"...Fifth class!"
The smile on Chen Yi's face faded a little.
He turned to look back into the examination grounds, unable to understand why Ma Shuhan was targeting him like this.
Although his policy essay had not addressed the question as required, there was nothing seriously wrong with its content.
Moreover, according to his conjecture, Ma Shuhan intended to use the annual examination to reveal some of the plans being made in Capital Prefecture.
With that goal already achieved, why should he care whether Chen Yi's essay answered the question?
Xiao Wan'er's smile vanished. She hurried over to stand beside Chen Yi, looking at him with some concern. "Qingzhou..."
Shen Huatang, Xie Tingyun, and even Lady Zhang, Wan Rourou, and the others followed her over.
Chen Yi collected himself and smiled gently. "Don't worry, Eldest Sister."
Yet Xiao Wan'er did relax at his words. Her hands clasped together beneath her cloak, she asked nervously, "Could there be some misunderstanding?"
Chen Yi chuckled. "There are thousands upon thousands of splendid essays. No one can write something that everyone likes."
"It's perfectly normal for the Education Minister not to like my essay."
Unlike the Imperial Examination, the annual examination tested whether Xiucai and other students had been diligent and whether their learning had improved.
Higher or lower rankings brought only certain rewards or punishments.
Those who took first place could receive a reward of grain.
Xiucai who ranked toward the bottom might be reprimanded, publicly criticized on a posted board, or even stripped of their scholarly status.
It depended on the performance of those taking the annual examination.
Thus, the annual examination did not have especially strict rules. Whether the candidates' names were concealed hardly mattered.
But it was rare for someone like Ma Shuhan to reprimand a candidate aloud before the