Volume One: A Farmer at Dawn Chapter 38: The Retest

The second round of examinations consisted of three sessions; the first was known as the "Preliminary Review."

Compared to the throngs of the main examination, the number of candidates here had dwindled significantly, a testament to the harshness of the imperial examination process.

With fewer examinees, the grading proceeded more swiftly.

Two days later, the results of the Preliminary Review were posted outside the examination hall. Although the crowd was still considerable, many were merely curious onlookers.

This time, only sixty-two names appeared on the list.

Xie Shuxian maintained his position at the top, Su Biao placed fourth, Zhao Shao held steady at eleventh, Jin Ruizhe came in thirty-second, and Qin Shiqi thirty-first.

Having surpassed Jin Ruizhe, Qin Shiqi was overjoyed.

Chu Liu and Su Biao’s consistent performance meant that as long as they held their ground in the remaining two sessions, passing the county examination was all but assured.

...

The third session followed only a day later. Of the three hundred and fourteen candidates in Xuanyi County, only thirty-six remained.

Xie Shuxian and Su Biao’s names still topped the list.

Xie Shuxian was first; Su Biao, seventh.

Jin Ruizhe had lost all his former arrogance and now avoided Chu Liu as a mouse would a cat.

By this stage, only the final session remained, known as the "Last Review." However, this session placed little emphasis on ranking; it featured a single question on the Four Books and rarely resulted in any candidate’s elimination. Thus, these thirty-six candidates were virtually guaranteed to pass the county examination.

After the results were announced, someone came to inform the candidates that the magistrate had invited them all for a banquet at the county yamen, as a gesture of commendation—a tradition known as the "Final Feast."

...

In the main hall of the county yamen, the thirty-six candidates sipped tea and chatted at their ease, relaxed smiles on every face.

Chu Liu and Su Biao, the youngest among them, sat together at a table in a quiet corner, speaking in hushed tones.

"Gentlemen, fate has brought us together, and though we’ve known each other for a while, we haven’t had a proper conversation... Here, have some tea..."

Qin Shiqi, a sociable soul, sought acquaintance with everyone he met. Spotting the two youngsters, he promptly refilled their cups.

"Thank you, Uncle Qin!" they replied.

"Calling me uncle muddles our ranks," Qin Shiqi said with a grin. "Let’s dispense with formality; from now on, let’s address each other as brothers—that’s much more friendly."

Their conversation drew others over, eager to join in.

For three consecutive sessions, Chu Liu had claimed the top spot, and Su Biao had remained within the top ten; their reputations preceded them, and many sought to befriend them.

After all, these two might one day become palace graduates—connections worth making.

Imitating their elders, the two boys cupped their hands in greeting, responding only when spoken to, never interrupting, all the while wearing polite, cheerful smiles and feigning earnest interest in the discussions around them.

"Exactly! Exactly!"

"Indeed! Indeed!"

They were the very image of two devoted little admirers.

Unnoticed, their table grew to seat six adults.

Jin Ruizhe, seething with envy, brooded over how he might find an opportunity to disgrace Chu Liu.

"The magistrate has arrived!" someone announced.