The living quarters of the emperor and his consorts; specifically the inner chambers where the imperial family lives

To enter the testing area as a candidate or proctor, specifically in the context of the imperial civil service examinations

(literary) parents' living quarters; also used as a way to refer to one's parents

(literary) the imperial palace; specifically palace gates painted red

mother or empress; (honorific) a mother's quarters or the person herself

The metropolitan civil service examination held in the spring during imperial times.

(literary) civil service examination venue, originally so called because the perimeter was fenced with thorn bushes to prevent cheating

The imperial civil service examination held every three years in the provinces during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

A secure facility where exam papers are prepared and printed, restricted to authorized staff to prevent the leaking of questions.

(bound form) historical term for a published collection of model essays written by successful candidates during the provincial and metropolitan imperial examinations