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

"Of course, everyone, please come this way!" Shanzhang Lin turned sideways and made a gesture of invitation.

Leading the way, he said, "Master Yang was buried on the hillside behind the academy. At the time, the new dynasty had just been established and the academy had no students yet. It was in a state of disrepair. Master Yang had nothing and no relatives left. So, after discussing it with the few of us who were still alive in the academy, we decided to bury him there. It would at least be quiet and peaceful."

It took them more than two quarters of an hour to arrive after following Mr. Lin.

There were more than twenty graves of different sizes standing on the hillside behind the academy. The tombstones were new and old, but the graves were all kept clean and there were not many weeds.

"Many people died in those years, not just Master Yang, but also some other people in the academy. Those who didn't have ancestral tombs, so I decided to bury them all here, so they can keep each other company. Some of them were originally wooden tablets, but when the academy had students and everyone became more well-off, they pooled money and found a stonemason to replace them with stone tablets. Usually, this is a forbidden area of ​​the academy and no one comes to disturb it." Principal Lin explained.

He walked a few steps forward before stopping and pointing to a grave, saying, "This is Master Yang's grave."

The tombstone showed some signs of wind and rain, but the words on it were still clearly visible, which was Master Yang's name.

Liu Sanlang stared at the tombstone for a long time without moving, his mind filled with thoughts and emotions.

After a while, Zhang Pingan personally arranged the offerings one by one, then patted his brother-in-law's arm and said in a deep voice: "The dead are gone, the living are like this, let's worship Master Yang together!"

Jinbao silently took the paper money, incense and candles from the side.

Although Luo Fugui did not know Master Yang, since he was a member of the academy, he should also join in the worship.

Several people solemnly paid tribute to Master Yang and stayed for a while.

Then he slowly walked down the hill and back.

The sky was still clear at this time, but a light drizzle began to fall.

The air was unbearably hot and stuffy.

"It's sunny and then rainy, it will stop soon," said Lin Shanchang, looking at the sky.

After arriving at the academy, Zhang Ping'an wanted to say goodbye and leave, but Principal Lin tried his best to persuade everyone to stay for a cup of tea and some snacks before leaving.

Considering the friendship he had shown to Master Yang and other people in the academy.

Zhang Pingan thought about it, and although he knew the other party's intention, he did not refuse in the end.

Sure enough, after chatting for a while, Principal Lin talked about the academy's current predicament. "Master Zhang, Master Liu, Master Tan, I'm truly ashamed. Scholars are supposed to be proud and untainted by worldly things, but the current situation of the academy is really..."

At this point, Principal Lin was in a state of embarrassment. He paused before continuing, "It's truly difficult! Due to the small number of students, the academy has been barely able to stay open. The only profit we make goes towards renovating the academy. Sigh!"

Having said that, I have basically made the meaning of asking for help very clear.

If it was too blunt, Shanzhang Lin would be too embarrassed to speak.

"President Lin, I understand what you mean. I am aware of the difficulties the academy is facing. No matter how high my official position is, I will always be a student trained by Qingsong Academy. I will never forget this kindness," Zhang Pingan raised his hand and said in a deep voice, indicating that he understood.

"How about this? When I return, I'll write a letter to the prefect, asking him to allocate some money and books for the imperial examinations. Promoting education and cultivating talent is the foundation of a country, and it's the duty of an official! In addition, I'll personally donate another thousand taels to the academy as a small contribution, to be used for future talented students to take the imperial examinations."

"Thank you, sir!" After hearing this, Lin Shanzhang was very excited, but he managed to keep calm and bowed to express his gratitude.

Things went much more smoothly than he had imagined.

Money is hard to earn these days, and with this money the academy's food can be much better, and we can also add more calligraphy and painting classes for the students.

Especially the books allocated from the capital are even more valuable and cannot be bought even if you have money.

"Principal, although I am still a commoner now, I am also a graduate of the academy. So, I will donate one hundred taels." Jin Bao was a man of temperament. After hearing this, he was also moved and followed.

Although he had no official title, he had been writing storybooks and his writing fees were considerable, so the one hundred taels was not a big deal.

"I will donate two hundred taels," Liu Sanlang said in a muffled voice. After that, he took out his purse from his arms, took out all the silver bills inside and handed them to Lin Shanzhang.

He did not use any illegal means to make money, and basically relied entirely on salary and rewards for military achievements.

Therefore, these two hundred taels were almost the maximum amount that Liu Sanlang could take out without affecting his family's life.

"Okay, okay, thank you all very much!" Lin Shanchang said with a smile and bowed.

He then secretly turned his expectant gaze towards Tan Yaoqi.

Seeing this situation, Tan Yaoqi could not remain indifferent, as he was not short of money.

But he had to consider that Liu Sanlang had a higher official position than him and had only donated two hundred taels, so he definitely could not surpass him.

Moreover, if you donate too much, you will attract attention and be easily targeted by your colleagues.

After pondering for a moment, he said, "Director Lin, I will also do my best to donate one hundred and fifty taels, hoping to help the academy!"

In this way, it is almost 1,500 taels, and together with the silver allocated by the government, it is already a considerable sum.

Director Lin was very satisfied and thanked everyone again.

"This amount of money is not small, but the number of students in the academy will only increase in the future, and how to use it is also a problem. Since it is used to help students study and take exams, I think we should just use this money as student aid," Zhang Pingan put down his teacup and continued.

He donated the money because he really wanted it to be used for useful purposes, not just to fatten his own pocket, so he had to say what needed to be said.

He stopped there, and Shanzhang Lin understood what was happening. After a moment's thought, he said, "Don't worry, sir. This money will be used under the supervision of all the teachers in the academy. All expenditure details will be announced regularly, ensuring that every penny of this money is put to good use!"

"That's as it should be. This is the best. Mr. Lin has thought it through." Tan Yaoqi also understood and smiled.

Before leaving, Luo Fugui made an appointment with several people to meet again after returning home.

After waving goodbye to everyone in the academy, Zhang Pingan took his people back to the inn.

By this time the rain had stopped and the sun was setting.

As soon as they dismounted, they saw a large number of gentry from all walks of life waiting in the courtyard of the post house, who came to visit them with gifts.

Seeing Zhang Ping'an and Liu Sanlang coming back, the gentry all bowed to them.

After finally getting rid of everyone with a few words, he entered the inner courtyard and heard only a burst of suppressed wailing.

Zhang Pingan looked carefully and saw a white-haired old woman lying at Zhang's feet crying uncontrollably.

Through the other person's tearful face, Zhang Ping'an vaguely saw that the other person looked somewhat like his grandmother Zhang.

Could it be that some girl came looking for me?