Xu Tianhuan, Little Yu's brother-in-law, had already arrived at Peach Blossom Village with Xu Tianmu on the eve of the poetry festival. This time, however, he had not brought Little Yu's eldest sister along.

"Brother, must we truly go through with this? There may be no turning back," whispered Xu Tianmu, following closely behind his brother.

He looked at the bustling village and let out a soft sigh.

"Why worry now? I've received word that the Heavenly Maiden arrived some time ago. This time, the Hejian King is guaranteed victory." Xu Tianhuan narrowed his eyes and cast a sharp, warning glance at his younger brother. "I don't expect you to help, but do not stir up trouble or sabotage the operation. Once it's over, you'll see the path I've paved for the Xu Family."

As they spoke, they reached the site of the festival. For this occasion, the county government had commissioned skilled craftsmen to build a magnificent nine-story pavilion.

Someone on the balcony spotted him and waved. "Brother Tianhuan! Come up, quickly! Let me introduce you to some young talents. They are all famous scholars from across the land!"

"Coming!" responded Xu Tianhuan with a large smile.

"Brother, I have no stomach for these socialites. I'll take a walk elsewhere," interjected Xu Tianmu suddenly.

"Don't wander too far," replied Xu Tianhuan dismissively.

Then, he headed up the stairs.

Xu Tianmu knew his elder brother was no longer afraid of the plan leaking. Men under the Hejian King had already silently surrounded the area for a hundred miles. It was a complete lockdown. No one... would be getting away. Moreover, rumor had it that the Sword Poetry Immortal, Wang Yi, had already reached Peach Blossom Village.

Wang Yi is a Grandmaster. My cultivation is far beneath his. Why is Mr. Fang so calm? Xu Tianmu was lost in thought.

Eventually, he found Fang Chen and Little Yu at their usual flower-viewing spot.

Upon seeing him, Little Yu asked immediately, "Xu Tianmu, what did Big Brother-in-law say?"

"My brother says he will definitely protect your mother and the others. As for the rest of Peach Blossom Village... they must leave it to fate. Perhaps the Hejian King's men will find it beneath them to slaughter commoners," replied Xu Tianmu candidly.

Over the past year, these meetings had become frequent. He had grown used to this little girl becoming sharper by the day. Sometimes, in their debates, even he, a man of deep scholarly pedigree, would find himself cornered and speechless.

"Hmph, at least he has a bit of a conscience," Little Yu huffed.

Xu Tianmu walked up to Fang Chen and bowed respectfully. "Mr. Fang."

"The festival is tomorrow. Who do you think will win? Your brother's side, or Emperor Dongsheng?" asked Fang Chen with a chuckle.

"I've investigated in secret. The capital hasn't sensed a thing regarding the Hejian King's plan. There hasn't been a single troop movement from the regional garrisons," stated Xu Tianmu. "Based on this alone, my brother's side has at least an eighty percent chance of success."

His expression darkened with worry. "Mr. Fang, once tomorrow comes, there may be no turning back. Shouldn't we do something?"

Fang Chen smiled. "Can you make your brother turn back now, regardless of what you do?"

Xu Tianmu fell silent for a long time before shaking his head. "Even nine oxen cannot pull him back now."

"Then don't worry about it. If your brother wins tomorrow, just join the rebellion. If he loses, we'll talk then," remarked Fang Chen casually.

It's that simple?

Xu Tianmu lapsed into silence.

***

The following day.

The nine-story pavilion was packed. The chief county official had personally brought various nobles to preside over the event. The elite young scholars were concentrated near the pavilion, while the crowds of spectators squeezed into the outer perimeter. Little Yu had dragged several benches to the very front to snag prime seats. One bench for her mother, one for herself, and one for Fang Chen.

"Mom, I bought some broad beans from Li Dazui. Have a handful," urged Little Yu, reaching into her pocket, which was stuffed to the brim.

Li Meiyan didn't know whether to laugh or cry as she took a handful. "I don't even understand this poetry stuff. I'd be better off back home selling tofu."

"Mom, everyone is here for the festival today. No one's buying tofu. Just take a day off," said Little Yu as she scanned the massive crowd.

Between the villagers and the city folk, there were at least seven or eight thousand people.

Li Meiyan sighed, then glanced at Fang Chen with a wry smile. "Brother Fang, you've put in a lot of effort looking after Little Yu lately."

Fang Chen nodded with a light smile. "It was no trouble."

Just then, a few figures squeezed to the front after enduring a round of scolding from the crowd. Fang Chen looked up and saw Lady Li and her companions, whom he had met at the tavern before. Lady Li seemed to notice his gaze. She glanced at him, then at Little Yu beside him, before turning her full attention back to the stage.

The hundred-odd scholars participating today already held some measure of fame in Dongsheng. Nobodies like Fang Chen and the others could only watch from the outside for the spectacle.

The county official, a refined middle-aged man, stepped forward with a beaming face. After a few opening platitudes, he declared the poetry festival officially open.

The scene turned electric. Lines of poetry were recited loudly, drawing cheers from the surrounding onlookers. The commoners didn't necessarily know if the poems were good, but they cheered along for the fun of it.

Little Yu sat next to Fang Chen and listened intently to each verse. A look of secret delight spread across her face. She felt none of these poems were as good as her own!

One of her companions said, "Lady Li, I must say, today's festival has truly gathered many talents. I wonder when the Sword Poetry Immortal will make his appearance."

"Maybe the rumors were false, and he won't show up," said another.

Lady Li smiled confidently. "An event like this? He wouldn't miss it."

Meanwhile, Xu Tianhuan and Xu Tianmu were standing with a group of scholars from the capital. These scholars knew their own limits and weren't participating. Instead, they stood on the sidelines acting as armchair critics, pointing out who was whose son or nephew.

A sturdy man in his thirties patted Xu Tianhuan on the shoulder and said, "Tianhuan, with your background, if you can rub shoulders with these people, your future will be bright. Don't say your big brother didn't look out for you."

Xu Tianhuan smiled. "Thank you for the guidance, Brother Han."

Suddenly, a massive cheer erupted from the crowd. A boy who looked no older than thirteen or fourteen had just recited an exquisite verse.

"Eh? Who is that young lad?"

"I've never seen him before."

"Does anyone know his background?"

The crowd was stunned to realize no one recognized the boy. However, the boy simply smiled and looked towards Lady Li's group. He walked forward slowly and asked, "Heavenly Maiden, how was my poem?"

Heavenly Maiden?

The crowd froze, but the realization soon hit them like a lightning bolt.

The Heavenly Maiden from the capital? The one destined to become the Empress of Dongsheng? She's here today?!

Countless eyes swiveled toward her. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

In the crowd, Li Dazui and the others spotted Fang Chen's group nearby and immediately felt envious.

"Mr. Fang and the others really got lucky with their seats this time!"