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

As the Deputy Privy Councilor who was in charge of preparing this matter, Zhang Ping'an naturally had to see him off in person.

There was no sign of worry on Lin Junhui's face. Instead, he regained some of his usual carefree and unrestrained self.

Green Bean Eyes was even more eager to try.

Fifth brother-in-law Xu Kezhang also had a determined look on his face.

Zhang Pingan: ………

Well, don't be too sad.

After giving some final instructions and encouragement to everyone, when the time came, Lin Junhui waved his hand and led the team off.

Looking at the people going away, Zhang Pingan prayed for them in his heart, hoping that everything would go well!

……

As the days passed, there were no major changes in the court just because a group of people left to go on diplomatic missions to the Western Regions.

This matter was soon overwhelmed by other government affairs, and only Zhang Pingan, who was preparing for this matter, paid the most attention and care.

There were occasional communications in between to ensure the team was still safe.

Half a year later, it was late autumn again, and time for autumn hunting was approaching.

Lin Junhui finally led the delegation through the Hexi Corridor, passed Dunhuang, and arrived near Yumen Pass.

After passing Yumen Pass, you will completely reach the territories of the countries in the Western Regions.

The test officially began.

When Zhang Ping'an reported this situation, Zhou Ziming took it very seriously and encouraged him at the court meeting.

But after the court session, he asked the eunuch Liang Fu to invite the person to the imperial study.

"Please sit down and play a game of chess with me. I've been busy with government affairs recently and haven't touched the chessboard for a long time. I really miss it." Zhou Ziming waved his hand and motioned to sit next to him.

After Liang Fu quietly set up the chessboard and chess pieces, he voluntarily left. Suddenly, there were only two people left in the hall. It was very quiet. The incense burner not far away was smoking, which smelled very good, with the scent of bergamot.

Zhang Ping'an knew that he had something to say, so he cooperated by fiddling with the chess pieces and took it calmly.

He has always been good at chess and his style is relatively steady, while Zhou Ziming's moves are very sharp and pressing.

After a while, most of Zhang Ping'an's black pieces were surrounded by white pieces.

At this point, Zhou Ziming was no longer in a rush to make a move and brought up the matter of the report: "Time flies. Before I knew it, it's already been almost half a year. Lord Lin and his men have finally reached Yumen Pass. We've made some breakthroughs."

Zhang Pingan pondered this and added cautiously, "Yes, it's not easy, but Lord Lin has always been meticulous and methodical in his work. So far, the team hasn't lost many people, and the results are still very good."

"Well, that's right. The talents you recommended are all good," Zhou Ziming nodded.

Then the room became quiet again.

After a while, Zhou Ziming dropped the white piece in his hand and smiled: "Ping An, you lose!"

When there was no one around, Zhou Ziming always called Zhang Ping'an's name. Zhang Ping'an had gotten used to it and no longer felt flattered as he did at the beginning.

"Your Majesty is a master of chess. I am ashamed to say I am not as good as you." Zhang Ping'an also smiled, put down the black pieces in his hand and simply admitted defeat.

After hearing this, Zhou Ziming smiled and shook his head. Without saying anything, he asked Liang Fu to bring in two cups of tea.

After they finished another cup of tea, he casually said, "The position of Privy Councilor has been vacant for a long time. Now all the affairs of the Privy Council need you to take care of them. I'm sure you're very busy right now. However, you're still young, so it's good to gain more experience."

"Thanks to your Majesty's kindness, I have indeed learned a lot in the Privy Council."

"Well, I have always trusted you. I summoned you here today because I have something urgent to deal with."

"I am willing to share your Majesty's worries!" Zhang Ping'an saluted respectfully.

"Remember the Guazhou Iron Cavalry I mentioned to you before? They're a tough nut to crack, and they're also very slippery. Until now, the military power of this army has never been taken back. I know that they nominally obey the Great Zhou, but in reality, they don't! But I will never allow such a family-themed army to exist."

At this point, Zhou Ziming sneered again, "This ungrateful wolf is asking for a lot of military pay, haha!"

There was a chill in his words.

"Your Majesty..." Zhang Ping'an had some guesses in his mind when he heard this.

Zhou Ziming raised his head and said calmly, "I want to take advantage of this diplomatic mission to the Western Regions to take back military power."

"If there's really no way to bring them back to the right path, then let them disappear!"