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

"I believe His Majesty has his own considerations. Now that the imperial decree has been issued, I can only do my best!" Zhang Pingan replied.

In fact, he also felt that it was a bit early and now was not the best time.

But since Zhou Ziming said that the situation has changed, he must have his own considerations and arrangements. He can only do his best to be loyal to his emperor.

Master Qian also understood this logic. He frowned, picked up the teacup and drank tea, thinking about something.

Qian Ying continued, "Wei Chengfeng isn't lustful, doesn't drink, doesn't love money, and doesn't seek fame or fortune. He's the only one who's been clinging to the Guazhou cavalry. After His Majesty moved the capital, he wanted to summon him back to the capital and confer the title of Marquis of Anle, taking the opportunity to strip him of his military power, but he found excuses to refuse. He's like a stone in a pit of latrine—stinky, hard, and slippery, making him difficult to defeat!"

"I know about this, but it has to be done even if it's difficult. Everyone has weaknesses, and I will act according to the circumstances. Thank you for your reminder," Zhang Ping'an bowed and expressed his gratitude.

He also knew from his brother-in-law's reminder that if it were really that easy to take down, it probably wouldn't have given His Majesty so much trouble.

But he didn't believe that there was really anyone without weaknesses. That was impossible.

It wasn't for nothing that Grand Tutor Qian had called this son-in-law here today. After Zhang Ping'an finished speaking, he looked up and said, "The military officer accompanying you this time is Zhao Renzhi. You two seemed to have a very close relationship before. If this really succeeds, I'm afraid he will be the one to take over the Guazhou Iron Cavalry. As far as I know, he's quite capable. Not only is he a Jinshi among military officers, a rare Jinshi, but he also understands the ways of the world. The fact that he can get along well in officialdom despite the taint of being a son-in-law is a testament to this. However, he's not one of our own after all. I plan to send Qian Jie to go with you to Guazhou and let him assist you. What do you think?"

Zhang Ping'an didn't agree immediately after hearing this, he just felt that it was as he expected.

He guessed that his father-in-law would send someone to accompany him, but he didn't expect that it would be his second uncle Qian Jie. After all, Qian Jie was doing well in Beijing now, and it seemed too hard for him to go to the northwest to eat sand with him.

Qian Jie had been silent just now. Seeing that Zhang Pingan didn't answer, he half-jokingly said, "What? Do you think my kung fu is not good enough and you are afraid that I will hold you back?"

"What are you saying, second uncle? That's too harsh. I was just thinking about how to report this matter to the emperor. After all, the list has been finalized. There must be a reason to add people temporarily," Zhang Pingan said with a smile, neither humble nor arrogant.

He guessed that it was true that the Qian family was helping him, but it was also true that they had their eyes on the fat piece of meat that was the Northwest Army.

It doesn't necessarily have to be the Qian family members themselves who take the job, but they can take the opportunity to arrange for their own people to go in, and also improve Qian Jie's resume, gain some credit, and get promotion.

In short, given my father-in-law's personality, he will not do business that will lose money.

Upon hearing this, Grand Tutor Qian narrowed his eyes and spoke in a colder voice, "You are the Deputy Privy Councilor and the person leading this matter. Although Qian Jie's official position is not very high, he is both civil and military, and his abilities are obvious to all. If you raise the issue and ask him to assist you, I believe the Emperor will not reject it."

"Well, my father-in-law is right. I will report to Your Majesty tomorrow, but the final decision will be made by Your Majesty," Zhang Pingan said with a smile after pondering for a moment.

Think about it, this matter will benefit him rather than harm him, and it will not cause any loss to the court, so it is not a bad idea to help.

After all, there will be many places in the court where my father-in-law will be needed in the future.

After this matter was finalized, the atmosphere in the study suddenly became much more relaxed. Master Qian gave some more instructions on details before a few people came out.

Xiao Yu'er had been waiting impatiently for a long time. When he saw someone enter the flower hall, he immediately ran over and complained with a pout, "Dad, why did you talk for so long? I've finished my homework and I'm starving!"

As he said this, he touched his belly in a serious manner.

Qian Jie stepped forward and picked up the child, saying lovingly, "Xiao Yu'er, why don't you ask the servants to serve you some sweet soup and snacks first? Your uncle will be so distressed if you starve!"

"Hehe, I'm going to wait for grandpa, dad, uncle and second uncle together!" Xiao Yuer giggled and was very happy.

"Okay, come down, let's go home for dinner." Zhang Ping'an looked at his energetic and sensible son, and the reluctance to leave him immediately came out.

"Okay!" Xiao Yuer immediately slid down from his second uncle's arms and ran towards his biological father.

Qian Jie smiled and persuaded him, "Why don't you just have dinner here? The kitchen has prepared dishes that Xiaoyuer likes."

Zhang Pingan politely declined, "No, Xiaoyuer's grandparents are waiting for him every day, and they're not far away. Let's go home and eat so that they don't worry."

"Okay then, be careful on the road," Qian Jie did not force him to stay. There were only a few days left before departure, and he could understand that he could stay with his family for a while longer.

Xiao Yuer happily waved to his two uncles and grandfather, then skipped away holding his father's hand.

He didn't know that Zhang Ping'an was going on a long trip, otherwise there would probably be a big fuss.

Although the child is usually lively and cheerful, and a little domineering, after Zhang Pingan came back and spent some time with him, he found that the child was actually still very insecure, so he always longed for attention.

The child has finally gotten better in the past year or so. If he leaves again, I'm afraid the child will be sad for a long time.

Sure enough, after the news was announced at the dinner table in the evening, the whole family lost interest in eating.

Xu was surprised at first, then angry, and finally she pulled out her handkerchief and twisted her body, crying uncontrollably, her shoulders twitching.

She no longer cared about the image of an old lady. She sobbed and said, "When you were just born, I always hoped that you would be successful and live a good life. Don't be like me and your father, digging in the soil for food and working hard. Now you have achieved success and the whole family has a good life, but I rarely see you and can't talk to you much. Moreover, although I don't understand the affairs of the officialdom, I can see that you are very tired and not as happy as your cousin Dazhu. If I had known this, we would have found a job in Lin'an and lived a simple life. It would be better than now."

These were what Xu really thought. She had never thought much of it before, thinking her son was promising and successful. But ever since he became a high-ranking official and her son went to the north, the two of them started living apart, and with her daughter-in-law also not around, she felt her life had become dull and lonely.

It is far less joyful than when I was in the village and my son passed the imperial examination.

She had finally waited for her son to come back, and her grandson had a father by his side, but it hadn't been long before he left again, and to such a faraway place in the Western Regions. Xu really couldn't accept it.

I even feel some regret.

As expected, one should not be too greedy. She would rather live a hard life now, just hoping that the person can be by her side.