The grueling three-session imperial examination was finally over.
The scholars emerging from the examination hall had varied expressions. Some were beaming with confidence, some were utterly exhausted, and some were sobbing uncontrollably.
Among them, Yan Wen stood out. His expression was as placid as ever, his composure suggesting he had just attended a simple poetry gathering.
He had long been famous among the scholars, but he had later joined the Medical Clinic and become its manager. Some students and scholars claimed he had disgraced the integrity and character of a true man of letters, but Yan Wen paid them no mind.
He had once been one of these self-proclaimed men of character. But looking back now, 'what was integrity? And what was character?'
When he was starving and utterly alone, what use were such things?
