The old man seemed to be recalling something from his past. His expression grew somber, a visible sadness washing over his face.
He fell silent, and the others didn't dare disturb him. They all drank their tea quietly, listening to the boisterous discussions filling the teahouse.
The scholars in the teahouse were all talking about Mr. Sheng, the Magistrate of Xinghuai Prefecture.
Mr. Sheng's given name was Sheng Mingchuan.
He was among the first group of Advanced Scholars after the new dynasty was founded and the civil service examinations were reinstated. From the moment he passed the highest examination, his life took off as if blessed.
He became an Advanced Scholar at twenty-five, was selected as a scholar the following year, and was appointed as an editor at the Hanlin Academy, officially beginning his career in government.
