During the Qing Dynasty, the imperial examination process was complex and lengthy. While only a selected few were fortunate enough to partake in the Palace Exam, the "Provincial Exam" stood as the primary testing ground for most candidates. The provincial exam, which lasted for nine days, took place in dedicated examination halls known as "Gongyuan." Within the Gongyuan were "examination cells"-- interconnected small compartments, each allocated to an individual candidate and served as multifunction spaces where candidates could take exams, eat meals, rest, and sleep throughout the nine-day exam. The candidates were permitted to leave their assigned cell only upon the conclusion of the examination.