Red Mansion: Holding Space and Marrying Like the Sea

At this moment, all the officials participating in the provincial examination moved into the inner hall, including the supervisors, the examiners, and the other dignitaries. Their faces were solemn, knowing that the task of opening the examination papers was a heavy responsibility.

Inside the inner hall, each test paper was carefully removed and its red number meticulously checked. This process was long and rigorous, as any mistake could affect the fate of the examinees. After a frantic and frantic period, everything was finally confirmed, and the names and places of origin of the examinees were carefully recorded on the draft list according to their admission ranking.

Then, this crucial draft list was solemnly handed to the clerk. The clerk took a deep breath, cleared his throat, and then, in a resounding voice, read out the names of the candidates one by one to the officials present. The names echoed in the air like a hymn of victory.

After completing the aforementioned tedious procedures, it was time to fill in the official list. It's worth noting that each province followed an unwritten rule when filling in the official list: start writing from the sixth place and continue until the last. Then, go back and write the top five, starting from the fifth place and working backwards to the first.

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye it was the fifteenth day. This day happened to be the day of the dragon, so the results were announced on the fifteenth day.

Even before dawn, the entrance to the Imperial Examination Hall was already thronged with people. They thronged shoulder to shoulder, the whole place impassable. Everyone craned their necks, their eyes fixed on the closed gate, eagerly hoping to pass the imperial examination. As the seconds ticked by, the atmosphere in the crowd grew increasingly tense.

At that moment, with a creaking sound, the heavy gate of the Imperial Examination Hall slowly opened. Instantly, everyone's eyes were fixed on it. The first thing that caught their eye was a group of awe-inspiring soldiers. They marched in unison, quickly emerging from the Imperial Examination Hall and taking positions on either side of the wall, forming a solid defensive line.

At that moment, several solemn-looking officials dressed in official attire walked out with steady steps. In their hands, they held lists carrying countless hopes and dreams, and every step they took seemed to tread on the heartstrings of everyone present.

With a loud shout of "The results are out! The results are out!", the previously noisy crowd instantly quieted down, everyone's eyes fixed on the lists that were about to be posted. The air seemed to freeze at this moment, and a tense atmosphere permeated, making it almost impossible to breathe.

After a while, the list was finally securely affixed to the wall. The soldiers who had been waiting there quickly sprang into action, forming neat, uniform rows on either side of the list, like an impenetrable line of defense. The anxiously awaited crowd, unable to contain their excitement any longer, surged forward like a tide, surrounding the small list in a tight circle.

Amidst the throng, some of the sons of wealthy families appeared quite relaxed and at ease. They sat in comfortable carriages or stood at the side, directing their servants or page boys to lead the search. However, the vast majority chose to come in person, to experience the long-awaited excitement and joy firsthand.

Soon, cheers and sighs could be heard. Some were ecstatic, unable to restrain their laughter, their laughter echoing in the air, as if announcing their success to the world. Others, however, were dejected, unable to help but sigh, their faces filled with disappointment. At that moment, this small venue was filled with the myriad expressions of life, some happy, some sad.

Mrs. Wang Zisheng sat in the richly decorated carriage, waiting anxiously. From time to time, she would lift the curtains and peer out, silently praying for good news.

Meanwhile, Wang Zisheng, smiling and steadily leading Wang Yi and Jingyu from the carriage, was standing by. The steward, accompanied by four or five well-trained servants, had already rushed to the place where the list was posted. They moved among the crowd, their eyes anxiously searching for their young master's name on the list.

Not long after, a servant suddenly shouted excitedly: "Found it, housekeeper, found it! Our brother won! And he won the first place!" This shout was like a thunder, instantly attracting the attention of everyone present.