The Carefree Young Scholar.

Summary

In a narrative set in Chen County, officials prepare for an audit ordered by the emperor. Three young scholars accompany two censors to inspect the county's accounts. The anxious magistrate, Zhao, believes the audit will be a mere formality, but the scholars quickly uncover discrepancies in the financial records, revealing embezzlement by Zhao. As the censors confront him with evidence, Zhao's facade crumbles, and he realizes the gravity of his situation. The scholars are commended for their keen observations, hinting at their potential influence in the imperial court. Meanwhile, a subplot introduces a character, Old Fang, whose unrealistic dreams of wealth through glass-making are humorously contrasted with the serious undertones of the audit.

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