Three Kingdoms: Start by buying a governor.

Among them were scions of wealthy families, dressed in fine clothes, with jade pendants at their waists, waving folding fans, and exuding arrogance...

A poor scholar, dressed in patched clothes and straw sandals, clutched a book in his hand, refusing to put it down...

There were artisans with rough hands, their fingernails stained with greasy dirt that couldn't be washed off...

There was a farmer with a dark complexion, wearing straw sandals, and his trousers rolled up to his knees...

Some were so nervous their faces turned pale, some were so excited their palms sweated, some closed their eyes and muttered to themselves, and some silently recited formulas in their minds...

Tension, anticipation, and trepidation filled the air.

The examination hall was surrounded by sentries of the Imperial Guards.

There was a guard every three steps and a sentry every five steps; not even a sparrow could fly in.

Lu Bing, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, personally took charge of the operation.

He wore a flying fish robe and carried an embroidered spring knife, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd to ensure the absolute safety of the examination room.

"Listen up, everyone! Line up at the entrance of your respective examination room according to your admission ticket! You will be checked in turn! Bringing any books or notes into the examination room is strictly prohibited! Violators will be treated as having cheated and will be banned from taking the exam for life! Do you understand?!"

The voices of the Imperial Guards were loud and authoritative, echoing through the streets.

The candidates followed the instructions and formed a long queue.

The checks were very strict; every candidate was searched, and all their belongings were checked.

Even the writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones were distributed uniformly by the imperial court to prevent anyone from smuggling them in.

"Next!"

Guan Ning stepped forward to undergo the inspection.

The Imperial Guards thoroughly searched his body and checked his luggage, but found no contraband.

"Go in."

Guan Ning nodded and walked into the examination room.

Ma Ping, Zhang Chang, Li Erniu, and Hua Ling all passed the inspection in turn and entered their respective examination rooms.

When Ma Ping entered the examination room, his hands were still shaking, not because he was afraid, but because he was excited.

...

Just then, the sound of horses' hooves came from afar.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

A loud shout silenced the bustling street instantly, as if someone had pressed the pause button.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound, craning their necks and standing on tiptoe.

A royal procession slowly approached.

At the very front were the Imperial Guards riding tall horses, their armor gleaming, exuding an imposing aura, and their horses adorned with red tassels.

Behind them was a dragon carriage drawn by six white horses...

On the dragon carriage sat a young man dressed in a black dragon robe.

He had a handsome face, deep eyes, and an aura of supreme authority.

It was none other than Emperor Shenwu, Liu Ce.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

All the candidates bowed in unison.

He stepped down from the imperial carriage and walked slowly to the candidates, his gaze sweeping over each face.

On those faces, there was tension, anticipation, trepidation, excitement, fear, and hope...

Liu Ce waved his hand, signaling everyone to rise.

"No need for formalities." Liu Ce's voice was gentle yet powerful, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"I know that you come from all corners of the country and have different backgrounds. Some are well-versed in classics and history, some are skilled in mathematics and physics, some are adept at construction, some are knowledgeable in agriculture and sericulture, and some practice medicine to help the needy..."

"I know that many of you are visiting Luoyang for the first time. Many of you have endured scorn and ridicule on your way here."

"I know that some of you have doubts about my system of separate examinations for different subjects. Some feel that artisans, farmers, doctors... are not fit to be officials. Some feel that women should not show their faces in public to take the exams. I tell you today that these ideas are wrong."

His voice grew louder and more resolute:

"Today, I am here to tell you."

"Today, you stand here not to repeat the words of the ancients, nor to flaunt your illustrious lineage. You stand here because you possess skills and have the world in your hearts. Because you have true ability."

"What the country needs are not pedantic scholars who can only recite the classics of sages. What the country needs are talented people who can get things done, know how to get things done, and get things done."

"Those who know how to farm can ensure that people have enough to eat; that is a merit."

"Those who are skilled in craftsmanship can create all sorts of objects, making people's lives more convenient; that is their contribution."

"Those who can cure diseases, save lives and heal the wounded, and reduce the suffering of people from illness are truly meritorious."

"Those who are good at arithmetic can measure land and calculate taxes, making the country's finances clearer; that is their contribution."

"There are 360 ​​professions, and every profession can produce an expert. As long as you have real talent and learning, as long as you are willing to serve the country and bring benefits to the people, I will give you opportunities, official positions, and a stage to realize your ambitions."

"Today, as you enter this examination hall, your background and your past are no longer important. What matters is your talent and your ability. I only judge by your skills, not by your social standing."

"I hope that you can demonstrate your true abilities and achieve excellent results in the exams."

"Don't be nervous, don't be afraid, write down everything you know."

"Within the examination hall, the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone are all your weapons."

"I, along with all the people of the land, await to see your true abilities!"

"I am waiting for you in Deyang Palace."

"May you all live up to what you have learned and this journey!"

After speaking, Liu Ce bowed deeply to the examinees.

The emperor bowing to the examinees was unprecedented in the hundreds of years of Han Dynasty history.

The entire room fell silent.

Everyone was stunned.

They never imagined that the emperor, the supreme ruler, would bow to them, ordinary examinees.

That was an emperor's respect for all the students in the world, and for everyone who earns a living through their own abilities.

It took quite a while before anyone realized what was happening.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Long live Your Majesty!"

The cheers, as loud as a mountain and as powerful as a tsunami, resounded through the sky.

Guan Ning looked at Liu Ce's retreating figure, his eyes filled with admiration.

He knew he hadn't made a mistake coming here.

This emperor truly intends to break with convention and usher in a new era.

Ma Ping was so excited that he couldn't speak, he just kept wiping away his tears.

For the first time in his life, he was treated like a human being.

Li Erniu clenched his fists, silently vowing in his heart, "I must pass the exam! I will never let His Majesty down!"

Tears welled up in Hua Ling's eyes.

Many students were moved to tears, their pent-up emotions dispelled, leaving only surging fighting spirit.

The emperor's words not only dispelled their last vestiges of inferiority and doubt, but also ignited boundless pride.

...

Time was up, and the bell rang to start the exam.

"Thump—thump—thump—"

The melodious sound of bells echoed over Luoyang.

The candidates entered their respective examination rooms one by one.

The examination rooms were individual small cubicles made of blue bricks and covered with tiles, containing only a table and a chair.

On the table were writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, a pot of water, and a piece of dry rations, all uniformly distributed by the imperial court.

The exam will last for three days.

For the past three days, the candidates have eaten, drunk, and relieved themselves all in the examination room.

No one may leave, whisper to each other, or pass notes.

If cheating is discovered, the candidate will be immediately disqualified from the exam, banned from taking it again for life, and the incident will be reported nationwide, bringing shame to their hometown.