CHAPTER 169: CHAPTER 3 COUNTY EXAMINATION (1)

The next day, it was still pitch black outside. Gu Chengyu had already lit a candle and was practicing his calligraphy in the flickering candlelight, while Ye Zhiqiu was reviewing the books he had studied.

"Chengyu! Do you have confidence in this county examination?" The county examination was approaching, and the exam would begin at 3:30 AM. Even though Ye Zhiqiu held a book in his hand, he couldn’t focus on a single word.

He watched Gu Chengyu, who was calmly grinding ink, his expression peaceful under the candlelight. He truly admired this younger brother; even now, Chengyu could remain so composed. In comparison, Ye felt somewhat restless.

He didn’t want to be so tense, but he and Gu Chengyu were different. Chengyu came from a wealthy family without any worries about food or clothing. Moreover, Chengyu was young, so even if he didn’t pass this year, he could try again in three years. Besides, with Chengyu’s exceptional talent, he probably had no reason to be anxious, right?

"Brother Ye! With your usual knowledge, the county examination should not be a problem. You shouldn’t be too nervous, as it won’t help you during the exam. Just do your best and don’t overthink." In fact, Gu Chengyu was also somewhat nervous inside, but he didn’t show it.

After finishing his final stroke, Gu Chengyu tidied up the pens and ink on the table. He checked everything in his exam basket and, seeing nothing was missing, adjusted his attire. Since examinees would be searched at the exam venue, they couldn’t wear padded jackets for fear of hidden cheat sheets. Instead, they could only wear several layers of single clothing. But with his inner strength, Chengyu wouldn’t feel cold. However, the frail scholars were somewhat pitiful, for their long-term lack of exercise weakened their bodies, and it was uncertain if they could withstand the cold, especially someone like Ye Zhiqiu.

"Brother! You can’t wear a padded jacket to the exam venue. You should wear a few more layers, or catching a cold could be serious." Gu Chengyu noticed Ye Zhiqiu still wearing a thin jacket while reading, and reminded him.

"Huh? Then I’ll go change." Ye Zhiqiu hesitated a bit. He only had two sets of single clothing at home, and he hadn’t told his mother before leaving. His family had already spent a lot of silver on his studies, and he didn’t want to worry his mother and sisters more. He opened his bundle and took out two single garments.

Gu Chengyu could tell at a glance that Ye Zhiqiu hadn’t brought enough clothes. "Brother, did you forget to bring some? You might as well wear mine; our sizes aren’t too different, so you should be able to fit into them. It’s crucial to prioritize the exam now and not neglect your health." Gu Chengyu was just a bit shorter than Ye Zhiqiu, so Ye should barely fit.

Ye Zhiqiu was filled with gratitude. Originally, he thought the exam wouldn’t last long, and he could endure it. His family’s silver came from the meticulous embroidery of his mother and sisters, and his mother ruined her eyes over it. His two sisters constantly embroidered pockets; despite their young age, their hands had calluses from holding needles. He felt reluctant to bring up making new clothes.

"Xiao Bao! Are you and your brother ready? Hurry and wash up; we’re about to leave." At this moment, the voice of Mr. Gu came, and the once quiet inn suddenly became noisy. It seemed most of the inn’s inhabitants were exam candidates, all getting up to prepare for the examination.

Gu Chengyu and his group followed the crowd, taking their exam baskets to the exam venue. By then, many students were already waiting outside, with a few lanterns hanging under the eaves of the venue, casting a dim light over the area that was originally dark.

Mr. Wen was already waiting for them outside the exam venue. He was an assured scholar and had to come. He arrived a bit later than Gu Chengyu’s group the day before because he stayed at a friend’s house in the county. He merely offered a few words of encouragement upon seeing them, not saying much more.

The exam booth faced north and south, with a large courtyard in between. The northern entrance was the main gate, also known as the "Dragon Gate." The main gate had another large courtyard for candidates to wait for their names to be called.

Gu Chengyu and his group didn’t wait long before a government official came to let them form a queue to enter the courtyard. Gu Chengyu waved to Mr. Gu, who was waiting on the other side, signaling for them to go back. Since it was uncertain how long the exam would last, it wasn’t necessary to wait outside.

Names were called by the county magistrate when entering the courtyard. Entrants were thoroughly searched by officials to ensure no cheat sheets were brought in, and with the exam ticket handed over, they were allowed in.

After about twenty people had been checked, it was finally Gu Chengyu’s turn. He removed all his single garments, and the official carefully inspected them, ensuring there were no hidden cheat sheets. They then patted Gu Chengyu down from head to toe and even made him remove his shoes for inspection. After quite a while, they finally allowed him to dress back up.

Meanwhile, another official was meticulously comparing his appearance to a portrait. Seeing this, Gu Chengyu felt somewhat annoyed. When he registered at the ceremony hall, it described him as having a pale face with no beard and a short stature, a red mole between his eyebrows, and even his signature peach blossom eyes were noted. With such distinctive features, impersonation would be impossible.

Once confirmed, the official allowed Gu Chengyu to pass.

Next was the testimonial process, where candidates vocally verify their sponsor’s assurance, and the sponsored scholar confirms in return. With this, the process concluded. Every candidate had a seat number; Gu Chengyu found his at seat five of the Heaven section, which was in the first row, fifth spot.

He placed his exam basket down, arranging the four treasures of the study. His lunch comprised two flat wheat cakes his mother had baked, a filled water pouch, and an essential umbrella.

Glancing at the exam booth and seeing the roof tiles complete with no signs of draughts, he felt relieved. He had heard about peripheral places where some exam booths were so dilapidated that some lacked accommodations entirely, requiring examinees to bring their own tables and chairs. Clearly, Qinghe County was relatively wealthy.

The main examiner for this county exam was County Magistrate Lu, and it spanned five sessions, with the first test focusing on memorizing the classics. Mastery of the Four Books and solid basic skills naturally meant smooth sailing.

As they couldn’t light candles inside the exam venue, they had to submit their papers before nightfall. For now, before dawn broke completely, Gu Chengyu waited idly for the papers to be distributed.

The six of them sat separately, and Gu Chengyu didn’t recognize the examinee opposite him – an elder appearing older than Mr. Gu, about fifty years old.

Gu Chengyu sighed. In ancient exam venues, there were elderly candidates with white hair as well as young children. Some persisted in exams despite multiple failures, willing to deplete their family’s wealth for a title. For an elder like this, Gu Chengyu truly admired his perseverance.

Perhaps sensing Gu Chengyu’s gaze, the student across looked towards the opposite booth, seeing a young child. After initial surprise, he shook his head. Gu Chengyu didn’t understand his intentions but guessed his thoughts, assuming the child was just there to gain experience.