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

Chapter 912 Counterfeit

Then, Zhang Ping'an brought up serious business with his son, explaining the arrangements for going to Daxiangguo Temple to offer incense the next day.

He doesn't hide these things from his son anymore. After all, the child is grown up and can't live in an ivory tower forever. He's also an only child, so only by standing up for himself as soon as possible can he survive better in this cutthroat society.

"I originally wanted you to focus on preparing for the provincial examination and then let you get involved in these things after the examination. But now the situation has changed. Who knows when your father might fall? So I thought it would be better to let you know in advance, so that if something happens to me, at least you won't be too confused."

“Father, you should have done this a long time ago,” Xiaoyuer said with a smile, his eyes shining brightly in the candlelight.

Early the next morning, Zhang Ping'an took his whole family to Daxiangguo Temple, accompanied by Zhong Zheng.

Ever since Xiaoyuer learned that Zhong Zheng was her cousin, she had actually become somewhat reluctant to make him do anything.

I feel really sorry for them!

Pengpeng was unaware of the situation and still harbored resentment towards the servant. So he would order him around from time to time, making Zhong Zheng run around all morning and sweat profusely.

Little Fish couldn't stand it any longer and lazily stopped him, saying, "Cousin, what are you doing? This isn't fun!"

"Huh?" Pengpeng was stunned for a moment, then quickly realized what he meant and said somewhat awkwardly, "Well, I just thought he was free anyway, so I asked him to run errands. I forgot he was your man, haha. It's okay, I just order him around like a servant I brought with me."

After saying that, he shouted loudly, "Laifu, where have you been? I haven't seen you for ages. If you keep this up, I'll sell you off!"

Lai Funuo apologized profusely for a long time before the matter was finally settled.

Little Fish rolled his eyes at the sky, too lazy to watch the master and servant put on an act.

Zhong was standing to one side with his head down, seemingly lost in thought.

Before long, the carriage finally arrived at the Daxiangguo Temple.

The young monk Huiyuan was still doing odd jobs and sweeping the floor in the temple. When he saw Zhang Ping'an and his family coming over, his eyes lit up. He was about to come over to greet them when he remembered Zhang Ping'an's instructions and stopped.

Pretending not to recognize him, he continued sweeping the floor with his head down, saying and doing nothing.

Abbot Yuantong is at the temple today. Because of the incident with the Second Prince, the two of them have become somewhat acquainted.

So after offering incense, when Zhang Ping'an suggested visiting, the young novice monk went in to inform him, and after some hesitation, Yuantong agreed.

His face still held that kind and benevolent expression, and he spoke slowly and deliberately, turning the prayer beads in his hand: "Amitabha, how have you been lately, Benefactor Zhang?"

It was as if the Second Prince's incident had no effect on him whatsoever.

"Thanks to the Master's blessing, everything has been fine lately," Zhang Ping'an said, leading his son to sit down on the prayer mat. He had specially arranged for Zhong Zheng to wait outside the door.

Yuantong made tea for the two men, carefully examined their complexions, and then lowered his eyelids.

Zhang Ping'an generously showed it to him, then asked with a smile, "Abbot Yuantong, what did you see?"

Yuantong put down his teacup, still turning his prayer beads, and said calmly, "Every time I see Benefactor Zhang, his expression is quite different. This shows that people's fates are constantly changing. How can we mortals possibly glimpse the secrets of heaven!"

"The master is too modest!"

Zhang Ping'an picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and exclaimed, "What excellent tea!"

Yuantong remained expressionless and brewed another cup for him, saying, "If you like it, drink more. This tea is for those who are destined to receive it!"

Little Fish was still young and couldn't sit still or join the conversation, so he just kept drinking tea.

I listened to my father and that old bald monk exchanging cryptic remarks.

After an unknown amount of time, a commotion suddenly arose outside the door.

Yuantong's face darkened as he asked the person outside the door, "What's going on?"

A young novice monk rushed in to report: "Abbot, for some reason, a servant who came with Benefactor Zhang's family had a conflict with a nun. We don't know where this nun came from, but now the temple's worshippers have seen her and are making a scene!"

Speaking of this, we must mention the rules and regulations for monks and nuns in this day and age, which strictly limit monks and nuns from being alone together.

Nuns cannot go to monasteries at will. If they must go, it must be for a legitimate and necessary religious reason, such as attending a Dharma assembly or seeking Buddhist teachings. Moreover, they cannot meet alone in a room or a secluded place.

It must be in a crowded public place!

This usually only happens at very grand religious ceremonies.

Therefore, the sudden infiltration of a nun of unknown origin into Daxiangguo Temple would greatly damage its reputation; the matter could be serious or minor.

Zhang Ping'an looked over, feigning ignorance.

Yuantong, seemingly lost in thought, though still maintaining his calm and collected demeanor, rose to apologize to the two: "There must be some misunderstanding. Please have a seat, I'll be right back!"

After saying this, he ordered another old monk to come over, and then changed his shoes and went out.

Judging from their backs, they seemed to be in a hurry.

"Son, you should go and take a look too. After all, it involves our servants!" Zhang Ping'an instructed.

Little Fish understood and immediately followed them out.

The old monk Zhang Ping'an who came in had been seen at the Dharma assemblies of the late Empress Wei and Zhou Ziming, but they were not familiar with each other.

The old monk sat down and began to preach to him. Zhang Ping'an listened patiently and was not in a hurry.

Yuantong said he would be right back, but in reality, he was gone for a long time, not returning until noon with Xiaoyuer. His face was undeniably grim.

All of this did not escape Zhang Ping'an's eyes. He observed that there was even a flash of murderous intent in the other party's eyes.

“Benefactor Zhang, I’m so sorry, the problem is rather complicated, so it’s taken up a bit more time. It’s already noon, lunchtime. Why don’t we go to the vegetarian restaurant together for lunch? The vegetarian chef has recently changed, and the food tastes even better than before,” Yuantong invited gently.

Zhang Ping'an, being quite tactful, stood up and said, "Really? Then I'm in for a treat today! I'll have to have a good taste!"

So the group went to the vegetarian house together.

Zhang Lao Er, Xu Shi, and Peng Peng were already waiting there. The two of them donated a lot of money for incense oil. The young novice monk who was leading the way told Yuan Tong about this.

Yuantong put his hands together in prayer and chanted a Buddhist prayer, "Amitabha, the Buddha is merciful. Since you are all so sincere, the Buddha will bless you!"

After a simple vegetarian meal, Zhang Ping'an and his family took their leave, and Yuantong escorted them all the way to the temple gate.

After getting into the car and finishing his meal, he whispered, "I saw someone today. The person in the secret room was... His Majesty, or rather, His Highness the Crown Prince."

This answer surprised Zhang Ping'an, who exclaimed in surprise, "You mean, the one in the palace now is a fake?"

Little Fish was also shocked by the news. Good heavens, this is a huge deal!