The provincial examination, held in August, was also known as the "Xiangweng" (Provincial Examination). This was the first level of the imperial examination, primarily held by the Southern and Northern Zhili provinces and the various provincial governments. The examinations were usually held in the provincial capitals (including the capital), effectively serving as open auditions before the provinces entered the capital.

Candidates who passed the provincial examination were called Juren, and the top scorer was called Jieyuan. The results of the provincial examination were usually announced during the sweet-scented osmanthus season, hence the name "Guibang".

The Autumn Examination consisted of three sessions, totaling nine days and six nights. The examination was divided into three sessions, each lasting three days and two nights. Participants were not allowed to leave the examination room during the exam; they had to answer questions, eat, drink, and sleep in their own quarters.

The first exam covered the Confucian classics, the Four Books and the Five Classics, and required students to write eight-part essays and compose poetry.

The "Four Books" refer to the Analects, Mencius, the Doctrine of the Mean, and the Great Learning. The "Five Classics" refer to the Book of Songs, the Book of History, the Book of Changes, the Book of Rites, and the Spring and Autumn Annals. All of these are Confucian classics and were the unchanging textbooks for the imperial examinations that candidates were required to know by heart.

Articles with topics within the scope of the "Four Books" are called "Four Books Meaning" or "Four Books Essays", and articles with topics within the scope of the "Five Classics" are called "Classics Meaning" or "Five Classics Essays".

Liu Yuhan and his parents took Liu Lu and Yang Zhi to their rented place in the provincial capital three days in advance.

Liu Lu and Yang Zhi embarked on the road of scientific research with the eyes and blessings of the Liu family, the Yang family and everyone in the village.

It was already the ninth day of the sixth lunar month, and with the sweltering heat of autumn, it was likely to be difficult to endure. Liu Yuhan prepared some extra items for them.

The food was the most basic, and they were given a set meal for the imperial examination.

The Imperial Examination Set Meal was a hot seller in the city these days. It was being sold by Liu Laizi, Xu Fugui, Qiu Sheng, and a young man.

They had already arrived in the city ten days before the imperial examination, splitting into two groups and setting up two stalls in the busy streets to sell their wares. Of course, these sales were only possible with Huo Jinhai's approval.

The set meal includes a small clay pot, high-quality charcoal, and an iron rack with two layers. The clay pot is placed on the top and the charcoal is burned on the bottom.

Besides these, there are also flours. Dried potato flour, sweet potato flour and fried noodles, which are actually instant noodles.

When frying the noodles, add some seasoning powder to them. Just soak the noodles in boiling water for five minutes and they're ready to eat. It's quite convenient.

Potato flour, sweet potato flour and fried noodles are all packed in waterproof oilcloth in advance according to the portion size, which is about eight days' worth.

Fried noodles no longer require seasoning powder. Potato and sweet potato flours come in matching small porcelain bottles filled with seasoning powder. The seasoning powder primarily consists of salt, chicken powder, and dried chopped green onions. It adds flavor.

Besides these three, there are also salted duck eggs. Yes, Liu Yuhan even experimented with them several times. Once cooked, they're fragrant, sweet, and juicy. They're a delicious and nutritious addition to noodles.

In short, buy it when you need it. If you are too lazy to bother, you can only eat steamed buns and fried cakes.

However, most people rushed to buy the samples cooked by the two stalls.

In addition to purchasing the imperial examination set meal, there is also a small porcelain medicine bottle placed next to the set meal.

The small porcelain bottle actually contained cooling oil, which could repel mosquitoes and refresh the mind. When the oil was sold, it was given to the scholars to try first.

This was developed by the pharmaceutical workshop last year and is sold at Baicaotang Pharmacy and Dejitang Pharmacy in Fucheng. The cooling oil was even sold out at one point! There was no other choice but to ask Qiu Sheng to pull the carriage back to Fulai Village to pick up the goods.

Liu Yuhan, his parents, Liu Lu and Liu Zhi cleaned up the courtyard.

"Mom and Dad, the exam is still three days away, why don't you go back first?" Liu Yuhan saw that his father looked anxious and wanted to ask them to go back first.

"That's right. We're really busy at home. Butler Huo has to come over today to pick up the last batch of watermelons. The watermelon seedlings will be planted soon, and your grandfather has to watch them plant sweet potatoes and potatoes. My daughter, Zhi'er and Lu'er, are you all okay here?"

"It's okay, Dad and Mom. Brother Yang Zhi and I will stay in the courtyard to study."

"Yes. Don't worry, uncle and aunt, we won't wander around."

"Dad and Mom, don't worry, I can cook for them. I know martial arts."

"Daughter, if you have any urgent matters, go ask Huo Dong for help. He said he will be in the capital city recently."

"Oh. Got it."

"Okay, boss, they're all grown up, it's okay, let's go."

"Xiao Han, then mom and dad will go back first."

"Okay, Dad and Mom, go slower."

"Do you guys want to go out for a walk with me? I'm going to buy some groceries and visit Brother Fugui and the others."

"Sister, I'm not going. I'll just study in the courtyard."

"I'm not going either, cousin."

"Okay, then come over and lock the door. It's not that I don't want to open the door for others. If you are tired of studying, take a rest."

"I understand, sis."

Liu Yuhan first went to the stalls of Liu Laizi and a young man named Ling Hua near Dejitang.

As I approached the stall, I saw a number of students asking questions. Liu Laizi was explaining things to them in a very eloquent manner. Ling Hua was helping to collect money and pack the food.

Seeing that they were busy, Liu Yuhan went to Dejitang and greeted several doctors.

Several doctors asked about their Changle County pharmacy and also asked Dr. Liu, mainly asking if Dr. Liu had made any new medicine recently?

Now these doctors are very impressed with Doctor Liu. Not only does he have superb medical skills, but he can also make all kinds of pills and powders, and the efficacy is amazing! They are really envious!

They even thought about following Doctor Liu and becoming his medicine boy. They would be satisfied if they could learn a little bit. Liu Yuhan didn't know what they were thinking. He said hello to his senior brother who was busy in the medicine shop and left.

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