This was a turbulent imperial examination, with only five days separating each test. Having three consecutive tests of three days each meant the whole month was consumed by examinations.
Those in poor health had no sooner finished their five days of rest than they were forced right back into the testing halls! Fortunately, the imperial edict stated that anyone who managed to persevere would be permitted to skip the preliminary steps and advance directly to the palace examinations. One had to realize that many scholars never even got to participate in palace examinations in their entire lifetimes!
When Li Lianhua first saw this clause, he smiled and remarked: "This Empress has a remarkably high regard for martial arts. Otherwise, she wouldn't be forcing all these scholars to exercise!"
Chapter 198