The convoy drove into the Imperial City.
They passed through one palace gate after another, crossed courtyard after courtyard, and finally stopped in the square before the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The square was already packed with people.
Civil and military officials, representatives of prominent families, envoys from various nations, media reporters... a sea of people, at least a thousand strong.
A red carpet stretched from the foot of the steps all the way into the depths of the hall. Two rows of Imperial Guard Soldiers in dark green uniforms stood on either side, holding steel rifles, their eyes fixed straight ahead.
Lin Mo pushed open the car door and stepped out.
Morning light fell over him. His bluish-gray python robe glowed softly beneath the sun, its five-clawed coiling python glittering brilliantly.
He stood there like an unsheathed sword, its edge fully revealed, yet carrying an indescribable steadiness.
The square fell silent in an instant.
Every gaze turned toward him.
The reporters' shutters rattled in a frenzy, and flashes went off so rapidly they dazzled the eyes.
Some gasped softly, some whispered among themselves, and some stood with their mouths open, unable to close them for a long while.
"So this is the Count of Southern Suppression? He's way too handsome!"
"That python robe has five claws? Aren't counts only allowed to use four claws?"
"I heard His Majesty personally ordered it."
"His Majesty truly favors him..."
Lin's mother got out of the car behind him. Seeing the grand scene before her, her legs nearly gave way.
She held onto Lin's father's arm, her voice trembling. "Old man, this... this is far too grand..."
Lin's father straightened his back as well, doing his best not to show any timidity. "Normal, normal. Our son is a count, so naturally the ceremony