Shortly after 7:00 AM, all the examinees had found their testing cells. Mr. Sheng, the Magistrate, then ascended Wangyuan Pavilion and, under the watchful eyes of all, wrote the examination questions on a paperboard set in a black-lacquered wooden frame.
Afterward, constables would either read the questions aloud or carry the paperboard around the entire examination ground. This was to ensure that every examinee knew what the questions for the prefecture-level exam were.
The prefecture-level exam consisted of three parts, testing classical transcription and commentary, miscellaneous essays, and policy essays.
The classical transcription and commentary section required copying original passages from the classics and adding one's own annotations and explanations.
This section primarily tested a student's memorization and calligraphy. As long as the questions weren't too outrageous, most people could pass with ease.
