The Cold Door Hero

Summary

This chapter details the reforms in the imperial examination system, where the court has centralized examination authority and appointed Hanlin scholars as examiners, enforcing strict rules against cheating. Upon arriving in Anyang County, Li Yan Qing learns that the chief examiner has taken residence in the tribute academy, causing excitement among local scholars eager to learn about him to tailor their exam responses. Li Yan Qing settles into a small, dry room at the Tang Inn, where he interacts with his friends Zhang Xian and Qin Liang. They discuss their preferences for room assignments and the local scholars, leading to an encounter with Zhou Chun, a scholar from Ling Zhang County, who reveals that the chief examiner is the renowned Hanlin scholar Ou Yang Xun. This news brings hope to Li Yan Qing and Zhou Chun, as they value the integrity of the chief examiner in the context of local examinations. After their conversation, Li Yan Qing goes out to find food and unexpectedly runs into a young general, recognizing him as someone familiar, creating a moment of surprise between them.

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