On the fifteenth day of the fifth month, the grand Announcement of the Palace Examination Results was held.
Before dawn, the grounds outside the Upright Sun Gate were already filled with people.
One hundred and thirty-six prospective Presented Scholars stood in orderly ranks in the faint light before sunrise, all dressed in identical, brand-new scholar's robes.
Blue shenyi robes with black trim, futou caps upon their heads, and black cords around their waists.
There were no ranks, no fish bags, no distinctions between Purple Robe, Scarlet Robe, and blue robes.
All one hundred and thirty-six were dressed exactly alike, standing row upon row.
Like newly planted rice seedlings, fresh green and perfectly aligned.
Waiting for the sun to rise, waiting for their names to be proclaimed.
Three quarters into the hour of the rabbit, the bells rang, the Upright Sun Gate swung open, and the Great Ming Gate followed.
They passed through the Upright Sun Gate and stopped before the Great Ming Gate.
Beyond the Great Ming Gate lay the Thousand-Step Corridor, which led straight to the Gate of Heavenly Succession.
The Imperial Way along the Thousand-Step Corridor led toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Imperial guards stood on either side in gleaming armor, long halberds in hand, their eyes fixed straight ahead.
Red felt also covered the long Imperial Way, stretching from the threshold to the vermilion steps of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, dazzlingly bright.
Soon, the Guiding Official stood at the entrance, his voice resonant as Zhong.
"Enter the hall-"
They walked in at a measured pace.
No crowding, no rushing ahead, no stepping out of order.
They first entered the Great Ming Gate, walked along the Thousand-Step Corridor, then passed through the Gate of Heavenly Succession and reached the Meridian Gate.
At last, they halted before