Gong Yuanxiu gave the order, and a constable responded with a sharp affirmative.
And so, under the watchful eyes of all present, examination paper Tian-51 from the East Hall was the first to be retrieved.
The neatly written paper was a pleasure to behold, a true balm for the eyes.
After tearing open the seal covering the name, they saw the words "Chen Yan Nian of Wantong Prefecture."
Seeing this, Gong Yuanxiu was secretly overjoyed. 'Heaven is truly helping me.'
He had already planned to get on good terms with the Magistrate of Wantong Prefecture, since the prefecture was renowned for its wealth, all thanks to its copper mines.
Now that he had ranked the Magistrate's beloved son second, Mr. Chen was certain to reward him handsomely.
'When I return to the capital after this, my reward is sure to be even greater. It will likely be more generous than the pay for supervising the exams in Liangzhe.'
