Heading to the examination hall, determined to succeed.
The day of the imperial examination finally arrived as scheduled.
Before dawn, with the morning star still hanging in the dark blue sky, the Shen residence was already brightly lit. Madam Shen personally cooked hot lotus seed porridge and delicate jujube cake for Shen Qingci, gently instructing him, "Qingci, today is a crucial day. Don't panic, carefully review the questions, and make sure you're well-fed so you have the strength to answer them." Shen Yanzhi stood to the side, saying little, but his eyes were full of expectation and concern. He repeatedly stroked the jade pendant in his hand, a family heirloom he was about to hand over to his son.
"Father, Mother, don't worry." Shen Qingci, dressed in a moon-white long robe, with a handsome face and calm eyes, took the jade pendant and tied it around his waist. "Your son will certainly live up to your teachings and expectations." His fingertips touched the peace charm inside his robe, which Su Yunqing had sent yesterday. The embroidery was fine and carried a faint sandalwood fragrance, which made him feel more at ease.
After breakfast, Shen Qingci bid farewell to his parents, picked up his writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, and calmly set off for the examination hall. Outside the Imperial College, the place was already bustling with activity. The candidates, dressed in various long gowns, were either concentrating with their eyes closed or reciting in a low voice. Their families, who had come to see them off, surrounded them, offering countless words of advice and encouragement.
Amidst the crowd, a figure in pale pink stood out. Su Yunqing had arrived early, accompanied by Su Mingyuan. She tiptoed, her eyes scanning the crowd anxiously. The moment she saw Shen Qingci, her eyes lit up, and she quickly stepped forward: "Brother Qingci!"
"Yunqing, Uncle." Shen Qingci stepped forward, a gentle smile on his face. The tension of the past few days seemed to be mostly dispelled by this greeting.
"Qingci, relax and just do your best." Su Mingyuan patted his shoulder, his tone steady. "No matter the result, you will always be the best in our hearts."
Su Yunqing handed over a warm food box, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Inside is some osmanthus cake I just made this morning. It's sweet but not cloying. You can have some to tide you over during your exam breaks. And... this amulet, I got it at Xiangguo Temple yesterday. May you pass the exam with flying colors and have a safe and smooth journey." Her voice grew softer and softer, her fingertips trembling slightly, full of shyness and concern.
Shen Qingci took the food box; it was warm to the touch, as if it still carried the warmth of her fingertips. He gripped the food box tightly, looking at Su Yunqing with unwavering eyes: "Yunqing, thank you. Wait for my good news; I will definitely live up to your expectations."
Their eyes met, and without a word, the trust and expectation between them were subtly conveyed. Su Yunqing nodded vigorously, watching him turn and walk towards the entrance of the examination hall, until his figure disappeared behind the vermilion gates of the Imperial Academy, before reluctantly turning her gaze away.
Inside the examination hall, the candidates took their seats according to their assigned numbers. Shen Qingci found his seat, put down his things, took a deep breath, and calmed his mind. He looked around and saw that the candidates were either extremely nervous or confident, and the air was filled with a faint scent of ink and an invisible pressure.
As the examiner gave the order, the exam papers were slowly distributed. Shen Qingci unfolded the exam paper, his eyes scanning the questions, and he immediately felt confident. The three questions covered classics, history, philosophy, literature, governance, and military strategy—all areas he had studied extensively.
He picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, and the tip touched the rice paper, producing neat and beautiful characters with vigorous strokes. His thoughts flowed like a spring, his arguments readily available, ranging from Confucianism and Mencius' teachings to the art of governance, from border defense to the hardships of the people—he wrote fluently and eloquently, completing his work in one go. Sunlight streamed through the windows of the Imperial College, illuminating his focused profile and outlining his resolute features.
When the time came, Shen Qingci calmly handed in her paper and walked out of the examination room. Her expression was calm, but her eyes carried a hint of confidence that was hard to detect.
Outside the door, Su Yunqing was still waiting. Seeing him come out, she immediately went to greet him, her eyes full of concern: "Brother Qingci, how did the exam go?"
Shen Qingci walked up to her, a bright smile on her lips: "Yunqing, I've finished my exams, and I feel great."
As the sun set, its golden rays bathed the two figures, elongating their shadows. The road ahead was long, but at that moment, their hearts were filled with hope and anticipation for the future.
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