The time for the Spring Examinations had come again, and tribute scholars from across the realm gathered in Heaven-Bearing Prefecture.
Great Yong had now become a place the whole world yearned for. Many visitors from foreign lands came to the capital, and some even settled there permanently.
In an Imperial Examination year, the entire Capital City was naturally even livelier, with sights and people seldom seen in ordinary years.
Merely seeing the realm's gifted scholars gathered together and experiencing the splendor of this mighty nation's capital was enough to leave visitors from many small foreign kingdoms with memories to last a lifetime.
Yi Shuyuan and Jiang Lang arrived together in Heaven-Bearing Prefecture. The streets and residential wards of the entire Capital City had been meticulously laid out, looking spacious and extraordinary at every turn.
"Old Yi, this place may be lively, but how can its scenery compare with my Longwind Lake? What, have you taken an interest in watching the realm's scholars sit their examinations?"
As Jiang Lang spoke, people streamed past him and Yi Shuyuan. Many brushed shoulders with them, and laughter and playful chatter were everywhere.
Yet almost none of the passersby paid Yi Shuyuan and Jiang Lang any attention, as though they were merely two ordinary pedestrians to step around.
Hearing Jiang Lang's words, Yi Shuyuan smiled.
"I actually have, a little."
As he spoke, Yi Shuyuan continued forward. Ahead lay the streets on all four sides of the Examination Hall, filled with inns and restaurants and crowded with tribute scholars from across the realm.
"Clang-clang-clang-"
People struck brass gongs to clear a path. The street was packed, with scholars and commoners alike watching from both sides.
"Heh, the courtesan queen's out on parade!"
Jiang Lang laughed and joined the surrounding crowd to watch. As the decorated