A tóngsheng had to first pass the county and prefecture exams.
Tips
history
Under the Ming and Qing keju system, a scholar remained a 童生 until he passed the 院试 (prefectural exam) and became a 秀才. Many men stayed tongsheng for life regardless of age.
culture
The word 童 here does not mean "child" but "unqualified" — an elderly candidate who had never passed was still called a 童生.
