A Trek of Ambition
German Swiss International School , Yang , Jack - 14
“ A
nd so today in Beijing , in the midst of inner and outer turmoil across the country , thousands of candidates sit the imperial examinations , vying for the coveted role of being a government official . Glory and opportunity to fix the nation awai- ”
“ Zhang . Give me that newspaper .”
Zhang ’ s gaze floated up from his newspaper and found his father ’ s beady eyes . His father Long was one of many grain farmers in the village . While his farm wasn ’ t necessarily the biggest and most prolific in the area , he certainly harbored a strong ambition for its future .
“ Nothing , father . Just reading the newspaper .” Zhang mumbled begrudgingly .
“ I see .” His father snatched the paper from his hands , sank into a sofa , and began to examine its contents . “ My son , will you ever learn ? A job like this was never meant for you or me . As my heir , you should be producing crops to help our family survive . Understand ?”
“ Yes , father .” Zhang responded monotonously .
His father ’ s expression grew stern . As he got up , his calloused hands shredded the newspaper apart bit by bit . “ Zhang . I don ’ t know how much longer I can tolerate this . If you aren ’ t willing to take control of your future , I can do nothing for you .”
Zhang didn ’ t bother responding . He had heard this lecture before , he knew resisting would be futile .
But as his father left the room , Zhang couldn ’ t help but feel hopeless . After a second straight year of food shortages at the village , he wanted to do something other than help produce more crops , but his capabilities were repeatedly being questioned and he was now even doubting himself .
As he sat on the floor contemplating what to do , he heard a knock on the door . “ What is it !?” He exclaimed loudly .
Nothing in response . He thought it might be a young street heckler , and thus didn ’ t think to waste his time . But ultimately , his innate curiosity took over . As he opened the door , surprise sprang into his eyes , which were now staring into the sage ones of the village elder , Tang .