The Spring Examinations were taking place.
At this moment, tens of thousands of people gathered here!
It was already a sea of people, as far as the eye could see.
The imperial examinations of the Qing Kingdom were slightly different from the ancient ones in Chu Yuan's previous life. In this world, the Spring Examinations only lasted for three days.
Three days, three exams, overseen by the Ministry of Rites!
The first day tested on Classic interpretations, the second on policy essays, and the third on poetry and prose.
After each exam!
The test papers would be sealed and numbered by the examiners, then reviewed by another group of examiners to ensure fairness.
Of course!
As for how much "fairness" there actually was...
It obviously depended on the character of the chief examiner!
After all.
The court was all about personal connections and favors. Some things, even if the higher-ups didn't want to do them, those below would push for it.
Thankfully!
The current Spring Examinations, while not as clean as in Ye Qing Mei's time, were clearly not as dark as they would be in the future when the story began.
Right now!
The candidates taking the Spring Examinations...
were mainly the Juren (provincial graduates) from various counties and prefectures of the Qing Kingdom. Only those who had passed the regional exams and obtained the Juren title.
Could get the admission slip for the imperial examinations.
This admission slip!
Was like a modern-day exam ticket, recording the candidate's name, age, appearance, height, and hairstyle.
Unbeknownst to them!
Thousands of Juren from various counties and prefectures across the Qing Kingdom had arrived in the capital.
Within the Ministry of Rites examination hall at this time.
Every examination cubicle had guards stationed in front of it, specifically drawn from the City Guard Headquarters.
Keeping a close eye on the candidates, preventing them from cheating!
Outside the examination hall, there were also many City Guard soldiers, standing with their swords drawn.
The examination hall doors remained closed!
No unauthorized individuals were allowed to approach.
Countless students gathered far away, gazing at the examination hall.
During this time!
The Juren who had passed the regional exams from various counties and prefectures had basically arrived here.
Chu Yuan was no exception.
When he arrived here, the entire area around the examination hall was packed with people, bustling and lively!
It's worth mentioning!
For this Spring Examination, he hadn't alerted anyone. Even during the four days he stayed at the Si Nan Bo Manor, he never sought out Ye Jian.
There seemed to be a tacit understanding between them!
They had no interaction at all!
...
...
At this time, the main gate of the Ministry of Rites examination hall remained closed.
But inside the examination hall.
Everything was already prepared, including the chief examiner seated in the highest position. It was none other than the current Prime Minister.
Speaking of the current Prime Minister, everyone in the capital knew him.
He came from a humble background, not a noble family!
Yet, he rose through the ranks through the imperial examinations, starting as a lowly assessor, then being transferred to the capital to become the Head Clerk of the Office of Imperial Envoys.
He was later transferred to the South Yard of the Twelve Guards.
Then he entered the Old Censorate, becoming the Chief Censor, and then joined the Hanlin Academy as a scholar. After that, he was transferred to the Six Ministries to handle specific affairs.
He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming the Minister of Personnel, and then the Minister of Personnel.
Finally!
He rose all the way to the highest position in the Qing Kingdom's civil service-
Prime Minister!
Holding the power of the Prime Minister's office.
Anyone who carefully observed the Prime Minister's career path.
Would find-
He had served as a civil official, a military official, and a supervisory official, although his positions fluctuated, he always rose steadily.
A person like this!
Able to remain steadfast in a court filled with intricate networks of connections, navigating the political tides for twenty years.
It shows!
That this Prime Minister was a truly intelligent person with top-notch political strategy skills.
Standing beside him...
Was the newly appointed Minister of Rites, Guo You Zhi.
Looking at the empty examination hall!
Guo You Zhi knew that the students were probably still crossing the Dragon Gate Bridge at this moment.
Right now!
He couldn't help but laugh as he said:
"This Spring Examination is presided over by the Prime Minister. It seems this year's students are fortunate!"
"It ultimately still depends on true ability and learning!"
To this!
The Prime Minister shook his head, his expression unreadable.
At a certain moment!
Hearing the noise outside the examination hall!
He finally raised his eyebrows, stood up, and said: "It's about time. Open the gates!"
...
...
The examination hall gates opened!
This marked the official start of the Spring Examinations.
"Minister Lin?"
"It really is Minister Lin who is presiding over the Spring Examination this time!"
"Minister Lin is a model for us students from humble backgrounds. With him here, I'm sure I will pass the exam!"
"I will surely pass!"
Undeniably!
Seeing that it was the current Prime Minister, Lin Ru Fu, who appeared before the thousands of students after the doors opened.
This was obviously good news for the students.
At once!
The enthusiasm of many students outside the Spring Examination hall soared even higher.
Among the crowd!
Chu Yuan calmly watched this scene, understanding what was going on.
He chuckled inwardly, thinking: "It seems the Spring Examinations aren't too dark yet. After all, with the Prime Minister as the chief examiner, not many people dare to slip him notes?"
"It's worth noting that there seem to be quite a few familiar faces from the future in this Spring Examination."
"Quite interesting!"
As it turned out-
The Prime Minister, as the chief examiner, was also quite efficient and straightforward in his actions, without any unnecessary words.
He simply announced the start of the examination!
As soon as he spoke, all eyes outside the examination hall suddenly lit up with an eager glow!
This was what they were waiting for!
At the entrance!
There were officials from the Kyoto yamen, City Guard soldiers on loan, and the Ministry of Rites working together to maintain order.
Additionally!
The Censorate would also have one or two clerks there to supervise.
In a short while!
The Ministry of Rites officials began to check the candidates entering the examination hall.
Soon, one by one, soldiers with swords led the candidates to their designated cubicles and had them enter.
Chu Yuan at this time!
Still dressed as a scholar, wearing a blue robe, carrying a book satchel, his demeanor was refined, his gaze serene.
He exuded an aura of simplicity and elegance!
Inside the satchel, there was only a set of calligraphy brushes that Ye Xiao had given him, simple and nothing else. He had not brought anything else, so he entered the examination hall quickly.
It must be admitted!
Even standing among the crowd, Chu Yuan's aura was still exceptionally outstanding.
To the point that the Prime Minister and the Minister of Rites!
Noticed him immediately, their gazes sweeping over him, then landing on Chu Yuan's admission slip and the record on the facial register:
Age eighteen, fair complexion, tall and slender, hair tied up.
...