The Future

The peach blossoms were in full bloom in the capital and the imperial examinations in full swing. It was rare for this final test to be held two years in a row, giving those who hadn't been ready the year before as well as those who were unfortunate to miss having their name inscribed onto the golden tablet (1) another chance without having to wait for three long years in-between. Yan Zheyun could only imagine the bustle in the inns of the eastern and western marketplaces, scholars in their modest Confucian robes coming in from all walks of life, all determined to be the next to leave a mark in history.