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

Chapter 890 Heading to the Imperial Mausoleum

He had Huiyuan take the prepared incense money back to report, and then arranged for two servants to help transport the items back to Daxiangguo Temple.

Zhang Ping'an then beckoned in the man who had finished eating: "How has Zhong Zheng been these past two days?"

"Still the same as before, nothing unusual."

"Here's what you'll do: arrange for two trustworthy people to take him to this address. If he asks, just tell him he's going out on business. And if anyone else in the manor asks, give him the same answer, including Xiaoyuer and Xiaohu, understand?"

After finishing his meal, he took the address and looked at it, somewhat surprised, but asked nothing, only nodding: "Understood!"

"Go, do it now. Keep a close eye on him. If anything goes wrong, I'll hold you accountable!" Zhang Ping'an's eyes were cold.

"Oh, and this address too. Go check it out and find out what they do. Find out all the details and backgrounds of everyone involved and report back to me as soon as possible!"

After saying that, he waved his hand with a solemn expression and dismissed the person.

He then continued to ponder with his head down.

His plans seem to need a slight change.

But why are so many letters coming from Shandong?

What does Shandong have? Who is there? Who can help them?

…………

After thinking about it all night, Zhang Ping'an roughly listed a few suspicious individuals in his mind.

But all of this needs time to be verified one by one, and in reality, there isn't enough time.

The day after tomorrow, we will depart for the imperial tomb.

Meanwhile, Yuantong once again sent someone to subtly inquire about Zhang Ping'an's decision.

This time, Zhang Ping'an didn't beat around the bush; he promised that within his authority, he could turn a blind eye.

He wanted to see just how far Yuantong and their team could go.

The burial date was an auspicious day calculated by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, but a strong wind suddenly blew up the night before departure. The moon was bright and the stars were few, and the cold wind was blowing, indicating that it was likely to rain in the next few days.

Madam Xu couldn't help but mutter, "Oh dear, it's the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, how come the weather is so bad on the day they calculated? If it's windy and rainy, that's not a good omen, they won't even have peace after death."

"Son, I put two extra cloaks in there for you, so you can change if it rains, and they'll also keep you dry."

Zhang Ping'an snapped out of his daze: "I know, Mother. Thank you for your hard work. Go and get some rest!"

"Hey, you and Xiaoyuer shouldn't stay out too late. We need to leave early tomorrow morning!"

After giving her instructions, Madam Xu yawned and called Zhang Lao Er to go back to their room together.

Zhang Lao Er was always much more perceptive than Xu Shi. Coupled with the bond between father and son, he always felt uneasy. When he returned to his room, he couldn't help but look back at his son and grandson several times.

Zhang Ping'an smiled and waved his hand: "Dad, go to sleep!"

Zhang Lao Er smiled and then followed Xu Shi back to his room with peace of mind.

"It's definitely not a good omen," Zhang Ping'an finally breathed a sigh of relief and turned to go to his study.

The little fish followed along on its own.

After the father and son sat down, Zhang Ping'an asked again, "Is everything packed? Gold, silver, valuables, bank notes, and deeds?"

"I've put them all away," Xiaoyuer nodded, her eyes filled with sadness.

"Father, where did Zhong Zheng go? Don't tell me he went out on an errand; I know that's just a lie."

Zhang Ping'an didn't rush to answer, but instead asked, "Do you know who his biological father is?"

"Hmm? Who is it? Is there anything special about it?" Little Fish wondered.

Zhang Ping'an said calmly, "His biological father is the abbot of Daxiangguo Temple, Master Yuantong."

"Huh?" Little Fish was surprised for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh, "My third aunt is quite capable!"

“Birds of a feather flock together. They’re a perfect match. It’s just a pity for the child. Why did such a person have to bring a child into the world to suffer? Now I’m forced to play the villain. You don’t need to ask about Zhong Zheng’s whereabouts. It’s not your concern.”

At this point, Zhang Ping'an paused, his eyes also filled with sadness. "The only people I'm worried about right now, besides you, are your grandparents. Have a good breakfast with them tomorrow morning. Your grandfather may seem quiet, but he's actually quite wise. He should have guessed what's going on."

Xiaoyuer couldn't bear to see his father like this, so he shrugged and tried to lighten the mood by laughing, "Things haven't gotten to the worst yet. When I went to the Daxiangguo Temple last time to have my fortune told, didn't Abbot Yuantong say that I would definitely be fine?"

"Trust him? Humph!" Zhang Ping'an sneered.

His impression of this person was now extremely poor; he saw him as a power-hungry man disguised as a charlatan.

He even felt that the Second Prince might just be a puppet in his hands.

After snorting, Zhang Ping'an got down to business, taking out two brocade pouches from his bosom. He hesitated, a rare occurrence for him. "Originally, I wasn't planning to give you these, but now that I think about it, things might be more complicated than I imagined. I need to give you more options. Keep these safe and only open them when absolutely necessary. Remember, never let them fall into the wrong hands!"

"Dad, what's this?" Little Fish took it and squeezed it; it was a bit thick.

"You'll find out later, keep this safe!"

Little Fish obediently put it away and didn't ask any more questions, which put Zhang Ping'an at ease.

My anxious heart calmed down a bit.

The next morning, the father and son got up very early.

As was their custom, Xu and Zhang Lao Er also got up early to help prepare the luggage.

Little Fish was especially well-behaved and obedient today, and would occasionally act coquettishly towards the two elderly people, which made Madam Xu praise him for being sensible.

The breakfast was enjoyed in a pleasant and harmonious manner.

But Zhang Lao Er remained somewhat troubled and puzzled.

It was still dark when they went out. Zhang Ping'an whispered to Zhang Lao Er, "Dad, don't worry, everything will be alright."

"Sigh, as long as you and Xiaoyuer are doing well, that's all that matters," Zhang Lao Er suddenly said, his eyes reddening for some reason. He turned to the side and wiped away his tears with his hands behind his back.

He was even ridiculed by Ms. Xu.

"Yes, everything will be alright!" Zhang Ping'an took out a handkerchief to help wipe them, then glanced at his family one last time before getting into the sedan chair.

The burial was a major event. When Zhang Ping'an arrived at the palace, it was already brightly lit, as preparations were being made for the funeral ceremony.

From the emperor, princes, and grandsons of the emperor to civil and military officials, everyone is required to participate in today's grand sacrificial ceremony.

Only after the sacrificial ceremony is completed can the coffin be moved from the place where the body lies and placed on a specially made, ornate hearse, known as the Great Ascension Carriage.

The funeral procession was also extremely large and strictly ordered.

This includes the guiding team, who carry various banners, umbrellas, and flags.

There is also a procession of ritual implements, which consists of monks and Taoist priests who chant scriptures and play music along the way.

Zhang Ping'an saw Sanya again among these people.

Sanya also saw him, smiled enigmatically, and then looked away.