Chapter 225: Chapter 98: County Examination (10)

The way results were announced for the imperial examinations in ancient times was quite interesting.

The people of old placed great importance on refinement, a preference that was even reflected in the solemn announcement of the imperial examination results.

For example, the county examination was held in early spring, so the posted list of results was called the Spring List.

As for the autumn examinations, since the results were announced when the osmanthus was fragrant, the list was called the "Osmanthus List."

When the results for the Imperial Examination were announced, the apricot blossoms were fragrant, earning it the name "Apricot List."

As for the list announcing the names of successful Advanced Scholars, it was printed on yellow paper, earning it the name "Golden List" or "Yellow List."

But whether it was the "Osmanthus List," the "Apricot List," or the "Golden List," they were all far-off dreams for a scholar who hadn’t even passed the Child Examination.

Only by passing the Child Examination, and then the subsequent prefectural and academy examinations to earn the title of Scholar, could a person be considered to have truly set foot on the great road of the imperial examination system.

Back to the Spring List.

On the day of the announcement, with all the tests finally over, the candidates had nothing but time. They gathered early outside the examination grounds to wait.

Right next to the county government, just outside the examination grounds, stood a tall, sturdy wall. All past lists for the county examination had been posted there, and this time would be no exception.

On the morning of the eleventh of the second month, hours before the results were to be posted at Noon, the teahouses and restaurants outside the county government were already packed with scholars.

"Mr. Wang may not have placed first in the initial session, but that doesn’t mean he won’t in the later ones. He is from the Prefecture, after all, and has a renowned master. A spot in the top three is all but guaranteed for him."

"Mr. Chu is no slouch either. The day I came out of the Dragon Gate, I overheard him discussing his essay with his attendant. I must say, his words were truly eye-opening."

"I’m betting on Li Cun. Master Wu’s knowledge is second to none in all of Qingshui County. He once admitted himself that he’s no match for Li Cun, whose talent far surpasses his own. This young man’s achievements won’t stop at merely becoming a Scholar."

"I still have my money on Ding Shutian of the Ding Family. He began his studies at three and was hailed as a ’child prodigy’ by five. He may have come of age now without passing the Child Examination, but it’s not for a lack of ability or because he’s some prodigy who failed to live up to his potential. His parents and grandparents passed away one after another, disrupting his examination path. With all that accumulated knowledge, I’d wager he’ll be first on the list this year..."

Countless betting pools had been brazenly set up right outside the county government.

Those wagering real gold and silver wouldn’t dare do so brazenly under the County Magistrate’s nose, of course. The scholars’ wagers, however, were quite interesting in their own way.

Some wagered a book, others a writing brush. Some, caught up in the excitement, even sent their attendants to buy inksticks and inkstones. In short, the stakes were always items a scholar would find useful.

Groups of three to five would form a pool. You’d back one candidate, I’d back another, and whoever’s pick won would take all the "winnings."

When Chen De’an and Zhao Jing arrived, the area was already packed to the brim.

Fortunately, Chen De’an soon spotted a few of his classmates and immediately began to squeeze through the crowd with Zhao Jing in tow.

They were shouting, "Excuse me, excuse me," and were about to reach their friends when an unfamiliar voice suddenly called out, "Zhao Jing, over here!"

Chen De’an looked toward the voice. Who else could it be but Mr. Wang?

There were quite a few people at their table. Chen De’an recognized Li Cun and Chu Xun. There was also a young man who bore a striking resemblance to Mr. Wang, though he seemed much more mature. That, he guessed, must be the eldest son of the Wang Family.

Another man, who had already come of age, had a long face and wore a scholar’s blue robes. A melancholic air clung to his features, and Chen De’an didn’t know who he was.

And one more, a large, burly man who looked like a stablehand. But since he was sitting here, he couldn’t be some uncultured lout; he had to be a scholar, too.

He didn’t recognize this man, either.

Chen De’an had no desire to go over. Just the sight of Li Cun made his skin crawl.

But the invitation had come from Mr. Wang. Refusing would be a slight to him, and it felt like they’d be offending the entire table in the process. For a moment, De’an was in a bind.

"Should we go?" he asked softly, nudging Zhao Jing with his shoulder.

"It would be rude not to go. Besides, there’s no harm in it."

"Let’s go, then."

As the two of them approached, the people at the table saw them and quickly shifted on their stools, making room for them.

And so, a square table meant for four was suddenly accommodating eight. It certainly looked... lively.

An onlooker who didn’t recognize them glanced at the table and couldn’t help but click his tongue in amazement. "This year’s top contenders are pretty much all right there."

"Oh? How so?" someone asked, intrigued.

"You see that pair of young men over there who look alike? The one with the broken arm is the eldest son of the Wang Family; the other is his brother, Mr. Wang. The fair-skinned, shy one is Li Cun. The one in purple who looks so stately is Chu Xun. The only one there who’s come of age is Ding Shutian, and the unattractive one is Huang Chen. As for the two who just went over, you might not recognize them, but you’ve definitely heard their names."