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

The most excited one was Xiaoyuer, who immediately put his cousin Maodaner on the list of people he admired most.

"Dad, quickly carry me over there, I want to talk to my cousin Maodan," Xiaoyuer struggled while sitting on Zhang Pingan, pointing to the distance.

Zhang Pingan got a headache when he saw the noisy and crowded scene in the distance. He patted his son's little butt and said, "There are too many people over there. I'll take you to see your cousin Maodaner after they've packed up. Don't join in the fun now. Just watch from here. Remember what Dad told you?"

"No running around, no eating anything you want, no fighting, be careful with what you say and do," Xiao Yuer counted on his fingers.

"I'm glad you know!" Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

"Oh!" Xiao Yuer sighed when he heard the words, and leaned in Zhang Pingan's arms without moving.

He just made a mistake today, so I shouldn’t ask too much of him. I wish he could grow up sooner!

It took a long time before the excitement gradually faded away.

After the leading general went to the imperial tent to report, although Zhou Ziming did not come out to see, he still rewarded Li Yue and Mao Daner greatly, giving each of them a gold cake and a silver belt, which can be said to be very substantial.

It's more of an honor.

Looking at his nephew who was so happy that his teeth were showing, Zhang Pingan was also very happy for him. Talents emerge in every generation. Inheritance represents hope and is also one of the meanings of the continuation of human life!

As a father, Liu Sanlang was also quite proud of this. In fact, a lot of words of praise flashed through his mind, but he was afraid that his son would become proud and complacent. In the end, he just patted his son on the shoulder and said with a smile: "Well done, you are worthy of being a descendant of our Liu family. You must continue to work hard and make progress in the future. Don't be arrogant or lazy!"

"Maodan, congratulations, big brother is proud of you. When we return to the capital, I will treat you to Lao Bai's mutton soup." Donkey Egg was much more straightforward and said with a smile.

He looked at the reward in his hand again and again, and sighed: "You have really grown up, you are better than me!"

When saying this, there was genuine envy in Donkey's eyes, but not jealousy. The relationship between the two brothers has always been so good.

"If you like it, I'll give it to you," Maodan replied with a smile, his face showing the youthful vigor and complacency.

Finally, perhaps out of consideration for his eldest brother, Donkey Egg'er, he waved his hand again and feigned calmness, saying, "It's just a good opportunity. The autumn hunt is still more than ten days away. Big brother, you should be more diligent and watch your surroundings. Act quickly, and there will definitely be a chance to show yourself. Then the two of us brothers can show our skills together and strive to get more rewards."

"Cousin Donkey Egg, Cousin Cat Egg, can you take me with you? I also want to join you in making great achievements." Xiao Yuer's eyes were full of stars when he heard this.

"You? Forget about it, you're just a little kid, it's not time for you to show off yet!" Maodaner attacked his little cousin without any hesitation.

He also pinched Xiaoyuer's face.

It feels pretty good. Maodan pinched it, and then couldn't help but touch it like a pervert.

Xiao Yuer hummed loudly in protest, and silently crossed Maodan off the list of people he admired most.

Liu Sanlang couldn't stand it either, so he slapped his son's hand away and warned him, "Don't mess with him, Xiaoyu'er is still young!"

"That's right!" With someone's support, Xiao Yuer raised his head even higher.

"Okay, go and have a rest. It's a good thing that you two brothers have always had such a good relationship. However, the things rewarded by the emperor cannot be given away at will. The Ministry of Internal Affairs must register them," Zhang Pingan reminded.

"Ah? Is that so? I forgot about that." Maodan scratched his head. He was a carefree person. Then he put his hands on his hips and said, "It's okay. Let's keep it as a family heirloom!"

Compared to the lively atmosphere on Maodan's side, apart from his colleagues' congratulations, only his uncle and cousin came over to congratulate him twice and then left.

A bit deserted.

Zhang Pingan thought for a moment and said with a hint of meaning, "Donkey Egg, Cat Egg, you two are about the same age as Li Yue, and you are both outstanding in martial arts. Maybe you can be friends."

Donkey Egg'er wasn't as skilled as his younger brother, but he was smarter in socializing. Upon hearing this, he immediately pulled Cat Egg'er over and said, "My uncle is right, Cat Egg'er. Let's go over and say hello to Brother Li and make an appointment to have a drink together tonight to celebrate."

"Ah? Oh, Chengcheng, I want to compete with him again to see who is the best archer!" Maodan rubbed his hands with high morale.

The three of them were all good-natured and soon they were chatting animatedly.

Xiao Yuer struggled to get down and shouted, "I want to go over there too!"

"Go!" Zhang Ping'an patted his son's butt and didn't restrain him.

Liu Sanlang was no fool. He glanced at his brother-in-law and had some ideas in mind. He asked, "Li Yue looks quite good, but I wonder if he's married?"

"As far as I know, there isn't any," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile, and then walked casually towards the grass next to him.

The two chatted while walking.

Liu Sanlang hesitated and asked, "Then, in your opinion, is it appropriate to marry Zhu Zhu to him?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Sanlang immediately denied it, sighed, and said, "I heard that the Li family's ancestors were extraordinary. In the previous dynasty, they produced two cabinet ministers, three generals who protected the country, and many officials of the third rank and above. They were very glorious. Although they have declined a lot now, the foundations of the two families are still very different. I'm afraid they don't look down on us!"

Moreover, Liu Sanlang had also heard that generally these declining nobles were the ones who cared the most about face and were most particular about matching one's social status.

Even though he is now a fourth-rank military officer and has the face of his brother-in-law, he is probably just a nouveau riche in their eyes.

"Brother-in-law, are you planning to choose a husband for Zhuzhu?" Zhang Ping'an raised his eyebrows.

Then he gave a fair evaluation: "According to the current family background, she is a good match, and more than enough. Li Yue is different from Li Chong. He is a branch of the Li family's branch, and his status in the family is not high. But as you, brother-in-law, are worried about, the Li family has a deep foundation and there are many rules in such a family. I wonder if Zhuzhu can handle it. Li Yue is indeed good. You can pay attention to him first and it’s okay to keep him as a backup"!

"Okay," Liu Sanlang nodded, a little embarrassed, "You don't know, your eldest sister nags at home every day. She's not worried about her two sons, but she's worried about Zhuzhu marrying poorly. The world is still too harsh on girls. We haven't been in the capital long, and we don't have many choices. We're so worried!"

"Zhuzhu has a clean family background and is well-educated and well-mannered. Are you worried that you won't be able to find a good family? Just don't worry, big sister," Zhang Pingan shook his head and smiled.

"I hope she has a good fate! Raising a child for a hundred years means worrying about him for ninety-nine!" Liu Sanlang also smiled helplessly.