On the ninth day of the eighth month, early at 3 a.m., the three gates of the examination hall opened simultaneously, and Gu Chengyu queued up to enter the examination venue.
This Provincial Examination had three principal and vice examiners, along with fourteen co-examiners. The principal examiner was none other than Fang Huai, an Assistant Lecturer from the Hanlin Academy, something Gu Chengyu had inquired about in recent days. The two Vice Examiners were also officials from the Hanlin Academy.
After Fang Huai personally sounded the cannon at the central gate, Gu Chengyu queued up, ready for inspection. This inspection was much stricter than before. Autumn mornings were naturally cold, and Gu Chengyu wore three layers of thin clothing and simple shoes.
