The Second Year of Yong’an, August 5th.

Outside Xiangyang City, pedestrians and merchants moved shoulder to shoulder, with literati chatting and laughing among themselves. They queued up and walked towards the city. Some vendors even set up their stalls outside the city, creating a lively atmosphere.

The guarding soldiers at the city gate strictly inspected those entering the city.

The provincial examination was imminent.

This was the first time the "Chen Mo Regime" held a civil service examination, and all Four States took it extremely seriously, not allowing for any mistakes.

The Great Song dynasty did not prohibit swords and spears, but forbade armor, so it wasn’t uncommon for civilians to carry swords and spears, even in the Four States.

But since August began, all state city Government Offices in the Four States issued prohibitions, banning outsiders from bringing swords into the city during the provincial examination period.

Anyone carrying swords who refused to turn back would have their weapons confiscated.

This act made the scholars and literati coming to Xiangyang for the examination feel the Duke An’s attention and increased their sense of belonging and admiration for Chen Mo.

Many of them were visiting Xiangyang for the first time. Upon entering the city, they saw the bustling markets, the smiles on people’s faces, and the rich atmosphere of life. From these, it was evident that under the rule of the Duke An, the governance was clear, and management effective.

Everyone loved peaceful scenes. Such was Xiangyang that they lingered, and were determined that if they ranked on the list, they would serve well, follow in the Duke An’s footsteps, serve the Duke An, and act on behalf of the people.

As more and more candidates came to Xiangyang City, the local officials astutely organized a poetry conference, offering some rewards. The themes revolved around Xiangyang’s scenery, livelihood, public order, and prosperity.

In a few days, many excellent poems and essays emerged. Some were even set to music, for people to sing.

The Government Office’s actions also prompted imitation among the people. Some taverns and brothels, to attract customers, held so-called poetry conferences as well.

For instance, composing a poem, regardless of quality, could earn a free bowl of wine.

If the poem was particularly good, there were additional rewards.

Some gentry, to curry favor with Chen Mo, even organized activities where any poem that praised the Duke An would receive a reward.

This led to Chen Mo’s "positive image" becoming even more ingrained in people’s hearts.

Now in private conversations, whenever Chen Mo was mentioned, it was always in a positive light, with scarcely a negative word said about him.

In short, the fervor for the civil service examination had mobilized all of Xiangyang’s population.

...

"Tuk tuk..."

"Make way."

At the city gate, a team of Armored Warriors ran from the distant street, clearing the road.

"What’s happening?" The townspeople all showed puzzled expressions.

Then they saw city officials and junior officials arrive in groups at the city gate and stopped as if waiting for someone.

Luckily, their confusion was soon resolved.

On the official road just outside the city, a long procession of carriages and horses suddenly appeared, along with Soldier Guards adorned in bright armor.

This group immediately drew the attention of everyone outside the city. Everyone stood on their tiptoes, looking up to see.

"That looks like Duke An’s Personal Soldiers!"

"That’s right, they are indeed Duke An’s Personal Soldiers."

"So it must be that Duke An has returned, and Lord Wei and the others are here to welcome him."

"..."

Soon, the news of Duke An’s return spread rapidly, one to ten, ten to a hundred, and all of Xiangyang, from top to bottom, knew that Duke An had returned.

The happiest ones were undoubtedly the scholars who had come to participate in the provincial examination.

It was no surprise to say that most of the scholars attending the civil service examination held by the "Chen Mo Regime" were admirers of Chen Mo, and many of them had never actually seen Chen Mo. Now that their "idol" had returned, they naturally wanted to see the true face of Duke An.

Wealthy candidates brought their scholars and servants, occupying high vantage points along the main road into the city, or in taverns and pavilions, setting up a table with wine, waiting for Chen Mo to enter the city.

Ordinary candidates squeezed with their friends into the crowd on both sides of the street, standing on tiptoe to watch.

And Chen Mo did not disappoint them.

The front team of horses entered the city, spreading out in a bow shape. The Personal Soldiers behind him surrounded Chen Mo, who was sitting on a tall horse, and they slowly entered the city.

Once inside, both sides of the entire street were teeming with people. Upon seeing Duke An, there erupted thunderous cheers all around, deafening ones.

"It’s Duke An."

"Is that Duke An? He’s so young."

"Isn’t he though, Duke An is only twenty-three this year."

"Duke An!"

"Duke An!"

"Duke An!"

Someone shouted, and then the scholars in the crowd followed suit. This enthusiastic atmosphere quickly infected all the townspeople, who also started shouting.

This quite startled the constables and Divine Brave Guards maintaining order; they feared someone might rush forward in excitement, leading to a stampede.

Riding on his horse, Chen Mo wore a faint smile. Who doesn’t have a bit of vanity? Looking at the scene of myriad people welcoming him, Chen Mo couldn’t help but feel slightly elated.

In the carriage behind, Yue Ruyan, Xiao Yunxi, and Xiao Ya shared a compartment.

Hearing the cheers outside, Xiao Ya couldn’t help but lift the curtain to see the throngs of people outside, exclaiming in awe, "Brother Mo is truly beloved by the people."

Yue Ruyan and Xiao Yunxi were also somewhat surprised. They had seen similar scenes before, but today’s seemed especially lively.

Xiao Yunxi laughed, "Husband’s reputation among the people is indeed excellent."