In comparison to the number of Cultivated Talents in the prefecture, the candidates who arrived to participate in the provincial examination were notably more impressive.
Three days remained before the commencement of the examination, and the provincial capital bustled with scholars wearing kerchiefs and their accompanying relatives.
It was evident that those with exceptional talent were predominantly from affluent backgrounds. Impoverished scholars often found themselves borrowing funds for travel and examination fees, rendering it impossible for them to have relatives or friends accompany them on this arduous journey.
Su Bin's circumstances were vastly different from the previous year when he sat for the Cultivated Talent examination.
Back then, as a Cultivated Talent hopeful, he opted to reside in a modest dormitory provided by the prefectural school. He aimed to economize and harbored fears of potential foul play.
