After several days of careful probing, I learned that this was the Ming Dynasty, an era known for its emphasis on the Four Books and Five Classics, as well as the Eight-legged Essay. It's a truly depressing realization; I can only look up at the sky at 45 degrees and feel deep introspection. Such a perfect match...,The Zhu family was still doing alright, with over ten acres of good farmland. They were considered a middle-class family in the village. However, with so many mouths to feed and Uncle's reluctance to work, plus the high expenses of his studies and examinations for government service, the old Zhu family was also struggling financially.,Eggs! Zhu Ping'an's eyes lit up. After ten days of coarse tea and plain rice, he finally saw some meat.。