The Autumn Examination was held as scheduled, and numerous scholars began preparing for their entry into the Gongyuan.
The Provincial Examination consisted of three sessions, each lasting three days. Once inside the Gongyuan, candidates had to manage all their own necessities—eating, drinking, and sanitation—so everything required had to be prepared while still outside. Dry rations were an absolute must. Otherwise, unless a candidate fainted from hunger, no one would pay them any mind; failing to prepare in advance meant facing dizzying bouts of starvation. Although candidates had to cook their own meals during those three days, the Gongyuan provided no space for washing rice or boiling water, so everything had to be kept as simple as possible. Moreover, under the immense pressure of the exams, food was merely fuel to maintain the energy required to continue answering questions; taste was secondary, and many didn't even have the luxury of caring—having anything at all was a blessing.
In early August, the temperature was still soaring, and even the slightest movement brought on sweat. Staying in a cramped examination cell for three days was a daunting challenge not only for the candidates but for their food as well. In such high heat, many foods spoiled easily; eating such things led to diarrhea, which was an all-too-common occurrence. Once a candidate suffered from diarrhea during the exam, a Defecation Seal became inevitable. Once branded with that seal, regardless of how …
Chapter 288