The cold shackles stuck on the wrist bones, causing the skin to ache. His knees hit the century-old bluestone outside the Imperial Academy. The gravel was embedded in his skin and mixed with cold sweat, making Chu Yunfan gasp.
The midsummer sun was dazzling above his head, causing the sweat on his forehead to drip down his brow bone, and a small wet mark soon appeared when it hit the bluestone floor.
He was also wearing a black uniform embroidered with green cloud patterns. Yesterday he was recognized as the number one talent in the Imperial College. Even Zhang Zheng, the priest with white beard and hair, patted him on the shoulder and said that he, a noble boy from a poor family, must be the number one scholar in the imperial examination. But now he has become the imperial examination thief that everyone wants to beat.
The buzz around him was like a swarm of flies swarming into his ears.
There were scolds from the common people, regrets from classmates, and even unabashed sneers from a few children from aristocratic families in brocade robes: "I have long said that there is no way someone from a humble family could beat us. It turns out that they all have stolen skills. Now you are completely embarrassed, right?"
The sharp sarcasm pierced Chu Yunfan's heart like a needle. He suddenly raised his head and looked at the man wearing a scarlet official robe standing on the steps.
Zhao Kang, the Minister of Rites, was twirling his beard and holding the examination strategy he had just handed in yesterday in his hand, with a look of pride that could not be concealed on his face.
