Striving in the Red Mansion.

Summary

Since the reform of Wen Dao Academy in the 10th year of Yong Zhi, it has thrived, becoming the sole remaining academy after the floods devastated Bai Tan and Shuang He Academies. Jia Huan, a successful candidate in the imperial exams, is pivotal in unifying reform ideas at Wen Dao. He visits Mr. Ye to discuss his father's summons and plans to explore business opportunities in Jiangnan. Mr. Ye advises that scholars often mingle with influential figures and that entering business requires careful navigation of social hierarchies. Jia Huan realizes the challenges ahead, contemplating his ambitions against the realities of his status as a scholar.

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