Kang He, although he had read some books, really didn’t know much about the details of the imperial examinations.
A few days before the exam, he returned to his village on business and took the opportunity to ask Fan Xin about the exact procedures of the tongkao (childhood exams). Fan Xin’s knowledge might not have been profound, but after all, he was an experienced examinee who had been to many exam sessions.
In terms of exam experience, Kang He reckoned that among the scholars he knew, there was hardly anyone who could surpass Fan Xin.
Fan Xin explained to Kang He that the tongkao was divided into two main stages: the county exam and the prefectural exam.
The county exam was held in the county seat and overseen by the county magistrate. Candidates had to pass five rounds: the main session, first re-exam, second re-exam, consecutive re-exam, and final session.
Each round usually lasted one day, and the results would be announced two days later. Only those who passed could proceed to the next round; failing meant immediate disqualification, and they would have to wait until the next year.
Kang He said, “Just the county exam alone would take almost a whole month, wouldn’t it?”
Fan Xin responded, “That’s not quite right. The county exam finishes by the end of February. If you pass, you still don’t get much rest—you have to go to the prefectural city in March to prepare for the prefectural exam in April.”
“Luckily, there is no metropolitan exam this year. If there were, as happens once every three years, those who pass the prefectural exam would have to prepare for the metropolitan exam too. With so many big exams, nearly the entire year would be spent testing.”
“But such smooth sailing is rare—few candidates pass every single stage consecutively. I’m just telling you this in advance so you understand the exam process. That way, Da Fu can better prepare for his own exams in the future.”
Hearing this, Fan Xin felt a warm surge in his heart. It made him want to take the exam one more time himself, to make up for the regret of never even passing the tongsheng (child candidate) degree after all those years of studying.
But he hesitated. After all, he was no longer a student; he had become a teacher. Without much free time to take the exam, and if he still failed, he might lose face in front of his students.
Kang He didn’t know what was going through Fan Xin’s mind and simply nodded in agreement.
When it came to exams, as a father, there was nothing he could do to help his son—everything depended on Da Fu’s own knowledge and effort. But at least knowing some of the rules was a way for parents to show care and seriousness.
That said, hearing that just the county exam was so complicated, with five stages and eliminations at every turn, it seemed quite rigorous.
Kang He had always known that Fan Xin never even obtained a tongsheng degree. Now that he heard passing the county exam itself was already an achievement, he felt a growing respect for Fan Xin.
Not to mention, when it came to studying, Fan Xin was far stronger than himself.
“Besides, the tongkao required five candidates to vouch for each other externally, with a linsheng (government scholar) acting as guarantor. But none of that is a concern—Da Fu studies at the academy, and Teacher Xu will arrange everything.”
Kang He said, “I didn’t hear Teacher Xu mention that. All the candidates are honest and proper students. The guarantor’s fee was paid last month.”
While the two spoke inside the room, Zhang Jingui overheard a bit from outside. Hearing that Da Fu was about to take the exam, she couldn’t help but open the door and step in.
“Are you sending him off to the exam this early? Our Da Xin didn’t even take the tongkao until he was ten. Da Fu is still so young—does he understand what to do in the exam hall?”
Kang He replied, “He’s already nine this February, so not too young. I heard from the scholar at Zhen Family that the court originally allowed children as young as six to take the tongkao. Families of officials and merchants could even let their grandchildren skip the tongkao and go directly to the metropolitan exam. It’s only those of us from smaller places where children take the exam later.”
Fan Xin also said, “The first time taking the exam is always awkward. That’s why Teacher Xu told him to practice a few times beforehand. As they say, once you’ve done it once, you’re more familiar the next time.”
Zhang Jingui felt a bit embarrassed and quietly slipped back outside.
In her heart, she thought Teacher Xu was a bit of a taskmaster. He had told them before to get Da Xin to take the exam early to gain some experience, to become familiar with the exam hall. After the second or third time, he would naturally be less nervous and could perform better.
But they were uneducated folk, and whatever the teacher said was gospel. Da Xin had taken the exam many times, but it didn’t seem to help much.
Moreover, the tongkao was held every year. After passing the county exam, one had to go to the prefectural city for the next stage, which required a fair amount of travel expenses.
Their family had once been impoverished by these exam costs.
That said, the second branch of the family was wealthy. They had built a grand mansion in the village and were even considering buying a house in the city. Money for exams was no issue.
Besides, after the exams, most candidates just disappeared without a word.
In the afternoon, Kang He returned home. A Wang came to tell him that Da Fu had already arrived.
Because the exam was coming, the academy allowed students to return home three days early to prepare. Da Fu had not been attending the academy these past few days.
Kang He also asked about Fan Jing, who was working at the butcher’s shop.
He told A Wang to go to the kitchen and ask Mrs. Hua to add a dish of braised pork for lunch, make it a bit sweeter, and stir-fry some pork stomach as well.
Only then did Kang He go to Da Fu’s courtyard. Just as he arrived, he heard Little Fu’s voice from inside.
“Brother, I can only see you in the afternoons when you study. If you go to take the exam, does that mean I won’t see you for two or three days?”
He rocked back and forth on a wooden horse, his two feet pushing the carved footrests. Holding the handles sticking out between the horse’s ears, he swung forward and back.
“That means I won’t be able to play with him during the New Year either. He even said he’d set off fireworks with me.”
Da Fu was sitting nearby, his gaze lowered as he wrote.
“He’s not taking the exam this time; he’ll wait until next year. Uncle Xu isn’t teaching him to take the exam yet, so he’s a bit sad. He’s been studying hard every day, so he hasn’t had time to come out and play.”
Little Fu said, “That means Brother is very pitiful. If Brother doesn’t take the exam at fifteen, no one will go with you. Aren’t you scared? But you don’t seem afraid. On exam day, I’ll get up early and go with Father and Uncle to see you off.”
“Many people are taking the exam; Brother isn’t scared. Also, if you go in the morning, you’ll be home by the afternoon. It’s just like a regular school day.”
Hearing this, Little Fu felt a bit reassured.
Then he said, “Brother, are you hungry? Do you want some candied fruit or fresh rice cakes? I’ll go get some for you.”
Da Fu laughed, “No need. I ate a lot at lunch and haven’t had much appetite since.”
“Then do you want to ride the little horse with me? I’ll take you for a ride. I ride the little horse every day, then play with my big sword. It makes me hungry quickly. Father said he’ll make me a new big sword when he has time. Brother, do you want one? I’ll give you one.”
Kang He stood outside listening to Little Fu chatter non-stop. It was impressive that Da Fu could still respond while writing.
He walked in. Although it was February, the day was still cold. Inside the room, a charcoal brazier was lit, making it much warmer than outside.
“Have you turned into a parrot? Why do you talk so much?” Kang He laughed and pinched Little Fu’s ear from behind.
“Father, you’re back!” Little Fu’s cat-like eyes sparkled brightly. Da Fu looked up from his writing and smiled warmly.
Kang He picked up Little Fu and sat down beside Da Fu at the desk. He looked over Da Fu’s writings and said, “You’re still writing after everyone’s home? Take a break, or your hand will hurt.”
“In three days, I’ll take the exam. I want to review what I don’t know well one more time.”
Kang He stroked Da Fu’s head. “This is your first exam. Don’t be so tense. Just think of it as a practice run, to get familiar with the exam hall.”
Da Fu nodded and shyly said, “Even though it’s my first time, I still want to bring honor to Father and Uncle. If I get a degree early, they won’t have to work so hard for me. It won’t be for nothing that they take such care of me.”
Hearing this, Kang He’s heart warmed. He gently patted Da Fu’s face.
“You’re a good boy. Father and Uncle know how filial you are, but don’t make things hard on yourself. The most important thing is that you’re happy.”
Da Fu nodded.
Later that evening, a light rain began to fall. Kang He fetched an umbrella and said he was going to the butcher’s shop to meet Fan Jing.
Just as he reached the door, Fan Jing returned at the perfect time, driving his cart toward the back gate.
“Take this to stew,” he said, handing Kang He a small basket with a bowl inside.
“I already told Mrs. Hua to add some dishes. What is this for?”
Kang He lifted the basket and saw a fresh pig’s brain inside.
“Zhang Shili slaughtered a pig and just brought it here. Stew it for Da Fu.”
Kang He smiled. “Exams coming up, good to nourish the brain.”
His eyes twinkled. “But won’t eating pig brains make you stupid? I’ve heard monkeys are the smart ones.”
Fan Jing frowned. “Monkeys are hard to get in the city. I’ll have to go back to the mountains to see.”
Kang He laughed and grabbed him by the arm. “I’m joking—you’re taking it seriously. Getting a monkey would be too cruel. We won’t use such folk remedies.”
Fan Jing shot him a sideways glance. “You’re quite a talker.”
He strode indoors. Sheng Han, who was leading the mule and cart, couldn’t help but chuckle.
Kang He quickly followed, “Hey, don’t be mad. Come stew this pig brain with me.”
Early morning on the sixth day of February, before dawn, after breakfast, Kang He and Fan Jing personally drove Da Fu to the Gongyuan (Imperial Examination Hall).
Originally, Chen Sanfang and Fan’s father also said they would send him off today, but Kang He persuaded them to return home.
It was good that the whole family cared about Da Fu’s first exam, but too much attention could become pressure. It was better if it was treated like a normal school day, so Da Fu could feel relaxed.
Little Fu was eager to send his brother off. It was still dark and cold in February; the bed was warm and cozy.
The little one still got up early, albeit drowsily. He ate breakfast and climbed into the carriage, his eyes half-closed and his whole body groggy.
Da Fu was still a bit tense but smiled when he saw his younger brother’s nodding head, like a little chick pecking. The two eyes opened and closed alternately, making him laugh and feel lighter inside.
Outside, heavy fog dulled the street lamps, casting a faint glow. The sound of horses and carriages passed by.
Several carriages were already heading down their lane—it seemed many families were sending their children to the Gongyuan for the exam.
Though the early market was quiet, the exam made the streets lively.
As they neared the Gongyuan Street, the carriages slowed.
The closer they got, the slower they went.
“Father, Uncle, can we get off here?” Da Fu watched from the carriage window and saw a sign for a tavern called Shi Zhi Jin. It wasn’t far from the Gongyuan.
Before the exam, he had walked the route with his guarantors and knew that from the Gongyuan gate to that tavern took about half an hour on foot.
It would probably take longer if they stayed in the carriage.
Besides, they had heard that carriages were not allowed inside the Gongyuan yard, only to park on the street side, to prevent accidents.
Kang He thought they had arrived early enough, but the traffic jam was severe. He didn’t want later candidates to be blocked and miss the exam, so he agreed with Da Fu.
“Uncle will take you the rest of the way. This carriage can’t just be left in the middle of the road.”
They stopped briefly, and Fan Jing took Da Fu’s book box as the two hurried down the mule cart.
At that moment, Little Fu suddenly woke up. He sniffled, “Brother, hurry and finish your exam and come home.”
Da Fu smiled and pinched Little Fu’s cheek. “I know.”
Fan Jing led Da Fu forward, but after a few steps, the carriage was stuck in the jam. Fortunately, they had gotten off early.
At the Gongyuan gate, groups of candidates gathered quietly, speaking in hushed voices.
Da Fu quickly spotted two of his fellow guarantors and waited for the other two.
They didn’t take more than fifteen minutes before all four had arrived.
Once everyone was present, the linsheng acting as guarantor led them to have their identification checked before entering.
“Uncle, you can leave. I’ve joined the line and will enter soon.”
Da Fu was dressed warmly, though the wind cut through the mist, making it feel bitterly cold.
Fan Jing said, “No worries. I’ll wait until you’re inside before leaving.”
He stood beside Da Fu, shifting to block the wind for the young boy.
After the identity check and receiving their candidate numbers, they were allowed into the Gongyuan. Fan Jing then returned to find Kang He.
“Everything’s in order?”
“Yes.”
Kang He breathed a sigh of relief and drove the carriage back outside.
Entering was easy, but leaving was hard. It took nearly the length of an incense stick’s burn before they got back to the main road.
Back at home, Fan Jing put Little Fu to bed again, changing his shoes and socks before tucking him in. It was only just becoming fully light outside.
The two went to the new shop to check the shelves, which were all set up.
They were basically ready to open, just waiting on the village to supply vegetables and fruit.
Kang He checked the almanac and decided to delay the opening by a bit—more vegetable varieties would be available in early March.
Also, Da Fu’s exams and their errands would make it hard to manage everything at once.
Inside the Gongyuan, Da Fu found his assigned room by the number on his ticket.
Though he had heard from Uncle Fan that the rooms were narrow and small, seeing it with his own eyes was still a bit surprising.
The small square room was smaller than a latrine, but at least he was still young and not yet an adult, so it didn’t feel cramped.
He sat facing the patrol corridor, by the only window. He glanced around and noticed the candidate across from him was a young man in his twenties.
His heart tightened a little. There were all ages at the exams, which meant fierce competition.
How difficult it must be to pass!
He took a deep breath twice to calm himself.
Feeling more at ease, he opened his box and took out his brushes, ink, and paper, preparing for the exam.
After about the length of an incense stick burning, a bell rang.
An invigilator came to recheck the candidates’ belongings to prevent cheating.
Once the check was complete, the chief invigilator’s clear, strong voice rang out:
“Candidates, focus your minds! The exam questions will now be revealed!”
Da Fu sat up straight and nervously looked out.
After the chief invigilator finished, three gong strikes sounded.
“Begin!”
Two assistants carried the exam papers slowly toward the candidates.
Before they got close, Da Fu immediately picked up his brush and copied the exam questions onto his paper.
After writing them down, before the assistants reached him, he carefully checked the questions three times to ensure no mistakes, then lowered his gaze.
The topic was a quote from Mencius, requiring a formal essay, followed by a five-character six-rhyme trial poem.
He smiled slightly. The topic was not difficult and was exactly something he had reviewed before entering.
Da Fu began writing quickly, as he usually did when practicing.
The difference this time was that he first wrote a draft, read it three times, made a few edits, and when satisfied, copied it neatly onto a clean sheet to submit.
He focused fully, not noticing the candidate opposite glancing at him and silently sighing in frustration at being neither young nor old enough to compete, his heart restless.
The first exam passed cautiously under Da Fu’s careful attention.
Leaving the hall, he spotted Kang He and Fan Jing waiting at a distance and happily ran over to them.
“Did writing tire your hand?”
Kang He smiled at the relaxed expression on Da Fu’s face. It seemed the exam went well.
Da Fu rarely acted spoiled: “My hand is a bit tired. I wrote a draft, copied it once but wasn’t satisfied, made changes, and copied it again.”
He laughed and added, “Luckily, the exam topic was familiar.”
Fan Jing rubbed Da Fu’s hand. “As long as you answered well, nothing else matters.”
Just two days to wait for the results of this first exam.
Another mistranslated Dad become Uncle