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

Zhang Pingan got up early the next morning. If he guessed correctly, today should be the last day for everyone in Class A to go to school.

Everyone in the family was aware of this. Xu even rushed to make a new set of clothes for Zhang Ping'an over the past two days so that he could look decent on his last day of school.

Looking at the sky-blue clothes with fine stitching, Zhang Pingan was moved and said, "Mom, I have enough clothes to wear. There is no need to make new clothes."

Xu didn't listen and urged: "Hurry up and put it on and try it out."

After Zhang Ping'an changed and came out, Xu's eyes lit up when she saw him. The little boy, only 11 years old, had fair skin, lively facial features, and eyebrows of appropriate shades. He was like a well-cared-for little poplar. With his sky-blue clothes, he had an indescribable scholarly temperament. She couldn't help but sigh, "Clothes made of good fabrics are just different. My son is so handsome. I can't believe he came out of my belly"!

Zhang Pingan felt embarrassed by the praise and touched the back of his head: "Mom, it's not as good as you say."

"Don't touch me, you've messed up my hair. Let's go now. Today is probably your last day at school," Mrs. Xu slapped her son's hand away.

"Well, then I'm leaving."

"Ok!"

After going out, Zhang Laoer was already waiting by the mule cart, packing the things he brought. The older he got, the less he slept. Now Zhang Laoer often got up at dawn.

Jinbao and his father haven't arrived yet.

Zhang Pingan couldn't help but say, "Dad, I'm fine now. Jinbao and the others should be there soon. How about I go and call them?"

"No need, it's still early. Jinbao's father is a sensible man and he won't be late," Zhang Laoer waved his hand.

Speak of the devil, and here he comes. As soon as he finished speaking, Jinbao's father came driving a mule cart. Jinbao sat in the cart and kept waving: "Ping An, we are here!"

After the two families met, they went to the school together. Zhang Ping'an and Jinbao were slowly reciting their lessons in the car, which made their two fathers very pleased. Jinbao's father also loaded a lot of things in the car, including wine, meat, cloth and snacks, all of which were practical.

Jinbao's father also sighed: "Second brother, time flies. The children have grown up in the blink of an eye. Back then, our Jinbao was still a greedy little kid. Now, only five or six years have passed, and he is about to graduate from school. He can recite books, write, and use an abacus. Master Luo is indeed a good and dedicated teacher."

Zhang Laoer nodded and agreed very much: "Yes, thanks to Mr. Luo, my family can go out safely now. Everyone will say that he taught well. Once a teacher, always a father. This old saying is right."

"Yes, that's right. I heard from my Jinbao that your Ping'an is going to the county town to continue his studies, right?" Jinbao's father asked tentatively.

Zhang Laoer didn't hide it: "Yes, I'm going to the county to take the exam. I'll go to the best academy when I get in. Where's your Jinbao?"

Jinbao's father was a little hesitant: "To be honest with you, second brother, I'm really not sure. Originally, I just wanted Jinbao to go to school for a few years and learn a few words, so that he wouldn't play around in the village. But now, seeing that your Ping'an and the other boys in their school are getting more and more promising. As a father, I don't want my Jinbao to fall behind. Anyway, his mother and I can still work for a few more years, so I thought about letting him go to the county to take the exam for the academy. If he can pass, it would be the best. Then he can continue his studies. If he fails, he can come back to take over the family tea stall. What do you think, second brother?"

Zhang Laoer couldn't help make a decision on this matter, so he just said, "We all hope that our child will become more and more successful. Just discuss this matter with your sister-in-law. I think Jinbao is a good child. He will have enough to eat."

Jinbao's father nodded and said, "Yes, my Jinbao is kind-hearted. When your Ping'an goes to the county town, call me and we will go together."

"Okay!" Zhang Laoer responded. It would be good to have someone to keep him company.

Jinbao was reciting his lessons and making faces in the car. He knew that his father would definitely agree to let him continue studying so that he could be with Ping'an again, hehe!

When we arrived at the school, several families who lived nearby had already arrived. Today was a special day, so everyone came early.

Master Luo had been waiting in the study for a long time. Seeing that everyone had arrived, he didn't waste any more time and explained the current situation. "This is roughly the situation now. I've been in poor health recently. I originally wanted to hold on until the farm holiday, but now I can't teach anymore. They have studied with me for several years and have learned almost everything they need to learn. Instead of this, it would be better for them to go home early to study on their own and prepare for the county academy exam, or find a job as soon as possible and plan for the future. You can also tell me what plans your families have, and see if there is anything I can help with."

After saying this, Mr. Luo coughed twice, picked up the teacup and drank tea.

Parting is always sad.

The remaining parents and students looked at each other in confusion. Liu Shengyuan's father stepped forward and said, "Master Luo, thank you for your guidance over the past few years. My son Ayuan is planning to continue his studies in the county town."

Zhang Laoer and Jin Bao's father also stepped forward and said, "Master Luo, thank you for your teaching. We are also planning to continue our studies in the county town."

The fathers of Luo Fuan and Luo Fugui also expressed their intention to continue going to school.

Only Liu Shuisheng's father finally said: "My son Shuisheng will find a job after finishing his studies and will not continue his studies. Thank you for your guidance over the years."

Zhang Pingan and the others looked at Liu Shuisheng, but the elders were talking, so they could only wait and ask again.

Mr. Luo nodded and said slowly: "Since most of you have decided to continue studying, then I will tell you about the situation of the academies in the county. Our county is relatively wealthy and there are many scholars. There are four good academies in the county, namely Bailu Academy, Qingsong Academy, Jingui Academy, and Wenzhu Academy. Among them, Bailu Academy is the best, but the tuition is also the most expensive, and it is also the most difficult to pass. There are two kinds of students, one is from a better family background and is directly admitted through donations, and the other is admitted through examinations."

Having said this, Mr. Luo slowed down and took a sip of tea.

Jinbao's father was more concerned about the issue of tuition fees, and couldn't help but ask: "Master Luo, may I ask how much the tuition fees are each year?"

"It's 15 taels per year, not including board and lodging. However, if you're admitted based on your own merit, you can get in for free. Those with excellent grades can even have their tuition reduced. So it's hard to say. We'll have to wait and see the children's exam results." Master Luo replied after finishing his tea.

"Oh, this is really expensive," Jinbao's father was shocked.

The remaining parents couldn't help but frown. According to this statement, they couldn't afford to attend the Bailu Academy.

Although everyone lives a wealthy life in the countryside, it is not enough compared to the Bailu Academy.