She also explained the pros and cons of incense sticks versus incense pills, making it easier for the two scholars to compare.
But the two men weren't listening to any of that. They just pressed her again, "In the examination hall, did Mr. Zhao use the incense pills or the incense sticks?"
"...The incense pills."
The fragrance produced by heating the incense pills was purer and milder. It could maintain a stable aromatic effect in any weather or environment.
Although starting a fire took some time, one needed a brazier in the examination hall anyway to keep one's hands from stiffening in the uncertain temperatures, making it easier to write the answers. As such, heating the incense pills over the fire was a convenient task that didn't waste much time.
