The Ger's Contract Marriage [BL]
Chapter 135: Scholar’s Exam: Xuicai

Chapter 135: Scholar’s Exam: Xuicai

The spring air in Yilin town carried the promise of new beginnings as the second day of the scholars’ exam unfolded. The ancient town, adorned with blossoming flowers and the vibrant hues of traditional attire, bustled with anticipation.

The examination grounds, carefully prepared in the courtyard of the Yilin town government building, were abuzz with gers ready to showcase their years of study. Some of the students had already taken the exam dozens of times, and were still full of hope for the results of this round.

The most promising students though, were students that came directly from the top two academies in Yilin town. Often these were the children of higher class families with a sprinkling of farmer’s children added to the mix.

The gers prepared to take this year’s exam, a diverse mix of faces, each with a story etched on their features, gathered in the designated space.

Some radiated confidence, as if they were poised for an ancient fashion show, silk robes and fur coats in tow. Others exuded a modern Dongmen charm that could grace the cover of a magazine.

The air held a blend of nerves and excitement as the examiners prepared to jump into the most challenging day of the local preliminary exams for the Xuicai title.

The preliminary exam for the men was also being held on the same day, but their exam location was the building beside the government building. The level difference between the two exam locations could fit an entire cavern.

The bulky building was more crude with less habitable and less sanitary spaces for the test takers. The male examiners only have a single pit to relieve themselves in front of their peers.

The smell by day two was already beyond nauseating, but all the students present, were more determined to gain fame than to preserve their sense of smell. Taking exams on a chilly spring morning in a cramped testing space while being watched like hawks.

The men had specially selected scholars to preside over their exam, but the number of male examiners to ger examiners was nearly doubled.

Most of the "proctors" for the men’s exam were yamen officials of varying levels of seniority who were often itching to have a reason to pummel a student from a well off background without any repercussions.

The exam was tense on the men’s side for many reasons.

Surrounded by carefully selected proctors (who were also gers and were held to a higher standard than men in Donghua) of "good moral character," the ger students were treated with a degree of respect. The exam space was more habitable, and sanitary conditions were actually considered.

An outhouse, though still a shared experience with a proctor as a witness, offered a face-saving alternative compared to the men’s crude facilities, where a single pit served as their only relief spot, stripping them of privacy.

Government officials took extensive measures to prevent cheating, reflecting the strict stance of the current royal family against corruption. While the undercurrents of corruption persisted, they were kept at tolerable levels.

The focus shifted to the scholars, engrossed in their exams, with the hope of progressing to the next level. Most people in both camps and locations are focused on taking the exam seriously, and those who have lost hope, only hope to better prepare themselves for the next chance the following spring.

As the exam commenced, the dusty brown haired ger, with sharp yet delicate features, devoted his attention to the questions before him. Separated by two tables from his lone acquaintance in the examination hall, he was positioned closer to the back.

There was a height difference between the two, so he sat closer to the back to allow the proctors to keep watch of the testers easier.

The scholars, regardless of their backgrounds and aspirations, became immersed in the challenges posed by the exam. For some, this day marked a chance at redemption, a leap towards a brighter future.

The second day’s intensity left no room for distractions, and the gers lucky enough to be able to take the exam, moved through the sea of questions, their minds focused and determined.

As the exam continued, the eye catching ger’s focus intensified. The questions given were both challenging and thought provoking, designed to test not only knowledge but also the depth of understanding.

It was only the scholar’s exam for Xuicai, the primary examination, but the scope of information was quite varied. He dipped his brush into the ink, the rhythmic strokes echoing the dance of his thoughts on paper.

The question that really sparked the ger’s interest was a question on preserving the immortal bloodlines in Donghua and its importance to the growth of the kingdom. The ger had an epiphany.

In response to the question that ignited the ger’s academic passion, he found himself absorbed in a deep revelation. The last question about preserving the immortal bloodlines in Donghua and their importance for the kingdom’s growth catalyzed his thoughts to as they flowed on the paper.

He wrote endlessly, articulating his perspectives on the five immortal bloodlines and their role in the rapid growth of Donghua and its neighboring kingdoms. While acknowledging the contributions of the bloodline ancestors, he dared to inject radical ideas into his answer, challenging the status quo.

Each stroke of the brush held the weight of his convictions, displaying in a script that was light yet dignified, showing an authority that mirrored the force of nature. His words, like nature itself, were both brutal and kind, unbiased yet governed by an innate law.

The ger’s script was a reflection of his understanding of the world around him, drawing parallels between the natural order and the intricate dynamics of Donghua. It was a narrative that unfolded with the grace of nature’s own rules—unyielding and harmonious, a law unto itself.

As he penned his thoughts, he felt a sense of alignment with the forces that shaped the world.

As beads of sweat formed on his forehead, the warmth emanating from the ring hung delicately on a finely crafted gold chain around his neck abruptly snapped him out of his intense focus.

The heat, once a pleasant warmth, had now surpassed comfort and crossed into the realm of discomfort. Fidgeting with the collar of his robe, the ger sought to alleviate the pain gnawing at his chest.

"He cheated! He cheated!" cried an impatient voice from the side.

The tension in the courtyard spiked, an invisible current running through the air as the accusation hung like a heavy cloud.

The ger’s attention, momentarily diverted from his thoughts, now shifted to the unfolding drama beside him.