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

“Although the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince are still young, their flamboyant behavior displeases His Majesty. I suppose the fiefdoms they are given will not be very good places. As for the Second Prince, well, he hasn’t shown his face for a long time. He has been cultivating in seclusion at the Daxiangguo Temple, and his household is very peaceful. I wonder what His Majesty’s arrangements for him will be,” Zhang Ping’an pondered.

He always felt a vague unease about the Second Prince.

“I don’t think His Majesty likes this son very much. After all these years, apart from having the title of a prince, he has nothing. The arranged marriage is with a woman from a very ordinary family. She’s like an invisible person in the capital,” the beady-eyed man said, shaking his head.

Qian Ying knew more about the inside story, so she smiled but didn't reply. However, the beady-eyed man was right about one thing: "The Emperor does not really like this son."

“But with the Empress around, the place might not be too bad. His Majesty has always listened to the Empress’s advice,” Qian Jie said.

After discussing for a while, the group changed the subject.

Qian Ying casually mentioned, "Xiao Yu'er is now 16 years old. He is handsome and has a bright future. I wonder what kind of girl will be good enough for him in the future."

"Uncle, all I want to do right now is focus on passing the imperial examinations and not think about anything else, so please don't tease me," Xiaoyuer said with a smile.

Qian Jie knew what his elder brother meant, so he chimed in, waving his hand with a disapproving expression and saying, "Hey, although it's true that a man's future is important, there's no conflict between settling down first and building a career later. Besides, it's not like you're getting married right now. You can actually let the matchmaker know so that they can keep an eye out for suitable people. If they find someone suitable, you can meet and get to know them. Once you've settled on a date, it's perfect to get married after you finish your exams next year."

Xiaoyuer didn't feel anything about getting married; he was neither enthusiastic nor opposed to it. He glanced at his father's expression.

Seeing that Zhang Ping'an only drank tea and didn't say anything, it meant he didn't quite approve.

So he dodged the question by saying, "Oh dear, Uncle, please don't make a fuss about me. I'm focused on my studies right now, and I really don't have the mind for this. If I get distracted by romance and fail the exam, wouldn't that be embarrassing?"

Now, everyone in the Imperial Academy, from the teachers to the students, knows that Xiaoyuer has achieved excellent results in the provincial examination and has a very good chance of passing the metropolitan examination next year.

Xiaoyuer himself was very proud and determined to pass the imperial examination. It would be quite embarrassing if he failed.

Qian Ying knew that Zhang Ping'an had never been too supportive of cousins ​​marrying, so she was just letting them know in advance that the Qian family had this idea.

Whether it will ultimately work out remains to be seen.

Green Bean Eyes was a shrewd person. When the topic came up, he didn't interrupt and followed Zhang Ping'an's example by lowering his head and drinking his tea.

Xu Kezhang had no interest in promotion and never participated in such sensitive topics, so naturally he didn't say anything and just silently listened.

Qian Jie was a little angry when he saw this. He had wanted to help Zhang Ping'an remarry before, but Zhang Ping'an had always refused. After several years, it was no longer possible.

Now they want to arrange a marriage for Xiaoyuer, making the two families even closer, what a wonderful thing! But Zhang Ping'an still hasn't expressed his opinion. What does that mean? It's too disrespectful, making it seem like the Qian family is always the one chasing after him.

Among the Qian family members, he had the best relationship with Zhang Ping'an, so he spoke somewhat bluntly, implying, "Our Qian family's daughters have no trouble getting married, especially our eldest daughters. Many prestigious families have proposed to our Qian family, but we have rejected them all. Not just anyone can catch our Qian family's eye!"

Xiaoyuer inherited her parents' high emotional intelligence; she is not only good at studying, but also very clever in interpersonal relationships.

Before Zhang Ping'an could explain, she laughed and chimed in, "That's right. My cousins ​​are all from noble families, and not just anyone can dream of them. Many princes and noblemen in our Imperial Academy have inquired about them, but I've turned them all away. If they're really interested, they should openly propose marriage. Only if they catch the eye of my uncles will it be possible!"

"Hmph, my nephew's words are more pleasing to the ear," Qian Jie said with his arms crossed.

Qian Ying glanced at it lightly, indicating that it was time to stop.

Zhang Ping'an then spoke, his voice unhurried: "Xiao Yu'er's marriage is not in a hurry. He is still young. It's not too late to talk about it after he passes the imperial examination. I will definitely make proper arrangements for it then."

"It's not easy to find someone who is suitable in terms of family background, age, and talent. It's best to keep an eye out for them as soon as possible," Qian Ying concluded.

Let's not delve any further into this topic.

Always stop when you've reached a certain point!

After finishing their tea, the group prepared to say goodbye and return home.

Little Fish went out with his father to see off guests.

He knew he still had a lot to learn and hoped to grow up quickly so he could help his father.

When Zhong Xiaobao saw people come out, he took a moment to present the invitations he had just received. They were all from Xiaoyuer's classmates who had passed the provincial examination.

Although it can't be a big event, it's fine for people born in the same year to get together; it's also a good opportunity to network.

He just turned thirteen this year and is one of Xiaoyuer's personal servants. He is very perceptive and, although he doesn't talk much, he is not dull. This is why he was able to stay even though Xiaoyuer didn't like him very much.

After receiving the post, Xiaoyuer quickly glanced through it and got a general idea of ​​what was going on.

He casually instructed another servant, Jixiang, to prepare the gifts when he had some free time.

He quickly caught up with Zhang Ping'an and followed him to the gate to see the guest off.

Qian Ying thought highly of her nephew. Before getting into the car, she patted him on the shoulder with admiration in her eyes and encouraged him, "Study hard and strive to pass the imperial examination next year!"

"Yes, I will, Uncle," Little Fish nodded, quite confidently.

After all the guests had left, Xiaoyuer followed his father to the study, where the two talked alone.

"Dad, why have you always been unwilling to strengthen ties with my maternal grandfather's side through marriage? Actually, I don't mind marrying any of my cousins. It doesn't really matter who I live with, as long as they can help manage the household," Xiaoyuer asked.

"Marriage is a lifelong matter, so it should be taken seriously," Zhang Ping'an said, looking up at his son.

Although his son was relatively virtuous, he was not ignorant of worldly affairs; he had tried everything that other scions of prominent families at that age had tried.

He is also very bold, and at such a young age, he already has the demeanor of a leader.

His future path is destined to be anything but ordinary.

As long as his son doesn't go too far, Zhang Ping'an doesn't interfere much, nor does he impose his own standards on him.

As long as you're happy in your life, that's all that matters. Besides, he knows his son knows what he's doing.

"I know what you're thinking and I know you have lofty ambitions. The wife you want to marry must come from a similar family and be able to help you. But you'd better not think about your maternal grandfather's cousins. First, you are related by blood, which I don't think is appropriate. Second, the relationships on your maternal grandfather's side are complicated, far more complicated than ours, and I don't want you to get too involved."