Swords emerge from the human world

Chapter 69: With connections in court, she throws herself into his arms.
On this day, they arrived at Gaozhou City.

A magnificent city rose from the ground, stretching far and wide. At first glance, one could feel the oppressive atmosphere descending upon them.

Chen Jin's perception was more direct and profound, and his spiritual vision instinctively recoiled to alleviate the oppressive feeling on his soul.

Visualization and perception are everywhere, but not everything can be visualized.

If you misjudge the object of your affection, it can cause you to overthink and shake your mind, leaving a lasting negative impact.

Especially after enlightenment, in the early stages of cultivation, the mind is most active and agile, like a wild horse that has broken free, often letting itself go:
I want to live a carefree life, to settle scores and seek revenge, to live forever...

He had long been experienced in dealing with this, and was accustomed to using the composure and calmness of a scholar to coordinate and resolve the issue, while keeping in mind the words of the sages: "Examine yourself every day to rectify your mind and body."

To put it bluntly, be careful with your words, actions, what you see, and what you hear.

Shi Qifeng stood up from the carriage shaft, hoping to get a better view, but compared to the majestic city in front of him, he was still like an ant.

He couldn't help but exclaim, "This is the first time I've ever seen a prefecture city! I suddenly realize that all my previous 'wandering the world' was nothing more than wallowing in the mud."

Chen Jin smiled and said, "This is my first time here too."

Shi Qifeng's expression tightened, and he asked in a low voice, "Sir, we don't seem to have any relevant travel documents. What should we do if they investigate?"

Because of Magistrate Zhao's presence, travel permits were difficult to obtain. Going to the yamen would definitely result in various difficulties and ridicule, so Chen Jin simply ignored them and set off.

Along the way, whether entering a city or staying at an inn, as long as one showed their scholar's badge to indicate their status as a candidate, they could generally move freely without any obstacles.

It was the time for the provincial examinations, and the imperial court had already issued a decree ordering local officials and checkpoints to give preferential treatment and convenience to the students.

After all, official titles and honors are essentially proof of identity.

Shi Qifeng was worried that the key prefectures and counties might be very strict and prevent them from entering the city, which would be troublesome.

In fact, he was overthinking it.

The city gates of the prefecture were much taller and larger, and there were also many more soldiers guarding them, with swords and spears standing everywhere, creating a solemn and murderous atmosphere.

However, upon seeing Chen Jin's scholar's badge during the inspection, the soldier's attitude immediately changed, becoming amiable and smiling as he waved for him to pass.

After entering the city, Shi Qifeng said happily, "No wonder everyone wants to take the imperial examinations; it's really useful."

Chen Jin smiled and said, "It's also possible that I'm using the influence of my surname to make the soldiers think I'm from a prestigious family."

Shi Qifeng said loudly, "You are from a prestigious family."

Chen Jin said noncommittally, "Sixth Uncle is right. Which family hasn't been rich in the past? The key is now."

Shi Qifeng then asked, "So where do we go now? To a hotel or something? The city is so big, with alleys and streets all over the place, I don't even know where to go."

Chen Jin said, "It's still early, let's go to the examination hall first and get the formalities done."

The Gongyuan was the examination hall for the provincial examinations, and it also had an office responsible for handling various matters related to the examinations.

His current situation is somewhat "ill-gotten," so it's understandable that he has some reservations. It's not that he doubts Chen Shounian's abilities, but rather that the sooner this matter is resolved, the sooner he can feel at ease.

This concerns one's future and livelihood, so one must be cautious.

In the city, the Imperial Examination Hall was a very famous place. We quickly found out the directions and set off.

Along the way, Chen Jin came across a book stall or shop and went over to take a look.

It wasn't to buy books, but mainly to buy a map of the state capital.

After a long search, I finally found a local history book about Gaozhou Prefecture.

Handwritten copy.

Many parts are incomplete or missing, and it has changed hands countless times.

Even so, the price is quite expensive.

Chen Jin paid for it and then carefully looked through it in the carriage.

After reading it, I have a general understanding of the prefectures and counties.

The city is extremely large, with a population of over a million. It is divided into inner and outer rings in terms of administrative area, with streets of all sizes scattered throughout, and mountains, lakes and rivers flowing through it, making it a veritable little world.

The ancestral home of the Chen family is located in the southeast of the inner city, backed by the scenic "Fuyun Mountain" and with "Qingyu Lake" at its center. It can be described as having a unique and beautiful location.

"Sir, we have arrived at the examination hall."

"The carriage has stopped," Shi Qifeng said.

Chen Jin closed his book and stepped out of the carriage. The Gaozhou Examination Hall was a magnificent complex of buildings. When it was first built, it had three thousand examination cells, and it has been expanded and renovated many times since then, now with more than ten thousand cells.

In other words, it can accommodate tens of thousands of students taking the exam at the same time.

The Jiangnan region is known for its rich literary tradition and flourishing academic atmosphere, boasting the largest number of students and scholars each year, making the competition among them the most intense.

In places like Gaozhou Prefecture, the number of candidates for the provincial examinations in previous years exceeded ten thousand, but only one hundred and fifteen candidates were admitted for each subject.

Truly one in a hundred.

In such a region, being able to pass the imperial examination and become a scholar is considered exceptional.

No wonder Chen Jin struggled for many years to become a "wife" (a woman in her prime), but eventually he finally figured it out and studied hard enough to pass the imperial examination.

Now, what stands in their way is the provincial examination, which is several times more difficult.

Which candidate can be absolutely certain of passing the exam?
If you fail the exam, what should you do?
Upon returning to Maoxian, they would face suppression and retaliation from Magistrate Zhao, leaving them with nowhere to stand...

For a moment, his thoughts were in turmoil, and he became anxious and uncertain.

"Sir, what's wrong?"

Seeing him in a daze, Shi Qifeng couldn't help but ask.

Chen Jin shuddered and realized what was happening.

Just a moment ago, facing the magnificent and imposing examination hall, he was lost in thought and suddenly thought of many bad things, which plunged him into a pessimistic mood.

Before even stepping through the door, he started to back down and became insecure.

This is a major taboo!

He took a deep breath, circulated his energy, and calmed himself down: "It's alright."

Stepping into the government office.

This time, things went very smoothly as well. All the relevant procedures and documents had been completed in advance, and all that was left was for Chen Jin to come and verify his identity before officially registering and entering his file.

This proves the old saying: "Having someone in the court makes things easier."

The entire process was completed in less than an hour. Next, all that was needed was to come to the examination hall on the sixth day of the eighth lunar month to take the exam.

With this matter settled, Chen Jin felt relieved.

Shi Qifeng reported, "Sir, I was just outside and looked around to check the situation. I found that the inns and houses in the vicinity are already full, and the prices have skyrocketed."

Although they set off early this time, they couldn't compete with others who arrived even earlier, including locals, all vying for prime locations around the examination hall.

Chen Jin pondered for a moment: "I want to go and take a look at our ancestral homeland."

Shi Qifeng readily agreed and was about to get out of the carriage when he heard someone call out, "Young Master Chen, Young Master Chen, please wait."

A middle-aged man in plain clothes rushed over, clasped his hands in greeting, and said, "I am Chen Fang, and I greet Young Master Chen Jin."

Chen Jin was taken aback: "You know me?"

Chen Fang chuckled: "Some time ago, Sixth Master sent a letter instructing me to take you to settle down when you come to register. Sixth Master has already prepared a house for you nearby."

This sixth uncle is truly generous and considerate in his actions.

Chen Jin, feeling obliged, followed the other party. After a while, they arrived at the gate of a large mansion. Upon entering, he was greeted by two pretty maids dressed in revealing clothes, one on each side.

One of them called out, "Young master has arrived."

Reaching out to help carry the books;

A sweet voice called out, "Young master, you must be tired from your journey."

He came right up to Chen Jin and started massaging his shoulders and back.

Chen Jin: "..."

Is the service really this attentive and warm?

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(End of this chapter)