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

Qin Qingshan took a deep breath, almost crying at how stupid his wife was.

"Wife, when will you finally understand? It's true that we grew up together, but now they are the rulers and we are the subjects. There is a difference between ruler and subject!"

"If the Empress makes a mistake, at most she will be confined to her quarters and neglected. But what about us? When a gentleman is angry, millions will die and blood will flow for miles. Do you think this is just empty talk? Since His Majesty fell ill, I have become increasingly unable to understand him. How can I speak carelessly about such important matters as enfeoffment and enfeoffment? From now on, if you still want our family to live in peace, don't reply to any more messages from the palace."

"How could this be? You are His Majesty's right-hand man, the only non-royal king of the Great Zhou. How could His Majesty be so heartless?" Princess Qin was somewhat incredulous.

"I think you've had too many good days and I've protected you too well. Now you can't see the situation clearly. Luckily, your son isn't like you, or I would be really worried sick," Qin Qingshan said irritably.

He then pulled the person down to sit and patiently explained in detail, “The succession to the throne has always been turbulent. I think His Majesty has many concerns. Zhang Ping’an is just the beginning. There will definitely be many people involved later. I don’t know how the Third Prince and the Fourth Prince will decide on the enfeoffment, but I know that the Second Prince will definitely not let him hold real power.”

The Empress understands this perfectly well, which is why she asked me for help through you. But she thinks too highly of me. She and His Majesty are husband and wife; if she doesn't dare to speak up, how could I possibly interfere?

"I understand. I was wrong this time. I shouldn't have said anything. As for the Empress... well, never mind. I'll apologize to Sister Wei when I have the chance to enter the palace. As for the Zhang family, should we try to salvage things? Actually, I didn't say anything so absolute!"

After hearing this, the Princess of Qin realized the seriousness of the matter. She paced back and forth, clutching her handkerchief, offering suggestions.

Qin Qingshan may seem domineering on the surface, but he is actually very good to his wife. You could say that his wife is his nemesis.

No matter how big the matter, he couldn't bear to really blame anyone.

Seeing this, he softened his tone and comforted him, "Since it has already happened, let it be. Saying anything now will not help. If we have alarmed him, then we can only do it openly."

After saying that, a glint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes.

When Xiaoyuer returned from the Imperial Academy and learned that his marriage proposal had been rejected, he was naturally not in a good mood.

He was born a prodigy, exceptionally intelligent, and his life was smooth sailing. He was pampered by everyone, and there was very little he could not have.

Although Zhang Ping'an had warned him beforehand and given him a heads-up, the marriage proposal was rejected.

He still couldn't quite accept it and felt very unhappy.

"What a joke! It's just a royal palace. They look down on us now, but I won't marry them even if they beg me to."

"You're still too green to be able to control your temper. Only incompetent people talk big all the time. Do you think everyone in the world has to revolve around you?"

Zhang Ping'an gave a soft reprimand and leisurely sipped his tea.

Xiaoyuer took a deep breath, suddenly picked up his teacup and took a big gulp of tea to suppress his agitation and impulsiveness, before asking, "Then, Dad, what should we do next?"

"Wait!" Zhang Ping'an said calmly.

"Wait? Wait for what?"

“Do you know the best way to handle a tricky situation? Your father taught you before,” Zhang Ping’an asked instead of answering.

Little Fish pondered, "I'll use something even more difficult to break him down."

“That’s right, so I guess His Majesty won’t have time to deal with me soon. After all, I am a first-rank official, and His Majesty doesn’t have any solid evidence against me. He certainly can’t be too open about this, nor can he be too hasty. If I’m not mistaken, he is most likely to have the Prince of Qin deal with me secretly. You can tell from the Prince of Qin’s attitude in refusing the marriage that the Prince of Qin must know about this.”

Little Fish's eyes sparkled as he listened. "Father, there is still so much I can learn from you. I hope you will be kind enough to teach me."

"You're always trying to be clever," Zhang Ping'an stroked his beard, shook his head, and waved him away. "Alright, go do your homework first. I'll handle this. You don't need to worry about it for now."

"Okay, I'll go get busy then," Little Fish nodded.

A moment later, Madam Xu came in with a bowl of sweet soup, chattering with concern: "It was just made in the kitchen. It's calming and nourishing. You should try it. I don't know what you two have been up to lately. Xiaoyuer has been so much more diligent than before these past few days. Taking the imperial examination is important, but health is even more important!"

"Thank you, Mother!" Zhang Ping'an took the bowl and ate half of it in one gulp, praising, "It tastes great!"

Upon hearing this, Madam Xu immediately broke into a smile, as bright as a chrysanthemum. "Hehe, I knew you'd like it! Alright, I'll take the bowl to my grandson now!"

Looking at Xu's slightly hunched back as she held the bowl, and thinking about what had happened recently, I realized that...

Overwhelmed with emotion, Zhang Ping'an couldn't help but reach out and call out, "Mother!"

"What's wrong?" Xu asked, turning her head in confusion.

Zhang Ping'an smiled and said, "It's nothing. I just wanted to say that you look really good today, Mom, and you look very energetic!"

"Really? I specially had the maid dress you up today," Madam Xu said, delighted. No matter how old a woman is, she is always happy to be praised for her beauty.

"Yes, really!" Zhang Ping'an nodded emphatically.

“Then from now on, I’ll have that maid choose my clothes,” Madam Xu said with a smile.

Then he went out happily.

Seeing this scene, Zhang Ping'an became even more determined that he absolutely could not let anything happen to him.

Only when he's there can he shelter the family from the wind and rain and protect the peace of this little world.

“I am full.”

"Master, I'm here," he said, having finished eating, as he entered from outside.

"Arrange for someone inconspicuous to deliver this letter to Lin'an."

Hearing this after he had eaten his fill, he was somewhat surprised, but said nothing and respectfully accepted the order.

A few days later, amidst the heated discussions among the court officials, Zhou Ziming finally announced that he would announce the enfeoffment of several princes at the morning court session three days later.

At that time, the second, third, and fourth princes will all attend court together.

After this announcement, the princes, whether they like it or not, will have to go to their fiefdoms to take up their posts.

Meanwhile, Zhang Ping'an also secretly sensed that several subordinates who had been well-behaved in the Privy Council for a long time had suddenly joined forces to try to sideline him.

Although he was prepared, he was still chilled by the fact that court intrigues could turn on each other faster than flipping through a book.

Zhang Ping'an originally thought that the period of greatest pressure and risk for him would be after the princes were enfeoffed.

Before that time could arrive, devastating news came from the palace: Empress Wei had passed away!

Empress Wei had always been in good health and rarely had any news of illness. Her sudden death shocked everyone in the court and the harem.