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

In a blink of an eye, it was the fifth day of June. Zhang Pingan, Jinbao, Luo Fuan, Luo Fugui, and Liu Shengyuan agreed to go to the county town together today. Since Luojia Village was the closest to the county town, they agreed to meet at the entrance of Luojia Village.

Everyone would stay together in the county town for four or five days. The earliest exam was scheduled for Bailu Academy, on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month. Next in line were Qingsong Academy, Wenzhu Academy, and Jingui Academy. All of these dates were close together, making it easy to arrange the exam even for students from the lower towns.

Jinbao's father drove the mule cart to meet Zhang's door. He was very nervous along the way. On the contrary, Jinbao, who was about to take the exam, seemed very excited because he could finally go to the county town.

Zhang Laoer and Zhang Pingan always get up early and were already waiting. After the two families met up, they rushed to Luojia Village.

Probably because it was the first time to take the exam, everyone was very excited. When they arrived at Luojia Village, the others were already waiting. Liu Shengyuan's father was the calmest among the elders. He still looked so gentle and elegant, with a temperament that showed no change even if the sky was falling.

They chatted and laughed along the way, making it quite lively. At noon, they finally entered the county town. When entering the city, each person had to pay a two-cent entrance fee. Zhang Pingan remembered that when he came here a few years ago, the entrance fee was only one cent.

When they arrived at the county town, they didn't have time to eat, but went to various academies to register for the exam. Although none of them could afford the tuition fees of Bailu Academy, if they could get good grades, the tuition fees could be reduced. In any case, they had to give it a try, as having more options meant more escape routes.

Bailu Academy is worthy of being the first of the four academies. It was built at the foot of Mulan Mountain on the edge of the county town, covering a very large area. It exudes wealth and power everywhere. There were people from the academy at the foot of the mountain to provide registration and guidance. After registration, it took everyone two quarters of an hour to walk to the main entrance of the academy. On the way, they passed a large training ground where students were practicing horseback riding and archery. Although the horses were old and the arrows were not so good, several old fathers were amazed and said that they had broadened their horizons.

The people passing by were all students wearing blue school uniforms, their faces brimming with confidence and pride, their spirits high, truly making sure there were no unlearned people around.

Zhang Pingan and his friends were very envious. Such an academy is the dream place for every student.

The teacher who received the applicants for the exam was quite gentle, but after taking a look at the clothes of several people, a hint of contempt flashed in his eyes.

Next, they went to Qingsong Academy and Wenzhu Academy. These two academies weren't as grand as Bailu Academy, but they had a more ancient, scholarly atmosphere. Although they were small, they were immaculately maintained and well-organized. The teacher who greeted them was also very humble, which made Zhang Laoer and the others feel closer and more confident in asking questions.

"Master, may I ask what we boys need to bring when we take the exam? Is there anything we need to pay attention to? This is our first time to take the exam in the county, and we don't have much experience. I hope you can give us some advice." Jin Bao's father asked first.

The teacher who received us was named Yu. Upon hearing this, he replied in a gentle voice: "Just bring your identity and household registration information. The academy will prepare the writing brushes, ink, paper and inkstone needed for the exam. The results will be out after noon the next day, so it won't take up much of your time. Don't worry."

Everyone felt much more at ease after hearing this. No wonder Master Luo recommended applying to these two academies. The learning atmosphere was indeed strong and the environment was very good.

The last place we went to was Jingui Academy. This academy was relatively remote and covered a fairly large area, but the furnishings inside were relatively simple. Most of the students coming and going were in a hurry, and the teachers who received them were also very serious.

Without asking any further questions, he let everyone go back after they registered.

After finishing all this, everyone found a stall to eat. Jinbao held his stomach weakly and said, "I'm almost starving."

Luo Fuan also agreed, "Yes, I was so excited just now and wanted to walk around the county town, but now I can't even walk anymore."

Zhang Ping'an was also very hungry. Without waiting for the food to be served, he went to buy a few pancakes and gave one to each of them.

Liu Shengyuan took it and said with a smile: "Thank you, Ping An!"

Liu Shengyuan's father observed the performance of each of his children along the way and could not help but comment in a gentle voice: "Ping'an is a child with good judgment. He will have a bright future."

Zhang Laoer was flattered to hear his son being praised, but he had to be modest and said, "Not at all! These boys are all very smart!"

This time, Luo Fuan's father came alone with the two children from the Luo family. Hearing this, he replied, "That's indeed the case. Ping'an is a very perceptive and intelligent child. He has a bright future. We might even have to rely on him to support our Fuan and Fugui in the future."

Jin Bao's father smiled and said, "My kid only knows how to eat."

Zhang Pingan couldn't sit still because of the praise. He said modestly, "No, no, no" and went to the store to urge the store to serve the dishes. If he continued to be praised like this, he felt that his friendship with Jinbao and others would be overturned.

Because they were really hungry, no one served anything and they ate up all the food on the table. Then they found an inn in the county to stay in. The middle-class room cost 50 wen a day, which included simple meals, which was quite acceptable.

It was still early and Zhang Ping'an couldn't sleep, so he took out his books in the room and started reviewing them again. On the one hand, it was to relieve his inner anxiety, and on the other hand, he had to cram for the exam at the last minute, so he had to do it as long as possible.

Just like that, Zhang Ping'an didn't go to bed until almost midnight.

Zhang Laoer didn't dare to disturb his son. Although he lay down on the bed, he didn't fall asleep. He only fell asleep peacefully after his son fell asleep.

The next day, at the hour of Mao, everyone rose, washed, and dressed, then had breakfast at the inn before heading to Bailu Academy. After visiting several academies yesterday, the elderly fathers finally felt the differences and disparities between them, and their hearts lifted.

A few smaller ones are actually better.

Luo Fuan's father couldn't help but sigh, "I don't know if my An'an and Fugui can get into the White Deer Academy. If they can, I'll sell everything I have to support them. That academy is really great."

Liu Shengyuan's father also nodded: "The gap between the academies is obvious, but it depends on which one my son Ayuan can get into."

Zhang Laoer and Jin Bao's father didn't say anything, but they were quite interested in Bailu Academy. After going there yesterday, they suddenly felt that it was not too far away. It seemed that they could reach it with a little effort. People all yearn for beautiful things.

Soon everyone arrived at the gate of Bailu Academy. Most of the cars parked at the foot of the mountain today were for taking exams, including horse-drawn carriages, mule-drawn carriages, and sedan chairs. It can be seen that most of the students come from well-off families.

So when Zhang Ping'an met a student wearing washed-out clothes on the way to the academy, he was quite surprised, especially since the student came alone without any elders accompanying him.

Zhang Pingan was probably not the only one who thought this way. Others also looked at him sideways when they saw him. This student attracted a lot of attention along the way, but these glances seemed to have no effect on him, and his expression was still very calm.