Mencius states scholars may take low-paid minor posts to escape poverty, as Confucius did managing stores and pastures. Two moral rules apply: low-ranking officials must not meddle in state affairs, while high officials shame themselves if they fail to uphold their ideals.
The poor man sweeps his floor until it is spotless. The poor woman combs her hair until it is neat and tidy. Neither produces a wonderful sight, but these actions bespeak a sensibility of elegance.
Strange Tales from Liaozhai (a Chinese Studio): A Xia narrates the tragic romance between scholar Jing and the beautiful A Xia (not a human being).
Scholar Qiao of Jinning was hailed as a genius at an early age, but was still frustrated and unrecognized in his twenties. He was a man of chivalrous qualities.
A scholar, hard-pressed for money, listed a few hundred of his books, packed them up, and set out for the capital, intending to sell them.