In March of the second year of Shunhe in the Da Jin dynasty, those who passed the general examination gathered at Guanwen Hall for the palace examination.
Song Xian sat on the throne, reviewing the examination papers presented by the Hanlin Scholars.
The Hanlin Scholars stood by waiting. This ruler they served was exceptionally intelligent; usually, whether in discussions or when approving memorials, he was exceedingly quick, and the officials from the Central Secretariat dared not let their minds wander. But today, for some reason, the ruler had yet to announce the top scholar.
The Hanlin Scholars grew increasingly uncertain. Did the Emperor disapprove of the examination papers they had selected? Yet, those papers were indeed outstanding. Where exactly did they err?
The Hanlin Scholars exchanged glances, all wearing bewildered expressions. Even if they had erred in selection, it could not be changed now; they had no choice but to wait.
