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Zhang Wei and his companion: one went upstairs, one walked away
Key takeaway
Same night, same staircase. One turned and left, one climbed. Years later, one topped the province, one died poor and sick.
Same night, same staircase. One turned and left, one climbed. Years later, one topped the province, one died poor and sick.
Zhang Wei and another candidate travelled to Nanjing for the exams, and the daughter of the house where they stayed tempted them. Zhang Wei came to his senses and left. The other went upstairs. When the results were posted Zhang Wei had placed first in the province. The other later died in poverty and depression.