Soon, the day had arrived for the posting of the examination results.
Early in the morning, Chu Sheng and Chu Zhang, led by Brother Lin, arrived at the wall outside the examination venue where the results would be posted.
As the appointed hour came, the announcement paper was pasted up and on it were neatly written names.
Chu Sheng had achieved third place and was designated as a Government-sponsored Student, which entitled him to a monthly stipend of money and grain from the imperial court.
Chu Zhang's result was slightly worse, ranking thirty-first. Though his ranking was lower, he had also passed the examination, becoming a scholar, and henceforth was eligible to continue competing in higher-level civil exams.
Both brothers had passed.
Chu Lin's cheeks were flushed with happiness, "Good, good, good."
Seeing his own name even in a lower position, Chu Zhang was also satisfied.
