The Yingtian Prefecture Examination Hall towered overhead. The words "Examination Hall" above its entrance had been written in Emperor Taizong's own hand.
Its gates were painted vermilion, their bronze studs as large as bowl rims. Two stone lions crouched on either side, mouths gaping as though ready to swallow people whole.
At that moment, however, the long street outside the examination hall was packed so tightly that not even water could seep through.
Hundreds of scholars carried baskets or book cases on their backs, their blue robes and black headcloths dim silhouettes in the morning mist.
Soldiers patrolling the street held torches aloft. Firelight swayed through the crowd, illuminating one face after another before plunging it back into shadow.
Great Zhou's imperial examinations followed a sealed-hall system. There was not just one examiner, but an entire team!
Besides the chief examiner, there were acting associate directors of examinations (deputy examiners), script inspectors (graders), and reviewing officials (second reviewers).
There were also anonymization officials, transcription officials, comparison readers (proofreaders), and dozens of others.
They were locked inside the examination hall along with the candidates, eating, drinking, and relieving themselves within its walls.
Thus, Fu Niang accompanied Wei Nisheng only as far as the entrance, where she kept offering reminders without getting out of the carriage. There were simply too many people.
Fortunately, Cui Fu was very good at reading the situation.
He immediately jumped down from the carriage and cleared a space, making it easier for Wei Nisheng to enter.
"This is as far as I can accompany you, young master. May you claim first place in one stroke."
Cui Fu stepped back and awkwardly cupped his hands in salute. Then, feeling that the gesture looked neither one thing nor the other, he sheepishly lowered them.
Wei Nisheng smiled without saying