A Top Scholar From A Humble Background.

Summary

In a large family, Zhou and her son Shen Xi faced financial struggles due to the favoritism shown towards the eldest son, who was a scholar. Zhou's sister-in-law, Wang, frequently borrowed money from them but never repaid it, living lavishly off her husband's scholar stipend. Despite Zhou's efforts to secure education for Shen Xi, their poverty made it difficult. Shen Xi, though young, understood the importance of becoming an official in this era, and expressed a desire to study, which Zhou promised to try facilitating through Wang's husband's help, or else resign to a life of farming. Their strained circumstances highlighted the stark divide between the common people and scholars/officials.

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