Traveling from Ning'an Prefecture to Suyang Prefecture for the imperial examination takes five days by carriage, and even longer on foot.
Li Qingyao and Gao Chuan arrived in the prefectural city first, and then followed the Gao family's small merchant caravan. Several members of the Gao family and their relatives also accompanied them.
They were all scholars going to take the imperial examinations, and being young, with Gao Chuan acting as a mediator, they quickly became one of the group.
Sometimes they would discuss academic matters together, chatting about everything under the sun. Knowing that Li Qingyao had also traveled abroad to study, they became even more curious.
Li Qingyao would also tell them about the interesting things she encountered on the road.
You'll always encounter fellow travelers on the road, but when you're out and about, you have to be careful. If you don't know their background, you shouldn't talk to them too much. At most, you can nod when your eyes meet and then forget about them.
Students from all over flocked to Suyang Prefecture, and everywhere there were scholars with books in their hands, reciting a few words even while traveling.
It seemed like Li Qingyao was discovering for the first time that there were so many scholars in the world.
Li Qingyao and his group were also among the students studying. Perhaps because there were so many students reading, they naturally became anxious, feeling that if they didn't follow along, they would fall far behind.
The provincial examination, held only once every three years, determines whether one can "leap over the dragon gate" (a metaphor for achieving great success). This very day will determine one's fate.
Li Qingyao still often spent time with Gao Chuan. The two of them would ride in a carriage, asking and answering questions, and the time would pass quite quickly.
A group of people would travel by carriage at dawn and stay at inns at dusk, maintaining a regular schedule and following the caravan, making their journey quite safe.
Among the students taking the imperial examinations, the majority were those who walked.
They walked in groups of three or five, carrying their books, eating dry rations when they were hungry and sleeping outside the inn when they were tired, following behind the caravans, slowly making their way along the official road.
Li Qingyao admired them greatly. If he were in the same situation, he might not have done as well as them; everyone was working hard.
"There are so many people!"
Gao Chuan couldn't help but sigh. It was his first time participating in the provincial examination, and he had never seen such a scene before.
Today is the fourth day since they set off from the prefectural city. According to the caravan, they will arrive at the prefectural city of Suyang Prefecture by tomorrow evening.
The two got off the carriage; they would be staying at the "Fulu Inn" for the night.
This place is very close to the prefectural city, so there are many scholars here.
It's understandable. The number of scholars who had been waiting for the provincial examinations over the years was already enormous. As long as they could still take the exams, they would definitely give it a try.
In addition, the scholars from the five prefectures, gathered in one place, numbered in the tens of thousands.
"With so many people vying for just one hundred spots, it's incredibly difficult."
Li Qingyao also sighed, feeling immense pressure. The staggering numbers left him somewhat at a loss for words.
"Let's go, let's book a room first."
Although they were traveling with a caravan, they had to arrange their own accommodations. Gao Chuan was older than Li Qingyao, so Gao Chuan was in charge of making the arrangements between the two.
"Okay, brother-in-law."
Li Qingyao picked up his luggage and followed behind Gao Chuan.
The two quickly checked in and took their luggage to their room.
As they traveled, the inn's prices kept rising. They were lucky, as there were only a few rooms left, which they divided up completely.
Looking at the many scholars sitting on the ground outside the inn, Gao Chuan shook his head helplessly.
"There are relatively few people taking the exam now. We set off early and took a carriage. Many scholars set off much earlier than us, but they walked all the way and fell behind. When we arrived in the prefectural city, there were many more people."
"That's right."
Li Qingyao responded with a nod, "They're all rivals."
"Let's hurry up and eat, then go back to study. I'm feeling really anxious."
When Li Qingyao heard Gao Chuan say that, he couldn't help but laugh. Who isn't like that?
With the imperial examinations taking place, it's common for inns to raise prices; even lodging isn't cheap. It's expensive here, and it'll only be more expensive in the prefectural city.
The two stayed peacefully through the night, and at dawn the next day, they packed their things, checked out of their room, and set off with the caravan.
Suyang Mansion.
As the prefectural city that will host the provincial examination this year, Suyang Prefecture has welcomed many students from other places since after the Lunar New Year.
Students from well-off families would often arrive here more than half a year in advance to prepare for the provincial examinations. This was not for any other reason than to adapt to the local environment as soon as possible and avoid suffering from acclimatization problems.
Li Qingyao and Gao Chuan arrived here several months in advance, with these plans in mind.
After ten years of hard study, it would be too unfortunate if I couldn't find any reference points because of these trivial details.
On their first day in the prefectural city, it was getting late, so the two said goodbye to the caravan and found an inn to stay at.
The next morning, he went to the government office, found a broker, and wanted to rent a courtyard.
"Please come in, distinguished guest. May I ask what kind of business you wish to conduct?"
A middle-aged man sat in the room. He saw two young scholars walk in from outside and greeted them with a smile on his face. Although he smiled, he was not obsequious, after all, it was an official business.
Official brokerage firms were a kind of trading center in ancient times, providing services to both buyers and sellers. They had fewer resources than private brokerage firms, but they were safer and more secure. Of course, they were also more expensive.
“We want to find a courtyard, mainly one that is quiet and close to the examination hall.”
"These two young gentlemen must be scholars who have come to take the provincial examination. They are truly young and promising!"
"Please rest assured, both of you. Our official brokers guarantee the quality, though the price is a bit high."
When business comes in, the broker is naturally very happy, but he has to say the unpleasant things upfront.
These two young masters wanted a quiet place close to the examination hall, which meant the price wouldn't be low. If they could accept that, he could continue to recommend places; if not, he could save himself the trouble of wasting time.
"No problem. If there are suitable ones, please take my brother and me to see them first. If we really like them, we don't mind if they are a bit expensive."
Only in the official residence would Gao Chuan dare to say such things.
Official brokers offer relatively fair prices, and the brokers' commissions are transparent. Gao Chuan chose official brokers precisely because he wanted safety and security.
“I happen to have a few courtyards here that should meet the needs of you two gentlemen. If it is convenient, I can take you to see them now.”
Upon hearing this, the middle-aged broker knew that the two men were not short of money. After a moment's thought, he sifted through a few options that met their requirements.
"That's great, it's just what we need."
The two had been looking for accommodation all day, and were prepared for a long day of running around. Hearing from the broker that they had a place to stay, they were naturally delighted and readily agreed.
They needed to find a house as soon as possible so they could focus on their studies. They quickly agreed and went with the broker to look at houses.
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