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Lin Maoxian turns away a neighbour at night, passes the exam the next year
Key takeaway
A poor scholar turned away a rich woman at his door. He passed the next year, and his three sons all passed. One refusal, three generations of fortune.
A poor scholar turned away a rich woman at his door. He passed the next year, and his three sons all passed. One refusal, three generations of fortune.
Lin Maoxian of Xinzhou was gifted but poor, studying at home. A wealthy neighbour's wife admired him in secret and came to him one night. He refused her sternly, saying he would never step outside propriety, and reminded her that spirits were watching. She left in shame. He later passed the provincial and palace examinations, and all three of his sons passed too.