The Imperial Examination, colloquially referred to as the Spring Examination, was the second-highest level of the civil service exams, trailing only behind the Palace Examination. Previously, it was held every February. However, considering the inconvenience of winter travel for students, and the risk that traveling long distances after the New Year might cause them to miss the exam date, the start time was delayed to early March every year.
In March, the peach blossoms were in full bloom. The flowers in the suburb of the capital were brilliantly lush and captivating to the eye, but the commoners of the Capital City were in no mood to enjoy them or go on spring outings.
