Verifying Authenticity (4k)

"Having lived more than twenty years in vain, I've never been to the Imperial Capital. This year, I'll ride on Little Junior Brother's coattails!"

"The greatest metropolis under heaven! I heard Moon Gazing Tower in the Imperial City is several hundred zhang tall, disappearing into the clouds and smoke. Who knows if it's true."

Xiang ChangSong hugged the mast and slid down.

"Everyone's going?"

"Other than Second Senior Brother, everyone's going. What, could it be that Junior Brother isn't willing?" Cao Rang asked with a smile.

"I couldn't ask for more!"

Liang Qu was delighted.

He had been worrying that he would not know anyone in the Imperial Capital. Being able to make merry with his senior brothers and sisters could not have been better.

Crate after crate of goods was loaded onto carts, all specialties from Huang Province, with cloth accounting for the greater portion.

They carried more cargo on their return than they had on the way there.

The gangplank was set up.

Yang Xu led the horses ashore. "This year is a Great Writing Year. The Imperial Capital will be tremendously lively. Having the chance to go and broaden your horizons will definitely be good."

"A Great Writing Year?"

Yu Dun explained, "The year after the Autumn Examination is the Spring Examination, and the month after the Spring Examination is the Palace Examination. Since all three are so close together, scholars call the entire year before and after a Great Writing Year."

Yang Xu nodded.

"Junior Brother, once you reach the Imperial Capital, it won't be long before you encounter the Spring Examination in mid-second month. Another month later will be the Palace Examination. If you aren't busy, stay an extra half month and you can see the Number One Scholar parading through the streets."

The Imperial