It's truly because Gu Jin'an and the others are too outstanding that it's impossible not to honor them.
Because Gu Jin'an and the others are so accomplished, not only did Magistrate Gu meet with the four who passed the exams as scholars, including Gu Jin'an and Qi Kangming, but he also met with the failed candidates like Lv Bai, He Jinseng, Yao Youqian, and Qu Wenliang.
Magistrate Gu also comforted He Jinseng and the others, saying that the imperial examination is difficult, and it's rare for someone to pass it in just one or two attempts. Most people succeed after three or five tries. He encouraged them not to lose heart and to study well, as there will always be a day when they succeed.
He Jinseng and Lv Bai cried once more because of Magistrate Gu's words, reigniting their passion for the exams.
