Following the examinations, the candidates opted to remain in the capital to await the results. The top ten performers would earn the opportunity to partake in the Palace Examination, a chance to rise to new heights in their careers. This prospect fueled the hopeful hearts of all the candidates, each believing they had a shot at breaking into the top ranks.
In ancient times, there were no standardized answers; each question required a comprehensive essay response. The examiners' scoring depended largely on whether the essay aligned with their personal preferences.
