After expressing their thanks, they exchanged their backgrounds once more.
It turned out that this group of students came from Qingyan County, but they had not studied at the County School. Instead, scholars from several neighboring towns had agreed to travel together to the Prefecture City for the examination.
Jichuan County had a similar situation, where the County School's limited enrollment couldn't accommodate all the examinees.
Those who could enter the County School were either from influential families or, like Chen Xu, had excelled in the county examination.
Or like Xu Wenyuan, who was allowed to enroll because his exceptional diligence caught the attention of a former instructor.
Being admitted to the County School did not guarantee passing the Scholar examination, and not attending did not mean one wouldn't pass.
However, the scholars from Qingyan County, grateful for Jichuan County's kindness, unknowingly adopted a more humble attitude.
