Upon hearing this, the dean immediately said, "You wish! This was given to me by Wenwu. I can't bear to use it myself. I have to keep it well."
Xu Wenwu smiled and said, "Did the dean agree to accept it?"
The dean patted Xu Wenwu on the shoulder and said, "I'll take it, kid. You have to do well in the exam this time."
Xu Wenwu nodded.
The next day, the news spread among the students that a poor boy named Zheng Yaoyang won the literary competition yesterday, and Master Wenyuan ranked second. However, what everyone wanted to know most was who the boy was who won the precious ink. Some people asked around, but there was no news at all.
Xu Wenwu had been staying in the backyard of Juxiang Pavilion these days, without going out, discussing and studying with several classmates until the day before the exam.
All candidates taking the exam must go to the prefectural yamen to get a badge. This badge is very important. If you lose it, you will not be able to enter the examination room.
There is also a number on the sign, which represents the cubicle number of your examination room. When you enter the examination room, just find the number corresponding to the sign and sit down.
The dean and Master Sun went with Xu Wenwu and Qian Xuedong.
The four of them left early in the morning and didn't come back until noon.
The old man asked, "Why did you take so long?"
Master Sun said, "Today I just found out how many people took the exam. A rough estimate is over 200. We didn't go early, and we had to register and queue, so we were a little late."
The old man said, "I see. Let's take a break. Let's have hot pot in the restaurant at noon!"
No one else had any objections, so they ate open air in the backyard.
Because they had an exam the next day, the dean was afraid that the two would not get enough rest, so he asked them to put down their books and go back to their rooms to rest, and did not allow the other students to disturb them.
This exam lasts about five days. During this period, the examinees eat, drink, defecate, urinate and sleep in the same cubicle, so it is really difficult to survive if you are not in good physical condition.
The old man packed up the dry food and snacks, enough for the two of them for the next few days. Qibao put two water bags in each bag, which were filled with diluted spiritual spring water to keep his brothers energetic.
The next day, everyone went out, including Qian Shusheng, who was usually very busy. He put down his work for his son and sent him to the entrance of the examination hall together.
There were three invigilators this time, one was the prefect Wen, and the other two were officials specially sent by the court.
Students taking the exam were queuing at the door. The old man handed the prepared packages to the two of them and gave them a few instructions. Then the two of them went to queue up.
The inspection was very strict. A pair of soldiers guarded the entrance to the examination room. Not only was every examinee who entered the room subjected to a body search, but even the food they brought in had to be checked one by one. Whether it was a cake or a snack, they had to be opened to check if there were any cheating notes inside. Only after all the checks were completed could they enter the examination room with the wooden sign.
When all the candidates entered the examination room, the entrance was still crowded with people. Some of them were sending their children to take the exam, while others were just there to watch the fun.
"I saw several people who were quite young! I think it's going to be a bit dangerous!"
"You can't say that. I just saw Zheng Yaoyang, who won first place in the literary competition a few days ago. He should not be underestimated!"
"Yes, and that mysterious Mr. Xu, he should also be here to take the exam. We still don't know who will win this year!"
"Yes! Who among those who can get in here is simple? They are all scholars. How many scholars can there be in this place?"
"If my son can pass the exam and become a scholar, he can eat the food of an official!"
"It's not that easy!"
Listening to the discussions around him, the old man said, "Dean, let's go back. The two children will have to rely on themselves after they go in, and we can't help them anymore."
Zhang said with some worry, "The exams for Wenwu and Xuedong will take several days. I don't know if my body can handle it."
Qibao said, "Aunt, don't worry! They will be fine."
The group returned to the Juxiang Pavilion, and the dean said, "More than two hundred people are vying for just six spots. It's not easy to stand out!"
"Yes! But I believe that Wenwu will definitely get a ranking, but it may be a bit difficult for Xuedong." Master Sun said.
"It's hard to say. The questions are different every year. Maybe this time he'll be testing something that Xuedong is good at!" said the dean.
"No matter how my son Xuedong performs in the exam this time, I will be proud of him. He has accomplished what his father, I, couldn't do. He is much better than me as a father." Boss Qian said with a smile.
To ease his aunt's nervousness, Qibao said, "Aunt, let's go out for a walk! I think the clothes in that clothing store are pretty nice. I'd love to bring a couple back for Grandma and the others."
Zhang said, "Okay, then buy a gift for everyone in the family and take it back."
So Qibao took Zhang and Fuqiu and headed towards the opposite side.
The three of them crossed the street and came to the door of a clothing store called Yuyifang.
The three of them walked in and were immediately warmly welcomed by the store staff.
"Ma'am, Miss, what kind of clothes do you want to buy? We have them all in our store."
Qibao said, "Let's take a look first and call you when we find someone suitable."
"Okay, then you two can take a look around."
"Miss, look at that dress. It's really beautiful. It will look great on you."
Qibao looked in the direction Fuqiu pointed. It was a lavender flower-sprinkled, floor-length, double-breasted skirt. It was pretty, but Qibao felt it was a bit inconvenient to wear. It was more suitable for young ladies who didn't have to do anything.
Qibao said, "I like something simpler. This is too complicated and takes a long time to put on."
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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