At the start of Wei Hour, the exam ended.
Zhao Xing had finished long ago. He waited for the examiners to collect the papers, then strolled out of the examination hall.
In Yulin Hall's central courtyard, apprentices had gathered in small groups, apparently comparing answers.
Lin Ziwu and Yuan Jia drew the largest crowds. Both were sociable and generous, often treating others to meals.
Now, though, Yuan Jia and Lin Ziwu seemed to be arguing over an answer to one of the questions.
"Zhao Nine Needles, come settle this for us!"
"Brother Zhao, come quickly. He insists on proving which of them is right."
As soon as Zhao Xing appeared, Yuan Jia and Lin Ziwu both pulled him over to judge.
Many secretly envied Zhao Xing for receiving private instruction from Zheng Yulin, the same treatment as their senior sister Su Jinyu. But they kept those feelings to themselves.
To his face, everyone remained courteous.
Judging by past experience, anyone Zheng Yulin tutored privately was almost certain to pass the official examination. Physicians were also often appointed locally. The next time they met Zhao Xing, they might have to call him Lord Zhao.
With nothing else to do, Zhao Xing joined them.
Meanwhile, several physicians from the main hall were grading papers in an office.
"Someone got a perfect score." Having finished the first batch, Lu Wan found her gaze returning to the paper on top.
"Oh? Who?" Zhong Yue asked.
"Zhao Xing of Yulin Hall."
"Let me see."
Zhong Yue took the paper and skimmed it. "It really does deserve full marks."
"But I thought Su was the only promising student Zheng Yulin had. Where did this talent come from?"
"I heard he joined at the end of August. He's been there less than two months."
"Oh? Is that