The grading hall was already packed. The provincial governor was present, as were the proctors and supervisors. Even the deputy and associate examiners had all arrived.
Once the red numbers were assigned to the papers, they had to be unsealed in full view of everyone. The numbers would then be cross-referenced, and the candidates' names and information would be written on the preliminary ranking list according to their scores.
No one dared to treat such an important matter lightly. It was better to arrive early and wait than to be late and show disrespect for the special examination decreed by the Emperor.
But while everyone else was ready, the chief examiner, Gong Yuanxiu, was holding three exam papers, examining them over and over. For a long time, he was unable to decide on their ranking.
