Chang Xhong returned to the rented courtyard, which was not large. The young servant had found a woman from the village to clean it, and had bought grain, eggs, and other items from the village.
Chang Xhong said, "Go to the county town to buy a set of pen, ink, paper, and inkstone. Buy more good paper, enough to write two copies of the Four Books."
The young servant didn't understand, "Are you going to transcribe them, sir?"
"To give away."
After the young servant left, Chang Xhong took out his accustomed pen and ink to prepare some letters. Among the unsuccessful candidates, he met three people on his journey, two of whom had problems. The first was already discouraged and had long given up on studying; only Lau Mingsheng continued to persevere, and his character was quite good.
It was easy to investigate Lau Mingsheng's situation; by tracing who suppressed him, it could be uncovered. Lau Mingsheng's exam papers must have been swapped, and his results replaced.
