[The Third Question: The Bonds of Choice]
The Chief Officer of Ceremonies asked in a resounding voice: "Saintess Gu Xingyu, no outsider has ever involved themselves in our politics since the founding of this realm. You have no bloodline, no imperial mandate, and no merit. How can you command the Five Yao and lead the people? Why should you stand on this Zhaoyi Terrace under the scrutiny of our hundred officials?"
Xingyu stepped forward, her white robes fluttering. "I have no Yao-blood, and I do not understand imperial mandates. I once asked myself: By what right do I stand here?"
She turned to the Five Yao. "I found the answer in them. Lin Lie, who guards his clan's legacy; Luo Ye, who turns his trauma into fire that feeds the hungry; Cang Yuan, who hides his pain beneath a flow of water; Sang Qi, who never stops hiking mountains to save a life; and Li Yan, who stands as a root amidst ruins. I am not as strong as them. But because of their choices, I saw the true problems of this world."
"I do not command the Five Yao. We walk side by side. I seek no throne; I only seek to ensure they are never alone." She raised the pocket watch, and its glow harmonized with the Five Yao-keys. "I bring knowledge and systems from my world to help yours. As for whether you believe me—look at their choice, and look at your future."
A wave of applause broke out among the people. "She's not here for the throne... she's here for us!"
[The Princess's Counter-Attack]
"A touching speech," Si Yirou interrupted, her voice like a sheet of ice. She stepped to the center of the stairs. "But I have one question: You say the Five Yao chose you, but what of the tens of thousands of citizens? When did they choose you? Have you ever governed? Have you ever quelled a rebellion? Or do you rely solely on foreign 'techniques' and rhetoric?"
She glanced at the officials. "You say you don't seek power, yet you pave the way for the Prince. Is this your 'non-interference'?"
The officials began to murmur in doubt. "She's right! An outsider interfering with the succession is dangerous!" "What if she brings foreign invaders next?"
The Five Yao stood their ground.
"If she has no merit, then I am her living proof," Lin Lie declared, raising his mechanical staff. "Without her, the Gold-power would be buried in sand. I follow no fate, but I believe in her."
"If she were here for power, I wouldn't play this game," Cang Yuan added coldly. "She understands the human heart better than those in high seats."
"I'd sooner廢 (destroy) my own Yao-veins than call her a liar," Sang Qi cried out.
Li Yan simply raised his Yao-key. "She is the answer we chose together."
[The Fourth Question: The Power to Save]
The Chief Officer spoke again, his voice like a funeral bell. "The Fourth Question: You are from another world. You do not know our Yao-energy, our ley lines, or our nobility. In this world of broken temples and ravaging 'Yao-Breakers'... with what skill, power, or intent can you bring us peace?"
Xingyu stood before the thousands. "I do not know your power plays or your ancient laws. But I know this: when you see a child die for lack of medicine, or an elder starve because of war... you find a way to change it."
"My world was once as chaotic as yours. But now, we have compulsory education, basic healthcare, and community support systems. These aren't miracles; they are practiced beliefs. If the Yao-world is willing, you can have them too."
She held out her watch. "This watch saved us in many illusions. But if it cannot help this world become better, it is just an ornament. I won't force anyone to believe me. But I will use everything I have to prove that regardless of where you come from, if you respect life and act with justice, you have a right to build the future."
An elderly man in the crowd stood up with his cane, eyes glistening. "She's right... we don't need gods. We need someone who lets our children live."
A silent recognition spread through the crowd. But at the side of the stairs, Si Yirou's fingers tightened. "Do you truly think a few words can dismantle my ten-year plan?" Her eyes burned with a dark tide. The next question would not be a test—it would be a declaration of war.