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Zhulan had packed everything thoroughly. The county exam could consist of four or five rounds, decided by the county officials. Therefore, Zhou Shuren had to stay for at least five nights. He must bring a thick quilt and at least three sets of clothing, as well as sturdy shoes.
The exams in the north were truly unforgiving. In the second lunar month, the weather was still bitterly cold. The dedicated examination hall in the county was not indoors. Although it didn't have the pigeon cage traps of the village examinations, it wasn't much better. The hall was arranged with the seats facing north, with Dragon Gate to the north and the residence for signalling names to the rear. The corridor was in the middle, with the examiners in the western room, the roll call in the eastern room, and the simple and side-by-side seating in the north—just a shabby exam shed. This was where the candidates had to sit.
