candidate who won the first place in the highest imperial examination in the Ming and Qing Dyansties
狀元
the first place at palace examinations
狀元
Number One Scholar—title conferred on the person who came out first in the highest imperial examination;very best;top-notch
行行出～ every trade has it s master; every profession produces its own leading authority/高考～ the very best in college-entrance examination