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

This matter caused quite a stir for almost half a year before it was finally settled at the end of the year.

Just as Grand Tutor Qian had guessed, most of the discerning people in the court could see that His Majesty was determined to do this, so even those who initially opposed it eventually remained neutral.

Zheng Ping, a eunuch in his early twenties, officially came into the view of the court officials.

His background was very ordinary, even tragic. Like most eunuchs, he was too poor to support his many children, so he sold his children into the palace for a sum of money.

From then on, the family acted as if he didn't exist.

For many impoverished people, sacrificing a child's future to ensure their family's survival is worthwhile, and often their only option.

But aside from the less-than-honorable nature of his eunuch status, his performance was outstanding. He was both literate and martial, very capable, and handled matters very well. He was neither overly arrogant nor overly humble, and spoke with a strong and clear voice.

Unlike ordinary eunuchs who always walk with their heads down and backs hunched over, Zheng Ping walks with his shoulders and back very straight. An outsider who did not know him would never guess that he was originally a eunuch.

Qian Jie was indeed assigned to the fleet as the person in charge of the fortifications.

He naturally felt aggrieved, but when he saw that there were military officers of no lower rank than him accompanying him, he felt much better.

At first, the group of people didn't follow orders very well, but Zheng Ping didn't indulge them or try to please them.

His identity was that of a representative of imperial power, and with Zhou Ziming backing him up, he held the emperor's edict and seal, representing the emperor's absolute authority.

The weighty charge of disobeying the emperor's orders and deceiving the emperor was very intimidating.

Moreover, the fleet itself is a well-organized military organization with clear hierarchy and strict military orders. Zheng Ping is the supreme commander, and he only needs to manage a few of his subordinates.

These people then relay the orders down the chain of command to ensure effective execution.

If anything goes wrong, the responsibility can be traced back to the next level immediately.

During his time in charge, he proved to be capable, and his subordinates gradually became less resistant. In any case, they couldn't refuse to go; they were now all in the same boat, and they were determined to get the job done.

The fleet actually set sail in March of the following year, and Zhou Ziming personally led the Crown Prince and civil and military officials to the docks outside the capital to see them off.

After a series of grand farewell ceremonies, the fleet finally set sail.

The fluttering banners carried Zhou Ziming's hopes.

Looking at the genuine smile on his lips, Zhang Ping'an thought that perhaps this was the thing he had always wanted to accomplish before he died.

Since becoming emperor, Zhou Ziming hadn't laughed so genuinely and naturally in a long time.

It's clear that the higher you climb, the colder it gets!

When they returned to the capital, it was already late afternoon. Zhou Ziming's face was a little pale. Using exhaustion as an excuse, he sent everyone back to their respective government offices.

Zhang Ping'an didn't stay at the Privy Council for long before finishing his shift and going home.

When Little Fish returned, he asked, "Dad, has the fleet set sail yet?"

"We've set off! It's spectacular!" Zhang Ping'an laughed.

"It's a pity I couldn't see it with my own eyes," Little Fish said regretfully.

And then I was relieved: "Thank goodness you don't have to go, Dad, otherwise I wouldn't have seen you for a long time!"

"Yes, it's a pity you won't see your second uncle for a long time," Zhang Ping'an joked.

Xiaoyuer touched his nose, smiled, and showed Zhang Ping'an his homework. "Dad, take a look at my homework and give me some guidance. The teacher said I can take the exam next year and I have a 50% chance of passing and becoming a student. Even if I don't pass, I'm still young, so I can get a feel for it and familiarize myself with it first."

In this respect, the teachers of the aristocratic clan schools are very different from the teachers Zhang Ping'an had when he studied at the academy.

As long as the knowledge is sufficient, even if there is only a 50% chance of success, the child will be allowed to take the exam first to familiarize themselves with the exam experience and rules.

The cost of the exam is not even a consideration.

Zhang Ping'an knew his son was intelligent and talented, but as a first-time father, he didn't know whether it was better to let his son show his talent as early as possible or wait until he reached a more suitable age to make a name for himself.

"Do you want to take the exam?" Zhang Ping'an asked.