. Children's words are innocent and adults will not take them to heart. If his own father asked this question, Doctor Dou might get angry and feel that he was not trusted.

We are currently at a disadvantage in business, so we need to be more tactful in our words.

Doctor Dou's expression relaxed after hearing this.

After taking a look, Zhang Pingan continued, "I can see that you are a very reasonable person, and your medical skills are good. Otherwise, there wouldn't be so many patients coming to you in just over half a year. Farming in our countryside is really hard work. Plowing and irrigating are not easy jobs. It's no exaggeration to say that we work hard. My father also sincerely wants to do this to bring in more money for the family. After all, you will have to collect it in the end. With this guarantee, my father will feel more at ease. Do you think it's okay?"

Doctor Dou thought for a moment and said, "Okay, then add this in. However, the quality requirements for the medicinal materials must also be included. If you agree, I'll write the document now."

Zhang Laoer was relieved after hearing this result. As long as they could guarantee the purchase price, it would be fine no matter who they sold it to.

Next to the small hall is a small study with writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone. Doctor Dou wrote the document, and Zhang Laoer checked it and confirmed that there was no problem. Then both parties signed and sealed it.

Zhang Laoer felt relieved only after this matter was settled. After leaving the clinic, he said excitedly: "Son, I can't believe it, it's done? Let's not go back for lunch today. Dad will take you to eat mutton soup, okay."

Seeing his father so excited that he was almost dancing, Zhang Ping'an felt a little sorry for him. In fact, Zhang Laoer is only in his early thirties now. In his previous life, many people were still single, and one person's food could feed the whole family.

But he had to support a family at an early age, with elderly parents and young children to take care of, and he had to work hard every day to make a living.

"Well, Dad, I don't like mutton soup, let's just eat meat buns. We can eat other delicious food when we make money in the future." Zhang Pingan said with a grin.

"Okay! Listen to your son!" Zhang Laoer was in a very good mood now, and anything was fine.

The father and son bought two meat buns, ate one each, and then went home.

Xu was also worried at home, not knowing whether it would succeed in the end, and she was absent-minded while working.

After the father and son came in, I saw their smiling faces and finally felt relieved. I asked, "Dad, is it done?"

"It's done!" Zhang Laoer said with a smile.

Xu was more cautious. After looking around the yard, she pulled the father and son into the west wing to talk.

"Why are you being so mysterious?" Zhang Laoer was puzzled.

"You are so stupid. What if the first and third wives hear about it? You haven't even started yet. If they ruin your plan, you won't even have a place to cry," Xu said in a low voice.

After saying this, he warned his son, "Ping An, you can't tell anyone about this. This is a way to make money, and it's very important to our family. If you tell anyone, we'll be broke, and you won't be able to go to school."

Zhang Pingan nodded: "Mom, I'm not stupid, of course I won't tell you. If we can really do this for a long time in the future, and our family can't afford it, we can consider asking Uncle and Third Uncle to join us."

Mrs. Xu tapped her son's forehead and said, "You say you're not stupid, but of course this has to be done by our family."

Zhang Pingan: Okay! That doesn't make any sense at all. Let's wait until we can expand our business!

There is no need to argue anymore.

During dinner, Xu reminded Erya and Sanya several times not to tell anyone. Erya and Sanya nodded in agreement. The younger Siya, Wuya and Liuya had no idea what had happened, so Xu ignored them.

"Sanniang, I think it will be a sunny day tomorrow. The New Year is coming soon, and it might snow someday. I plan to go to the county to buy seeds tomorrow so that I can plant them in the spring." Zhang Laoer said while eating.

"You are not familiar with the county. Can you go back and forth in one day tomorrow?" Xu was a little worried.

"I should be able to make it in time if I leave early in the morning. I will go to the town to find my son-in-law first, and then look for Master Luo in the county. It's always better to have an acquaintance lead the way. No problem."

"Dad, I want to go too," Zhang Pingan said quickly, "I can also help you learn to read and ask for directions for you."

"Why are you so clingy? You have to follow dad wherever he goes," Zhang Laoer joked, but he felt very happy in his heart.

"Well, I want to go!"