"clang!"
A deep, resonant sound rang out from the bronze clapper, its echo reverberating across the empty academy.
Like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, it instantly shattered the tense silence within Qingyun Academy.
At the beginning of Shen (3-5 PM), the time has come, and the exam is over.
This was followed by the invigilators' authoritative pronouncements: "Stop writing! Candidates, stop writing, remain seated, and do not move!"
Inside the examination area, all candidates stopped writing, regardless of whether they had finished or not, and dared not take any chances.
Under close surveillance, the chief examiner, with a solemn expression, personally stepped forward and carefully collected each and every exam paper.
Eight exam papers were in one exam room. The chief examiner held them up with both hands, while the assistant examiner followed closely, his eyes fixed on them.
Afterwards, all the examiners from the examination rooms gathered into a solemn group.
With the Imperial Guards leading the way, this silent, long line of examinees, under the watchful eyes of the examinees and invigilators, slowly moved step by step toward the academy gate, carrying their untouched exam papers.
The entire process was exposed to public scrutiny, leaving no room for even a slight attempt to switch the exam papers.
The group arrived safely at the academy gate, where a bustling crowd had already gathered.
The streets on both sides were packed with eagerly awaiting test takers' relatives and friends, as well as onlookers.
In the open space in front of the academy, rows of desks were neatly arranged, and behind each desk sat a student dressed in the robes of a student of the Imperial Academy.
Each student had two people standing on either side of them.
One was a yamen runner, a military officer, or a neighborhood constable, while the other was a selected, honest commoner.
The group carrying the original exam papers arrived at the first desk, and the chief examiner gently placed the top exam paper down.
The students of the Imperial Academy behind their desks suddenly stood up, their eyes sweeping over the names on the examination papers. They recited the names aloud, each word clear and distinct, piercing through the noise of the crowd:
"Candidate, Gu Jiezhi, Examination Number: A1!"
"Copywriter: Zhang Zi'an, student of Class D, Xinmao year of the Imperial Academy!"
After the names were called out, the students took their seats, spread out their snow-white copying paper, dipped their brushes in ink, and began to meticulously copy the names.
The procession moved backward in turn, and the names of the students were called out one by one, echoing at the entrance of the academy like a solemn proclamation.
Each name that was called out caused a small commotion in the crowd.
The tense and anxious wait continued as students stopped copying, and the supervisors on both sides began to check to ensure there were no errors in the transcription.
Once the last copy was confirmed to be correct, these freshly made copies were sent to the bulletin board on the side under the strict guard of the Imperial Guards.
It's called a bulletin board, but it's actually just a tarpaulin canopy built on top of the existing tall courtyard wall to keep out the rain.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the officials pasted the copied scrolls one by one onto the wall, thus completing the task.
Meanwhile, a new round of tidying up began at the entrance of the academy.
The numerous desks used for copying were quickly removed, leaving only a relatively small number of tables where the examiners responsible for grading the papers sat.
The examiners are divided into three levels:
The first step is to quickly scan the paper to check for any serious damage such as ink stains, corrections, or illegible handwriting.
Then quickly browse the answers to the questions on the interpretation of the scriptures and eliminate those with many errors or omissions.
All the papers had to be reviewed, checked by two people, but it was very fast.
Those who pass will advance to the next round, where they will be divided into groups of three and will focus on writing policy essays.
Each person reviews the work independently and marks it as good or bad.
Only papers that receive approval from at least two people can advance to the final round.
The Vice Director of the Ceremonial Affairs Bureau, the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, and Princess Qin Zhaowan were all in charge of this final checkpoint.
The process involves reviewing policy proposals, appreciating poetry, and then, most importantly, ranking them to determine their quality.
In addition to these three progressively higher-level examiners, there is also an inspection team.
Composed of senior instructors from the Imperial Academy and highly respected scholars, they were responsible for overseeing the rejected examination papers.
In addition to adding an extra layer of protection, they are also searching for "hidden gems," hoping to find some extraordinary talents who don't meet the public's standards.
Although the entire review process took place outdoors, it was conducted in an orderly manner.
The multi-layered review mechanism effectively prevents cheating and misjudgment, and also exposes the concept of "fairness" to the people of Fengjing.
Officials from the Bureau of Ceremonial Affairs were explaining the review and evaluation system and procedures to the people.
After all, if you do something but don't publicize it, it's like wearing fine clothes in the dark—wouldn't that be a waste?
I heard that the results were to be announced on the spot, and almost no one wanted to leave.
Qin Zhaoyue was eager to return home, but she was held back by three mischievous children.
"No, what's there to wait for?"
"If you're really curious, just look at the official report once the rankings are out, won't you?"
Qin Zhaoyue had little interest in the outcome; neither Helian Chaolu nor Xiao Yunshuo were of concern to her.
Her only remaining hope was whether her cousin, Wen Tingwan, would pass the test.
If I get lucky and succeed, I can legitimately swindle her out of money.
Xiao Jiu immediately retorted, "How can that be the same? You feel more involved when you watch it here."
"You're kidding me. With your current level of knowledge, you probably wouldn't even be able to understand what the article is about."
"Nonsense! I'm very capable!" Xiao Jiu bristled, her little face puffed up with anger.
"Sixth Sister, how dare you say that? Everyone in the palace knows you're the most ignorant and incompetent person."
"Hey!" Qin Zhaoyue chuckled, proudly raising her chin.
I dare not speak of anything else, but when it comes to poetry, if she claims to be second, who in the world dares to claim to be first?
This is called "a person with a wealth of knowledge naturally exudes elegance," what does a little kid know?
If it weren't for the fact that I'm not making any money and I'm too lazy to show off in front of them, I could just throw out any song and it would make their eyes pop out.
"If you really want to read the article, wouldn't it be better to have someone make a copy and take it home?" Qin Zhaoyue coaxed patiently.
"Just imagine, going back to the palace, lying down, comfortably leaning on a soft couch."
Have a palace maid massage your shoulders while you eat fruits and pastries.
When you get tired of reading, just have someone read it to you. Isn't that a wonderful life? Isn't that comfortable?
"No! Look right here!"
Qin Zhaoyue crossed her arms, leaned back slightly, squinted at the three little ones, and looked at them with suspicion on her face.
"I've never seen you guys pay this much attention to your studies before? You're not just here to join in the fun, are you?"
The three children immediately became shy and embarrassed.
Under intense scrutiny, Xiao Jiu immediately became enraged.
"What's wrong with joining in the fun? Do you think it's easy for us to leave the palace? What's wrong with staying a little longer?"
Xiao Qi and Xiao Ba immediately flanked Qin Zhaoyue, grabbing her sleeves and shaking them, launching their coquettish offensive.
"Sixth Sister, let's stay and wait for the results, okay?"
A vein throbbed on Qin Zhaoyue's forehead.
Ugh! Kids are such a hassle!
"Alright, alright," she said helplessly, slumping her shoulders. "Find a corner to squat in, and don't get in the way of your third and fourth sisters' important business."
Tao Yao, standing behind her, couldn't help but chuckle and secretly smiled.
Her Highness may seem fierce and aggressive, but he is actually the type who responds best to gentle persuasion rather than force.
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