Wiki & Encyclopedia: Number One Scholar

The patriarch of his family branch, known for his strategic negotiation skills and fierce, protective love for his children, even at the cost of his own dignity.

The respected elder and head of the Su clan, who feels a lingering sense of guilt and responsibility toward his brother's family.

A studious grandson of the family, often referred to by the nickname Xia-er, who is diligently learning the classics.

A studious grandson of the family, often referred to by the nickname Qiu-er, who helps his brother Su Tai in his academic pursuits.

The son of Su Dacheng and father to the younger generation, concerned about the family's social standing and future.

The eldest brother of the family, known for his strict demeanor, high academic standards, and commanding presence when overseeing the education of his younger brothers.

The newly wedded wife of the third son of the Su family, currently pregnant and receiving care from the household.

The patriarch of the Su family, responsible for managing the household's finances, resolving family disputes, and overseeing the education of his descendants.

The unmarried sister of the protagonist's father, whose marriage prospects were destroyed by the successive, tragic deaths of her betrothed, leading her to be considered unlucky.

The wife of the eldest son in the Su household, known for being harsh-spoken but holding a kind heart, designated to assist the family's younger branch.

A seasoned boat operator on the Chishui River, tasked with transporting family members to the county seat via his specialized boat.

The eldest brother of Su Youcai, a senior figure in the clan who oversees family decisions regarding education and social standing.

The matriarch of the Su family, spouse to the Old Master, who displays great affection toward her grandson.

A very young child of the family who demonstrates surprising restraint by not disturbing Su Lu's studies.

The son of Su Man, currently a student at Taiping Academy.

A stout, younger member of the Su clan who accompanies the group to the Taiping Academy exams.

The patron and guardian of the Cheng family students, harboring significant animosity toward the Su family.

Refers to the founding Hongwu Emperor, historically credited with the construction of the major post roads in the region.

A younger member of the family who assists with tasks such as fetching water while others study.

An elder of the clan who manages the family distillery business.

A stern, elderly scholar wearing a Confucian cap and robe, serving as the chief proctor for the entrance examination.

A younger student serving as an assistant proctor, known for being a classmate of Chun-ge'er and enforcing discipline during the exam.

The young and highly respected Principal (Shanzhang) of Taiping Academy. He is a Juren degree holder and a celebrated scholar in the Sichuan region.

An administrative official at Taiping Academy responsible for supervising the examination and maintaining discipline.

A fellow candidate and an acquaintance of Su Lu, known for his cynical and observant nature. He is the son of Su Youpeng.

The father of Su Dan.

A candidate from Tucheng who failed the entrance examination.

A candidate from Shuiluo who failed the entrance examination.

A candidate from Erhe who failed the entrance examination.

Candidates from the Cheng family who act arrogantly and look down upon the Su clan's academic background.

The younger brother of the boys' father, known for being a son-in-law to the Cheng family and for his thick-skinned and somewhat stingy nature.

The daughter of Scholar Cheng and wife of the late owner of He's Winery, who helped facilitate a business arrangement for the Su family.

The proprietor of He's Winery who died in a shipping accident at Dabingtan.

A young, hungry member of the Su family.

A clansman of the Su family and one of the creditors of the He family, noted for his patience in waiting at the winery to collect debts.

The nine-year-old daughter of He-Cheng-shi, who assists with chores and the family's business efforts.

The official scribe for the Su clan, responsible for maintaining accuracy in the family lineage records and organizing ancestral ceremonies.

The senior elder of the Su clan, responsible for maintaining the family genealogy and conducting ancestral ceremonies.

The young daughter of He-Cheng-shi who actively assists her mother and the Su family team.

A relative in the clan, affectionately known by the nickname Jinbao.

An experienced ferryman who transports goods across the Chishui River.

The determined owner of the sweet water business, often referred to as a 'Sweet Water Beauty,' who has partnered with the Su family to turn her venture into a success.

A helper at the Sweet Water stall who assists in daily operations and service.

A loyal domestic assistant who supports the Proprietress with business operations and household tasks.

The matriarch of the Su household and wife to the Old Master, who oversees the kitchen and family meals.

A young family member who shares in the meals of the Su household.

An elder domestic servant of the Proprietress, responsible for spreading local news and rumors at the market.