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

"Do you know what this behavior of yours is called?"

Looking at Xiao Yu'er's blinking eyes, Zhang Ping'an continued, "You're called a parasite. A capable man should go out on his own. Whether you study, become an official, or do business in the future, as long as you can support yourself, I admire you and will fully support you."

Xiao Yu'er didn't quite understand what he was saying, so he said in a crisp voice, "Of course I want to be an official. Only by being an official can you have a bright future. Everyone says so."

"Haha, you're quite ambitious," Zhang Pingan praised. "You've been studying for over a year now. I'll test your grades in a couple of days. You shouldn't be afraid, right?"

"Of course I'm not afraid. I'm very good at my studies and the teacher always praises me." Xiao Yuer puffed out his chest and replied in a resounding voice.

"Really? Then I'll wait and see!"

While the two were talking, the carriage arrived at the alley where Zhang Lao Da and Zhang Lao San lived.

To be honest, the current residences of these two families are not bad in Lin'an, and the location is also pretty good.

Although the alley is indeed a bit narrow, there are several osmanthus trees and willow trees planted next to the entrance. Some children with pigtails are playing in the trees, and the chattering sounds particularly lively, which makes up for this shortcoming.

After eating and knocking on the door, footsteps were soon heard in the yard.

It was the eldest aunt Li who came to open the door, her voice loud and clear: "Oh, Ping An, I knew it was you. After you sent someone to deliver the letter yesterday, I have been waiting for you at home since early this morning. Your grandparents are waiting too. They are in the main room. Come in quickly!"

After saying that, he lowered his head and saw Xiao Yuer coming too.

Mrs. Li quickly bent down and said flatteringly, "Little Yu'er is so beautiful. I haven't seen him for a few days, and he's become even more lively. His skin is as white as milk skin, just like the golden boy sitting under Guanyin. Come, come, the eldest lady has prepared your favorite ice cream and honeydew melon today. Come in quickly."

Judging from the expression and tone, it can be seen that he often tries to please this naughty boy.

Xiao Yuer was much more restrained in front of his father. Although he had only spent less than a day with his father, he was smart and had already discovered that his father was not someone to be trifled with, and he disliked his father's mischievous behavior even more.

So, she smiled sweetly and politely, and thanked Li: "Thank you, Grandma. I love ice cream the most."

Zhang Pingan was at a loss whether to laugh or cry. This kid was really eccentric.

After entering the main hall, Zhang Pingan first bowed deeply to Zhang and Old Man Zhang, then said loudly: "Grandson Zhang Pingan has returned home and wishes grandparents good health and happiness!"

When Xiao Yuer saw this, he also knelt down and was quickly helped up by Li. This golden nugget must not be lost.

Zhang also hurriedly ordered several servants and her daughters-in-law and granddaughters-in-law: "Hurry up and pat the child's legs, don't let him catch a cold!"

Then he personally stood up and helped Zhang Pingan up, saying kindly: "We are all family, why are you going through all this formality? Hurry up, sit down, and let's chat."

Old man Zhang just wiped his tears and kept saying, "My grandson has made it big! My grandson has made it big! He's become a second-rank official!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhang Laosan and his family came over.

There are quite a lot of people in the family, young and old.

Zhang didn't pay much attention to them.

In the past few years, she has become more and more dissatisfied with the third wife. She is only good at talking but has no practical experience. She has raised this son in vain.

Ma and Zhang Laosan have lived a life of luxury in recent years. When they have nothing to do, they play mahjong and take their grandson out for a walk.

He thinks that he is now from a noble family, and he is always particular about things, with his eyes almost reaching the sky.

Li didn't want to bother with her either.

The two sisters-in-law usually have little to talk about and don't interact much.

But when Zhang Ping'an came back, the situation was different.

No matter how arrogant they are, they know that their current good life is all thanks to Zhang Ping'an, so they must build a good relationship with him. Who knows, they might even be able to go to the capital with him later!

Xiao Yu'er also doesn't like his third uncle's family, especially his third grandmother, who always has a bloody mouth as if she wants to eat children.

He doesn't like to get close to them.

Zhang asked about Zhang Ping'an's situation in the north in recent years, how he was doing, how the crops grown by the people were doing, how many people died in the war, etc.

Although trivial, it does not make people feel annoying.

The grandparents and grandchildren asked and answered questions and had a good chat.

When I learned that Zhang Ping'an had met the village chief Zhang Daqiang's family, and Master Luo Xiao's family.

Zhang sighed: "The Luo family is a family of scholars, how could they have suffered this? It was they who helped us grow medicinal herbs in the past. Now they are in trouble, we should help them if we can. You did the right thing!"

"Yes, the Luo family is easy to deal with, but Uncle Daqiang's family may have a hard time if they return to their hometown in the future," Zhang Pingan continued.

"He is the village chief. He ran away quietly in advance, so it is inevitable that people will gossip about him. But as long as you are thick-skinned, it won't be a big deal. We are from the same clan, so what can they do to him? But he will definitely not be able to be the village chief anymore!" Zhang saw through it.

Li came over to refill the tea and after hearing this, she said, "It's a good thing we followed Ping An to the south, otherwise we would have suffered too!"

Ma, who was sitting on the other side, felt annoyed. Seeing that the others were chatting animatedly, she sat there for a while, then nudged Zhang Laosan with her elbow and signaled him to speak with her eyes.

Zhang Laosan had no choice but to clear his throat and forcefully interrupt the conversation, saying with a dry laugh, "Ping'an, you've become successful now, able to manage so many people. How long do you plan to stay this time? When will you return to the capital?"

After hearing this, Li rolled her eyes and said nothing.

Zhang Pingan smiled and said, "It depends on the situation. It's hard to say right now. When I return to the capital, I will stop by Wushan County to pay homage to my ancestors. I haven't been back for many years. Now that the world is peaceful, I have to go back and repair the ancestral hall or something."

"That makes sense, that makes sense, it's a good thing to return home in glory," Zhang Laoer said with a smile.

"Since we are returning to our hometown to worship our ancestors, we must go back with them. Otherwise, wouldn't it be unfilial?"

Zhang knew what they were planning and went along with it, saying, "Yes, your father and I have long wanted to return to our roots. This time we're going back to pay our respects to our ancestors, and it's a good opportunity for us to come along. If you want to go back, you can come with us. When the time comes, you can support your father and me in our hometown. When we're a hundred years old, you can give us a grand funeral. It will be a rewarding life!"

"Salary...salary? In my hometown?" Zhang Laosan stuttered.

After hearing this, Ma twisted her handkerchief tightly, obviously unwilling.

"Why, you don't want to?" Zhang asked lightly.

Seeing that the hat of being unfilial is about to be put on you, who can bear it?

Zhang Laosan quickly laughed dryly and said, "It's my duty to support you and Dad. I'll discuss this matter with my eldest brother. Let's discuss it again."

Li was secretly happy listening to this, but she didn't show it on her face.

It’s time for the old lady to treat it!

He seems to be getting more and more crazy day by day. If you don’t know him, you would think that Lin’an City is run by his family.

She just couldn't stand the third wife's behavior.

After Zhang Laosan finished speaking, he went to tease Xiaoyuer and change the subject.

Unfortunately, Xiao Yuer didn't give him face and slipped into his father's arms and hid far away.

He doesn't want them to touch him!

More people means more trouble, which is also within Zhang Ping'an's expectations.

"By the way, why don't you see my cousin's wife?"

Zhang Pingan always felt that someone was missing. When he thought about it carefully, it was his eldest cousin's wife who was missing. Several of his cousins ​​had to go to the government office for duty today, and the boys had to go to private school. Logically, the female family members should all be at home.

Li replied casually, "A wealthy family hired her to help deliver a baby. She's been staying there for the past few days and hasn't come back yet!"

Zhang Ping'an thought that his eldest cousin's wife had no status at home, so she went out to work.

So he advised, "Your family should be well off now. Midwifery is exhausting work, as it requires running around. You might as well change your profession, or perhaps just do some laundry at home. I heard from my parents in their letters that you've opened a small shop. If things don't work out, you could always go back and help out in your own shop!"

Li knew it was a misunderstanding as soon as she heard it. She waved her hands and smiled, "You don't know, your eldest cousin's wife is a good midwife. She is quite famous outside. Many wives of wealthy families appoint her to deliver babies and pay her well. It's not that I force her to go out and make money!"

She wanted to go out and work to save some money. I thought we all came from the countryside and we couldn't sit idle if we had money, so I let her go. If you don't believe me, you can ask your grandmother; she can testify."

Zhang smiled after hearing this and nodded, saying, "It's not shameful to make a living by your own cooking skills. Yingniang is not the type to sit idle. Just go, it's nothing!"

Only then did Zhang Ping'an realize it was a misunderstanding.

It seems that the eldest wife's family relationships have been quite harmonious in recent years.

After having breakfast at Zhang Lao's house, Zhang Pingan prepared to take his children and say goodbye. "We're in a hurry today. I have to take Xiaoyuer to Zhoushan. I guess I need to rest for a night. We can get together again after we get back from Zhoushan."

Zhang waved her hand and said softly, "It's time to go. Go ahead and take good care of the child."

"Well, grandma, don't worry. I've brought the servants with me. Everything will be fine," said Zhang Ping'an.

When Li heard that Zhang Ping'an was leaving, she hurried to the kitchen to pack some ready-made food and put it in a food box, which was much more exquisite than before.

"They were all made this morning, so they're fresh. They're a good snack for you on your way."

"Thank you, Auntie!"

"Thank you, grandma!" Xiao Yuer followed suit.

"Oh, good boy!" Mrs. Li touched the child's head lovingly.

Then the father and son went out to the dock to take a boat to Zhoushan.

Xiao Yuer had ridden on his uncles’ pleasure boats before, but this time he was going to look for his mother, which had a different meaning. He was very excited along the way and found everything interesting.

It was not until after noon and the sun was setting that the boat docked.

"Are we there yet?" Xiao Yuer asked, looking up.

"We're here. This is Zhoushan!" Zhang Pingan replied with mixed feelings.

I feel like I can't breathe.