The Dragon Lake Meeting was one of the most important social events in the capital. Be it nobles or commoners, they could participate.
However, there were relatively high requirements for civilians, who must be talented and capable to have a recommendation letter to participate.
Almost all the noble descendants in the capital would participate in the Dragon Lake Meeting. Some people wanted to show off at the Dragon Lake Meeting, some wanted to find a good marriage at the Dragon Lake Meeting, and some forces wanted to find some capable people who had yet to make a name for themselves at the Dragon Lake Meeting and rope them in.
Even the Emperor attached great importance to the Dragon Lake Meeting. Every time, he would personally send someone to manage it. Sometimes, he would even participate personally with the Empress Dowager.