An exceptionally outstanding talent or individual, especially one who distinguishes themselves in examinations or selections; a cut above the rest.
他在这次全国性的技能竞赛中脱颖而出，被誉为桂林一枝，昆山片玉。
He stood out in this national skill competition and was praised as an exceptionally outstanding talent, like a branch from the cassia forest and a piece of jade from Kunshan.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Jin Dynasty, Emperor Wu extensively selected talents from various regions. Xi Shen was among those chosen and was later promoted to Governor of Yongzhou.
One day, Emperor Wu was touring the East Hall and met Xi Shen, asking him how he perceived his own abilities.
Xi Shen confidently replied, "I was selected as the top scholar for the talent policy, being the best in the land, just like a single branch from the cassia forest, and a piece of jade from Kunshan."
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