In the height of summer, even though the temperature in Linzhou wasn’t very high, it was still somewhat stifling to stand under the sun. Ordinary pedestrians on the town streets were likely scarce, taking refuge under eaves or big trees, yet the busy streets now could rival Xiangyang in the Capital, bustling with crowds.

Now, the population of Xiangyang had reached a staggering two million, making it the most populous city in the Great Song Dynasty. Wei Linchun had already started considering expanding the city market beyond the city walls to attract merchants to build residential areas outside, as the city was nearing capacity and could no longer accommodate so many people.

Especially after the Court announced in April that the imperial exams would be held in Xiangyang in July, and that Prince Wei would personally preside, more and more people flocked to Xiangyang City, including some students listed for the imperial exams who even brought their families along.

As a commotion arose from the crowd ahead on the street, many who weren’t waiting on the street but staying in taverns, restaurants, or homes leaned out of windows or went onto balconies to glimpse Prince Wei’s demeanor.

Third floor of Fu Ze Restaurant.

"Guo, he’s coming, he’s coming." At this moment, Lin Zhong was no longer the taciturn kid from Ma Wang Village, Fengzhou County, but the County Magistrate of Lu’an County, Cangzhou, and a fervent admirer of Chen Mo, Prince Wei.

Though he passed the advanced scholar exam, he failed the provincial exam, and just as he was planning to try again next year with a heart full of despondency, he received an appointment letter from the Court.

Indeed, Chen Mo had long stated that one could still become an official even if they passed only the provincial exam, but upon learning that he failed the imperial exams while his friend Guo Ning became the Imperial Examination Champion, Lin Zhong inevitably felt some disparity and envy, thus resolving not to take the official position but to attempt the imperial exam once more.

However, he had never expected that just as he made this resolution, he received an appointment letter from the Court, along with complimentary words from the bearer.

The messenger said, "Both Prince Wei, the Prime Minister, and Lord Chen from the Ministry of Rites all hold Young Master Lin in high regard. As long as Young Master Lin performs well in Lu’an County, within a few years, Prince Wei will surely transfer him to the Capital."

If others heard this, they would likely take it as polite words, but Lin Zhong believed it.

With support from his cousin Ma Fu, he took his cousin, brother-in-law Wang Chong’Er, and wife Wang Clan to Cangzhou to take up the position.

After planning to stay two days in Xiangyang for a proper farewell with his friend Guo Ning, upon hearing news of Prince Wei’s imminent arrival in Xiangyang, Lin Zhong decided to extend his stay, intending to thank Prince Wei in person.

After all, without Prince Wei, Lin Zhong would not be in his current position, and he also learned from his brother-in-law that last time when Prince Wei went for a public trial in Fengzhou, he even allocated some land to his family.

Guo Ning, Lin Zhong, and a few others craned their necks, gazing toward the city gate.

...

Upon learning that the townspeople organized themselves to welcome him, Chen Mo certainly would not disappoint them. He rode a fine horse, wearing a python robe, smiling as he rode into Xiangyang City.

The moment Chen Mo entered the city, deafening cheers erupted, with shouts of "Prince Wei" resonating.

"Prince." Wei Linchun, the Prefect of Linzhou, quickened his pace, a look of excitement and reverence on his face as he saluted Chen Mo.

With a beaming smile, Chen Mo said, "Lord Wei, congratulations on your promotion."

"Prince, how could that be? I’m all reliant on you, Prince." Wei Linchun respectfully replied.

Chen Mo smiled gently.

Standing beside Wei Linchun, Shao Jinneng said excitedly, "This humble officer greets the Prince."

Chen Mo nodded and said, "Thanks to both of you during my absence from Xiangyang."

"This is our duty." Wei Linchun and Shao Jinneng said in unison.

"Chief Engineer Bai." At this moment, Chen Mo noticed Bai Quanmin behind the welcoming officials, the chief engineer for the compound bow.

Not expecting Prince Wei to remember a minor figure like him, Bai Quanmin was overjoyed and quickly stepped forward, saluting Chen Mo.

With the crowd around, Chen Mo didn’t directly ask about the progress on the compound bow but instructed him to come to the mansion later.

Bai Quanmin nodded, understanding.

"Prince, after such a long journey, should we head back to the mansion?" Sun Meng interjected, concluding the conversation.

This wasn’t done on Sun Meng’s own accord, of course.

Feigning "displeasure," Chen Mo glared at Sun Meng, then turned to everyone and said, "Well, tomorrow I’ll come to the Government Office, and we can have a leisurely chat then."

Wei Linchun and the others nodded, smiling, "After you, Prince."

Shao Jinneng chimed in, "Prince, the Princess Consort and her entourage have also arrived."

As he spoke, Shao Jinneng pointed in a direction, which Chen Mo followed to see several carriages and familiar maid silhouettes atop one.

After saying a few words to Xia Zhining, Chen Mo continued his greetings, surrounded by the Personal Guard Battalion, heading towards Prince Wei’s Mansion.

At this moment, as Chen Mo walked in, the city’s residents pushed slightly forward towards the street, looking at the young man in the python robe, worried there might be a stampede if not for the Brave Cavalry Guard maintaining order.

Faced with the ardor of the townspeople, Chen Mo responded with a smile but did not pause his horse, knowing that stopping would likely cause the street to be besieged tightly by the townspeople.

Lin Zhong finally squeezed down from the upper floors and managed to get to the front of the crowd, shouting "Prince Wei," but seeing Chen Mo pass by without hearing his call, Lin Zhong felt a wave of disappointment, suspecting for a moment whether the flattering words of the document bearer were true.