Within the Imperial Examination Hall.
Zhang Zhuo and Chen Liqin, clad in their deep blue official robes with belts strapped around their waists, walked side by side down the narrow lanes between rows of examination cells.
Inside the cells, scholars wrote feverishly, while a silent procession of officials followed behind them.
Upon leaving the examination area, Zhang Zhuo cast a glance at Chen Liqin beside him, dismissed the following officials with a wave and said with a light laugh, "Mr. Chen certainly makes for a good father, coming all the way to the Imperial Examination Hall on the day of the Autumn Imperial Examination to support your two sons. Are you really that worried they might fail? If the Imperial Censor learns of this, he'll surely file a report against you for not avoiding suspicion of bias."
Chen Liqin's expression turned somewhat unnatural. "You misunderstand, my lord. I'm only concerned about possible disturbances during the examination."
