Zhao Jing finished his noodle soup and paced a few laps around the small examination cell.

The examination cell was incredibly small. The front plank could be used as a desk; when taken down and joined with another plank, it formed a bed.

But there was no bedding on the bed, and more importantly, it wasn’t time to rest. So it was merely for show; no one would actually lie down for a nap.

After a few laps to aid his digestion, Zhao Jing had also sorted out his thoughts for the second essay.

"Therefore, the superior man, when secure, does not forget danger."

This line was rather obscure, and many scholars probably wouldn’t remember it. It came from the *Zhou Yi*, in the "Xici Zhuan, Part Two."

Compared to the other major classics, the *Zhou Yi* was seldom tested in this county’s county examination.

As far as Zhao Jing knew, the previous County Magistrate had never once chosen a topic from the *Zhou Yi* during his tenure.

Mr. Cheng had been the County Magistrate for four years, and in the previous two county examinations, there had also been no questions related to the *Zhou Yi*.

Its absence from the county examination for several consecutive years could easily give one the wrong impression: that the *Zhou Yi* was not "favored" by the officials. As a result, tutors would consciously neglect this book when teaching or trying to predict exam topics.

’This question from Mr. Cheng must have stunned many of the candidates. But it probably won’t matter much. Even just from the wording of the quote, one could guess where to begin.’

It might not allow for a very deep analysis, but for students who merely wanted to pass the county examination, it was enough.

However, Zhao Jing was ambitious.

He wanted more than to simply pass the county examination.

He wanted many things, a great many things, and to grasp them all in his hands, he had to be exceptionally outstanding.

So outstanding that whenever people mentioned him, they couldn’t help but give a thumbs-up and say, "That young man is truly remarkable."

Zhao Jing ground his ink stick for a while longer until his mind was completely calm.

Only then did he begin to write, composing the essay on his draft paper.

Writing this essay with depth wasn’t difficult for him. From its cultural origins to its historical warnings and its guidance for the present, there was a great deal he could write about.

And so, Zhao Jing followed this chronological structure, putting down on paper, one by one, the words he had long since composed in his mind.

All around him was the unified scratching of his fellow candidates’ brushes.

The sound of the brush tip on paper was so soothing. As his thoughts unfolded in an orderly fashion, his mood brightened.

After finishing the draft, he polished it, then copied it neatly onto the final answer sheet.

By the time he got to the final regulated verse, the sky outside was still bright.

But in the second month, the sky could darken in an instant.

Zhao Jing still quickened his pace, writing the poem he had composed earlier onto his examination paper.

Once he had finished the paper, he checked that his name, seat number, and other details were filled in completely. After a final review of the entire paper from beginning to end, Zhao Jing gently set down his brush and began to pack his things.

At this time, he could hear the movements of other candidates in the distance. They had finished their papers and were turning them in, heading to the Dragon Gate to wait for it to open.

The allotted time for the county examination was one day; all papers would be collected after dark. It was impossible to get a candle to continue working. If you didn’t turn in your paper on time, it would be voided. It was safe to say that any candidate who didn’t manage their time well would definitely be at a disadvantage.

Just as he finished packing, a constable on patrol happened to walk by.

Unlike De’an, Zhao Jing didn’t recognize all the constables from the county government. But this constable clearly recognized him and smiled upon seeing him.

Zhao Jing nodded in acknowledgment. The constable, knowing he wanted to submit his paper, took it and waved him on his way.

On the way to the Dragon Gate, Zhao Jing saw someone emerge from the western row of examination cells. A closer look revealed it to be none other than the young master of the Wang Family.

The two clearly didn’t know each other, but as they were in the same examination cohort, they couldn’t help but nod to each other.

The Wang Family’s young master was an interesting character. Seeing the nod, he trotted over to Zhao Jing in just a few steps. "You’re Zhao Jing, right? I’ve heard a lot about you. You’re sure to pass this time, aren’t you?"

Zhao Jing had always been wary of getting too personal with strangers, and this time was no exception. He said, "I’ve simply done my best and will leave the rest to fate. Is it not the same for you, Young Master?"

"Exactly! But I don’t think this exam was too difficult. I should be able to pass."

Zhao Jing chuckled lightly. "In that case, I should congratulate you in advance, Second Young Master."

"Heh heh, I’m just kidding around. Don’t go spreading this around. If my big brother finds out I’ve been running my mouth, he’ll beat me up."

Zhao Jing knew that the Wang Family’s eldest son had his arm injured, so he asked, "How is your eldest brother’s injury?"

"It is what it is. His arm is broken, and the doctor told him to rest for three months. Damn villains! If I ever find out who harmed me and my brother, I swear I’ll send them to jail."