And this time the “leveling method” of the audition was finalized at the end of the year, and even the Ministry of Rites did not issue the document. So Meng Xuan, Chang Nuo and even the imperial guard who were so well-informed knew nothing about it. Only the insiders of Eastern Palace who were in charge of the Ministry of Rites knew the details.

After all, inferior officers and those of humble origins would have no opportunities to participate in the audition. It was ...