Striving in the Red Mansion.

Summary

In the imperial era, students could enter the Imperial College through various admissions: Juren, Tribute, Yin, Grace, and Donation. Juren Admission was for provincial exam winners, while Tribute Admission was for county exam achievers. Yin Admission favored children of nobility, and Grace Admission selected talented individuals recommended by officials. Donation Admission allowed purchase of entry. Over time, the quality of students declined due to monopolization of admissions and rampant Donation Admission. Jia Huan, a Juren, enrolled at the Nanjing Imperial College, where he aimed to study under Zhang An Bo, a renowned scholar. His friend Ji Ming also sought to learn from the headmaster. After visiting relatives, Jia Huan settled into his academic life, while Ji Ming rented a courtyard nearby to study. Their journey reflects the challenges and dynamics of the educational system in the dynasty.

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