A Top Scholar From A Humble Background.

Summary

The passage describes a family dinner at the Shen family's home. Despite their declining fortunes, the large family gathers for a meal, with strict rules governing their behavior at the table. The elderly matriarch, the old lady, presides over the dinner and announces the family's plan to support one child's education to continue their scholarly tradition. The uncles and aunts discuss the pros and cons of this decision, considering the financial strain it would put on the family. Ultimately, the old lady decides to give the eldest son two more chances at the imperial examination, and if he fails, he will teach the family's children and potentially open a small school for the village children, upholding the family's legacy as a great clan.

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