A Complete Explanation of the Negative Examples in Imperial Examinations

[He was the villain in family drama stories, the obstacle in pampering romance novels, and the example of what not to do in imperial examination tales] Your father joined the army and became a marquis, but the hostess wasn’t your mother. What to do? Your stepmother seemed to be a transmigrator, gentle and virtuous but actually wanted to spoil you rotten. What to do? Your grandmother was biased and opportunistic, wanting you to give up your position as the eldest legitimate son. What to do? While preparing for the imperial exams, relatives caused all sorts of trouble, hoping you would fail. What to do? — All these answers could be found in “A Complete Explanation of the Negative Textbooks for the Imperial Examinations.” This book covered modules on family disputes, imperial exam difficulties, official career troubles, and rules for powerful officials. It was suitable for exam candidates aspiring to become villainous high-ranking officials. With this book in hand, you would conquer the exams. If it didn’t teach you, we offered a full refund! Later, when noble families educated their children, they always used Xiao Jingduo as an example: “Study hard and don’t go astray. Don’t be like him; don’t disgrace the words of the sages.” People’s opinions of Xiao Jingduo were mixed. His most criticized trait was his apparent lack of scholarly integrity, willingly serving as the Regent Princess’s blade and dedicating his life to her. Later, Xiao Jingduo married the Regent Princess. Court officials: “… no wonder!”