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

After pondering for a while, Xiaoyuer asked the gatekeeper again, "Didn't the messenger leave a name? Didn't you ask around?"

The doorman bowed and explained, "Young master, the sender did not leave a name, but it is clear at a glance that he is a servant of a wealthy family. I am not mistaken about his mannerisms. He said with certainty that you would know who sent the letter after reading its contents. I dared not refuse it on my own, for fear of delaying your important business. That is why I accepted the letter and presented it to you for your decision."

Hearing this, Xiaoyuer was also full of suspicion, but being a cautious person, he did not rush to open the letter. Instead, he raised his head and gestured to his servant: "Open the letter and let me see it."

"Hey!" The servant quickly stepped forward, opened the envelope, unfolded the letter, and held it up to Xiaoyuer.

Xiaoyuer quickly finished reading the letter. He was surprised to find that it was from Cui Rong, who asked him to meet her at the lakeside pavilion outside the city three days later.

In an era where women's words and actions were strictly controlled, this letter was tantamount to a secret affair with a man. If it were to get out, it would greatly damage Cui Rong's reputation, and she would be unable to find a good husband in the future.

Xiaoyuer was surprised by the other party's boldness. Looking at the tender feelings revealed in the letter and the pain of being unable to control the marriage, she couldn't help but wonder when she had given the other party the wrong signal.

He asked himself how he could have given Cui Rong the mistaken impression that they had a very close relationship, when he had always been polite and well-mannered in front of her and had never overstepped any boundaries.

Even if he weren't the type to be sentimental, and even if he did have something going on with her, given that they were already engaged, he would never do anything that would damage his reputation for her sake.

After thinking it over, Xiaoyuer ordered someone to light the candles on the table, and then carelessly placed the letter on the candle flames and burned it to ashes.

A barely perceptible smile curved his lips: "What a foolish woman!"

The servants were confused, but they were aware of their place as servants and knew not to ask questions they shouldn't.

I thought that if I didn't respond, the other party would understand and the matter would end there.

Unexpectedly, every day after that, Xiaoyuer received a letter from the other party, which was also unsigned and delivered directly to the gatehouse.

The gatekeeper was afraid this was a big deal and dared not delay.

By the third day, even Zhang Ping'an had heard about it. With a full stomach, nothing in the mansion, big or small, could escape his notice.

So during breakfast, Zhang Ping'an subtly reminded him: "Cultivating oneself, regulating one's family, governing the country, and bringing peace to the world—cultivating oneself is always the most important. It's nothing for a man to be a womanizer; people will just make a few jokes if word gets out. But you're not married yet. If anything gets out, it will be a matter of your character. You need to be aware of that."

"I know," Xiaoyuer nodded. The father and son were of one mind, and the topic was left at that.

Before she had finished her meal, another letter arrived from the gatekeeper. Xiaoyuer frowned, gently slammed the spoon back into the bowl with a "clatter," and was about to lash out.

The gatekeeper was very perceptive and knew that Xiaoyuer had misunderstood. He quickly waved his hand and explained, "This time it wasn't delivered by the person who didn't sign it before. It's a letter from our hometown in Ezhou Prefecture, addressed to you, sir."

"Oh? Is this a letter for me?" Zhang Ping'an casually took the handkerchief handed to him by the servant, wiped his mouth, and then picked up the letter to read it.

Upon seeing this, a smile involuntarily appeared on his lips. He looked up at the group and explained, "It was written by Jinbao."

Over the years, Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi had long regarded Jinbao as half a godson. Upon hearing that it was a letter from him, they stopped eating and urged Zhang Ping An repeatedly: "Quickly open it and see what it says. Maybe he has some difficulties and needs help."

Little Fish also looked over curiously.

Zhang Ping'an opened the letter, and as he read on, his smile grew wider and wider. By the end, he was even slightly excited.

"Dad, Mom, guess what Jinbao said in his letter? He got married!!! That rascal! For so many years, he's been too picky and not good enough for anyone. I really thought he was going to end up all alone. I never heard him mention it in his previous letters. I didn't even know when he got engaged or whose daughter she was. He just got married so quietly, and I didn't even have time to send him a congratulatory gift. That's really not nice of me. I'll definitely give him a good talking to next time we meet!"

Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi were even more surprised than their son, as if they had heard earth-shattering gossip: "What? Jinbao got married? When did this happen? Which girl is she? Didn't they say?"

"The letter says the marriage was arranged in early February, around the time of Xiaoyuer's exams. It doesn't specify which family the girl is from, but she must be quite good, otherwise Jinbao wouldn't have chosen her," Zhang Ping'an said with a shake of his head and a smile, genuinely happy that his good brother had settled this important matter in his life.

"The iron tree has blossomed! I wonder which girl has awakened his heart. I really want to see her! No, I have to write him a letter back and scold him. Such a big thing, and he didn't even inform me beforehand. Does he even respect me? Even if I can't go back, I still have to prepare a wedding gift. It's his wedding, and I have to make sure it's a grand affair!"

Although the tone was reproachful, anyone could hear the deep concern and affection in her words.

Madam Xu chuckled, "Come on, you're just being stubborn. You two have been close since you were little. Jinbao is a sensible child. I guess he didn't tell you beforehand because he didn't want to bother you."

Zhang Lao Er smiled and sighed, "Jinbao has had a tough time. He seemed a bit simple-minded when he was little, but as he grew up, we realized he's thoughtful and kind. His character is impeccable, it's just that his marriage has been a bit bumpy. But good things come to those who wait. Even though he's getting married a little late, he should be able to have a child if he tries hard. With a child, he'll have something to look forward to, and he won't have to worry about being alone in his old age!"

Following up on the conversation, Xu asked without thinking, "What if it's a girl?"

Zhang Lao Er calmly replied, "A daughter can find a son-in-law to live with her family. If that doesn't work, having him marry into the family is the same."

"Oh, so now you're thinking of taking in a son-in-law? You didn't think this way when I had my first five daughters," Xu said with a hint of bitterness.

Zhang Lao Er sighed, his voice as usual: "Look at our situation back then, and look at Jinbao's situation now, how can you compare them!"

Xu thought about it and agreed, so she stopped talking.

He turned to his grandson with great interest: "Little Yu'er, after you finish the palace examination, aren't you going back to Lin'an to sweep your mother's grave and pay respects to your ancestors? We can take the congratulatory gift back to your Uncle Jinbao. Even though we're not going back, we can't be too rude."

Without a second thought, Xiaoyuer nodded in agreement: "Okay, Uncle Jinbao's wedding is a joyous occasion. As a junior, I should pay a visit and offer my congratulations."

Thinking about how she would have to visit her sixth aunt and uncle in Yangzhou on her way back, and then visit her second aunt and uncle in Lin'an, as well as relatives at the Qian family's ancestral home, and various other social obligations, Xiaoyuer could already foresee that her itinerary would be packed full.