Qiu Wencai is a twenty-year-old scholar from Huai'an Town who attends the same academy as He Yunhuai. He is introduced when he notices He Yunhuai entering the classroom and initially blocks his path, thinking he might be a wanderer. After verifying He Yunhuai's identity through his wooden plaque, Qiu Wencai introduces himself and engages in conversation. He is observant and kind-hearted, noticing that He Yunhuai is poor but determined based on his simple meal of dry flatbread. Rather than being condescending, Qiu Wencai is respectful and inviting, fetching his own meal to sit opposite He Yunhuai and asking if he wants to eat together. His character represents a fellow scholar who shows empathy and camaraderie despite differences in background.
