In the third year of Yong'an, on the fifth day of July.
Before a large mansion in the east of Xiangyang City.
Even before the hour arrived, many people were already standing outside the main gate; all of them were candidates who had passed the previous imperial examination.
Some of them showed excitement on their faces, others nervously rubbed their hands, some had expressionless faces, while others appeared very composed.
Around the mansion, armored warriors holding long spears were almost everywhere, scanning the surroundings with stern faces. The alleyways and streets around were all sealed off, preventing any idlers from entering. Only candidates with verified identities were allowed through.
This mansion was the place where this year's palace examination was to be held.
