Transmigration: Space-Aided Rise to Power and Prosperity-Chapter 297 - 133 Cheat

On the ninth day of the eighth month, early at 3 a.m., the three gates of the examination hall opened simultaneously, and Gu Chengyu queued up to enter the examination venue.

This Provincial Examination had three principal and vice examiners, along with fourteen co-examiners. The principal examiner was none other than Fang Huai, an Assistant Lecturer from the Hanlin Academy, something Gu Chengyu had inquired about in recent days. The two Vice Examiners were also officials from the Hanlin Academy.

After Fang Huai personally sounded the cannon at the central gate, Gu Chengyu queued up, ready for inspection. This inspection was much stricter than before. Autumn mornings were naturally cold, and Gu Chengyu wore three layers of thin clothing and simple shoes.

Even examination baskets were only allowed to be made of bamboo or willow wicker. The ones previously sold on the streets had delicate designs, with indistinguishable tops and bottoms. Small vendors were very familiar with the examination baskets required for the exam, the design remained the same every year, and they would even sell out, making a hefty profit.

Gu Chengyu packed some food in his examination basket, mainly some dried meat and buns. He had already asked the shop to cut the buns into small pieces beforehand, to avoid the constables using their large knives to cut them. Who knows what those knives had been used for, he thought they were filthy!

The Provincial Examination had allowed food to be brought in personally, though the examination venue would supply it, but one had to buy it with Silver. Gu Chengyu only brought two days’ worth of food, as in such weather, any more would spoil.

Suddenly, chaos stirred when the candidate ahead was inspected. Undressing was normal for inspections to prevent hidden cheats. The candidate was cooperative, removing all layers, but the constable said his shoes also needed checking.

The candidate did not hesitate, removed his shoes, and handed them to the constable. The constable glanced around, endured the smell, searched thoroughly, found nothing unusual, and returned them to the candidate. But, inadvertently, when handed back, one shoe fell to the ground.

At that moment, trouble began, likely landing at the shoe’s heel.

A drawer the size of a matchbox slid out from the heel, containing a small book. This book was indeed small, and upon seeing it, the constable immediately called other constables over.

He opened the small book. Using night vision, Gu Chengyu saw paper sheets thin as cicada wings, smaller than a matchbox! He glanced and noticed it was titled "Expansion of Four Books’ Essentials."

Undoubtedly, this was cheating. Such a small book must have been written with mouse whiskers; otherwise, the words wouldn’t fit.

"This, this isn’t mine!" The candidate, seeing the small box pop out from the shoe’s heel, knew he was done for, but still hoping for luck, attempted to argue.

"Whose else could it be, if not yours, since it fell out of your shoe? Quick, take him away!" the constable summoned two others to pin the candidate down and drag him away.

"I didn’t, I’m falsely accused! This isn’t mine, let me go!" The candidate, being dragged away, struggled, yelling his innocence.

But before he’d shouted twice, the constables stuffed his mouth with his socks, causing the other candidates to erupt into chatter.

"It was found in his shoe, if it isn’t his, who else could it belong to? Really audacious!"

"That might not be necessarily so. Who knows the real situation? Maybe it was a trap set by someone else. I think his demeanor doesn’t seem like someone wanting to cheat."

Listening to the comments from other candidates, Gu Chengyu also felt sympathy for the candidate. Whether a framed victim or not, the Scholar title was surely lost.

His misfortune couldn’t be helped. He was nearly done with the inspection. Who knew the shoe would drop to the ground, precisely hitting the heel? Considering this, Gu Chengyu thought it likelier he cheated, for if not for the heel hitting the ground, the small book wouldn’t have popped out!

Unexpectedly, cheating remains a constant across ages! Losing the Scholar title was the least; he’d be exiled and conscripted.

"I urge you all here not to ruin your future! Act sensibly; you know what to do!" a constable shouted. Gu Chengyu was taken aback.

He then noticed the candidates ahead moving stealthily, some bending down, showing odd postures, and he suddenly understood, glancing at the ground.

By now, several small slip papers appeared on the ground out of nowhere. These seemed to be cheats made by candidates hoping to slip past.

Gu Chengyu was utterly astounded by how many wanted to challenge the authority of the Imperial Exams.

Not long after, it was Gu Chengyu’s turn. He undressed the three layers, even removed trousers, shoes, and socks, standing naked before the constables.

He felt shy, though surrounded by partitions, only barely shielding crucial parts, also to prevent any private contact between candidates and constables.

The constable eyed Gu Chengyu’s rosy lips, pearly teeth, then glanced at his pale body, glancing downwards, matched it with the records in his hand, curling his lip.

Gu Chengyu’s smile stiffened. What did that mean? He was only a young lad!

Another constable inspected Gu Chengyu’s clothes piece by piece, finding nothing unusual, returned them to him. He quickly dressed once received.

"Undo your hair!" Gu Chengyu complied. This was to prevent cheats hidden in his hair. He unraveled his hairband, handed it to the constable, who returned it after confirming.

Nearby, another constable inspected the examination basket, checked its contents thoroughly, glanced at the sliced bun and dried meat though still stabbed them a few times. Finding nothing hidden, permitted Gu Chengyu to enter the examination hall.

Gu Chengyu had little feeling towards the pre-examination inspection for cheats, and it was fine indeed, as it was now autumn morning and not too cold. By the spring examination, that’s when to worry! Stripping would be enough to freeze someone.

Gu Chengyu glanced at his drawn seating number, the eighth under the "Xuan" character. He took some time before finding his designated spot in the corner of the second row. Glancing around, thankfully, though near the latrine, it wasn’t adjacent, separated by two more seats!

He sighed with relief at his consistent good fortune, as otherwise, the three days and two nights would be unbearable.

Entering the designated spot, placed the examination basket on the wooden bed board, first examined the surroundings. Inspecting the ceiling, ensured it was intact. Rain wouldn’t be a concern. In the small spot was a hardwood bed board with only a mat and quilt. A small red stove placed on the left side, intended for heating meals for candidates.

Then he noticed a lantern above. Though illumination was dim at night, it provided just enough visibility.

Gu Chengyu took out a cloth, wiped the table and chair clean. Placed his food from the examination basket on the bed board, then brought out his stationery.

This spot differed from prior exams; it had a door with a small window at eye level to the table, allowing light inside. Only once everyone was present would the spot be locked, pulled a string if needing a restroom break.

In such a cramped spot filled with people, it must be suffocating. Gu Chengyu decided to complete his task swiftly and leave the spot.