Chapter 62 - 57: First Test_2
Suddenly, that illusion of being drenched by the rain surged in his mind again. Li Ang subconsciously lifted the curtain to look outside, only to see the multicolored mountain flowers and Xia Mountain, wrapped and obscured by distant mist.
The Academic Palace was just on the other side of Xia Mountain.
Chai Cuiqiao also stuck her head out of the carriage window, sniffed the scent of the flowers, and whispered, "Young Master, the caravan has slowed down."
"Mmhmm, the carriages ahead must have arrived."
Just as Li Ang had predicted, the caravan of carriages slowed down as they approached the base of the mountain and came to a stop on the slope.
The slope was gentle, the green grass luxuriant. By the clear stream sat more than twenty pavilions, each with three floors, red walls, and green tiles, with decorated eaves flying high. This was the grassland on the edge of the Academic Palace.
Accompanied by the drumming from the Ministry of Rites, tens of thousands of candidates disembarked from their carriages. According to their regions of origin, they formed orderly lines and walked to the edge of the stream to listen to the admonishment delivered by senior officials from the Ministry of Rites. The content was nothing more than reminding scholars to remember their loyalty to the Emperor and love for the country.
As for the numerous officials, dignitaries, family members, and servants, they waited in pavilions along the lower reaches of the stream.
"Risheng," Song Shaoyuan, who stood in front, turned his face and whispered, "How are you feeling about the preparations?"
Li Ang nodded. "Not bad. How about you, Brother Song?"
"Also... not bad."
Their conversation, an attempt to alleviate tension, was not particularly enlightening. The senior official from the Ministry of Rites finally stopped his long admonishment about loyalty to the Emperor.