Despair

"Yes!"

The young eunuch nodded and hurried out through the side door at a jog.

Only after the young eunuch had left did Wang Qiang stand up. He clasped his hands in a respectful salute and bowed to the people before him. His folds of fat bunched together, and a cold light flickered in his eyes as he looked them over. Then he offered his congratulations. "You have all passed the Imperial Examination. Allow me to congratulate you."

The old eunuch Wang Qiang spoke softly, but his words instantly drew everyone's attention.

"After today, you will have leaped through the Dragon Gate and become students of the Son of Heaven. This Imperial Examination was no easy feat, and I imagine you're all exhausted. His Majesty has prepared the finest ingredients for you. Soon, you'll be able to feast to your hearts' content."

At Wang Qiang's words, anticipation began to stir among the crowd. Most of them truly were exhausted. They had expended a great deal of energy and urgently needed food to recover their strength.

So, when they heard this, their eyes lit up, and they grew even more eager.

The old eunuch Wang Qiang continued, "As for your results in this Imperial Examination, you need only walk out that door to find out. The better your score, the sooner you'll be allowed to leave. Those at the bottom will have to wait a little longer."

As Wang Qiang finished speaking, several eunuchs behind him stepped forward and shouted, "Open the doors!!!"

"Rumble..."

The vermilion doors behind them swung open. Beyond them, the din of the street rose without pause: vendors calling out their wares, people shouting, and even the voices of those clamoring to catch a glimpse of the top scorer.

"Wait!!"

Hearing the tide of noise outside, Xiao