Uncle from a poor family

Chapter 49: Going out depends on mixing

Zhang Luan said he would find a private school for his two sons, and he actually put it into practice, but the progress was not smooth.

That night, Zhang Luan discussed the child's education with Jin, and Zhang Yanling listened beside them.

"...I asked several teachers, and when they learned that I was not a native of the capital, they all said that they would not accept students enrolling mid-term." Zhang Luan seemed helpless.

Jin said, "Didn't you say you were a student of the Imperial College?"

Zhang Luan said, "If they didn't know I was a student, they wouldn't even want to see me. I'll go ask some teachers tomorrow or the day after tomorrow when I have time."

Jin nodded: "Children should study, otherwise they will have no future. But considering the eldest son's careless attitude, if he really can't do it, he should just stop studying... But you can make some plans for Yanling and don't waste his intelligence!"

Although Jin did not have much direct impression of the abilities of the two Zhang brothers, "the people love the youngest son" is not an empty talk, and it is difficult for the old mother to treat them equally.

"If you want to study, let's study together."

Zhang Luan shook his head and said, "It's not good to favor one over the other."

As he spoke, Zhang Luan glanced at Zhang Yanling, who was sitting by the charcoal stove and warming himself. Zhang Yanling continued to stare at the charcoal basin, with the same silly and cute expression as his elder brother in the past.

Jin said, "How about this, ask his uncle... The Shen family has some influence in the capital, so it shouldn't be difficult to help him find a school, right?"

"Ugh!"

Zhang Luan sighed, "Then I'll go ask tomorrow, but it's not good to visit without bringing a gift."

"We have to live frugally now."

The couple then began to talk about the latest situation at home.

In general, the family's small treasury is now only going out but not coming in, and Jin has to continue to live a frugal life where she has to spend every penny in half.

……

……

The next morning, Zhang Yanling saw his cheap father sorting out the banknotes.

During the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, no coins were minted, so the Baochao still had a certain value. Zhang Luan had just exchanged some Baochao, and there were also some copper coins nearby, but they were all old coins.

"Take a few coins and don't spend them carelessly. And don't let your elder brother know."

Zhang Luan glanced outside the door and quickly stuffed a piece of paper money into Zhang Yanling's hand. At this time, he showed more favor for his youngest son who had performed well recently, and gave him pocket money happily.

Zhang Yanling didn't even look at the denomination of the banknote, and stuffed it back into Zhang Luan's hand, saying, "I don't have to worry about food and shelter at home, so I don't need it for the time being. Dad, you should keep it for yourself... After entering the Imperial College, you will need to spend money on social interactions and entertainment."

Zhang Luan felt warm in his heart, and he looked at his second son with a kinder gaze, smiling and saying, "Hey, your mother is right, you know everything, you are worthy of being my son.

"But then again, everyone in the Imperial College is wealthy, and being able to gain a foothold in the capital is definitely not something that ordinary families can do. We can't compare with those Yin Academy, but we always have to drink tea and wine with classmates, which costs a lot."

"Dad, have you seen Cui Ru these two days?" Zhang Yanling asked.

"How could I not see you? I see you every day... You are of this age, with a family and a wife, how many of you still have the energy to study? But you are different. You are young and learn things quickly. I have discussed with your mother, and we must find a place for you to study. You must study hard." Zhang Luan said.

"Didn't Dad say that I should go to school with my eldest brother?" Zhang Yanling said.

"Your elder brother..."

Zhang Luan didn't know how to evaluate his eldest son, and finally shook his head helplessly: "Whether your eldest brother goes to school or not has nothing to do with you, take care of your own business first. I heard that the government may come to me these two days to discuss the epidemic prevention in the capital. I am still looking for sick cows nearby. If you have time, you might as well go to the market to ask."

Zhang Yanling asked in surprise: "Are there people raising cattle in the city?"

"How not?"

Zhang Luan thought about it and realized that cows have always been used for plowing. Although the capital city is big, there is no arable land in the city, and what is needed are sick cows, so the conditions are a bit harsh.

"Well, just be good at home and don't run around. If you get sick or something, I can't take care of you... I'll go find your uncle and ask him to find a teacher for you to teach you how to study hard so that you can pass the imperial examinations and bring honor to your family." Zhang Luan said, and went out excitedly.

……

……

At Shen Lu's residence.

Zhang Luan went to meet Shen Lu with two bags of Huangshan Yunwu Tea that were previously sent by Huizhou merchants. As a result, Shen Lu was extremely polite and directly prepared a "small gift" including cloth, silver locks, jade plaques, and some snacks such as pine nuts, raisins, and sugar cakes. The gift was much more substantial than the one brought by Zhang Luan.

"Lai Zhan, that Censor Chen has indeed reported to the court, and the Ministry of Rites has said hello. They are planning to let you grow medicine for people in the capital, and will send people from the Imperial Hospital to supervise... If it is inconvenient in the city, find an open space outside the city to do it."

Shen Lu said, pointing to the gifts he prepared in advance, "These are all things you can use on a daily basis. Take them back and give them to your sister-in-law and children."

Zhang Luan was amazed at Shen Lu's generosity, but he could not refuse and deliberately changed the subject: "Actually, I came here today to ask you for a favor and find a school for Yanling to study... That kid is smart and should have some talent for studying. He will not bring shame to you, Mr.

Shen Lu asked curiously: "Why not hire a teacher?"

"This……"

Zhang Luan was embarrassed. "Isn't this because children need a study environment and atmosphere?"

I didn't have the courage to say that I didn't have the money to hire a teacher on my own, and I couldn't afford the monthly tuition.

Shen Lu nodded: "There are academies everywhere in the capital, and there are many around Beijuxianfang. With your talent, you can open a academy in the capital. I want to ask you, you don't let your eldest son go to school, are you planning to let him inherit your legacy and work in the Imperial Hospital in the future?"

"what!?"

Zhang Luan was startled at first, then quickly waved his hands, "I dare not think about it. It's just that the eldest brother in the family... Alas, he is not a good student!"

Shen Lu said, "There is nothing I dare not think about. The court attaches great importance to your work in treating illnesses and preventing disasters. Minister Li will probably greet the people in the Imperial Hospital in the next two days. In the future, you and I can serve as ministers in the same palace."

Zhang Luan couldn't help swallowing his saliva. It was obvious that he had great expectations for this matter.

But for him, it still seemed a little unreal, mainly because he lacked confidence and felt that he was a complete novice in treating diseases and was easily exposed.

Seeing Zhang Luan's hesitation, Shen Lu couldn't help but smile and said, "Come and see, it's almost the Bingzi day. Have you calculated the heavens again in the past two days to see if there are any changes in the earthquake in Ningxia?"

"This……"

Zhang Luan was speechless.

He was still thinking in his heart, what a waste of time.

Shen Lu said, "Have you not speculated recently? Minister Li said before that if you have the ability to predict the mysteries of the heavens, you can recommend him to the emperor and let him enter the Imperial Observatory."

"no, I'm fine."

Zhang Luan was terrified and refused repeatedly, "With my level, it would be great if I could enter the Imperial Hospital. As for the Imperial Observatory..."

I was so distressed. I haven't even figured out how to cure diseases, and now I'm asked to study how to be a charlatan?
Shen Lu smiled and said, "Then... Lai Zhan, how sure are you that there will be an earthquake in Ningxia?"

Zhang Luan smiled bitterly and said, "I just said it straight in front of you. Actually, I am not sure."

"oh!?"

Shen Lu's face immediately turned ugly.

Zhang Luan understood immediately that Shen Lu helped him pass on messages and even made Li Zisheng favor him. If he said that everything he said was nonsense, it would be tantamount to tricking Shen Lu. Even if they were a relative, he would not be able to face them again in the future.

Tomorrow I will be on the new book list, and I will update one chapter at midnight. Thank you for your support! The second and third updates will be at 12 noon and 6 pm respectively. Thank you!

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(End of this chapter)