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

Perhaps Zhong Xiaobao is indeed lucky in some respects.

Today, Xiaoyuer got first place in the school quiz and also beat all her classmates in a number game. She's in a great mood.

Therefore, when Xiao Hu brought Zhong Xiaobao over and asked him to stay and help him with errands and odd jobs, he did not resist as he had in the past.

In a good mood, even Zhong Xiaobao seemed a little more agreeable.

"Alright, for Uncle Xiaohu's sake, I agree. But if he stays with me, I can only call him by his full name from now on, not his nickname. What's his full name again? Zhong... Zhong Zheng, right?"

“Yes, Little Fish has a good memory, his name is Zhong Zheng,” Little Tiger said with a big smile.

After saying that, he quickly pushed Zhong Xiaobao forward to kowtow and express his gratitude.

Madam Xu looked displeased. She had originally wanted to object, but since her son, husband, and grandson had all agreed, she couldn't say anything.

He could only sternly reprimand him, "It's your good fortune to serve by the young master's side. From now on, don't try to be cunning or have any crooked thoughts, understand? Be a dutiful servant!"

Zhong Xiaobao was very cooperative this time, nodding obediently and even giving a flattering smile.

That's how the matter was finally settled.

Starting tomorrow, Zhong Xiaobao will be going to the Qian family's clan school with them.

Watching Xiao Hu lead the people away, Madam Xu was still unhappy: "Xiao Hu used to be very thoughtful in his work, but now he's leading just anyone to Xiao Yu'er. I just don't think Zhong Xiaobao is a good person."

"Grandmother, please don't be upset. He's just a servant, what's there to care about?" Little Fish said coquettishly.

Even though it was just a casual remark, his nonchalant tone revealed an arrogant condescension towards those around him.

This is what his current identity and environment have brought him, and he can't hide it no matter how hard he tries.

Madam Xu was very receptive to her grandson's charm and immediately smiled, waving her hand magnanimously and saying, "Never mind, it's already decided anyway, so let's listen to my grandson."

Zhang Ping'an watched the interaction between the grandfather and grandson with a smile, without interrupting.

A few days later, after Zhou Ziming finished the sacrificial ceremony at the altar in the suburbs of Beijing, he returned to the capital with a group of ministers who accompanied him.

This sacrificial ceremony was a very grand one, with everyone from the emperor to the ministers fasting and bathing.

After Qian Ying returned to Beijing and learned that Zhang Ping'an and her younger brother had come back, the first thing she did was to invite the two of them out to eat and ordered a lot of fancy dishes.

Qian Jie joked, "Looks like he's really craving it!"

Qian Ying wasn't embarrassed at all and laughed, "His Majesty has already taken the lead, so what else can we, as his subjects, say? It's just that I usually have a big appetite, and the food served at the sacrifice is light and the portions are small. After several days in a row, of course I started to crave it!"

"Even if you're craving something, don't overeat. Be careful your stomach can't handle it," Zhang Ping'an said, handing over a cup of strong tea to help cleanse your palate.

"This meal is on me today, so please don't stand on ceremony. Consider it a welcome dinner for you all," Qian Ying said, accepting the tea.

"We won't stand on ceremony with you!"

"Hey, to be honest, you two did a great job on this mission. When you go to the palace to meet the Emperor this afternoon, His Majesty will definitely praise you, and you'll be promoted and given higher titles. Congratulations in advance!" Qian Ying said, patting the two of them on the shoulder.

It means to highly approve of.

When it came to serious matters, his expression became more serious.

"Moreover, the Crown Prince helped manage state affairs during this sacrificial ceremony, and he did a very good job. I think His Majesty is very pleased. You have returned at just the right time!"

"The right timing, the right location, and the right people are all indispensable. This time, we have successfully completed our mission," Zhang Ping'an said calmly.

"I've always had high hopes for you, but it's right to stay put. You've risen too fast, and it's inevitable that some people in the court will dislike you. This time, you'll be promoted to the first rank. Looking at the entire court, there are only two or three people your age who can achieve this. As long as you can stay in the first rank position for three to five years and build good relationships with your colleagues, entering the cabinet is basically a sure thing."

"Thank you for the reminder!" Zhang Ping'an said, bowing with his hands clasped in thanks.

It wasn't just about matters of the court, but also about matters at home.

“I’ve been away from home for the past two years, and thanks to you for taking such good care of the family, Xiaoyu often tells me how great my uncle is, how good this is, how good that is, and how he surpasses me in every way.”

"Hahahaha," Qian Ying laughed loudly, "This kid has a conscience after all, it wasn't a waste of love to spoil him!"

After they had finished eating, they drank tea and chatted for a while. Then Qian Yingcai revealed the real purpose of the meal.

“I have a cousin’s daughter who is very beautiful and well-educated. Although she is a concubine’s daughter and her status is not high, she has been taught all the necessary things and is definitely not bad. I think you have never had anyone to take care of you all these years. Why don’t you take her as your concubine?”

"I've already said there's no need to bring this up again, why are you still so persistent?" Zhang Ping'an had a feeling that he had just expected this.

All the preceding setup was for this final point.

This completely changed the flavor of the meal.

To be honest, he felt a slight aversion to this behavior.

It's like someone who really likes to eat shark fin thinks everyone else likes it too, and then insists on giving shark fin to others.

They don't care whether others like it or not, or what they think.

Qian Ying, observing the situation, explained, "You mean you don't want to marry a wife, but you can take a concubine, right?!"

"I appreciate your kindness, but it's not necessary for now," Zhang Ping'an waved his hand in refusal.

Qian Jie also tried to smooth things over, saying, "Brother, it was you who acted unfairly. Why bring this up again?"

While speaking, he also winked at Qian Ying.

He knew what his father and older brother were thinking, but unfortunately, his brother-in-law really had no feelings for him. Forcing things wouldn't work, and he didn't want to offend them.

Qian Ying sighed inwardly. She had failed again. It was hard on her father, who had to pick and choose from among the clan members, finding someone with the right talent, age, and social status. It was no easy task.

Although Qian Jie tried to lighten the mood with his jokes, the meal still ended up being a bit awkward.

After finishing his meal and taking a short rest at home, Zhang Ping'an washed up, changed his clothes, and went to the palace to meet the emperor.

Perhaps because he hadn't attended court for a long time, Zhang Ping'an felt that the palace decorations were much more magnificent than before when he entered the palace this time.

Qian Jie thought so too.

Then it might not be an illusion.

The audience with the emperor took place in the Hall of Mental Cultivation. When the two arrived, Zhou Ziming was already seated at the head of the table.

Judging from his complexion alone, you really couldn't tell that he had been ill for a long time.