[The Grand Assembly]
In the center of the Capital stood the Zhaoyi Terrace, nine tiers of white jade rising toward the sky. Three ancient Yao-bells hung before it. As the sun crested over Tiandao Ridge, the bells tolled, and the hundred officials stood in solemn silence.
Gu Xingyu and her party walked down the emerald-paved imperial path. Si Chengxun moved to her side, his presence steady. Behind them followed the Chief Officer of Ceremonies, who would preside over the Six Matters of Ask-Yao.
As she climbed the final step, Xingyu paused. High above on the divine dais stood Si Yirou. Clad in a crown of colored glass and robes of purple-gold, she looked like a goddess descended to earth—beautiful, sharp, and cold as a blade about to be drawn.
Their eyes met. Silence filled the square.
"Saintess Gu Xingyu and the Five Yao... enter your seats!" the Chief Officer's voice boomed.
Xingyu took her place in the circular stone arrangement, the five Yao-keys slotted into their pedestals, her pocket watch resting before her. Si Yirou descended the steps, her every movement radiating light.
[The First Question]
"The Ask-Yao Assembly begins," Yirou's voice rang out like striking jade. "The portents have appeared, the Five Yao have gathered, and the legend of the Saintess returns. However..."
She stopped, her gaze piercing Xingyu. "The people of this realm are troubled. How can an outsider bear the weight of destiny? You are not of the Yao race; you have no Yao-seal, no royal blood, and no official title. Gu Xingyu, answer me: By what right do you lead the Five Yao? By what right do you speak for our world?"
The crowd held its breath. Luo Ye bristled, but Lin Lie held him back with a look.
Xingyu stood slowly. Her voice was as calm as still water. "It is true. I am from another world. I am neither a god nor a prophet. To me, this destiny was but a sudden responsibility."
She opened her hands, showing the glowing pocket watch. "This watch carries the belief of an elder who chose to entrust hope to an outsider. He believed that change does not always come from ancient bloodlines, but from a heart willing to listen, to see, and to understand."
She turned to the Five Yao. "I chose to believe in them, and throughout our journey, they chose to believe in me. I do not command them. We simply walk together because we have seen the true suffering of the people."
Then, she faced the officials. "I do not know your politics, but I am willing to learn. I do not crave your throne, but I am willing to help the one who deserves it."
"If you ask by what right?" Her voice reached every corner of the square. "By the right of a heart that came here with nothing, seeking not power, but protection."
[The Declaration]
Yirou's expression remained unchanged. "You say you wish to help the one who deserves the throne. Who, then, is your choice for the Sovereign?"
The atmosphere shifted instantly. This was a dangerous question.
Xingyu met her gaze without fear. "My choice is Crown Prince Si Moyan."
"He cares for the world, acts with integrity, and does not let private feelings disrupt the law. He may not be perfect, but if the Yao-world desires a king who guards the rules and acts with justice, I believe he is the one. I am not here to take your world; I am here to protect it from being taken."
Silence followed, broken only by the Five Yao.
"We follow her not for her title," Lin Lie said coldly, "but because she never treated us as tools."
"She remembers every patient's name," Sang Qi added with a smile. "She has a heart."
"I've met many liars," Cang Yuan shrugged, "but she has never been false with us."
"I don't believe in fate," Luo Ye declared, "but I believe in her."
Li Yan said nothing, but he stepped closer, a silent wall guarding her back.
[The Ripples of Change]
A murmur rose from the crowd. "She speaks the truth..." "She wants a fair King for us!" The seeds of trust began to sprout among the commoners.
Among the officials, the Minister of Justice whispered, "Her words are organized and sincere." But the Minister of Rites scoffed, "Arrogant! An outsider interfering in our succession!"
Behind the jade screen, Si Moyan stood in his dark robes. His fists tightened in his sleeves. It wasn't the thrill of ambition he felt, but the crushing weight of responsibility. He could no longer retreat.
Queen Mu Yao gripped her armrest, her eyes fixed on her daughter, Yirou.
Si Yirou turned slightly, a faint, chilling smirk playing on her lips. "The support of the Prince... I shall have to tear it down with my own hands."