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

Juyongguan is located in the northwest of the capital city. It is one of the famous passes along the Great Wall. It is located at the intersection of the Taihang Mountains and the Yanshan Mountains. It is also an important military barrier for defending the capital city throughout the dynasties. It is known as "the most powerful pass in the world".

Together with Zijing Pass and Daoma Pass, they are collectively known as the "Inner Three Passes".

It has a history of more than a thousand years.

It has been continuously reinforced and improved throughout the dynasties, and now has formed a complete in-depth defense system including pass cities, Weng cities, enemy towers, beacon towers, and forts.

It is a complete military fortress, and all the shops inside the pass serve the soldiers stationed here.

It was already late when Zhang Ping'an and his men arrived at Juyongguan. They were allowed to enter the city only after obtaining the token and the imperial edict for border inspection.

Even so, we still had to go through strict identity checks when entering the city.

Because the country was founded not too long ago, the soldiers in the military fortress still seem to have a sense of solemnity and sharpness.

At first glance, it is obvious that this is a powerful army, tempered by countless blood on the battlefield.

The first time he saw it, Zhang Pingan was reminded of his time as an official in the north before unification.

Those days were truly difficult, and these soldiers were amazing.

The general defending the city was named Cui. It was said that he was a general who rose from the bottom through military exploits. He had no faction, no family behind him, and he rarely interacted with other colleagues.

After receiving the news, he rushed over quickly. He was very respectful to Zhang Pingan and his group, but not flattering, and behaved neither servilely nor arrogantly.

After welcoming everyone and arranging food and accommodation according to regulations, he said goodbye and left without even having a meal with them.

Zhang Ping'an didn't care about these empty formalities and didn't take them to heart. Instead, he had some appreciation for General Cui.

His eyes are sharp and deep, and you can tell at a glance that he is not the kind of person who lives in a muddle-headed way.

Qian Jie squinted his eyes and looked at the person walking away. He didn't say anything, just smiled meaningfully, then picked up his chopsticks to eat.

On the other side, Zhao Renzhi didn't show off. He picked up the chopsticks and started eating. After traveling all day, he was really hungry. The dry food tasted bland, so hot rice and hot dishes were more comfortable.

After he was half full, he slowed down his chopsticks and put on a smile again, pointing out what Qian Jie hadn't said just now. "Although Juyongguan is remote and can't compare to the prosperity of the capital, I think General Cui knows how to enjoy himself. There's even a faint scent of powder on his body. I'm afraid he just came out of the gentle land of women. We have interrupted his good pleasure, hahaha!"

Qian Jie picked up his glass and clinked it with Zhao Renzhi's, then said with a teasing smile, "That's normal. Women, fine wine, and delicious food are what these rough guys love most. What's wrong with enjoying the wealth and glory they've worked so hard for and risked their lives for? Since Your Majesty has allowed him to guard such an important position as Juyongguan, it shows that he is very capable and loyal. Let's not make a fuss about it!"

"I know that. Come on, have a drink," Zhao Renzhi said.

Zhang Ping'an clinked glasses with the two men and drank a glass, but didn't drink too much. He wouldn't get drunk when he was out.

As for General Cui's daily life and behavior, he did not comment.

After dinner, the three of them took a walk on the street. There were no pedestrians on the street at this time, only teams of soldiers patrolling back and forth.

This was a rare opportunity, so Zhang Pingan invited him, "Why don't we go take a stroll up the city wall? Juyongguan is a dangerous pass sandwiched between two mountains. The city wall rises directly from the valley and is famous for its steepness. The steps in many places are very high and steep. This is the result of the hard work and crystallization of successive dynasties. It would be a pity not to see it with your own eyes!"

"Of course I'll go," Zhao Renzhi high-fived, then smiled. "But I've actually been here before. The first time was with my father. I was very young then, so I don't remember it very clearly. The second time was when I fought with Sanlang, cooperating with other armies to besiege Juyong Pass. I've been to the city wall, and it really does give you a sense of lofty ambition, like 'standing on the summit, overlooking all the other mountains.' At the time, I thought His Majesty might assign me to guard Juyong Pass, but later they transferred an unknown Cui Ling from Shanxi, which made me quite disappointed."

"Oh? So you have such a connection with this place. Then it seems we don't need to find a guide. You can just lead the way," Zhang Pingan said with a smile.

He knew that what Zhao Renzhi said was half true and half false. General Cui, the commander defending Juyongguan, had the same rank as his previous commander, and both had their pros and cons.

He holds real power in Juyongguan and is undoubtedly the most trusted confidant among His Majesty's confidants.

Being in the imperial city means being closer to the center of power, being able to be promoted faster, and having more opportunities to show up in front of His Majesty.

If he were really asked to make a choice, he would probably still be hesitant.

Zhao Renzhi agreed without hesitation, "Okay, I'll lead the way!"

It's curfew now, so it's very safe in the city. I have an entourage following me, so there's no need to worry about safety.

Zhang Ping'an and Qian Jie followed Zhao Renzhi to the highest tower. After showing their tokens to verify their identities, the soldiers guarding the city quickly let them pass.

Under the moonlight, the three of them looked into the distance, and the night wind made their robes rustle.

Zhang Ping'an was shocked at first sight. It was worthy of being the most magnificent pass in the world. When overlooking the entire ditch and the winding city wall, a sense of heroism that one man could hold the pass against ten thousand men would arise spontaneously.

It was not as wide and flat as Zhang Ping'an's previous life when he saw the Great Wall during the school's autumn outing.

Instead, there is a sense of tension and the weight of history, as if one can hear through the sound of the wind the sound of drums and horns from the battlefield that once took place here.

Even a young man like Qian Jie, who came from an official family, had to admit that in a place like this, thinking about gold, silver and various calculations would seem vulgar.

Only a true iron-blooded man is worthy of standing here.

"It's worthy of being Juyongguan. This is what the book says: reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles. I wonder what kind of powerful army the Guazhou Iron Cavalry is that can make foreigners so wary and afraid. I'm looking forward to it," Zhang Pingan stretched out his hand to grab a handful of wind, and then slowly let go.

"It won't be long before we can see each other. I'm looking forward to it too," Zhao Renzhi smiled with his hands behind his back, a fierce determination to win in his eyes.

After a while, a soldier came up and handed the three men cloaks. He said, "My general said it's late at night and the dew is heavy outside. I hope you all take care of yourselves and return to the posthouse to rest early. He will see you off tomorrow morning."

"Haha, your general has quite a sharp eye and ear. We'll go back now." Zhao Renzhi was a little unhappy after hearing this, and he said with a smile, neither softly nor harshly.

Zhang Pingan said in a deep voice, "Let's go back. General Cui means well."

After going down the city wall, they ate their fill, brought their horses over, and then the three of them rode back to the inn.

After hearing his subordinates' report in the brothel, Cui Ling smiled without comment and drank a glass of wine.

Then he asked his confidant to send a letter to the palace by carrier pigeon.