The palace examination took place on the fifth day after the announcement of results.
Presided over by the Emperor as the chief examiner, with the Empress Dowager observing.
Finally, a Champion Scholar was chosen, along with a runner-up and a third place from the new First-class Scholars who were both outstanding in appearance and form to be the third place, they were honored with flowers, rode on horseback through the streets, and attended the Qionglin Feast together.
However, these had nothing to do with the second and third-class scholars.
The glory belonged to the top-ranking scholars.
Liu Ji stood in the dark corner, watching the top scholars led by his senior brother who was the Champion Scholar, wearing flowers on their heads and red robes.
He thought he should have been one of them, biting his lip to refrain from sobbing aloud.
Qin Yao, standing by his side: What's with this little appearance that's so pitifully endearing?
