Chapter 334: Provincial Examination (3)
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Su Bin, burdened with his possessions like a destitute soul, made his way into the venue clutching the precious scrolls. Upon crossing the threshold of what they facetiously called a “room,” Su Bin found himself trapped within, as the exit to the “room” had been securely sealed.
Until the examinees submitted their papers, they were confined within this cramped space, ironically referred to as a “room.” In reality, it resembled more of a miniature cage, measuring a mere six feet in height, four feet in length, and three feet in width. It allowed only enough room for a single person to sit upright, with no possibility of stretching out.
In essence, it resembled a diminutive cell, furnished with only a tiny table and a stool. Adjacent to the table sat a meager water basin containing enough water to sustain one for three days. There was also a bucket (as toilet), serving a rather unsavory purpose.
To be frank, surviving inside this confined space for three days, utilizing the table as a makeshift bed, was a challenge in itself. Yet, enduring the unrelenting presence of one’s own waste for the duration truly tested the mettle of those who aspired to become Cultivated Talents.
Su Bin meticulously arranged all his belongings on the table before changing into his attire, donning his shoes, securing his hair, and tidying the disarray that had occurred during his entry.
With everything in order, he commenced the task of tackling the exam papers. The initial round involved responding to seven chapters of the eight-legged essay, three questions from the “Four Books,” and four questions from the “Five Classics.”
For Su Bin, this posed no significant challenge. However, lasting until the third day was no easy feat. Su Bin handed in his papers ahead of schedule and exited the malodorous enclosure.
Despite submitting her own exam paper, she was not permitted to leave immediately. Instead, she waited in the lounge until the allotted time had passed. Though the lounge offered little more than a few stools for seating, the air within was significantly fresher compared to the cramped “room.”
In any event, those eight-legged essays posed no significant challenge for Su Bin. Consequently, he promptly submitted his papers and headed for the lounge, eager to breathe in the refreshing air.
Su Bin was the first to turn in his test paper. It didn’t take long before other candidates followed suit, one after the other.
After enduring three grueling days of examination, the once-enthusiastic examinees now appeared somewhat worn out and dispirited. Conversation among them had dwindled, primarily due to their exhaustion and hunger.
However, Su Bin stood out from the rest. He exuded vitality and appeared remarkably composed.
One of the examinees couldn’t help but inquire, “Brother, did you bring ginseng or other revitalizing tonics with you?”
It was rumored that well-off examinees from affluent families would procure high-quality ginseng, cutting it into pieces. They would occasionally pop a few into their mouths to keep their energy levels up during the exam.
Su Bin shook his head. “I didn’t bring such items.”
“Then why are you so full of energy? Do you find the questions too easy?”
While the straightforward exam papers were one factor, Su Bin’s robust physical condition played a more significant role.
Su Bin grinned and responded, “Perhaps it’s because my wife prepared delicious and nourishing food for me.”
The inquiring examinee instantly displayed an envious expression.
This young man appeared to be around seventeen, considerably younger than himself. Yet, he had a wife, and not just any wife, but a skilled one at that.
Another examinee couldn’t resist asking, “Your wife prepared your food? But judging by your accent, you’re from Meijiang Prefecture City, while you seem to be in the provincial capital.”
Meijiang Prefecture City was a mountainous region, primarily impoverished. Those hailing from there typically faced condescension unless they possessed wealth and influence.
The tone of this inquiring examinee carried an air of superiority that didn’t sit well with Su Bin. “Although my hometown is in Meijiang Prefecture City, my family owns properties in both the provincial and capital cities.”
The candidate found his words rather intriguing, and curiosity got the better of him. As he observed Su Bin’s attire and demeanor more closely, it became abundantly clear that Su Bin was unquestionably a wealthy and influential young man. In an instant, the candidate was eager to establish a friendly
connection with him..