When Xu Zhongbo (also known as Zhuozhi) was three years old, his father failed in the imperial examination and died in poverty and depression. Xu Zhongbo's mother, Xu Tian, respected her husband's legacy and hoped that her son would one day become a Jinshi. This was the fulfillment of his father's failed wish. Xu Zhongbo entered the school at the age of four and worked hard for more than ten years. He was selected as a scholar at the age of sixteen and passed the imperial examination the following year. However, when he was eighteen, his mother became seriously ill and died suddenly. Xu Zhongbo was left alone and at a loss. The local county magistrate knew his hardship and often helped him. More than two years later, when Xu Zhongbo's filial piety period expired, the imperial examination was approaching. The county magistrate compiled a letter and handed it to him, saying that he knew Mr. Yan of the Yan Mansion in the capital and asked Xu Zhongbo to go and see him. He might use the power of the Yan family to find a better future. Xu Zhongbo thanked him profusely, borrowed some money from the village, and rushed to his parents' graves to say goodbye in tears.