Just as the Tenglong Guard was changing rapidly, the Palace Examination in the capital also began.
Before the third watch, more than three hundred scholars entered the Imperial City through Chengtian Gate and stood before Wumen Gate.
When the drums sounded, the scholars entered Wumen Gate through the side gates according to their rankings and made their way into Taiji Hall.
Around daybreak, Emperor Chengping ascended the hall for the morning court, while the scholars waited outside Taiji Hall.
Because the Palace Examination was being held today, the morning court ended very quickly. The civil and military officials withdrew from Taiji Hall, and only then did the officials of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices lead the scholars into the hall.
First came five bows and three kowtows; only after that did the Palace Examination begin.
Emperor Chengping sat upon the dragon throne, looking at each scholar in turn, his expression calm.
But none of the scholars below dared raise their heads to gaze upon the imperial countenance. Each of them honestly began answering the questions at his own place.
The sky grew brighter and brighter, yet the hall remained extremely quiet.
After sitting in the hall for a while, Emperor Chengping left to rest.
Old and weakened, his spirits no longer holding up, he had no desire to stay and accompany these scholars through the Palace Examination.
The rules of the Palace Examination were relatively much looser. The emperor would bestow tea and snacks; the scholars could go drink tea at any time and could also go to the privy at any time. As long as they did not look at anyone else's exam paper or make a loud racket, no one cared what they were doing.
Of course, no one here dared fool around either.
The Palace Examination lasted