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

Chapter 974 The drunkard doesn’t care about drinking

Only then did Zhang Ping'an look at the dejected Peng Peng.

"It's okay to fail once. You're not that old yet, not even thirty. As long as you're willing to work hard, you can take the exam again in three years."

Madam Xu originally had high hopes for this grandson, but she also knew that those who could pass the imperial examination were all outstanding individuals. It was impossible for one family to produce several outstanding individuals; that was unrealistic. All the good fortune had fallen on her family, so other families naturally couldn't compare.

So he understood Pengpeng's feelings and also tried to persuade him, "Yes, Pengpeng, your uncle is right. You are not too old yet, and your family is well-off. You don't need to go out to find a job to earn money. Just focus on the exam. I've heard that there are quite a few people who passed the exam and became successful. Let's work hard and prove ourselves. One day we will pass the exam!"

Compared to Xu's optimism, Zhuzhu clearly had a deeper understanding of the cruelty of the imperial examination. However, there were some things he wouldn't say directly. "Yes, cousin, no matter what, you are a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial-level imperial examination), and you are only one step away from becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the metropolitan-level imperial examination). It would be best if you could pass the exam, as it would give you more options for becoming an official in the future. Of course, it all depends on yourself. If you just want to find a good job, the status of a Juren is enough."

Little Fish, with his legs crossed and teacup in hand, also looked over.

All eyes in the main room immediately focused on Pengpeng.

It made Pengpeng feel extremely awkward.

Seeing that everyone was waiting for his decision, Pengpeng closed his eyes, steeled his heart, and simply stated his thoughts directly:

"Uncle, Grandmother, cousins, I know you all mean well. It's my fault for letting you down. To be honest, after failing the exam this time, I've realized a lot. I don't want to take it again. Although becoming a Juren (a successful candidate in the provincial examination) seems like only a step away from becoming a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the metropolitan examination), there's actually a huge chasm between them. I know that with my talent, no matter how hard I try, my chances of passing are less than one in ten or two. So why not spend my precious time on something useful!"

"Have you made up your mind?" Zhang Ping'an asked calmly.

The others in the main room looked at each other without saying a word.

Somewhat unexpectedly calm, and without getting angry, Pengpeng felt a little bolder. He swallowed hard, then said with a firm gaze, "Yes, I don't want to repeat this meaningless exam again. I now know very clearly that I'm not cut out for this. The difference between a Jinshi and a Juren is too great! It can't be covered up by just hard work!"

"It's commendable that you can speak your mind so frankly," Zhang Ping'an said with a lighthearted compliment, before changing the subject, "However, in life, it's often easier to take a step back than to take a step forward."

Pengpeng nodded after hearing this, his expression somewhat resigned to his fate. "Uncle, I understand what you mean. I've really thought it through. This isn't just something I said in a fit of anger after failing the exam!"

"Alright, since you've made up your mind, then write a letter back to Lin'an to explain to your parents. However, if you don't continue your studies, you'll have to consider your future prospects."

Although you, as a scholar who passed the imperial examinations, could find a job, I can tell you this directly: given your current temperament, even if I were to swallow my pride and pull strings to get you into a lucrative place, you wouldn't be able to navigate the intricacies of those places, and you might even end up getting yourself into trouble.

Therefore, my suggestion is that you should go work as an assistant under your fifth or sixth aunt's husband. With their guidance and guidance, you can learn the ropes and gain experience over time. I believe you will be much more mature than you are now, and then it won't be too late to talk about promotion.

These words came from the bottom of Zhang Ping'an's heart. If Pengpeng weren't his nephew, he wouldn't have bothered to say so much nonsense.

Fortunately, Pengpeng knew what was good for him and honestly agreed, "Okay, thank you for the advice, Uncle. I'll write back to Lin'an and discuss it with my parents before deciding whether to go to my fifth aunt's or sixth aunt's place. I will definitely do my best."

Seeing this, Zhang Ping'an nodded with slight satisfaction. "That's a good attitude. Alright, don't be so downcast. Let's eat first!"

Madam Xu quickly waved her hand, "Yes, yes, let's eat first!"

The lunch was lively thanks to the little fish that livened things up, and the servants who chimed in from time to time.

Zhuzhu's smile never faded, but at the same time, she felt a little disappointed. "If my parents and my older brothers knew, they would be very happy. I haven't seen them for years, and I wonder how they are doing now. I heard that my older brothers have given me a few more nephews. They're probably quite tall now and can go out to buy candy!"

When the eldest daughter's family was mentioned, Xu also thought about them, "Yes, your mother is the most caring and loves Xiaoyuer the most. She will be happy to know. Among all the daughters, she is the most sensible since she was a child. It's a pity that she went to the Northwest and hasn't been back for several years. I'm getting old, and I don't know how many more times I will be able to see her in the future!"

Zhang Ping'an sighed inwardly, but still had to comfort them on the surface: "It'll be soon. My brother-in-law and the others have been in the Northwest for so many years now. If nothing unexpected happens, they should be able to return to Beijing to report for duty by the end of next year."

Upon hearing this, Madam Xu's face fell, her disappointment evident: "Ah, it won't be until the end of next year, that's almost two years..."

Seeing that the old man really missed his daughter, Zhuzhu quickly comforted him, "Look at my mouth! Today is Xiaoyuer's special day, so we should talk about happy things. Military officer promotions are not something your uncle can control, especially since it concerns border security and so many people in the world! It's the end of next year, time flies by!"

Knowing that her granddaughter didn't want her to be sad, Mrs. Xu patted Zhuzhu's arm and continued, "You're right, time flies. It feels like just yesterday your uncle was picking dates with your Uncle Jinbao when he was little. Now he's almost forty. Time waits for no one!"

With her grandchildren coaxing her, Mrs. Xu quickly cheered up again.

Zhuzhu didn't leave until after dinner. The Zhang family's residence had been bustling with guests all day, with no end in sight.

There was little free time for Xu to be sentimental.

"I never thought that I would become so popular in my old age. The matriarchs of various households are inviting me to drink tea and admire the flowers. Haha," Xu Shi laughed heartily.

Zhuzhu laughed too, "You know perfectly well that those people have ulterior motives, and their real intention is your precious grandson, so don't just agree to it!"

A shrewd glint flashed in Xu's eyes, and she smiled like a chrysanthemum, "Of course I know, I'm not stupid!"

Zhang Ping'an was also pondering the invitation from the Li family with his son.