Xue Shao had gotten his wish, smoothly claiming first place amid everyone's votes.
He refused any further socializing, collected the prize money and a plaque, then left.
Huang Quan came to his senses and followed close on his heels. Once Xue Shao shook off the enthusiastic crowd and stepped outside, Huang Quan grabbed him, his eyes shining. "Brother Xue, are you still going to the Feng Family? Actually, it wouldn't matter if you didn't..."
"I'm going," Xue Shao said with a smile. "Tomorrow at the hour of the Snake, I'll wait for you outside the County School. I'll have to trouble Brother Huang to lead the way then."
Huang Quan looked hesitant. After wavering for a long while, he finally said, "Brother Xue, with your talent, there's truly no need for you to marry into another family. You've already passed as a Juren scholar. Even if you fail next year, you can simply take the exam again three years later."
Xue Shao said, "There are countless Juren scholars in the world. Xue knows his own talents are meager and shallow. I fear I still won't pass three years from now."
Huang Quan frowned upon hearing this, then sighed after a long silence. "True enough. Some people may fail to become Juren scholars even after taking the exams their entire lives, much less Jinshi scholars."
Xue Shao nodded.
Dai Fu, standing behind Huang Quan, looked deeply unconvinced. He said softly, "Th-then you still shouldn't lose heart to this extent. Juren scholars can wait for official appointments too."
Xue Shao said, "The Imperial Court is plagued by redundant officials. Even Jinshi scholars cannot all be employed, much less Juren scholars. Without connections or money, if a Juren scholar wishes to enter officialdom, he can only wait for vacancies as clerks or instructors