Chapter 15: The Shattering of Ideals
Zhou Jin and Fan Jin's experiences in officialdom caused their ideals about the imperial court to gradually shatter. They once believed that officials who passed the imperial examination should serve the country and people, but reality awakened them.
They found that the imperial court was filled with power struggles and interest exchanges. Officials cared more about their own promotions and wealth than the country's interests and the people's welfare. This situation made Zhou Jin and Fan Jin disappointed.
Zhou Jin once entered officialdom with the ideal of governing the country, but now he found that his ideal was hitting walls in reality. No matter how hard he tried, he could not change the status quo of officialdom.
Fan Jin also felt confused and lost. He didn't know whether he should persist in his ideals or adapt to reality. Both choices made him feel painful.
Zhou Jin and Fan Jin began to miss the days when they studied. Although they were poor then, their hearts were filled with ideals and hope. Now, although they had achieved success and fame, they had lost their original intention.
They began to think about the meaning of life. If being an official could not make contributions to the country or bring blessings to the people, then what was the point of being such an official? This question made them fall into deep reflection.