Ancient scholars were powerless, so how did they support themselves?

In ancient times, most scholars passed the imperial examinations, and only by being an official could they make a fortune. In ancient times, some people could change their lives by the imperial examination, so many scholars went to Beijing to study hard for ten years in order to catch the exam. However, the selection of the imperial examination system is strict. If there is no super talent, it will be difficult to get on the list, and many people will not be selected.

If you are a housekeeper's child, you can still eat and drink if you fail the exam. If you are a poor child, you have to find another way to support yourself if you don't go to school. How you support yourself depends on the situation. If you have a career at home, you will inherit the property and do business. This is also a serious job, at least you won't be hungry and cold.

Another way is to be a teacher, open a private school and teach children poetry. Although the income is meager, but also engaged in learning, most scholars are still willing to do so. If the teacher is famous, he can also go to the government to teach the children of those noble families. When the children are promising, the nature teacher will also develop.

On holidays, I help write couplets. Sticking couplets is also made by intellectuals. If I make achievements in calligraphy, I can also make money by selling calligraphy and painting. Tang Bohu was one of the four great talents, and his paintings were very valuable at that time. But things like calligraphy and painting need to be understood, and they are worthless in the eyes of people without knowledge. If the literati's calligraphy and painting are appreciated, it is not a problem to sell a good price to support themselves. Worst of all, some people go to some shops as accountants. Lv Xiucai of Wulin Legend is a person engaged in this industry, helping some small shops settle accounts and providing them with food and drink.