The Prince’s wife Qiu Fei resided in Fushu Hall, Qing Fei in Xuanqing Hall, and Xu Fei in Ningxin Hall. In September, imperial examinations were highly valued by the Emperor, particularly the “Palace Examination,” which he presided over. To qualify, candidates needed to pass six stages: first, the Tongzi exam, prefectural exam, and academy exam to obtain the scholar (秀才) title, then the provincial governor’s annual exam to maintain it, and finally, the triennial provincial exam. Completing these stages led to becoming a provincial graduate (举人), which qualified candidates for the metropolitan exam. This final exam, held in spring after the provincial exam and hosted by the Ministry of Rites in the capital, included three rounds. Success earned the tribute student (贡士) title and the qualification for the final “high exam.”
Scholars had to study the Analects, Mencius, Book of Songs, Book of Rites, and Zuo Zhuan in detail, totaling over 400,000 characters. They needed to read several essential classical, historical, and literary texts multiple times.
From the Sui to Qing dynasties, the exam contents varied, primarily focusing on classical texts, poetry, literary critique, and prose.
Later periods mainly tested the eight-legged essay, drawing content from the Four Books and Five Classics.
The imperial exam ranked candidates in three grades. The first grade (一甲) selected only three: the top scorer (状元), second scorer (榜眼), and third scorer (探花), collectively called the “Three Tops,” all granted the jinshi degree. The second grade (二甲) selected several, while the third grade (三甲) also selected candidates for similar scholar status. It was said, “Ten years of cold window with no recognition, one success makes you known throughout the world,” highlighting the exam’s importance.
The top three scholars entered the palace joyfully to receive their official titles. Standing out among thousands required exceptional abilities. In the main hall, Long Hanxie congratulated them and tested them further. After their responses, the court officials applauded enthusiastically. Satisfied, Long Hanxie concluded, “If there’s nothing else, let’s end the court session.”
Xu Qiu’er returned and picked up a book from the desk but couldn’t read a single word, staring at the blank pages.
