However, Ms. Hua Junior coveted his silver and rice. Not to mention, she also feared that Ye Zi'an might pass the imperial examination and become a Recommended Man, then return to exact revenge on her. So, she started to plot how to steal his silver and rice, while also ensuring he won't be able to continue his studies.
According to the laws of the Great Zhou, candidates for the imperial examination should be healthy and robust. Anyone with physical deformities or disabilities or whose appearance was less than dignified, like having a crooked mouth or squinted eyes, wasn't eligible to take the examination. Even harsher, if misfortune befell them later, like becoming hand or leg disabled, their official posts would be revoked right away.
