Ch. 1Assessment Failed
Key Plot Points and Events
- Lin Feng, a 16-year-old, attempts to join the county yamen as a constable to support his family after his father's death.
- He faces an assessment involving lifting a stone lock weighing about a hundred catties.
- Despite passing the assessment by lifting the lock, he is not accepted due to unknown reasons.
- Lin Feng leaves dejectedly, unable to understand why he was targeted and failed.
Character Developments
- Lin Feng: Shows determination, strength, and resilience in trying to support his family. He's honest and hardworking, but also confused and frustrated by his unfair treatment.
- Constable: Remains stoic and indifferent throughout the assessment, hinting at a hidden agenda.
Significant Themes
- Survival and Struggle: Lin Feng's family faces poverty and hardship, and he's desperate to secure a job to support them.
- Corruption and Unfairness: The constable's actions suggest a corrupt system that favors those with connections or bribes, making it difficult for honest people like Lin Feng to succeed.
Character Interactions
- Lin Feng and the Constable: Their interaction is tense, with the constable intentionally failing Lin Feng despite his passing the assessment.
- Lin Feng and Lin Yu: Lin Yu, Lin Feng's cousin, shows concern and support for Lin Feng, treating him to a meal despite his failure.