mtlumby2d Chapter 149 Academic Planning
Chapter 149 Academic Planning
"Okay, you've grown up now, just discuss it with your father," Xu said with relief. After enduring so many years, the hardship finally paid off.
Have a good night's sleep!
The next day, Zhang Ping'an had to go back to the academy to thank the teacher. Xu had searched the cabinet for a long time but couldn't find a piece of clothing suitable for her son. She said worriedly, "I have to hurry up and make you two new sets of clothes in the next two days."
Zhang Ping'an said helplessly: "Mom, why are you the same as Dad? It doesn't matter what you wear, as long as it is clean and comfortable." After that, he picked out a sky blue long gown and put it on and went out.
After the exam, it was a rare time to relax, and there was no rush to attend classes. It was still early, so Zhang Ping'an strolled all the way to the academy. When he went to the study to meet Master Lin, Lin Junhui had not arrived yet. Master Lin asked the servant to serve Zhang Ping'an a cup of tea, and the two chatted while drinking tea.
"Four people from the academy made it to the list of candidates for the academy examination. This is a very good result, especially you. You became a scholar at such a young age. Your future is limitless. But to be honest, this result was also within my expectations," Master Lin said with a smile, stroking his beard.
"Thanks to you for your kindness, Master. You have taught me a lot and you also advised me to get to know Mr. Fan. That is why I have achieved what I have today. I will always remember your kindness," Zhang Ping'an stood up and bowed.
Seeing Zhang Ping'an's humble words and deeds, Master Lin nodded with satisfaction. He picked up the teacup, stirred the tea leaves, took a sip, and then continued, "There are countless intelligent people, but not many people as lucky as you. You must cherish it!"
"Student understands," Zhang Pingan replied solemnly.
Seeing that the beating was almost over, Master Lin regained his composure and said, "Alright, sit down. There's no need to worry about these empty formalities between you and me as a teacher and student. Oh, and remember to go to the government office as soon as possible to get the scholar's paperwork done. That way, your family can be exempted from the autumn grain tax in September this year, and you won't have to worry about the winter corvée either, which will also reduce some of the burden on the family."
Zhang Ping'an nodded and said, "Thank you, Master. I will do it this afternoon."
"Well, a scholar only has 20 mu of tax-free land under his name, which isn't very much. That's why there's a saying since ancient times that a scholar is poor and a juren is rich. A juren has 200 mu of tax-free land under his name. Only by passing the juren exam can one truly cross the social ladder and change one's status," Master Lin said slowly. "However, don't underestimate the title of a scholar, especially since you're still young and have a promising future. I wonder if your parents have made any plans for your marriage?"
Zhang Pingan listened carefully to the words and hesitated, saying, "I haven't heard of it."
Master Lin said with a hint of meaning, "Marriage unites two families. It serves the ancestral temple and continues the family line. It must be handled with great care!"
Before Zhang Ping'an could figure it out, Lin Junhui came in led by a servant and bowed to Master Lin first: "Greetings, Master!"
Then he turned to Zhang Ping'an and said with a smile: "I thought I was going to get up early today, but I didn't expect that there are people here who get up earlier than me!"
"Brother Lin, please stop teasing me. I'm just taking advantage of the convenience of living nearby," Zhang Pingan replied with a smile.
Seeing that Lin Junhui had also arrived, Master Lin first smiled and encouraged the two of them, then said, "You two are both outstanding rising stars in your studies. You have a promising future. What are your plans for the future?"
Lin Junhui also brought a folding fan today. Hearing this, he opened it and fanned himself with air. He smiled proudly and said, "Of course I should go to the provincial capital to study. Since I am a student on government scholarship and a member of the Lin family, I think going to the provincial capital should not be difficult. This is also what my father wanted."
Zhang Pingan was surprised for a moment, but then he understood. The Lin family had such a background, and Lin Junhui was so talented. If they wanted to change academies, they would definitely go to the best one.
"Master, I plan to go to the provincial school. My college entrance examination results are not particularly good, and the provincial school is just right for me," Zhang Pingan replied calmly. He had already thought about it on the way back this time, and he also discussed it with his father. Zhang Laoer always listened to his son and had no objection.
"Okay, as long as you all have plans. I'm not worried about Junhui. As for Ping'an, you are younger and your family can't give you much help. I will write you a letter of recommendation, which may be of some help when you go to the provincial school." Master Lin stroked his beard and smiled.
"Thank you for your kindness, Master," Zhang Pingan stood up again and bowed.
They chatted until almost noon, and Master Lin let the two leave.
Lin Junhui waved his fan and smiled, "Thank you, Ping An, for the realgar powder the night before yesterday. That's why I didn't get bit by snakes or insects. My followers were bitten all over. Hahaha, they've been lying at home resting for the past two days!"
"It's just a small favor, nothing to worry about," Zhang Ping'an said with a smile.
"Let's go, let's have dinner together. I'll treat you. After dinner, let's go to the government office together to get the documents for the scholars," Lin Junhui said casually.
"Thank you very much, Brother Lin. I shall obey your command," said Zhang Ping'an without hesitation.
The two of them went to a well-known restaurant in the county town. Lin Junhui was a good eater, so he ordered a few cold dishes and cold cakes, and asked for a pot of iced rice wine, which was both appetizing and refreshing.
As they ate and chatted, Lin Junhui said with a smile, "When we both go to different places to study, we don't know when we will see each other again. If you go back to your hometown to host a banquet for the scholars, please remember to invite me. I will definitely come to congratulate you."
"Of course! I'll definitely let Brother Lin know once the date is set. And remember to invite me to the banquet at Brother Lin's house!"
"That's natural!"
"Brother Lin, I heard that according to the custom in previous years, the county magistrate would hold a banquet to entertain new scholars. I wonder if the banquet will still be held this year since such a major event as the earthquake happened? If not, I can return home with my family as soon as possible. My grandparents are looking forward to it," Zhang Pingan asked.
Lin Junhui finished the food in his mouth, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and took another sip of rice wine before replying, "Of course there is. These are the rules, how can they be easily changed?"
"Okay, I understand. I wonder if there is anything I should pay attention to then?"
Lin Junhui shook his head. "Don't take it too seriously. It's just a meal. County Magistrate Zhu is very busy, and he's only hosting this banquet to build some good relationships. Who knows, maybe he could become a colleague with one of them in the future, so he generally doesn't bother anyone easily."
"I see. That's good," Zhang Ping'an also breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that this county magistrate was still a normal person.
"A scholar is just okay in our county, but there are many educated people in Huguang area, so it's nothing in the provincial capital." Lin Junhui has always had greater ambitions.
Zhang Ping'an nodded in response, "That's right! But it should still be quite good in the north and southwest. I've heard from Master Lin before that in the north and southwest, a scholar can be exempted from tax on 50 mu of land. Of course, this is partly due to the poor quality of the farmland, but more importantly, it's because there are few scholars, and the number of students and scholars is even smaller."
Lin Junhui sneered, fanning himself and saying, "This is all fate. Who told them they wouldn't be reincarnated?"