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

When the group arrived ten miles away from the Guazhou camp, Qian Jie received a report from a spy and brought people out to meet them in advance.

There was a sense of complacency between his brows, and it seemed that he had been having a smooth time these days.

"You must be tired these days. Let's have a meal first when we return to the camp," Qian Jie said with a smile.

"Okay, Uncle Wei, has he eaten yet?" Zhang Ping'an asked, tilting his head.

Qian Jie shook his head. "Not yet. Didn't it rain the day before yesterday? My cough has become more severe these past two days. I've asked the doctor to change the prescription and take the medicine on time every day, but it hasn't been very effective."

Hearing this, Zhang Pingan frowned. He had actually suspected for a long time that Wei Chengfeng had lung cancer.

And the situation is already serious.

If I don't find a famous doctor to treat my condition, I'm afraid I won't have much time left. But Jianqiu has just set out, and by the time I get here, the daylily will probably be cold.

Definitely not in time.

"Okay, bring the meal over later. Uncle Wei and I will eat together and chat while we're at it. Let's cut the Gordian knot and get things settled as soon as possible. The emperor is still waiting for our reply."

"Okay," Qian Jie didn't ask any more questions and told his followers to bring the meal over later.

Zhang Ping'an arrived at the camp, washed up quickly, and then went to the tent where Wei Chengfeng was under house arrest.

As Qian Jie said, just a few days later, after a spring rain, Wei Chengfeng's illness became more serious again, and the tent was filled with the smell of medicine.

Fortunately, the ventilation was timely and the smell was not bad.

"Ping'an, you're here," Wei Chengfeng leaned on the couch, reading a book in his hand.

When he saw Zhang Ping'an come in, his expression remained unchanged, as if he had seen a nephew he often met, and he sat up slightly straighter.

Zhang Ping'an actually had a lot of questions and things he wanted to say, but whoever spoke first would seem to have lost the initiative.

The two people were competing secretly, and neither of them brought it up.

Zhang Pingan glanced at the cover of the book Wei Chengfeng was reading. It was a geographical travelogue. He couldn't help but smile and said, "So Uncle Wei also likes to read this kind of travelogue. I have a friend who grew up with me who also likes to read it. He has collected quite a few, and I read some of them. They are really interesting. I also admire these travelers who can personally travel all over the country."

"Yes, I have been trapped in a corner of the northwest all my life, and I rarely have the chance to calm down and slowly appreciate the scenery of other places. I feel quite regretful, so I can only imagine it on paper by reading books like this. I hope I can have the opportunity to travel around in the future," Wei Chengfeng replied with a smile, stroking his long beard.

He pointed to the outer garment beside him and said, "Help me down and walk around. Help me get the outer garment over here."

"Okay," Zhang Ping'an helped to lift the man up, put on his clothes, and helped Wei Chengfeng get off the bed.

The two sat down at the table together.

After a long pause, Zhang Pingan finally spoke, "Uncle Wei, let go. It's not too late. Although you'll lose your military power, at least they'll have a good ending. This includes your thirteen men. If they're willing to live in hiding, I can spare their lives. Otherwise, their actions are enough to earn them several beheadings, as you know."

"Ever since I discovered that Qian Jie had a top-notch master under his command, I knew I had no choice. What happened afterwards also verified my guesses one by one. I have been waiting for you to speak," Wei Chengfeng put down the teacup and said softly.

Although he didn't know what happened at Yumen Pass, he knew the situation was hopeless when he saw Zhang Ping'an's expression.

"So, you agree to cooperate with me in resigning as the head coach of the Guazhou Iron Cavalry?"

"That's right," Wei Chengfeng nodded. "I was indeed a little unwilling at the beginning, but I have figured out a lot of things in the past two days. I can't be so selfish and let my subordinates follow me to fight for the sake of military power. The world has finally settled down. The people are looking forward to peace, and the soldiers are also looking forward to it. They don't want to fight anymore."

"But I won't cooperate unconditionally."

"Uncle Wei, please feel free to ask for anything you want. As long as I can do it, I will definitely agree to it," Zhang Ping'an said with a serious expression.

"First, I want my thirteen adopted sons to live freely and safely. If I let them go, I guess they'll just go to the capital and live as stay-at-home fathers in vain. I'm old, so it doesn't matter. But they're still young, and they can't just stay in the capital with me like this."

"Second, you must promise me that you will not reveal Thirteen's background. His Majesty will definitely not tolerate him if he finds out."

"Third, for the other generals under my command, if they have reached old age, please let them retire and find a good place for them to live out their days in peace. I don't ask for anything else!"

His words were full of concerns and arrangements for his subordinates.

Thinking of Wei Cunxiao, Zhang Pingan felt a little sad. "I can promise you everything else, although it's a bit difficult. I just may not be able to do the first point."

"What's wrong? Who's in trouble?" Wei Chengfeng was very perceptive.

"General Wei Cunxiao has died in the battlefield, as has Lord Zhao Renzhi. They were killed together," Zhang Pingan replied in a low voice.

"He..." Wei Chengfeng was stunned for a moment before nodding dejectedly, "Then save the others."

"Okay, a gentleman's word is as good as gold! I will write the report today!" Zhang Ping'an promised.

Learning of Wei Cunxiao's death was like the last straw that broke the camel's back.

Wei Chengfeng didn't even eat his meal. He waved his hand and urged Zhang Pingan: "Alright, you got what you wanted. This trip has fulfilled your mission. We may meet again in the capital in the future. Then... Oh, forget it, you can go!"

The most frustrating thing is to leave words unsaid.

Zhang Pingan looked over in confusion, but Wei Chengfeng just sighed and chuckled, "You'd better take care of yourself. Since ancient times, few famous ministers and generals have had a good ending."

Zhang Ping'an only took this as a warning and bowed to express his gratitude: "Thank you for the reminder, I will keep it in mind."

After leaving the tent, Zhang Pingan turned around and went to Qian Jie.

"How is it? Did you reach an agreement?" Qian Jie still had a bun stuffed in his mouth. After living in the Northwest for half a year, he was not as particular as before.

"We've reached an agreement. I'll write a report later," Zhang Ping'an replied.

Qian Jie glanced at him and said, "Why are you still a little unhappy? Isn't this a happy event? When we return to Beijing, the position of Privy Councilor will definitely be yours."

"I just feel a little uncomfortable. In fact, the emperor had already arranged the position of each chess piece in this game. We are just executors. After it was really completed, I didn't seem to be as happy as I imagined. Maybe I was being pretentious," Zhang Pingan said lightly with a smile.

Qian Jie finished his buns, wiped his hands, and spoke in a rare serious tone, "It's great that you understand this. My father said that every time you understand that you are just a chess piece, you will be more conscientious and not be controlled by your emotions. This will make you more stable in the future. This is a process of tempering yourself."