September 25th, the results of the county examination were announced.
Beijing was too far, so the government officials delivering the joyous news arrived three days later.
Song Wei's ranking was beyond the fiftieth position.
He was confident in taking the top spot in the county and prefectural exams because of the smaller competition and his extensive study of past questions prior to the exams.
But the county exam was different, with all the scholars from the province competing; there were too many talented people. He was mentally prepared and considered it a great fortune just to pass, especially on the first attempt since it's rare for anyone to succeed immediately.
After hearing his own joyous news, Song Wei asked, "Did Xie Zheng from Qingshui Bay pass?"
The government official, having congratulated Mr. Scholar, flipped through the list on the joyous news and smiled, "He passed, Xie Zheng from Qingshui Bay, Mr. Xie, ranked 135th in the county exam."
