The Prosperous Era of Longwan

It was dark outside the window, but candles were lit in the room.

Wei Guangde had already been woken up by his mother, and it was still only around midnight, probably around five or six o'clock in the morning in future generations.

It was still early before dawn, but Wei Guangde was about to get up, wash up, have breakfast, and prepare to go out to the county government to take the exam for this subject.

While he was eating, Wei's mother, uncle, and aunt sat aside and watched him eat quietly without saying anything encouraging. What should be said has been said a long time ago. If they say it at this time, they are afraid of adding too much to little Wei Guangde. pressure.

When Wei Guangde went out with the test basket prepared by his mother, the sky was still dark without a trace of light, but the day that decided Wei Guangde's fate in the Ming Dynasty had begun.

The county government office was not far from his uncle's home, but his uncle Wu Zhankui still prepared a carriage for him to travel.

As we get closer and closer to the county government office, the number of modern scholars gathering on the roadside continues to increase. There is still some way to the government office, and the carriage can no longer proceed.

In fact, at this time, there were several carriages parked on the roadside. They were all carriages that the squires in the county gave to their children for reference. They could only park on both sides of the road because they could not enter.

Wu Zhankui got off the bus first, and then Wei Guangde got off the bus with the test basket in hand, and followed his uncle to squeeze forward.

The two servants opened the way in front and quickly squeezed through the candidates blocking the way. Even if some people looked back at them unhappily, Wei Guangde didn't care much. He didn't see that there were two groups in front of him who were similar to them, both of them were strong. Are the servants leading the way and squeezing out the candidates who are blocking the way?

Soon we arrived in front of the county government gate. At this time, there were several groups of people standing there. In addition to the candidates, there were also a few people dressed as servants surrounding them.

Wei Guangde found an open space to wait. The servants were outside to keep other people away from Wei Guangde's place. His uncle Wu Zhankui was also beside him, but he seemed to see acquaintances and couldn't help but give his hands to the group of people, and some of them returned the favor. .

Even though my uncle was an official, he was still a military attache after all. In this era of nobles and military officials, my uncle often had to bend down a little when outside.

This is why my uncle's family is just as busy as his own when it comes to taking the exam for his nephew. My uncle sincerely hopes that Wei Guangde can get merit in the exam.

Not to mention Jinshi, even if he is a Juren, Wu Zhankui can hold his chest high in Pengze County and not be afraid of any power in the county.

As the door opened, a group of government officials stood up to block the way of the candidates. They had to search before entering the examination room. After that, they could enter the examination room and find their location according to the examination number issued when registering.

Pengze County is considered an upper county. Although it cannot be compared with some large counties, it is still higher than most counties in the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, tables and chairs for examinations can be prepared early, and candidates do not need to bring their own.

After the search started, uncle Wu Zhankui just walked Wei Guangde to the door and slowly backed away, but this was enough for the searching government officials to see.

The search for Wei Guangde went very quickly, at least in Wei Guangde's opinion, it was rough. He simply looked through his test basket and let him in. There were several others who entered at the same time, all of whom were standing in the same position as Wei Guangde before. Among several groups near the gate.

As for whether the search and search officers in front of the door will also search the remaining candidates, that is not what Wei Guangde needs to pay attention to. It has nothing to do with him. Anyway, he has not been involved, and he will not be afraid even if he searches carefully.

After entering the door, Wei Guangde was stopped by a clerk behind the door. He looked at the admission ticket in his hand, then took him to an open space next to him, and whispered to him the location of his exam for a while before leaving.

At this time, Wei Guangde also noticed that there were exam tables on both sides of the corridor in front. Next to each exam table was a paper lantern with the exam number on it, making it easier for candidates to find their seat faster.

But Wei Guangde already knew where his seat was, it was under the eaves of the lobby.

Although the county examination is a frequently held local examination, there is no specially built examination room or shed. The examination is usually conducted in a larger open space in or around the county government office.

Previous exams in Pengze County were held in the open space in front of the county government hall because it was large enough.

If the weather is good, it won't matter. If it's windy or rainy, it will be miserable for the candidates in the open space.

During the county examination in February, the scorching sun may only exist in the southernmost part of the empire. It does not exist in most areas of the empire. In fact, it is just because of the fear of rainy days.

Under the eaves, it's not bad, although the weather is obviously beautiful today and it won't rain.

It's already getting light.

Wei Guangde stood for a while. There was already a huge crowd of people standing behind him, and they were almost crowded to the gate. At this time, the roll call also started.

However, before the roll call, Tangxian Zun, who had been famous for a long time, appeared in official robes, causing some excitement among the waiting students.

Tangxian Zun also just encouraged the candidates standing outside with a few words, then turned and returned to the lobby.

He didn't say much, but Wei Guangde also heard clearly. After all, he was standing in front. There were five county examinations this time.

In fact, the county examinations in the Ming Dynasty were very selective. The county magistrates made their own choices. Four examinations were enough, or five examinations were enough.

Wei Guangde didn't have much idea about the exam time, he just took the exam however he wanted.

As Tang County Zun left, the officials began to call the names. All candidates whose names were called had to stand up. Usually, the names of five people were called and they were asked to enter the hall together.

Wei Guangde estimated that this was based on the mutual protection relationship. After all, the five of them were protecting each other. They would meet each other when they were called together. If there was a gunman, they would be able to find out. If they are discovered and do not report it, they will be unlucky if they are found out in the future. Follow Even sat down.

Before several groups of people were called in, Wei Guangde heard his name.

Although Wei Guangde may have been the last to register for this exam, but where is the relationship between his uncle and Wei Guangde, he doesn't know that his uncle also used money, and Wu Zhankui naturally won't tell him.

For many things, human feelings are human feelings, and what should be expressed should also be expressed.

"Wei Guangde, Lin Tianti and Liu Shizhen of Madang Town"

Hearing the name, Wei Guangde took a few steps forward and entered the venue. Then four people stood up quickly behind him, all of whom had been classmates for many years. When Wei Guangde saw them coming out, he slightly bent over and bowed his hands in greeting, followed by several others. Same action.

"The five of you protect each other, do you have anything to say now?"

The official who called the roll asked them. In fact, this was repeated several times before, that is, there was no problem in confirming the identity of the mutual protector.

No problem. If it is discovered later, there will be no room for explanation.

In response to the official's question, the five of them bowed and cupped their hands and said, "No."

"You guys go in."

The official glanced at them, leaned slightly and said, letting them walk into the lobby.