Time Travel: The Survival of Li Zhi

Chapter 39: Master Li, Going to Beijing

August in the lunar calendar in autumn.

The Li Mansion was decorated with lights and colorful decorations, and there was a festive atmosphere everywhere.

Even the people in Li's mansion had joyful smiles on their faces, and they congratulated each other whenever they met someone.

It was because Li Zhi, the young master of the Li family, was worthy of being praised as a genius prodigy. He not only passed five levels and killed six generals, but also passed two major levels of county examination and prefectural examination.

He also won the first place in the provincial examination a few days ago and became the top scholar.

This was the first scholar in the Li family to win the imperial examination and the first scholar to be recorded in the county annals.

The Li family has been doing business for generations, but there has never been any scholar in their family. So they were overjoyed to be able to obtain the title of scholar.

This time, Li Zhi won the title of Jiang Province's top scholar, which made Li Fu very happy and also brought honor to the Li family.

Li Fu was so happy that he generously rewarded the servants in the mansion. Each of these servants received a generous reward. It was no wonder that everyone in the Li mansion was so happy.

Nowadays, people outside are saying that Li Zhi is a top scholar and the God of Literature from heaven who has descended to earth.

Even the servants in Li's mansion felt honored and proud of it.

This made the Li family extremely prosperous for a while, and there was an endless stream of people coming to their door every day wanting to make friends and get to know them.

As the protagonist of the topic, Li Zhi only stays in the house every day to read and review. Unless Li Fu calls him out to meet some seniors, he can stay in the house like this all day without coming out.

Compared with the lively and festive atmosphere of the entire Li Mansion, the calm Li Zhi seemed particularly out of place.

That day, Li Zhi was probably tired from studying, so he stood up, walked to the window, reached out and gently pushed the window open. A breeze blew into the room as the window opened.

The cool autumn breeze swept across Li Zhi's cheeks, and his face looked unusually calm.

Looking at the Li Mansion decorated with lights and colors everywhere, listening to all kinds of cheerful voices coming from everywhere.

Li Zhi knew that he should be happy at this moment. He knew that even if he shouted "I am so proud of myself that I can see all the flowers in Chang'an in one day", no one would say that he was young and frivolous.

But even he himself didn't know why he couldn't be happy, and there was not even a trace of feeling that could make him emotional.

Li Zhi put his hand on his chest. There seemed to be a voice in his heart roaring madly, roaring that these were not what he wanted.

To stand out and get a good score in the imperial examination, aren’t these what I want?

"What exactly do I want..."

Li Zhi looked out the window and muttered to himself.

 …

After the provincial examination, the metropolitan examination will be held.

The imperial examination requires going to the capital city. Jiangxi Province is far away from the capital city, and the round trip will take at least more than a month. Naturally, Li Fu is worried about Li Zhi going to the capital city alone.

So he called two servants.

"I've met the master."

Zhang Da and Chen Xi knelt on the ground respectfully.

Zhang Da and Chen Xi's fathers worked in the Li Mansion for generations, so they could be said to be the family children of the Li Mansion. From the moment they were born, they were destined to be in the Li Mansion for the rest of their lives.

These two people are as their names suggest.

Zhang Da was born tall and strong, with strong muscles. His figure was as straight as a pine tree. He had learned martial arts since he was a child. Even seven or eight ordinary people could not beat him.

Chen Xize has a quiet and thin appearance, as if he could be blown down by a gust of wind, but he has a delicate and exquisite heart.

"You two should pack up your things and accompany the young master to the capital for the exam." Li Fu said calmly.

When the master spoke, how could the servants dare to say no? The two of them responded immediately.

After the two men left, Li Fu nodded secretly.

He carefully selected these two people. Zhang Da is good at martial arts and is strong. He can help Li Zhi carry the bag and protect him on the way. With him around, Li Zhi's safety should not be a concern.

Although Chen Xi is weak, she is thoughtful and qualified to be a book boy. Although Li Zhi is smart, he has been living a life of luxury since childhood and also needs a careful person to take care of him.

This way, there shouldn't be any problems.

Li Fu thought about it, but still felt uneasy, so he returned to his desk and wrote a few letters. These were written to those people he knew who were doing business in the capital. The letters simply asked them to help look after his son Li Zhi.

After writing the letter, Li Fu took out a purse and a stack of silver bills from the cabinet.

Carrying letters and a large sum of money, Li Fu came to Li Zhi's house.

Li Zhi in the room was still reading a book.

Seeing Li Fu coming, Li Zhi stood up and saluted in a serious manner: "Hello, father."

The voice was emotionless and still cold, but Li Fu didn't care.

He waved his hand, asked Li Zhi to sit down, and then said: "You are going to Beijing to take the exam this time. The journey is long. You have never left home since you were a child. Your father is always a little worried, so I arranged two followers for you. They are all family members, you can rest assured..."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhi said, "The person my father arranged is naturally reliable."

Li Fu took out the letters, spread them out and told Li Zhi one by one which letter was to which person, where it was from, and what business it was about.

As Li Zhi listened, he looked up. The nagging Li Fu in front of him did not have the shrewdness he had when doing business outside, nor did he have the seriousness towards his subordinates. Instead, he only had the concern and worry of a father for his son.

Li Zhi seemed to be somewhat touched, but his face remained calm.

 …

When a child travels far away, his parents worry.

Li Fu was busy early in the morning.

The reason is simple: the Li family’s beloved young master is finally going to the capital.

One carriage was packed full, but Li Fu still felt it was not enough and was considering whether to bring another carriage to carry more things.

Li Zhi quickly stopped him and said, "Father, I'm going to take an exam, not to go out for fun. You don't need to bring too many things."

"I can go sightseeing while taking the exam..." Li Fu muttered, but finally listened to Li Zhi.

He helped Li Zhi straighten his clothes and muttered, "Don't worry too much about the exam. If we can pass, we'll pass. If we can't, we can take it next time. Let's just treat this as a trip. Don't put too much pressure on yourself..."

"Don't walk too fast on the road. Rest when you are tired..."

"Don't read too late at night, or you'll go blind..."

"Eat whatever you want. Buy whatever you like. If you have no money, just send someone back with a message. We don't lack money..."

As he spoke, Li Fu's eyes turned red and he turned his head away not wanting to be seen.

"Hey, I heard it's still snowing in the capital, not like in the south. Someone, come and bring the mink coat..."

Li Fu ordered his servants around.

Li Zhi gently grabbed his hand and said, "Father, no need, we have everything."

Li Fu paused for a moment, and then whispered: "Okay, then go quickly, be careful on the road, and remember not to force yourself to take the lead if you encounter any problems..."

Li Fu kept nagging while Li Zhi listened quietly.

After Li Fu finished speaking, Li Zhi bowed to him and said, "Take care, father. I will leave now."

Li Fu turned his head slightly away, not looking at Li Zhi, and gently waved his hand, saying, "Go ahead."

Li Zhi got on the carriage without saying anything more. Zhang Da and Chen Xi sat outside the carriage.

Li Fu said to the two of them, "Remember to take good care of the young master. If the young master loses even a hair, I will skin you alive when I come back!"

When facing his servants, Li Fu became the dignified and awe-inspiring Master Li again.

Zhang Da and Chen Xi nodded hesitantly and only dared to respond in a low voice.

Master Li waved his hand, and the two of them drove the carriage away as if they were escaping for their lives.

Li Fu stood quietly at the door, looking at the carriage that was gradually going away.

Until the carriage disappeared from his sight...

Mr. Li quietly reached out and wiped his eyes.

He said: "Let's go, let's go back..."

The voice is full of reluctance and loneliness...

Inside the carriage, Li Zhi covered his chest with one hand. He seemed to be somewhat touched, but this slight feeling was immediately covered up by the roaring voice as soon as it arose.

"Family love...isn't that what I want..."

Li Zhi's voice was cold and calm, yet it revealed an indescribable loneliness.