The imperial examination was held in the drill ground of the Imperial College. Because the examination lasted for three days, each candidate had to stay in their own examination room for three days and was not allowed to leave in order to ensure fairness.

The candidates arrived at the Imperial College early, in groups of three or five or alone, all with solemn expressions, carefully and nervously queuing to walk inside. At the entrance, guards searched and checked their bodies.

Qin Mo was in the middle of the group, being pushed forward. Suddenly, someone tapped his shoulder, startling him. He turned around and saw it was Lu Changkong from Qingsong Academy. Although the two were rivals at Qingsong Academy, they had unknowingly become friends after spending so many days together.

Lu Changkong smiled and said to Qin Mo, "Brother Qin, are you ready? I heard that you can't leave the examination hall for the next three days!"

Qin Mo smiled and replied, "I've lived and worked at the academy since I was a child. Three days is nothing to me."

Lu Changkong sighed and said helplessly, "You seem to care, but the thought of having to stay in this tiny house for three days is maddening."

One person was allowed to pass through the gate. Qin Mo took a step forward and comforted him, "It's only three days. Brother Lu, just hang in there. You're exceptionally talented; you'll definitely stand out in this exam..."

Lu Changkong really liked hearing that, and confidently patted his chest: "That's right, after more than ten years of hard study, I'm just waiting to be nominated on the honor roll."

The guard noticed the two talking and pointed at them, shouting, "You two, stop talking! Line up and follow us inside..."

Lu Changkong stuck out his tongue and said to Qin Mo, "Brother Qin, when we both pass the exam, I'll treat you to a hearty drink..."

Qin Mo smiled and nodded, returning to his original state. He took a deep breath and walked heavily into the examination room.

It was described as a separate examination room, but it was actually just a series of small partitions carved out of wooden planks in the middle of the training ground. Each small room contained a table, a chair, and the necessary examination supplies: writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. The doors to the rooms were only half-open, allowing a glimpse inside and providing some light and ventilation.

After Qin Mo entered, he neatly arranged his belongings, overhearing occasional complaints from others. Qin Mo smiled wryly; it was just an exam, why worry about so many tedious details? As long as he could eat and sleep, that was enough, and he instantly felt much more relaxed.

"How can we make things convenient in such a small room?" a familiar voice asked.

The guard said, "I already told you, we'll give each of you a chamber pot. Just don't leave the examination hall..."

The candidates all craned their necks to watch the spectacle, and Qin Mo immediately guessed it was Lu Changkong. Sure enough, Lu Changkong stopped a junior examiner and pressed him relentlessly: "So, where's your meal?"

"Of course, someone brought it over, and we ate it in the examination hall..." the examiner said.

Upon hearing this, Lu Changkong jumped up in a frenzy: "What? Eating, drinking, and relieving oneself all happen here? No way, no way..."

Unable to break free from Lu Changkong, the examiner said, "Just let me go. I still have many things to do. Besides, everyone is treated the same. What are you dissatisfied with?"

Lu Changkong showed no intention of letting him go, so Qin Mo had no choice but to step forward and advise, "Brother Lu, it's best not to make things difficult for them. They're just following orders..."

Lu Changkong released his grip, and the junior examiner immediately left. Lu Changkong said to Qin Mo, "Alright, Brother Qin has already said so, I'll just endure three days. Once the exam is over and I have the opportunity to meet the Emperor, I will definitely offer my suggestions. This kind of exam is simply torture..."

The onlookers dispersed, and Qin Mo smiled and bowed to Lu Changkong before returning to their respective examination halls.