At 7:45 PM, when Zhang Shanhai captured the fourth wave of robbers, Xiao Zhixing had a complicated expression. Looking at the two calm and collected men beside him, they seemed unfazed.
Would anyone actually dare to rob a sample exam paper from the imperial examinations in Shengjing?
They weren't printed in large quantities, and they can be replaced at any time, so why would they steal them?
The elder smiled and said, "Not for any other reason than to disturb people's hearts."
She understood. In such a crucial test of one's life, if any bad rumors spread, those with weak willpower would definitely break down, naturally affecting their performance.
As expected, every moment is an exam, and from this moment on, the imperial examinations have already begun.
After the fifth group of people were captured or killed, the group finally entered the examination hall at 11:45 PM.
Three thousand imperial guards immediately sealed off the examination hall, and Zhang Shanhai personally led his men to search everywhere overnight, both for people and for the surrounding area.
Xiao Zhixing's eyes were opened to a whole new world by following him.
For example, there were petty thieves who dug tunnels in, cooks who took the place of others, bribed minor officials, and experts who stormed the examination hall.
"These are just appetizers. The real excitement will come when the exam questions are printed," Zhang Shanhai said calmly.
Xiao Zhixing expressed his admiration.
At the same time, in Qianjia Village on the outskirts of the capital, a scholar was awakened by a black-clad guard, who threw a scroll of paper on his bedside table.
The scholar carefully unfolded the slip of paper, his eyes revealing delight.
The Imperial Examination Hall.
The exam questions needed to be engraved first, which couldn't be rushed. Zhang Shanhai personally supervised his master's work, which took a full three days.
When the exam questions were actually printed, the cheating methods became even more secretive. People would carve words on rice, use invisible water, or hide questions under their tongues. Everyone wanted to leak the exam questions at this time, and even just a few words were enough to drive people outside crazy.
The exam questions were all printed and then proofread and counted, which happened to be the day before the exam.
Finally, all the exam papers were sealed in a specially made wooden box. The three examiners, along with Zhang Shanhai, personally watched as the nine-grade lock, crafted by a master craftsman, was locked shut.
There are four keys, one for each of the three chief and deputy examiners and Zhang Shanhai. On the day of the imperial examination, all four keys must be inserted together to open the sealed box.
Xiao Zhixing directly transferred the key into the space, letting her see the excitement again.
That wasn't enough. The sealed box was locked inside the room with chains at all four corners. Zhang Shanhai and ten guards sat around it. On the last night, they would keep a close watch on this place.
Xiao Zhixing said, "You've worked hard. If you need anything, just call me."
Because she was a woman, she slept alone in the next room. The Duke of Li and the eldest son were also in this room. There were two beds in the corner of the room, and they had to sleep here tonight.
Zhang Shanhai cupped his hands in greeting, "With Your Highness here, this humble servant has no worries whatsoever."
With a master of the Heavenly Rank in charge, he felt very confident. They could handle ordinary thieves, but if they encountered a real expert, they would naturally leave it to Xiao Zhixing.
Xiao Zhixing didn't sleep in the next room either; he sat cross-legged, intending to cultivate all night.
Sure enough, there was some noise next door late at night, but it quickly quieted down and then everything was calm again.
Dawn broke quickly, and she knew that the real battle was just beginning.
As the gongs and drums sounded and the gates of the examination hall opened, the imperial guards stood in the doorway and began to verify the identities of each person and search their belongings.
Zhang Shanhai's sharp gaze swept over each student, and if any of them seemed even slightly guilty, he would have them taken away for a thorough search.
Xiao Zhixing also strolled over, his gaze sweeping over them leisurely. He pointed a finger and said, "You, take off your shoes. You, open your mouth. And your nails are broken."
Without a second thought, Zhang Shanhai immediately ordered several people to be arrested. A transparent piece of paper was peeled off the sole of one person's shoe, a fake tooth that looked real and was hollow inside and stuffed with waterproof cloth was knocked out of another person's mouth, and a fingernail was peeled off with micron-sized characters engraved on the inside.
In an instant, the entrance fell into dead silence.
Xiao Zhixing stood there with his hands behind his back, a forced smile on his face. "Gentlemen, your future is bright. If you don't pass, you can take the exam again. But if you get caught cheating, your life will be ruined. I'll give you a chance to make amends. Go and dispose of the things quietly, or don't blame me for being impolite."
The candidates from other places didn't realize her identity at first. They did know that Prince Yuansheng was the deputy examiner, but they had never met him before, so they didn't recognize him.
Now that we've met, I realize how formidable she is.
Some people quietly left the queue, only to return a while later.
Of course, there are also stubborn individuals who, clinging to their beliefs and thinking themselves clever, refuse to give up.
Xiao Zhixing was too lazy to bother. No matter how well they hid their expressions, she could spot them instantly with a glance. She called out to the 186-point system, "Scan them all."
Free labor is free, so why not use it?
"Alright, boss, look at me!" The 186-point system sprang up and began scanning rapidly.
So Xiao Zhixing then transformed into a human scanner, coldly pointing out one incorrigible cheater after another.
The candidates who were still waiting to enter were stunned. Even those who hadn't cheated trembled subconsciously when they met Xiao Zhixing's gaze.
Several acquaintances didn't dare to show any extra expression when they saw her.
Zhang Shanhai cupped his hands in respect and said, "This humble servant admires you!"
Xiao Zhixing watched the last candidate enter, then said, "Close the door."
The gates of the examination hall closed, and the four of them opened the sealed box together, took out all the examination papers, and tore off the seal in front of everyone.
"The exam begins!"
The junior officials quickly distributed the exam papers in groups of three.
Two sets of exam papers and two sets of scratch paper were required, and the exam had to be completed within three days. During this time, all meals, drinks, and restroom facilities were provided in this small examination room.
Adding to the fact that it was freezing cold and there was only a small oven to keep warm, those who were not in good health suffered a lot.
After the Duke of Li and she toured the area, the Duke asked, "What are your thoughts, Prince Yuansheng?"
Xiao Zhixing raised an eyebrow. "Does the Duke want to hear the truth or a lie?"
Duke Li chuckled, his eyes narrowing into slits. "Listen to everything?"
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