The first day of the examination lasted three days. By evening, the sound of the gong struck by the examiners rang out, and soldiers at the entrance of each row of rooms shouted, "The first round of the imperial exam is over, time to hand in your papers."
Many people began to panic, even though the time for submission was here, there were quite a few still trying to write as fast as they could.
However, the more they rushed, the more chaotic it became, increasing the likelihood of making mistakes.
On the other hand, Meng Yunzheng remained very calm, and after his paper was collected, as others were still gathering their belongings, he was the first to leave the room.
Once outside, for the first time in days, his cramped limbs finally felt able to stretch.
He walked along the corridor, observing many candidates with frowning faces, and was the first to line up at the Examination Hall's main entrance.
