Chapter 284 285. Inside and Outside the Dormitory

Watching them walk into the gate with bags in hand, Jin Qianqian led her people back.

"Madam, are we going straight home?" Hong Da, who was driving the coach, asked loudly because the surroundings were too noisy.

"Let's leave here first," We can't stay here for too long, as there are soldiers in armor all along the street.

&

Inside the examination room

The officer in charge of the inspection looked at the items in front of him curiously. What the two candidates prepared was really different from others.

He took a special look at the place where they belonged, but still couldn't figure it out. He knew this place, which was not far from Shangjing, but he had never heard of these things.

After a careful look, they squeezed all the quilts and cotton-padded jackets they had brought in to make sure that nothing was found hidden in the belongings. Only then did they have someone take them to the assigned cells.

The two were taken away at a corner. Gu Wenheng felt that they were turning left and right, and when he was almost dizzy, he finally arrived at the place.

Along the way, there were already a few candidates standing in their respective rooms.

Looking at the makeshift cell, Gu Wenheng walked in and put his things in the corner first.

Look at the movable bed board again. Just lift it up and put it on the platforms on both sides and it can be transformed into a simple desk.

The only thing that made Gu Wenheng relatively satisfied was the toilets he saw at every corner. At least he didn’t have to eat, drink, defecate and urinate together.

And his position was also good, right in the middle, some distance away from the toilets on both ends.

Looking up, he saw a scholar in white clothes across the door smiling at him in a friendly manner.

Gu Wenheng waved his hand as a greeting, but the man in front of him was too interesting. Didn't he know that he would have to stay in here for nine days? This white robe would probably be in disrepair by then.

But these were none of his business. He carefully placed the small stove, coal, and pots in the corner so that he could boil some water when water was available.

&

Palace Gate

"My Lords, where are you going in such a hurry?" Xiao Liwei had never seen these civil officials walk so fast, and they had not argued with the emperor this morning. This was not like their style.

"General Xiao, if you have nothing else to do, you should go back home and teach your young lady some manners and morals. Don't spend all day brandishing swords and spears, or else no one will dare to propose marriage to you." Xu Zhiwen said unhappily when he saw the general blocking his way.

"What's wrong with swordplay? My daughter has learned everything she needs to learn.

It is you civil officials who should thank the Empress. It is said that even the imperial doctors in the harem are now idle. I guarantee that each of them will live a long life."

"You," Xu Zhiwen was choked with speechlessness when he thought of his granddaughter deep in the harem.

It's all because of these military generals. They don't know how to teach children. Every girl likes to appreciate flowers and catch butterflies, but they are the ones who make trouble. This granddaughter has sent letters several times, but they are powerless to do anything.

"You haven't told me yet, where are you going in such a hurry?"

Xu Zhiwen walked away from him and said, "I told you, but you still don't understand. You are such a rough guy."

"Hey, why do you have such a stinky mouth? I just asked you something, why are you talking so much? Are you going to do anything shameful?" Xiao Liwei chased after him.

"Why are you so annoying? Don't follow me all the time." Xu Zhiwen glared at Xiao Liwei fiercely, suddenly lifted up his robe, and ran forward.

"Hey, this old guy ran fast. As expected, these scholars usually pretend. Why don't they look like they are bargaining with the emperor and are ready to give in at any time?"

General Liu Chang came over and patted him on the shoulder. "You think you can tease His Majesty? You are becoming more and more out of line in your words."

"Brother Liu, you just don't like them," Xiao Liwei looked back at the empty palace gate after seeing the emperor's cousin. "Why are they so anxious today? Is there any gold to be found?"

Liu Chang laughed, "Have you forgotten what day it is today? This is the imperial examination. These old guys have family members participating in the exam. They just want to run over to see if they can get a good seat."

"Can we change our position in this exam?" Xiao Liwei thought this was a joke. After all, all the candidates in the world were gathered together. These scholars were usually very proud and would not tolerate this.

"What's wrong with that? Just say hello to the examiner inside and change seats. It's a simple matter."

Xiao Liwei, "Are they stupid? Couldn't they have done this earlier? Why did they have to rush it until today?"

Liu Chang looked like he was enjoying the show, "I'm not stupid, the emperor didn't let them get it done before yesterday, how could he let them interfere today?

Don't worry, their trip will be in vain. If you want to watch the fun, you might be able to watch the end if you go over now."

"Is there a joke to watch?" Xiao Liwei perked up, "Let's go and take a look together."

"I'm afraid not. I still have to guard the palace gate today. If you want to watch the show, you have to go early."

"Then I'm leaving," Xiao Liwei did not dare to delay. He took the reins from the servant, turned over, and disappeared at the palace gate in a short while.

Marquis Wu'an knew that he would not be involved in any good job, and that the unfilial son must have been meddling in it.

But even so, he couldn't complain, so he led the Beijing guards to surround the tribute hall tightly. From this moment on, no one was allowed to leave or enter.

"Lord Bai, no wonder I didn't see you in the court today. I didn't expect you to come here." Kuang Yujun said with a smile.

"Kuang Bianshu, now that you are no longer the prime minister, you have plenty of time to wander around. However, this is the Imperial Examination Hall, and outsiders are not allowed to approach." Bai Yugang still remembered the last drought in the three northeastern provinces. This person was using him as an example, so naturally he was rude in his words.

Lord Yi's face changed slightly. Ever since he was demoted by the emperor to be a book editor in Taiyuefu, the whole of Upper Kyoto has been making fun of him.

"Lord Bai, don't just stand there and watch the joke. You think you are so good now, but you are still guarding the gate here."

Bai Yugang's face turned pale, and he shouted to the guards beside him, "Keep a close eye on them, not even a fly is allowed to enter or leave."

Kuang Yijun was disgusted by the hidden meaning in his words. Just as he was about to leave, he saw two ministers from the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Rites hurried over with their men.

This time he was not going to leave. He glanced at Bai Yugang meaningfully, then quietly retreated to the corner, stood there with his arms folded, watching the fun.

"Why are all of you here, gentlemen?" Bai Yugang put on a smiling face. He couldn't afford to offend any of these people.

"Lord Bai," Chen Zishu bowed, "My eldest grandson is in there to take the imperial examination. I'm worried that he doesn't have enough stuff with him, so I want to go in and take a look."

"I am my youngest son," Xu Zhiwen also said quickly, "This kid has been weak since he was young. I want to go and see if the shelter is sheltered from the wind?"

(End of this chapter)