[The Challenge of Reality]
On the high terrace, the morning sun bathed the Five Yao in light. Gu Xingyu stood behind them, clutching her watch, her eyes narrowed as she watched Si Yirou.
The Chief Officer of Ceremonies stepped forward. "The Second Question—Five Yao, you possess great power and bear the Mandate. Yet the world sees only rumors. Today, we ask: Do you possess true talent to govern and protect the people? If your fame is not hollow, speak now!"
Yirou smirked coldly. "I shall see what 'grand truths' these commoners can conjure."
[The Answers of Gold and Fire]
Lin Lie stepped forward. "My name is Lin Lie, a smith for three generations. I bear the 'Essence of Forging.' I can refine Yao-crystals and reconstruct ancient gears. I do not speak of grand morals, but I know that a well-crafted blade is the reason a soldier lives to return home. Every piece I forge is so that the defender of a city is never truly alone."
Luo Ye followed, his red robes fluttering. "I am Luo Ye, a cook from a simple kitchen. My 'True Blaze' can melt poisons and warm hearts. You may not know the hunger of a ravaged village, but I do. I have created rations that last days and cooked for hundreds of refugees. I don't know politics, but I know how to keep people warm and fed. If this world needs a protector, I will use my fire to cook the last bowl of rice for the hungriest person."
[The Princess's Scorn]
A cold, mocking laugh cut through the air. Si Yirou stepped down the jade stairs. "Touching stories. But if this is all it takes to protect the realm, why do we need armies or governance? A smith and a cook? If such people can lead the world, then I should grant a title of nobility to my Head Chef!"
A few officials snickered. The atmosphere turned chilly. "Is the Saintess's choice a joke?" one whispered.
[The Rebuttal of Water, Wood, and Earth]
Cang Yuan stepped out with a lazy smile. "The Princess has a point. But I wonder—has Her Highness ever used a kitchen? Or seen a pot large enough to feed two hundred? My Water-power can clear poisons and irrigate fields. But more than that, I know that people fear a government that talks while their wells run dry."
Sang Qi then moved forward, his playful expression replaced by rare gravity. "I've seen children coughing blood while merchants hoard medicine for a hundred times its price. If you think I don't belong here, then let me be the 'muddy-footed' doctor who delivers babies and tends to soldiers. But if you give me a chance, I will establish 'Yao-Clinics' in every city, where every person—rich or poor—can be treated."
Finally, Li Yan stood like a monolith. "I was a guard captain at Gray-Tooth Cliff. I've seen whole villages slaughtered. I couldn't stop the failure of that day, but I can protect today. I am not a man of words. But as long as I draw breath, not one more soul on this land will die if I can help it."
[The Power of Sincerity]
The crowd was no longer silent. Sobbing and cheers erupted. "He's right!" "Sang Qi saved my mother!" "The tall man saved my child!"
Yirou's face darkened. "Sentimental nonsense. The realm needs leaders who can strategize for thousands, not village doctors and soup-cooks."
"And who, then, does the Princess believe can settle the world?"
The voice came from Si Chengxun, the Imperial Uncle. He stepped forward, his eyes like unsheathed swords. "If such actions do not meet your standards, then the Five Yao you seek are not for the people, but for power. If the heart to protect is a crime, then this realm is rotten to its very core."
Yirou's breath hitched. The crowd roared in agreement. "Well said!"
In the silence that followed, the people's gaze shifted back to Gu Xingyu. They were no longer looking at an outsider, but at the leader of five men who actually understood their lives.