"Rulin Waishi"

Author: Wu Jingzi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: At the end of the Yuan Dynasty, Wang Mian made a living by painting and hid in the mountains of Kuaiji to avoid becoming an official until his death. After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, the eight-character examination system was implemented, causing great harm to scholars. Fan Jin, in his old age, became temporarily insane with joy upon passing the imperial examination. Kuang Chao, obsessed with wealth, forgot his gratitude and loyalty. Gao Academician succeeded through cunning and deceit. Wang Hui, corrupt and violent as an official, eventually grew disillusioned with the world after undergoing hardships. The unofficial and jobless often regarded themselves as celebrities. Mr. Ma and Zhu Gongzong dedicated themselves to composing eight-character essays and gained great fame; Ni B?? traveled far and wide but died in a foreign land; Ni Pu pretended to be a celebrity, deceiving others; Wang Yuhui, devoid of humanity, cheered for his daughter's suicide as a sacrifice. Fortunately, there were still heroes and wise men in society, giving people hope. Du Shaoqing was generous and righteous, spending his fortune; Yu Doctor kept himself detached and maintained true knowledge and purity; Zhu Zhengjun resigned from office and retired, with a clear and noble spirit. In the 23rd year of the Wanli era, three more extraordinary people emerged in the streets and alleys, and from then on, all the virtuous and noble people were included in The Story of the Scholars.