These questions on the classics posed no problem at all for the scions of the great clans.
Their inadequacy was measured against other scions of the same background with an ordinary level of ability. Compared with scholars from humble families or commoner backgrounds, their command of the classics was probably still superior.
Of course, this was not absolute, merely the general rule.
After all, these scions could consult the classics whenever they pleased. These were basic reading for them, whereas for humble families and scholars from the lower strata, never mind obtaining interpretations and commentaries-even getting hold of the books was extremely difficult.
Many people felt that humble families were still established families, and surely enjoyed a decent standard of living compared with scholars of commoner birth. Yet there were distinctions among humble families, too.
There were degrees to a family's decline. In some declining families, the father was merely a petty clerk, as in Zuo Si's case: he could receive an education, but that education was limited.
For others, decline meant having nothing but four bare walls and having to herd sheep for others to survive. Zhang Hua was one such example.
Some humble families might even live worse than people of commoner birth.
Besides, in the eyes of those great clans, humble families and commoners were practically indistinguishable anyway-all the same sort.
After the first examination ended, the candidates rested in the examination hall, waiting for the next test.
The County Office's examination tested some of the most basic knowledge. Anyone who mastered it could serve as a petty clerk within the county.
The classics were merely a foot in the door. What came next was the truly crucial part.
First came mathematics.
Many people mistakenly believed that our country had neglected mathematics in ancient times. This was