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

Not wanting to spoil the mood, Qian Yu chuckled and went along with it, saying, "Your father holds a high position in the capital and can't leave. Now that you've become a third-place scholar in the imperial examination, you should return home in glory to pay your respects and visit your mother's grave in Lin'an. She must be very lonely over there. As for your future, with your uncles and your father over there, we won't let you go astray."

"That's right, hurry up and thank your uncles. They've treated you like their own son since you were little," Zhang Ping'an reminded him.

Xiaoyuer was about to say something when Qian Ying waved her hand to stop him, saying gently, "It's only right for an uncle to dote on his nephew, don't be so polite. Alright, it's getting late, shouldn't we start preparing the meal? Father is still waiting for us at home. He's very happy to see Xiaoyuer become the third-ranked scholar, but he caught a cold recently and has a cough, so he shouldn't go out. He'll come personally when you hold the banquet for the successful candidates."

Upon hearing this, Xiaoyuer immediately asked, "Is Grandfather alright? I'll try to visit him tomorrow."

Zhang Ping'an also looked over with some concern.

“I’ve already had the imperial physician come to treat you. It’s nothing serious. You just need to take medicine and rest at home. But if you go see your maternal grandfather, he’ll definitely be happy. He’s getting old and now he’s afraid of being lonely. He’ll test your cousins ​​from time to time. It’ll be good for you to go and keep him company and relieve his boredom,” Qian Jie said with a smile.

Seeing that his expression didn't seem fake, Zhang Ping'an figured there shouldn't be any major problems, so he turned to the second steward and ordered him to set out the meal.

At the banquet, Xiaoyuer took the initiative to toast each of his uncles, his etiquette movements flowing smoothly and gracefully, neither humble nor arrogant.

Qian Ying and the others nodded repeatedly, praising how much they had grown.

Qian Jie was a carefree man. While drinking, he patted his nephew on the shoulder and joked, "Seeing you all growing up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, I know your father and I are getting old. The younger generation surpasses the older, each generation is stronger than the last. The family will rely on you to carry on the family line in the future. Whether you go back to Ezhou Prefecture to visit relatives or go to Lin'an to pay respects to your mother, you must be careful on the way. Take care of yourselves first, understand? Don't act impulsively!"

These words were spoken from the heart, and Zhang Ping'an agreed, nodding in agreement: "Your second uncle is right. You need to know that you are not just yourself now, you also have the responsibility of the family on your shoulders."

Looking at the elders with solemn expressions, who were clearly worried about his return to his hometown alone, Xiaoyuer found it somewhat amusing. He wasn't like them, possessing any superfluous, so-called compassion or benevolence.

As the only son in his family, he knew early on that he couldn't let anything happen to him, because he had no way out.

On the surface, however, he respectfully agreed.

Zhang Lao Er and Xu Shi spoke very little at the table, mostly just listening silently. But seeing their grandson so capable and outstanding, they felt extremely proud, and their backs were straight.

After dinner, the Qian brothers didn't linger and quickly took their leave. Xiaoyuer accompanied his father to the gate, and only turned back home after seeing the carriage turn out of the alley.

"Putting aside everything else, your uncles have truly doted on you. From childhood to adulthood, they've never missed a single holiday or your birthday. You must remember these kindnesses. However, while favors are one thing, once you enter officialdom, if there's anything they need your help with, you can offer assistance within your capabilities and as long as it doesn't violate principles. But for anything else, you must think twice before acting," Zhang Ping'an suddenly said.

Xiao Yu'er was a little confused and turned his head to look at him: "Dad, why do you say that? My uncles all have much higher official positions than me, not to mention the Qian family behind them. I don't know how long it will be before I can make a difference."

Hearing this, Zhang Ping'an sighed, pressed his throbbing temples, and walked towards the pavilion in the courtyard. His voice was not as loud and powerful as it had been at the banquet earlier: "The night is beautiful tonight. Let's go sit in the pavilion. It's been a long time since my son and I have sat in the courtyard to drink tea and chat."

Little Fish nodded and followed Zhang Ping'an over to sit down.

The servant, being very perceptive, brought a tray of tea and snacks, and then withdrew.

Xiao Yu'er picked up the teapot, poured a cup for his father first, and then poured half a cup for himself. In the quiet of the night, amidst the faint aroma of tea and the smoke, Zhang Ping'an slowly began to recount what Qian Yu had said when he arrived that afternoon.

He concluded, "Your fourth uncle is a typical smiling tiger. He always has a reason for everything he says and does, and he never wastes a word. In terms of ability, he is actually the strongest among your uncles, but unfortunately, he was born at the wrong time and is ranked lowest, destined to only be able to assist your eldest uncle in taking over the position of family head in the future. Therefore, he has been serving as an official outside the family for many years, managing the Qian family's peripheral affairs. I always feel that there is a hidden meaning in his words, that he is reminding me of something."

Xiaoyuer understood, and frowned in thought, "Do you think that Fourth Uncle's return this time is not simple, and that something bad is going to happen to the Qian family?"

Zhang Ping'an shook his head, his tone indifferent: "It's hard to say, but the Qian family's thousand-year-old foundation can't collapse overnight. I just don't know what they're up to behind the scenes. Recently, the Qian family has been unusually low-key. Your fourth uncle has been an official outside for many years, so he might have a better sense of things than those of us in high positions. I wonder if he has discovered something."

At this point, Zhang Ping'an chuckled softly, adopting a more relaxed tone as he continued his instruction: "You know your father is a cautious person, always prone to overthinking and worrying my whole life. Perhaps I'm overthinking things. But the reason I'm telling you this today is to remind you that once you enter officialdom, you can't be so simplistic in your considerations. Even with relatives, you can't help them unconditionally or without principle, no matter how good they are to you. You can only act if you can ensure your own safety. The game of the imperial court is one where you have to play yourself; a slight misstep can mean certain death. You need to be mentally prepared!"

Little Fish understood his father's worries and nodded earnestly, assuring him, "Don't worry, Dad, I'm not as weak as you think!"

"Yes, you have always performed exceptionally well and are among the best of your peers," Zhang Ping'an said with admiration.

Then, changing the subject, he said, "But you can't walk your career path alone. Our family is too small. You are an only son, and without your brothers to help you, you can't support the whole family alone."

Therefore, I want you to select some suitable and outstanding young men from your clan during your recent trip back to your hometown to stay and serve you. This includes your classmates who took the provincial and metropolitan examinations; these will become your future network. You can choose three or four worthy individuals from among them to cultivate good relationships with. You don't need many; three or four will suffice!

"Just like you, Uncle Ge, and Uncle Lin, right? Sometimes I really envy you!" Xiaoyuer said with a smile.

My own father's life can be described as full of ups and downs, magnificent and extraordinary. From an ordinary farm boy to the pinnacle of power, the probability is one in a million. Anyone who hears about his journey would have to call it a legend.

And he will write his own legend in the future!