Chapter 342: So Bizarreness Is Not Born
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Some of the examinees, particularly those from humble backgrounds with limited resources, found themselves compelled to return home prematurely. The ten-day stay and meals in the provincial capital had incurred considerable expenses.
Entering the ranks of High Scholars was the ultimate goal, and if they failed to secure a position, it would amount to a significant waste of time and resources.
Furthermore, for those fortunate enough to pass the examination and earn the prestigious title of High Scholar, even upon returning to their hometowns, they would receive a grand reception. Local officials would joyfully present the silver awarded by the authorities and deliver the good news directly to their doorstep.
Yet, the chance to make an impression before the nobility of the provincial capital and the governor was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The High Scholar examination occurred once every three years, with only 160 individuals selected each time. The competition for such an esteemed title was exceptionally fierce.
Upon achieving the honor of High Scholar, the governor would host a banquet in their honor, and officials would bestow silver rewards. The top ten performers would receive an elevated status, with the top three being ranked in even higher tiers.
The first place holder, also known as the Top Scorer, received the most substantial prize money.
An ordinary High Scholar was rewarded with twenty taels of silver, but the Master Top Scorer would receive an even greater sum. When combined, the total prize money could potentially approach nearly a thousand taels of silver.
This event also attracted the nobility of the provincial capital, many of whom were in search of potential sons-in-law.
Any unmarried High Scholar of appropriate age and decent appearance stood an excellent chance of being chosen. This was particularly true for the Master Top Scorer, for even if his looks were not exceptional, as long as he remained unmarried and of the right age, there were always noble families eager to betroth their daughters to him.
Even the officials in the provincial capital would entertain the idea of forming familial connections with him.
High Scholars and Cultivated Talents occupied entirely different strata.
Upon ascending to the status of a Cultivated Talent, only the individual himself enjoyed the privilege of exemption from taxes, along with exemption from military service.
However, when one achieved the rank of High Scholar, the benefits extended to their entire clan. Compulsory labor could be waived, and substantial reductions in agricultural taxes became a reality.
The agricultural taxes in ancient times were notably burdensome.
Hence, in ancient society, if a member of a family attained the coveted title of High Scholar, their status would skyrocket, and even local powerbrokers would generously allocate land to their family.
Some nobles, adept at exploiting legal loopholes, would transfer their lands to High Scholars, ensuring tax exemptions for these properties.
Nevertheless, such a favor came at a cost.
It was almost certain that the High Scholar would be expected to reciprocate with land and monetary gifts.
High Scholars reaped benefits both overtly and covertly.
Furthermore, they had the option to make donations to the government.
Those who had failed in the examination thrice consecutively could even be recommended for the esteemed position of county magistrate.
In summary, achieving the status of a High Scholar was nothing short of a life -altering transformation.
On the morning of the tenth day, Qin Zhenzhen, Su Ning, and Su Bin joined the throngs of examinees at the entrance of the Gong Academy, as was customary.
According to the storyline in the book, when the rankings were eventually unveiled, Su Bin would occupy the pinnacle as the Master Top Scorer, owing to his strikingly handsome appearance. This led many nobles to extend their invitations and express their eagerness to betroth their daughters to him.
Yet, at this juncture, Su Bin had developed a peculiar aversion to women. Regardless of their beauty, he maintained a cautious three-foot distance from them. Any close proximity to a woman would trigger an immediate rash, both psychologically and physically.
Naturally, this idiosyncrasy stemmed from the residual trauma inflicted upon him by the original host’s experiences.
Consequently, he politely declined all marriage proposals, leaving the hearts of the noble ladies in the provincial capital shattered.
Qin Zhenzhen cast an observant glance at Su Bin, who was holding her hand, realizing that he no longer exhibited this peculiar behavior.
It became evident that quirks were not inherent traits.
Sensing Qin Zhenzhen’s gaze upon him, Su Bin couldn’t help but tighten his
grip on her hand.
“Wife, do I look presentable?”