The Prince Consort Steps Forward to See the Truth!

The slowly drifting maple leaves were like longing.

Within the examination compound, Tang An set down his brush and gazed at the maple leaves falling outside the tiny examination cell. That smiling face, alternately joyful and angry, flashed through his mind again, and his heart ached.

"What are you doing? Why aren't you answering the questions? Why are you staring blankly out the window?" An examiner passed Tang An's cell and, seeing his expression, shouted angrily, "The Imperial Examination is an additional opportunity we've given you. How can someone as absent-minded as you hope to pass?"

Startled by the examiner's shout, Tang An hurriedly came back to himself. He stood and bowed to the examiner. "This student knows his mistake."

"Hmph." The examiner snorted coldly and continued his inspection. The assistant examiner following behind glanced at Tang An and said gently, "Don't be nervous. Examiner Zhang wasn't targeting you."

"Today is the final day of the Imperial Examination, but it's also the day General Chen's new play opens. We examiners can't go watch it, so we're a little frustrated. Don't take it to heart. Focus on your examination and try to achieve a good ranking."

Tang An nodded and bowed again. "Thank you for your guidance, sir."

After the examiners had passed, Tang An sat back down at the desk. Looking at the completed examination paper, he murmured inwardly, "An Qing, General Chen will definitely give you justice."

"The An Family is a Sacred Clan. Only if I place in the top three—perhaps even come first—will my words be taken seriously."

"I can do this!"

Tang An gathered his thoughts, picked up the paper, and began checking it word by word once more...

"Brother Zhang..." Back in the examiners' room, the assistant examiner who had comforted Tang An looked