The day the little fish cub officially transformed into a human was the ninth day of the eighth lunar month, the same day Qin Zhao passed the imperial examination and became a top three scholar. Jing Li and Qin Zhao designated this date as their cub's official birthday, but since the Autumn Examination was just a few days away, they didn't celebrate it in a grand manner.
The family just had a simple dinner as a celebration.
This year's Autumn Examination is scheduled for August 13th and will be held in the Imperial Academy. Conventionally, there will be three consecutive examinations, each lasting three days, which means a total of nine days.
Fortunately, it was autumn and the nights weren't too cold. Otherwise, with Qin Zhao's precious body, he would have to stay in that room in the Imperial Examination Hall for such a long time. Jing Li felt terrified just thinking about it.
However, necessary preparations are essential.
This time, Qin Zhao was not accompanied by his fellow townsmen in the imperial examination, so Jing Li personally sent him to the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall.
Before leaving, he was still carefully checking the things in the small bamboo basket: "Clothes, writing brushes and ink, sachets, dried meat..."
"You have checked it several times, there will be no problem." Qin Zhao snatched the thing away and stopped Jing Li from doing the action that he had repeated countless times since morning.
He has taken the exam so many times, why is this person still acting like it's the first time he's taking him to the exam room?
Qin Zhao thought for a moment and said, "I'll go home by myself after the exam. Don't wait here like an idiot. Do you hear me?"
"I'm not a fool." Jing Li paused and muttered softly, "Who would be willing to wait for you outside..."
Qin Zhao: "Which little fish stood outside all day during the county exam?"
Jing Li's face flushed with anger as he pushed him towards the entrance to the Imperial Examination Hall: "Hurry up and go over there. Your name will be called soon."
Early in the morning, many people were already waiting in front of the Imperial Examination Hall. Many people turned to look at Qin Zhao and Jing Li when they saw them.
Because of Zhao Li's status, Jing Li's popularity among the literary circles in the capital city is now no less than Qin Zhao's. Such a smart, beautiful young man who can write storybooks has become the dream of countless scholars.
Qin Zhao glanced around, raised his hand to pull Jing Li into his arms, and calmly used his wide sleeves to block the person.
He lowered his head and kissed Jing Li on the forehead: "Go home quickly, there are so many people looking at you, I'm jealous."
"The provincial examination is about to begin. Can you please think about something serious?" Jing Li was almost laughing at his anger.
Who can tell him why his mature and steady Mr. Qin is becoming more and more childish now?
Qin Zhao replied with a smile, "Okay." Coincidentally, gongs and drums sounded at the entrance of the Imperial Examination Hall, and the officials called out Qin Zhao's name.
Qin Zhao said gently, "Wait for my good news."
Jing Li nodded and watched Qin Zhao turn around and walk away, then step into the gate of the Imperial Examination Hall.
The street in front of the Imperial Examination Hall was packed with people. The roll call continued, and candidates filed into the hall one after another, creating a slightly solemn atmosphere. The provincial examination, held only once every three years, had a completely different atmosphere from the county and prefectural examinations. The candidates ranged from the young and energetic to the elderly, all of whom had prepared for years, hoping to soar to fame through this one exam.
Jing Li didn't know if it was because of the atmosphere, but he felt a little heavy in his heart.
With Qin Zhao's talent, he was not worried about whether he could pass the provincial examination. After the provincial examination, Qin Zhao would be a juren and would be eligible to participate in the metropolitan examination in March next year.
It means... they are going to Beijing.
Jing Li lowered his head, not knowing what he was thinking about, his eyes dimmed slightly.
He stood there for a long time. Before he knew it, all the candidates had entered the examination hall, leaving Jing Li alone at the entrance. Even the officials guarding the examination hall came over suspiciously to question him. Only then did Jing Li come to his senses and hurried away.
.
The Autumn Examination was similar to the Academy Examination. Each candidate had a separate room, but it was cramped and contained only two wooden planks, one high and one low, which served as a table and chair. At night, the planks could be removed and joined together to form a simple bed.
There were a few candles and a charcoal basin in the room, nothing else.
Each provincial examination lasted three days, and the number of questions was much larger than in the previous exams. After Qin Zhao sat down in his cell, he began to look through the exam papers.
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