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

"Okay, I was right about you," Zhou Ziming nodded with satisfaction.

"Although Prime Minister Lu did not have good intentions in recommending you, dangers and opportunities coexist. If you handle this matter well, your position among the civil officials in the court will be further consolidated, and those officials from aristocratic families will no longer look down on you. Only then can your career be further advanced. You must learn to use the power in your hands."

"I thank you for your grace, my lord!" Zhang Ping'an said respectfully, accepting the task.

"Although this matter is hot, you don't have to be too anxious. There is still half a year until the end of next spring, which should be enough time for you to plan. There will be a royal hunting next month, and important civil and military officials and young talents in the family will participate. You can also take this opportunity to look for suitable candidates," Zhou Ziming suggested.

"I understand!"

"Although I want you to do this, you can't let my Prime Minister get away with it too much. Don't make it public for now, understand?" Zhou Ziming picked up the teacup again, took a sip, and said in a calm voice.

It was obvious that he was resentful of Prime Minister Lu's behavior of speculating on the emperor's intentions.

Zhang Pingan understood immediately and said respectfully, "I understand. It just so happens that I will visit my father-in-law's house after I finish my shift today."

The tug-of-war between his father-in-law, Grand Tutor Qian, and Prime Minister Lu made this matter seem less difficult and more logical.

"Okay, get back to work!"

"I'll take my leave!" Zhang Ping'an bowed respectfully and then left.

Before leaving, Liang Fu indeed packed a portion of autumn tea for Zhang Ping'an in an exquisite gilded wooden box.

His attitude was smiling and very respectful, which was obviously much better than the treatment he received when he first came.

When they returned to the Privy Council, all the colleagues were still taking a nap. Seeing that Zhang Ping'an not only had the emperor's favor and had lunch with him, but was also rewarded with autumn tea, they all came forward to congratulate him and flattered him in a subtle way.

Even Lord Guo raised his eyelids and smiled faintly, "Lord Zhang is so lucky. He has become a favorite of His Majesty right after returning to the capital. Who knows, I may have to rely on you for support in the future!"

Zhang Pingan didn't blindly obey the ambiguous words. He smiled and replied, "I have to thank Lord Guo for recommending me to plan the mission to the Western Regions. This is how I won the emperor's favor."

"Haha!" Although he hit a snag, Lord Guo was not angry. He laughed a few times with ambiguous meanings, then closed his eyes and pretended to sleep.

Seeing this, the others didn't say anything more and returned to their seats.

In the afternoon, Zhang Ping'an met with officials from several of his subordinates. The Privy Council was well-informed, and everyone was smart. With the emperor's support behind them, the officials' reports were quite serious and detailed, and they cooperated very well with Zhang Ping'an's work.

After a day's work, it would be a lie to say I'm not tired.

But after finishing his shift, he couldn't go home directly, he had to visit his father-in-law's house.

First, he needed to get a better understanding of the official situation. Second, he needed to find out Prime Minister Lu's intentions. In officialdom, one must know both oneself and the enemy. Third, if he wanted to get this job, he would need his father-in-law's cooperation.

Master Qian was not surprised by his son-in-law's visit. It should be said that he was waiting for Zhang Ping'an to come.

"It seems that you are quite smart to come and visit me." Master Qian was sitting in a chair, reading a miscellany. "Sit down!"

After the butler came in and served tea, he quietly left, closing the door behind him.

Zhang Ping'an didn't play it safe. After bowing respectfully, he got straight to the point and said, "Nothing can be hidden from my father-in-law, but I do have many questions about what happened in court today."

"You have offended others without even realizing it. Even if you are a second-rank official, you still don't understand many rules of officialdom," said Grand Tutor Qian, shaking his head in a fairly friendly manner.