A few days after the Spring Sacrifice, the Spring Examination was almost upon them.
Tong City had welcomed a considerable number of newcomers, all scholars from other regions arriving to sit the examination.
The Rare Treasures Pavilion had grown much busier as well, with people gathering to hold forth on all manner of subjects.
Yang Qing's health had improved considerably, so he no longer spent all day tucked away in the rear courtyard. From time to time, he came out front, found a quiet spot, and listened to the rumors, both true and false.
Bu Er and Jiang Zhizhou, meanwhile, were much busier than before.
Bu Er was occupied with purchasing medicinal herbs to restore Yang Qing's health, while Jiang Zhizhou was working with the Marquis of Anguo to keep an eye on the upcoming Spring Examination.
They needed to discreetly identify promising talents to recommend to Duan Ziqian when the time came.
These men would become Duan Ziqian's trusted right-hand men in the future.
That day, the Rare Treasures Pavilion was once again filled with distinguished guests, their voices rising in a lively din.
Only two days remained until the Spring Examination.
"Have you heard? Apparently, this year's Spring Examination will be different from previous years."
Someone tossed back a cup of wine and launched into the subject.
"Different from previous years? Different how?" another person asked, drawing closer.
After all, most of those present were scholars who had come to sit the examination. Any fresh news would give them a chance to prepare in advance.
"Exactly. Why don't you tell us about it?"
More people gathered around.
The man who had brought it up grew even more pleased with himself. After casting his gaze around the Rare Treasures Pavilion, he deliberately lowered his voice.
"That's right. In previous