The provincial examinations were held in the provincial capitals of each province and, according to past practice, began on the ninth day of August.

The examination is divided into three sessions, each lasting three days, based on the Four Books and Five Classics, policy questions, and poetry and prose.

Su Shien arrived at the provincial capital early and met with Su Yunsong before the exam. The two had a very pleasant conversation.

Han Zecang, Wang Tong and others set out together from Qingshan County.

Taking a boat from the ferry to the provincial capital is the most convenient way to travel, but for safety reasons, most people choose to travel by land.

When he arrived at the territory of Linyuan Prefecture, Han Zecang met a group of people, among whom were Sun Manfu and Zhao Yan, whom he hated very much.

He almost forgot that Sun Manfu failed the exam just like him last time. It seemed that this guy had not given up yet. He was determined and wasted the registration fee tirelessly.

The Sun family is rich and doesn't care about the accommodation and travel expenses. They can take the exam as many times as they want. He has even seen people in their fifties still taking the exam!

As for Zhao Yan, Han Zecang was too lazy to even look at him. He was just a scum. Although his eldest brother didn't care, it didn't affect his hatred for the Zhao brothers and sisters.

In fact, there was another person next to Zhao Yan, and that person was Zhang Pinggui, but Han Zecang didn't know him.

It is safer with more people on the road, so everyone tacitly formed a longer convoy. This formation was maintained all the way to the city gate, and by then the end of the convoy was no longer in sight.

This is Han Zecang's second time in the provincial capital, and it seems to have become more prosperous.

Not long after arriving in the city, Han Zecang was picked up amid the envious eyes of his classmates.

Also brought along was the uncomfortable Wang Tong. This was Han Zeyu's order. He still had to give face to his elder sister, but it was just a guest room.

Wang Tong has a servant boy serving him, and Han Zecang is a man of clean hands.

You carry your own luggage and bookcases, the main purpose is to reduce the burden.

Of course, this burden refers to the burden on his wallet. For a poor man like him who is heavily in debt, it is good to save as much as possible.

It would be even better if he could pass the exam and become a scholar. Maybe his brother would be so happy that he would reward him with some melons and dates. Wouldn't that be another source of income?

The exam was about to start in two days, and Su Shien decided to give his brain a break, so he began to give his brother-in-law cramming lessons.

Han Zeyu encouraged his brother: "It's better to sharpen your sword before the battle. If someone gets sick or doesn't perform well, you will have a chance."

Su Shien was also convinced. The second to last one was afraid that the last one would have diarrhea. So that’s just the same mentality as yours. Teach your child something good!

Han Zeyu was driven away and complained indignantly, "You are so short-sighted. If you had listened to my teachings, you might have passed the exam and become a scholar. You have lost not only an excellent life mentor, but also a guiding light."

Seeing Su Shien and Han Zecang studying in the study, Wang Tong finally mustered up the courage to join them. However, when he heard Han Zeyu's bold words, he immediately retracted his foot that was about to step out of the door.

Han Zeyu rolled his eyes. He wanted to listen to Teacher Han’s lecture, but with your cowardly look, you don’t deserve it!

I studied for a day and a half, and used the last half day to relax my tense nerves, check the stationery I would need for the exam, and prepare food to bring to the Imperial Examination Hall.

On the ninth day of August, just as the sky was getting light, several people got up early to wash up.

The academy examination is divided into two sessions: the main test and the re-examination. The test is eight-part essays and examination poems, and the examinee must copy the "Imperial Edict" of more than 100 words from memory.

Han Zecang's weakness is the eight-legged essay, but he came prepared this time, and the template that Gofu asked him to memorize came in handy.

When he actually entered the examination room, he became more sober. He didn't ask to pass the exam in one try, as long as his ranking was closer, it would give him hope.

The calmer your mentality is, the more relaxed you will be when answering questions. Han Zecang answered the questions without distraction, his thoughts were exceptionally clear, and solving the problems became smoother.

On the other hand, Su Shien was not nervous at all. Compared with Teacher Han’s small class, this was just a small scene.

It’s just a provincial examination, it’s easy to pass.

The only thing that made him feel unbearable was the issue of washing these days. Not being able to take a bath for nine days and seven nights was truly an inhuman torture.

Han Zeyu also felt it was torture. The test content was so limited, but it took nine days?

I remember when they took the college entrance examination, the cultural subjects only lasted for two days, and the oral test was on the last day.

He felt tortured for two and a half days, so how was he going to get through these nine days and seven nights?

Recalling the scene three years ago when the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall was opened, the candidates wandered out like zombies out of a cage.

Han Zeyu couldn't help shivering. He wanted to sleep back his husband's share as well.

On the third day, people began to be carried out of the Imperial Examination Hall.

By the sixth day, more people couldn't hold on.

People outside the Imperial Examination Hall said they were not surprised, as it was the same every time and they got used to it after seeing it so many times.

There are only two types of people who are carried out. One type is those who have poor psychological quality and cannot withstand the pressure of the exam.

The other type is those with poor physical fitness, they are all weak scholars and lack physical training.

Another type is people who are escorted out by officers and soldiers. These people are trying to cheat by being clever.

The result is predictable. He will be exposed without a doubt. Not only will he lose his qualification for the scientific examination, but he will also face imprisonment.

Su Shien doesn't care what others do, whether they fall down or cheat, it doesn't affect his rhythm at all.

This man went to bed early and got up early, and ate a lot, so he was still energetic when the exam was halfway through.

The most outrageous thing was the instant noodles he brought. What was that? The aroma was too overwhelming. After leaving the exam room, they had to ask about it.

…

In the last three days, more people were carried out, especially those who were sent out on the eighth day. They squatted on the ground and cried loudly, hating themselves for not living up to their expectations.

On the ninth day, Han Zeyu and Tiezhu arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall early, hoping to pick up Su Shien as soon as possible.

The gong sounded, the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall opened, and the classic scene of zombies coming out of the cage was staged again. And his Su Shien was still the most handsome one in the zombie army.

As for Han Zecang and Wang Tong, they had already been assimilated by the zombie army. Let them come here themselves!

Tiezhu took advantage of his height and was the first to find Han Zecang. He squeezed in against the flow of people and quickly brought him out.

Wang Tong, who was ignored by everyone, was very tenacious and was found by his servant, who helped him to the gathering.

Seeing that everyone was there, Tiezhu drove the carriage to take the two back to Jinbaoer's villa.

Han Zeyu asked the black horse to stand still and let Su Shien sit on it first. Then he climbed up nimbly, held the reins, and leaned steadily in Su Shien's arms.

In public, they showed their affection.