万一one in ten thousand; eventuality
举人successful candidate in the provincial imperial examinations in the Ming and Qing dynasties
愈exceed; the more... the more...
斜射shine obliquely; oblique fire
毫fine long hair; writing brush
热心enthusiastic; be warm-hearted
理会understand; pay attention to
等级grade; social estate/stratum/status
老爷bureaucrat; used by a servant to address their master
讨rule; send armed forces to suppress
讲堂classroom; hall for preaching Buddhist doctrines
茴香豆broad beans flavored with aniseed