Chapter 452 The Imperial Examination Ends
Yuan Hongqu did nothing all day but stayed with Daiyu.
They would either read leisurely books or play chess and enjoy tea, never mentioning their studies.
Strangely enough, after a day of rest, Daiyu felt refreshed and her mind was exceptionally clear.
Three days before the imperial examination, Yuan Hongqu strictly regulated Daiyu's schedule: she had to get up at Chenshi (7-9 AM) and rest at Xushi (7-9 PM), and was absolutely not allowed to read a book for even a moment longer.
"Sharpening your spear at the last minute may not be quick, but it will still shine. However, if you ruin your health, it will be a loss." Yuan Hongqu said.
On the eve of the exam, Yuan Hongqu personally prepared an exam basket for Daiyu: writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone were all provided, along with ginseng slices to refresh her mind and snacks to satisfy her hunger.
“Your nanny won’t be able to accompany you to the ceremony tomorrow, but she will be waiting for you at the academy.” Yuan Hongqu straightened Daiyu’s clothes. “Don’t be nervous, just take it easy.”
Daiyu held her hand: "With Granny here, Yu'er is never nervous."
The next morning, crowds thronged outside the girls' college.
Meanwhile, in the lounge set up by the girls' academy, several court officials were discussing in hushed tones.
"A woman taking the exam? That's unheard of. Do you think this can work?" The Vice Minister of Revenue stroked his beard, his face showing doubt.
The Vice Minister of Rites shook his head and said, "A woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent. It's one thing to let them read and write, but to have them participate in the imperial examinations is a violation of ancestral rules."
“No.” A clear voice broke in; it was the Tenth Prince. “Do you gentlemen still remember the female scholar who topped the imperial examinations in the previous dynasty? Since such women have existed since ancient times, why can’t they be like this today?”
The officials looked at each other, speechless for a moment.
Just then, a commotion suddenly broke out outside.
When everyone went outside, they saw that the area around the academy was packed with people, all curiously watching this unprecedented women's imperial examination.
"I heard even the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy has come?" someone whispered.
"That's right! It's said that the Imperial Academy and the Girls' Academy are secretly competing to see which one can do better in the exams."
"Tsk tsk, it's already rare for women to take the exam, but to compete against the Imperial Academy, this is truly..."
Amid the discussions among the people, there was curiosity, skepticism, and a touch of anticipation.
Many families with daughters craned their necks to see what the women's imperial examinations were like.
Meanwhile, inside the examination hall of the girls' academy, a completely different scene unfolded.
The female students preparing for the imperial examinations are making their final preparations.
They all had solemn expressions, but showed no fear whatsoever.
"Sisters," a tall woman proclaimed, "today we are not only taking a test for ourselves, but also paving the way for women everywhere. We must show them our true abilities and let those people see that women are not just good at managing households and bearing children!"
The women echoed in unison, their morale soaring.
Looking at them, Daiyu felt a surge of warmth in her heart. She said softly, "What you sisters say is true. We are here today to prove that women can also achieve great things and serve the country."
At this time, other students from the academy also came to see the examinees off.
Although they did not participate, they were all excited.
"Go, senior! Show those men what women can do!"
"Yes! Even though we're not taking the exam this year, we'll definitely follow in our older sisters' footsteps next year!"
Several little girls even held up homemade flags embroidered with the words "Women can also hold up the sky".
Yuan Hongqu personally escorted Daiyu to the courtyard where she was taking the exam, watched her enter the examination room, and then went to wait in the adjacent rest room.
There were already quite a few parents and court officials waiting here.
After all, this was the first time ever that a woman had participated in the imperial examination, and they wanted to see it for themselves.
The examination room was set up well in advance, but what attracted the most attention was not the spacious and bright examination room, but the five separate temporary rest rooms outside the examination room.
Each lounge is equipped with a soft couch, a light blanket, and various snacks. Behind the lounge is a separate clean room... all of which are for candidates to use during their break.
The arrangement amazed the court officials who came to observe.
"This...this is too comfortable, isn't it?" The Vice Minister of Rites frowned as he looked at the soft cushions laid out in the rest area. "The imperial examination is a matter of national importance and should be solemn and dignified. What kind of decorum is this?"
The Tenth Prince smiled and said, "Your Excellency is mistaken. Only when candidates are in good condition can they demonstrate their true talents. Your Excellency's arrangement is truly thoughtful and considerate."
At this moment, the female students who were taking the exam were making their final preparations.
Surprisingly, they all appeared calm and composed, showing no signs of nervousness.
This thoughtful arrangement made the candidates at the girls' college feel very reassured.
In contrast, the candidates at the Imperial College across the street were still suffering in their traditional examination cells: cramped spaces, hard wooden boards, and even going to the toilet required an application, let alone taking a break.
As the exam bell rang, the women calmly entered the examination hall.
After the exam papers were distributed, the invigilator specifically explained: "Each exam lasts for two hours, with a break of one incense stick's time in between. Students may leave the exam room each time. If you feel unwell at other times, please raise your hand."
The first exam on classical texts begins.
Daiyu unfolded the exam paper and found that the questions were no different from those of the traditional imperial examinations, but the examination environment was much more comfortable.
A gentle breeze drifts in through the gauze window, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers; the height of the table and chairs is just right, making writing effortless.
During halftime, the women went to the rest area.
Although there were no maids or servants in the rest area, warm almond tea and delicate pastries were always served.
The almond tea contains walnuts, making it fragrant, smooth, and refreshing, which can relieve the fatigue caused by answering questions continuously.
After the first exam, the female students didn't feel tired at all; they were all still full of energy.
The second exam in the afternoon was an essay question entitled "On the Advantages and Disadvantages of the New Policies." After a moment's thought, Daiyu recalled the modern governance concepts that Yuan Hongqu had taught her, and her writing flowed effortlessly.
The same thing happened on the second and third days, and surprisingly, not a single female student felt unwell or asked to quit.
After three exams, the candidates from the girls' academy all appeared calm and composed.
When Daiyu walked out of the examination hall after the last exam, she saw that there were even more people outside than three days ago.
The people were all eager to see what these women who were participating in the imperial examinations looked like.
"Look! That one in the light green dress is Princess Lin!"
"Tsk tsk, indeed an extraordinary demeanor, clearly a learned person."
"I heard she's a top student of Lady Yuan Hongqu!"
Daiyu ignored these comments and went straight to Yuan Hongqu: "Granny, I've finished the exam."
Yuan Hongqu didn't ask how the exam went, she just said, "You've worked hard, go home and get some rest."
Meanwhile, the gates of the examination hall, which had been locked for nine days, were opened.
First, many students were carried out, followed by students supporting each other, looking disheveled and exhausted.
Compared to the girls' academy, it's simply unbearable to look at.
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