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

The two boys weren't shy at all; the older one was steady, and the younger one was lively.

This immediately reminded Zhang Ping'an of his son, Xiaoyuer.

"That's wonderful, your family can finally be reunited. Although the Northwest is not as prosperous as the capital, with your personal guidance, the two boys' future prospects are sure to be bright."

Lin Junhui also had high hopes for this, as can be seen from the names he gave his two sons: Lin Zhaoheng and Lin Zhaohua. Both names have classical allusions and, while seemingly ordinary, are actually quite meaningful.

“My sons will always be better than me in the future, surpassing their teachers,” Lin Junhui laughed heartily, affectionately patting his two sons’ heads.

“In the past, I was often away from home, and these two children grew up with their mother. They are not very outgoing. From now on, I plan to raise them myself. How can a real man be raised by a woman?”

“Your wife has worked very hard managing the household affairs for many years. Be careful not to let her hear these words, or you might upset her and cause a scene,” Zhang Ping’an shook his head and joked with a smile, not entirely agreeing with the words.

Some women are just as intelligent as men, but they are limited by the constraints of their time and cannot express it.

Lin Junhui didn't argue when he heard this. He just smiled and changed the subject: "By the way, Ping An, did you know? The Crown Prince is going to choose a concubine again?"

Zhang Ping'an nodded, "Of course I know about such big news."

He guessed it might be related to the rumor about the crown prince.

The best way to dispel everyone's suspicions is for the Crown Prince's palace to send out good news as soon as possible; otherwise, no amount of explanation will help.

“Our Crown Prince is good in every way, except that he doesn’t have any children yet, which makes some people in the court suspicious and spreads some bad rumors. Holding a selection of consorts might be a good thing. You can’t build something new without breaking the old one. Maybe the problem will be solved.” Lin Junhui was a little worried about the Crown Prince, but he didn’t show it on his face.

If the position of the crown prince is unstable, the country will be in turmoil, which is the last thing a subject wants to see.

“Since the Crown Prince has agreed to select a consort, it means he already has a plan. I don’t think we need to worry too much,” Zhang Ping’an said optimistically.

Whether it's genuine or feigned impotence, it still needs to be addressed. In fact, the facts aren't that important, as long as the outcome convinces everyone that the Crown Prince is alright.

Lin Junhui understood the deeper meaning behind the words, sighed, and nodded in agreement: "I hope so!"

They chatted for a short while before it was time to eat. The men and women split into two tents, and Mrs. Lin tactfully brought her two sons along as well.

She left her husband and a group of generals and officers behind to eat and drink.

Liu Sanlang happened to be returning from a border patrol today, and he also brought back a wild roe deer as a side dish.

He was delighted to learn that Lin Junhui had arrived. With the head coach here, many things could finally begin properly, and he had been eager to get started for a long time.

Lin Junhui stood on tiptoe and patted Liu Sanlang on the shoulder, his eyes showing admiration: "Goodness, after a whole winter, Sanlang, you haven't lost any weight, you've actually gotten stronger. Looks like the food here is pretty good!"

Liu Sanlang was a little embarrassed, and grinned, "Don't tease me. I don't have many other good qualities, but I'm not picky about food and I have a big appetite. The pancakes here in the Northwest are plentiful and filling, and I train every day, so of course I've become even stronger!"

"Hahaha, it's good to be strong!" Lin Junhui waved his hand, gesturing for everyone to sit down: "Everyone, don't be shy, sit down, sit down, we'll be dealing with each other a lot more often in the future!"

"That's right, this humble general toasts you, sir!" someone replied.

"This humble general also toasts Your Excellency!" The others echoed and followed suit, never making a mistake in their etiquette.

Although they were all military officers and rough men, it doesn't mean they didn't know etiquette.

Lin Junhui gave him face and drank it all. He had developed a high alcohol tolerance and could not be drunk at ordinary banquets.

With Zhang Pingan helping to stop them, they didn't actually drink too much and weren't drunk.

“These military officers may seem carefree, but they all have their own agendas. You will be the commander of this army from now on, so you must be careful to maintain a proper balance in managing relationships,” Zhang Ping’an advised.

"Thanks, I understand. The initial adjustment period is the most crucial, a time for both of us to test each other, and it even determines the future dynamics and structure of our relationship, so I won't let my guard down."

"Okay, as long as you know what you're doing!"

"When are you leaving? I'll see you off." The thought of parting made Lin Junhui quite reluctant to leave.

This separation lasted for several years.

"In five days," Zhang Ping'an replied, somewhat wistfully, "I'm really starting to miss home!"

“When I went back last year, I saw Xiaoyuer when I delivered some things to your residence. Children really change every day. I think this child will be extraordinary in the future,” Lin Junhui said with a smile.

"What's wrong? What did he do?"

Hearing this, Zhang Ping'an felt a little anxious, thinking that his brother-in-law had previously said that Xiaoyuer had always been quite well-behaved!

"Hey, don't rush!" Lin Junhui raised his hand to signal that he should calm down.

Then he smiled, his eyes somewhat unfathomable.

He paused before continuing, "This child did nothing wrong, he was very humble and polite, and he was taught very well. I tested his knowledge, and it was quite good. He is a potential candidate for the imperial examination. But when he looked at me, the way his eyes pierced my heart, how should I put it, he was really not to be underestimated. I think he already has lofty ambitions at such a young age!"

After saying that, he shook his head and sighed, "He's so much more mature than my son!"

"Is that so?" Zhang Ping'an paused for a moment. In his memory, his son was still the child who would cry, laugh, and make a fuss about wanting gifts. He was completely different from the child Lin Junhui described.

“For people from families like ours, I think this might not be a bad thing. The world is a dog-eat-dog world, and naive people don’t live well. Besides, he is an only child. Even if you are a lion, you will grow old one day and can’t protect him forever. Rather than that, it’s better to let him grow up early.”

These are Lin Junhui's heartfelt words. He feels that if his son were like this, although it would make people feel a little sorry for him, he would still be happy to help his child become strong as soon as possible.

Zhang Ping'an felt a pang of self-reproach: "I've been away from him for far too long, so long that the child has changed. If only his mother were still here, such a wise woman could have raised the child so well and made him happy for a longer time. At least he wouldn't be so lonely."

Lin Junhui remained silent for a moment, unsure how to comfort him.

"Are you really not planning to remarry?"

"No, I don't plan to!"

Zhang Ping'an was a little scared. He was afraid that if something happened to him, and he remarried and had children, leaving behind a family of orphans and widows, he might not be able to die in peace!

They were also afraid that their stepmother would treat their son badly.

He's always on the go, never home.

It's good now.