The candidate slumped to the ground and was immediately dragged out by the eunuchs and imperial guards standing guard nearby. In the silent hall, the heavy footsteps of the guards marching out and the SWISH of a body dragging across the floor echoed like a sudden thunderclap. Half of everyone's bodies instantly went numb from the shock.
The Advanced Scholars were so anxious they could barely hold their brushes. But having reached this stage, one step forward meant soaring to the heavens, while a step back meant waiting another three years—no, since this was a special examination by imperial grace, the next Palace Examination would be in two years, so they wouldn't have to wait three. Still, whoever could enter the court as an official a step earlier would never willingly delay it for two years.
If they gave it their all, who knew? They might just succeed.
