In the silent examination hall, only a stern voice could be heard emanating from the high Observatory.
"Honor the heavens and earth, honor the sages, honor all living beings!"
Heavens, sages, all living beings!
The Ceremonial Officer recited loudly.
The long voice seemed to transcend time and space, bringing all the candidates back to the very first scene of entering the prefectural examination hall.
Yesterday seemed to reappear, yet everyone's mood was ultimately different from the original.
Some were completely free of distractions, others secretly sighed.
All the candidates stood solemnly.
Facing the north where the Confucius Temple was located, they respectfully chanted in unison, "Honor the heavens and earth, honor the sages, honor all living beings!"
Bang, bang, bang!
The sound rang three times. On the Observatory, the Chief Examiner and all the Vice Examiners sat motionless, only the Ceremonial Officer issued orders: "Distribute the papers! Present the questions!"
