"Slaves greet the invigilator's!" Everyone called out while bowing. The man standing at the head of the group nodded his head and waved his hand.
"I know you all are here for the exam. So, I must tell you all the rules before we start." He said looking at the groups standing straight.
"First cheating isn't allowed so as you can see all around the room there are guards stationed to watch you all and help us catch cheaters." He waved his hand indicating all the guards.
"Now myself and all the other invigilator's will walk around watching you as well so once again no cheating. Those that are found to be cheating will be dragged out and banned from taking the exam ever again." After saying this he paused his eyes sweeping over the group noticing some people he will keep an eye on based on their expressions.
"Now have a seat," With his words everyone sat down trying their best to have good posture. Once everyone was sat a huge paper was hung with writing and one of the lower ranked invigilator's stepped forward.
"The first section is on Classical Interpretation. Hexagram 19 of the Classic of Changes says: "The master's mind reaches everywhere and examines the minutest matters." Discuss the meaning of this teaching. What does it reveal about the ethical principles of governance? Explain how careful oversight helps prevent corruption and preserves fairness, using examples to support your argument. Begin!" With a wave a water clock was set.
Hearing this, Bai Chun carefully picked up his brush and held it up without writing while thinking. After pausing for a while he carefully dipped the brush into the ink and brushed off the excess. Then started to slowly write pausing every few words before continuing.
Time slowly passed with the occasional scream as someone was dragged out. Slowly one of the invigilator's walked past and after glancing at Bai Chun's focused expression. He looked down at what Bai Chun had written so far and gave him a look of appreciation and kept walking past without stopping.
Finally it was mid-afternoon and time was up.
"Put your brushes down! Time is up!" The head invigilator called out. Bai Chun had just finished and placed his brush down as soon as he heard him call out. He breathed out a sigh and subtly rubbed his wrist. As he did so there was screaming again. He didn't react too much since throughout the exam a few other guys have been dragged out for getting caught cheating.
"I just needed to write a few more words! Let me finish! I was almost done!" Then with a bang the door was slammed shut muffling the shouting.
"The exam for the day is done. Now you must be here tomorrow at the same time for the second day of testing." With that all the invigilator's left and servants rushed in picking up all the booklets and took them away to the exam scribes (copied exam papers to prevent cheating and ensure impartial grading).
Outside, Bai Chun sighs and lets his head drop back looking at the sky.
"I'm hungry," He muttered while thinking of the cookies Tao Fang had given him.
"Brother Bai Chun!" Hearing his name, Bai Chun turned and looked over. A smiling Huang Hao walked over with a servant following behind him. Bai Chun bowed casually at him.
"Huang Hao," He waved his hand, not accepting the bow.
"How was the exam?" Huang Hao said with a smile looking slightly tired. Bai Chun sighs again when thinking about everything.
"It's Min Qiang." Bai Chun said and Huang Hao's eyebrows rose.
"What did he do this time?" Huang Hao asked, sounding slightly annoyed.
"I will handle it. I'm a man so just leave it." Bai Chun said uncomfortably. Huang Hao frowned, noticing the stress on his face.
"Just tell me." Huang Hao said while frowning. Bai Chun with a sigh explained what happened at the gate before the exam. Hearing what happened, Huang Hao's face scrunched in annoyance.
"He isn't human." Huang Hao cursed making Bai Chun chuckle.
"Did he really say he did something to make you not pass the exam?" Huang Hao asked. Bai Chun nodded his head, rubbing his forehead.
"I don't know how I'm going to deal with him but I will figure it out." Bai Chun said, looking at Huang Hao. Huang Hao patted his shoulder in comfort.
"Don't even worry about it, just trust me and I will have him handled tonight." Bai Chun gives him an uncertain look.
"I'm a man, it is strange for me to ask you for help when I can just handle it myself." Huang Hao smiled at him in comfort.
"My father has told me every man will go through a time when he needs help. So let me help you and in the future you can help me." Bai Chun smiled at his words then nodded.
"Alright." Huang Hao smiled,
"Just focus on your test and I should have everything handled. If not tonight then tomorrow I already have a plan." Huang Hao muttered quietly to Bai Chun who nodded his head.
"Just watch out at the end of the day you are a merchant and Min Qiang is a noble classes exist." Bai Chun warned Huang Hao who nodded with a smile in response.