palace examination (national Chinese civil servant examination based largely on classic literature); someone who has passed this examination; examination for promotion in the Ministry of Ceremonies (based largely on political duties and Chinese classics); someone who has passed this examination
sincere; earnest; serious
to strive; to endeavour; to endeavor; to make an effort; to be zealous
back and front; inside and outside; inside out (e.g. clothing); double-dealing; two faces (cf. two-faced); outward appearance and actual condition
study; pursuit of knowledge
failure (in an examination); failing to advance (to the next year); falling short of the standard; not making the grade
desperation; despair; self-abandonment
to set up (in high position); to kick upstairs; to hold sacred; to worship
in; on; at (place); as for; regarding
circumstances; conditions; situation; reasons; state of affairs
in detail; with great care; completely; fully
that gentleman; that lady; he; she
obligation; favour; favor; debt of gratitude
to take on; to undertake; to take over; to inherit; to guarantee; to vouch for
the present; present time; as of; present tense; this world; this life
insufficiency; deficiency; shortage; dissatisfaction; discontent; complaint
apt to (do); liable to; predominantly; mostly; ... reaps the rewards; ... takes the prize
small amount of money (to buy sandals or cover travel expenses); small farewell gift
angry; indignant; wrathful; enraged
to detain; to check; to restrain
to explain; to advocate; to preach; to persuade
to think (something) is improper; to question; to have a problem with
to make somebody lose face; to embarrass someone; to make someone look foolish
ingratitude; thanklessness
indicates means of action; cause of effect; by
joining (an association, agreement, etc.); participation; affiliation; accession
doubtful; questionable; uncertain; disputable; suspicious
oath; vow; pledge; covenant
et cetera; etc.; and the like; the likes of; something like
within; inside of; less than
narrow-minded; intolerant; petty
future (usually near); prospects
one's forte; strong point; specialty; speciality
child; small person; dwarf; midget; narrow-minded person; mean person
dress; outfit; getup; to dress oneself; to outfit oneself
sword with a very long grip
guidance; showing the way; guide; guidepost; signpost; waymark
common soldier; private; rank and file; small fry; underling