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.
