Chapter I

The Scholar on the List

Following the cargo note, I made my way toward Rainbow Bridge.

Before I even arrived, the bustle of the street drew me in.

A crowd gathers before the newly posted examination results in Bianjing
Nooo! My name is not on the list!!!
Hail the new official! Hail to you!
You did it!
Alas, I didn't make it again…
We're so lucky to have him.
Our lives will be better from now on.
I can't see a thing!
Counting on you, Lord Magistrate!!
Our whole town depends on you now!!
Did he pass?!
Another year wasted…
Look! Look!

A crowd gathered before a wall.

Some craned their necks to see.

Some called out loudly.

Others laughed in relief and joy.

At first, I guessed it was some kind of public announcement — trade prices, taxes, or rules for merchants.

A young scholar stands at the center of the crowd as townspeople congratulate him
Character
Scholar Chen
Age 28 · 书生

A farmer's son sitting the imperial exam for the third time — no family ties, only ink and grit.

Then my eyes fell on him.

A young scholar stood right at the crowd's center.

People patted his shoulder and bowed slightly, all offering their sincere congratulations.

I stepped forward, eager to understand what was happening.

Amir speaks with the young scholar before the posted examination list
Scroll to explore
The imperial examination list with highlighted names while Amir and Chen stand before it
Scene IV — The List

What the wall truly meant.

0 / 5
状元

Top Scholar

The highest place on the final list. To stand first was to gain immense honor across the empire.

Hover or tap the marked names on the wall.

Chen studying by lamplight on the left, becoming a court official on the right, with a scroll path linking the two

Chen came from an ordinary family,

with no title or official status to rely on.

For years, he studied relentlessly,

until his name finally appeared on the list.

Where I lived, fate was tied to birth.

Here, a name on paper could change everything!

Paper marked trade for me;

for Chen, it meant a new life…

Amir asks Chen for directions to Zhao's teahouse on the bridge street

I glanced down at my cargo note,
then turned to ask him for directions.

Amir

Excuse me — do you know the way to Zhao's teahouse?

Chen

Zhao? Of course I know him! He just invited me there to celebrate — come, walk with me!

I thanked him with joy, and walked alongside him.