A Top Scholar From A Humble Background.

Summary

On August 9, the provincial examination began, with candidates inside the hall and others outside attempting to cheat. Cheating has long been part of the examination process, particularly during the Ming Dynasty. Shen Xi, a chief examiner, struggled to maintain fairness amidst rampant cheating. He dedicated his time to writing and compiling ancient texts, impressing his colleague Jin Gui with his literary talent. As the examination concluded on August 16, officials began transcribing the candidates' papers for review. Shen Xi prepared to ensure deserving candidates were not overlooked, with a final selection of 135 successful candidates from approximately 3,691 participants.

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