A scholar who knew him acknowledged with a laugh and praised, "What Xu said is truly right. This is good news; those with ambition should indeed give it a try."
Although Xu Chan received the compliment, he didn't smile much. He just casually picked up the wine jug, took another swig, and sat by the railing of the tavern, appearing quite at ease.
Although he passed the imperial examination at eighteen, when he traveled and returned to the capital, his family helped secure him a position. Unexpectedly, just because he didn't want to conform to his superiors, he was demoted. Now, after years abroad, he is twenty-eight, with only unfulfilled knowledge and nowhere to display it.
The confidence of his youth, after experiencing the various aspects of life, only allowed him to see the bureaucracy underlying the bright surface of the imperial court. Having talent did not necessarily mean he could realize his aspirations. Now, he is left with only resentment and dissatisfaction.
