A Top Scholar From A Humble Background.

Summary

In a carriage, Tang Ying offers Shen Xi gifts including land deeds and contracts for courtesans, attempting to bribe him. Shen Xi, aware of the corrupt practices in officialdom, declines the gifts, hinting at his integrity. As they arrive at the examination hall, Shen Xi suspects Jin Gui has also been bribed. Inside, officials flatter Shen Xi, eager to learn about exam questions to cheat. Shen Xi and Jin Gui, as chief examiners, face pressure from inner officials seeking to leak questions. Shen Xi proposes a topic on governance through rites and music for the exam, but concerns arise about the vast number of questions. The grading panel struggles with the workload, emphasizing the importance of the first round of essays on the Four Books for candidate selection.

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