Chapter 385: The Emperor Wishes to Fight

The sun had climbed high into the sky, and when the golden crow shone directly upon the rooftops of the Imperial Palace, the final stage of the literary examination, the palace examination, finally came to an end.

"The weather is sweltering, and the scholars have worked hard. Have some water and eat some grapes from the Western Regions before you leave."

After the examination had concluded, the Emperor's authoritative voice, which had presided over the proceedings all morning, resonated through the hall, and the assembly of scholars excitedly knelt to express their gratitude.

To take the palace examination in the Taiji Hall with the Emperor himself present throughout, and then to be considerately granted food at the end, was a favor not enjoyed in previous sessions of the examination.

How could the scholars not be thrilled? Some of the more experienced scholars even wept with gratitude for the Emperor's grace towards the learned.