Meng Yunzheng clearly felt the tense bodies of the candidates around him and their heads bowed low.
He slightly lowered his head as well, catching a glimpse of a bright yellow hem moving slowly upwards onto the high seat.
The Emperor sat on the Dragon Chair, looking into the hall at the candidates. The other officials assumed he was merely observing the candidates' demeanor, as it was the first imperial examination he presided over since ascending the throne, so they remained silent, waiting for the Emperor to finish his survey.
The Emperor scanned the crowd and quickly found his target.
It wasn't that his eyesight was sharp; it was that Meng Yunzheng was too conspicuous, making it hard for him not to notice.
After spotting him, the Emperor retracted his gaze, and only then did the eunuch beside him loudly call for everyone to pay respects.
Meng Yunzheng, mingling among the crowd, bowed to the Emperor, who couldn't help but cast another glance at him, then nodded, "Rise."
