Chapter 11: Families of Power and Wealth
第十一章：权贵世家
Zhou Jin and Fan Jin met many people from families of power and wealth in their work. These people came from prominent backgrounds, their families had been officials for generations, and they controlled immense power and wealth.
周进和范进在工作中结识了许多权贵世家的人。这些人出身显赫，家族世代为官，掌握着巨大的权力和财富。
The families of power and wealth often helped each other, forming a tight interest group. They consolidated their positions through intermarriage, mutual recommendations, and other means, excluding outsiders.
权贵世家之间经常相互提携，形成了一个紧密的利益集团。他们通过联姻、互相推荐等方式，巩固自己的地位，排斥外来者。
Zhou Jin realized that as an official from a poor background, it was difficult for him to gain true recognition in this interest group. He felt an invisible pressure, feeling that he was always an outsider.
周进意识到，作为一个寒门出身的官员，自己很难在这个利益集团中获得真正的认可。他感到一种无形的压力，觉得自己始终是个局外人。
Fan Jin faced the same dilemma. In his work at the Ministry of Revenue, he found that many important positions were occupied by people from families of power and wealth, making it difficult for him to have opportunities to display his talents.
范进也面临同样的困境。他在户部工作中发现，许多重要职位都被权贵世家的人占据，自己很难有施展才华的机会。
However, Zhou Jin and Fan Jin were not discouraged by this. They believed that as long as they worked hard and achieved results, one day they would receive fair evaluation. They decided to let their abilities speak for themselves, rather than relying on connections.
然而，周进和范进并没有因此气馁。他们相信，只要自己努力工作，做出成绩，总有一天会得到公正的评价。他们决定用自己的实力说话，而不是依靠关系。
In officialdom, Zhou Jin and Fan Jin maintained a clean and honest style. They refused to accept bribes and insisted on following the rules. Although this style seemed untimely in the eyes of the powerful, it won the respect of the people.
在官场中，周进和范进保持着清正廉洁的作风。他们拒绝接受贿赂，坚持按规矩办事。这种作风虽然在权贵眼中显得不合时宜，但却赢得了百姓的尊重。