It would be difficult to find a land on the face of the wide earth where public spirit is at such a low ebb as in China. It is the balance of contending interests which keeps the Empire from falling. But the ropes which thus pull at the flagstaff are composed of twisted twine. In plainer language, it would be difficult to find a land where the principle of solidarity in families and village communities is more fully exemplified.

The loss of a mandarin's seal involves the whole family, at the least, in extreme disgrace. Some great crimes, such as high treason, may involve the “nine degrees of kindred,” —from great - great - grandfather to great - great - grandson. Other offences may involve a whole village, and the office of the mandarin, “parent of the people,” in whose district that village is situated.

While Nieh Shen-seng (he has surely earned the appellation now) was taking his degree, a tragedy was being enacted close by one of the low rounded hills within sight of Hanyang battlements. A wild youth named Sen Yuenpao (ingot of silver), while away on a boat journey, heard that his father's younger brother had sold a house to which he professed to have a part claim.