Scholars weren't singularly focused on money as merchants were; what they sought was merit and fame, truly not caring about earning money. They sat in a circle, discussing this year's metropolitan civil service exams. "I asked about, and the number of women who passed the preliminary exams is nearly as many as those who succeeded in the provincial exams and are participating in the metropolitan civil service exams. Come on, isn't our fortune so poor that it was this year?" "Ah, who says it isn't? Four years ago I nearly passed the autumn exams; if not for the fact that the proctor that year and I had opposing political views, I wouldn't have had to wait until this year." "I really don't know what the Emperor is thinking, insisting on violating ancestral laws. With so many positions, the competition is naturally tenfold." "Ah, you're all great talents, you'll definitely pass the exams." As she sipped tea leisurely, ...