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

"The Li family, as the bride's family, has shown great sincerity. They haven't put on any airs and even had your cousin come over early this morning to sound out their intentions. What do you think? Now that you're on the list of successful candidates in the imperial examination, and even ranked third, you're guaranteed at least a second-class Jinshi degree."

After hearing this, Xiaoyuer sat up straight and pondered for a moment, then said, "Father, please arrange for a matchmaker to propose marriage to the Li family! Anyway, the choice has already been made, so it would be good for Grandpa and Grandma to be happy if I could get married and have children sooner."

Zhang Ping'an nodded, not surprised by his son's decision. "I have received news that Li Chong is very likely to take over as Minister of Revenue. In that case, the status of Li family daughters will rise accordingly, and the betrothal gifts will have to be raised. I will arrange these things. Your priority right now is to prepare for the palace examination. Even with my influence, you can't be too perfunctory in the palace examination. We've already taken ninety-nine steps, so what's one more step?"

Little Fish smiled confidently, "Dad, don't worry, when have I ever embarrassed you?"

Hearing this, Zhang Ping'an was very pleased. His son was right about that. Apart from being a bit naughty and domineering when he was young, he became very sensible later on. He knew how to handle things and was already showing signs of being able to take charge on his own.

Now that the decision had been made, Zhang Ping'an specifically instructed Madam Xu, "Mother, you can just deal with the invitations from other families that you can't refuse. But you need to be more careful with the Li family. The steward will help you prepare a list later."

Madam Xu understood immediately. "So, we'll stick with the Li family's daughter?"

“Yes, Xiaoyuer and I have already discussed it. The Li family’s daughter is a perfect match in terms of talent, appearance and family background. When it comes to marriage, we should choose a virtuous wife. We don’t need to insist on finding someone from a very good family. Let’s go with the Li family. I will send a matchmaker to propose marriage in the next couple of days,” Zhang Ping’an said in a deep voice.

Madam Xu was delighted to hear this. "That makes sense! As long as the girl is good, that's all that matters. Besides, the Li family is not bad either. Our two families are well-matched."

As she spoke, she couldn't help but laugh again, clearly lost in her daydreams: "It seems our family is really going to have double happiness. Once Xiaoyuer passes the imperial examination, we can get married. By then, we'll have a wife, a career, and a grandson won't be far off. How wonderful!"

Zhang Ping'an shook his head and didn't say anything. The thought of becoming a grandfather made him feel a little uneasy. He felt that he was still young, and being a grandfather seemed particularly awkward. He felt like he wasn't ready for it.

The next day arrived in the blink of an eye. During the morning court session, the Ministry of Rites mainly summarized the results of the imperial examination. Zhou Pu sat at the head of the table, nodding occasionally. His eyes were red and bloodshot, as if he hadn't slept well. He was also quite listless, a far cry from his previous state.

According to recent news circulating in the palace, Zhou Pu is showing signs of developing his skills in alchemy and has summoned several renowned alchemists and Taoist priests to the palace.

Since the incident at Daxiangguo Temple, Zhou Pu had stopped contacting monks. But people always need some spiritual beliefs and hobbies. Now he had completely changed his mind. Some sorcerers were indeed quite capable, and many ministers believed in them. Therefore, no one stopped him or thought there was a problem.

After the court session, the officials learned that Zhang Ping'an's son had done well, ranking third in the imperial examination yesterday. Although some had already sent their servants to deliver gifts, they still personally congratulated him today to show their appreciation.

After all, it's always good to establish a positive relationship since the Zhang family has a worthy successor.

Zhang Ping'an politely returned the greetings to everyone, explaining that he would send out invitations when a banquet was held later.

Li Chong stood aside watching this scene, feeling quite pleased. He hadn't made the wrong bet this time!

Cui Ling was conflicted and regretful. Although he had intended to send his daughter to the palace, he would have considered it if the Zhang family were willing to arrange a marriage. Unfortunately, it seemed that there was no such opportunity or possibility now.

He knew that Zhang Ping'an and Li Chong had been secretly investigating him, trying to join forces to bring him down. The two sides seemed to be on the surface but were actually at odds, and were only maintaining a facade of harmony.

Thinking of this, Cui Ling grinned and stepped forward, offering a perfunctory congratulation: "Lord Zhang, you are so fortunate to have such a promising son. His future is bright!"

Seeing that the visitor was hostile, Zhang Ping'an put away his smile and replied indifferently, "Not at all, just lucky! My son is just starting out, and he will have to rely on the guidance of all the uncles and seniors in the future!"

After exchanging a few polite words, Cui Ling left. Li Chong followed behind, his tone somewhat sarcastic, "He was calling me 'Brother Zhang' so affectionately before, but now he's acting like Lord Zhang. It seems this roughneck knows what he's doing."

“How could a mere martial artist have reached this position? He’s no pushover either. We need to be more vigilant in the future,” Zhang Ping’an warned.

Li Chong nodded: "Yes, we need to be careful."

Then Zhang Ping'an subtly revealed that his family would soon arrange for a matchmaker to propose marriage, which was also meant to allow the Li family to make preparations in advance.

If there are disagreements between the two parties, they can discuss them in advance to avoid an awkward situation when the marriage proposal comes.

Upon hearing this, Li Chong couldn't help but clap his hands and smile, "That's great, double happiness! I'll make the arrangements."

Seeing this, Zhang Ping'an was relieved.

Thinking about his son's upcoming marriage, he felt a slight reluctance. He felt that his son was still tender, yet he was about to step into the mundane world and experience the storms of life. As a father, he couldn't help but worry.

While Xiaoyuer was diligently preparing for the palace examination, the matchmaker arranged by Zhang Ping'an had already gone to the Li family to present the betrothal gifts. Since the two families had already reached an agreement beforehand, the betrothal was settled quickly without any surprises, and the betrothal gifts were exchanged.

The wedding date was set for June, also to coincide with Xiaoyuer's exams and his return to Lin'an to visit relatives.

The palace examination was held in early April. After the court appointed officials, it would grant them a three-month leave to visit their families. Once Xiaoyuer finished the examination, was granted an official position, and returned from Lin'an, he could get married without any problems.

Although the time from betrothal to marriage was a bit rushed by the standards of aristocratic families, neither Zhang Ping'an nor Li Chong were people who cared too much about such rigid rules. Moreover, the two were more aware of the situation in the court and had some concerns. They worried that if something went wrong during Zhou Pu's selection of concubines and a Li family girl was chosen, or if there was a funeral in the palace and the marriage was changed, it would be better to settle the matter as soon as possible.

Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi were naturally overjoyed and had no objections whatsoever.

Everyone was happy about the marriage, except for Cui Rong, who was depressed.