Fan Jin's Promotion Diary

Fan Jin and Zhou Jin meet at an examination for academicians. Both fail, and they become sworn brothers. The following year, with the backing of several merchants, Zhou Jin is selected as a licentiate. From there, his career takes off, and he eventually becomes a circuit intendant. Five years later, he returns to the examination hall where he first met Fan Jin. This time, Zhou Jin is the examiner, while Fan Jin is still a candidate. But Zhou Jin has never forgotten Fan Jin’s kindness, especially the egg Fan Jin gave him, though he could hardly bear to eat it himself, after they made a promise when they both failed. After reading Fan Jin’s essay, Zhou Jin praises it lavishly and awards him first place. The following year, Fan Jin’s fortunes soar. After passing the provincial examination, he becomes a successful candidate in the palace examination and embarks on an official career in the Great Qing. He soon learns to navigate the rules of the official world. Just as he begins his career, his wife is murdered. He refuses to be swayed by the cynical rule that a man can rise in office and make a fortune after his wife dies, and devotes himself to bringing her killer to justice. As he investigates the case, he gradually learns how to handle the world of officialdom. At the decisive moment, he takes a bold risk and sides with Zhou Jin, the benefactor who once helped him. In the end, he goes to the capital to take up his post and rises to become the governor of Shandong.