A Top Scholar From A Humble Background.

Summary

Shen Xi and Su Tong both passed the first round of the provincial examination, but Su Tong remained modest about his achievement. Shen Xi was surprised by the low number of candidates who progressed, with only a hundred remaining from over a thousand. Many candidates expressed frustration over the governor's strict selection. Su Tong's dismissive attitude towards those who failed contrasted with Shen Xi's empathy. After a brief conversation about some Miao girls Shen Xi had brought home, Shen Xi returned to his family, who were anxiously waiting for news. His mother, Zhou, was ecstatic about his success, leading to a mix of joy and concern for her health. The family decided against a large celebration due to another family member's failure, opting for a more subdued acknowledgment of Shen Xi's achievement.

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