Chapter 228: Come Join the Heavenly Lord Hot Pot Festival
Hong Chengchou was already weary and famished, having traveled a long distance and been forced to detour around rebel troops, preventing them from resting in Heyang County.
Yet, astride his horse, his bearing remained impeccable. Not a single crease marred his robes, and no hint of fatigue touched his features. He sat perfectly upright, embodying the stillness of a deep pool and the majesty of a towering peak, projecting an air of unshakeable composure.
As they rode through Zhengjia Village, he was subtly surprised. The land around the village looked as if it had recently been blessed by rain; lush green grass grew everywhere, and the trees stood vibrant and robust. In the fields, freshly cut wheat stalks remained, indicating a recent harvest.
The village even boasted a large pond, its waters remarkably clear.
The sight left him utterly bewildered.
Nonetheless, the presence of water was always a relief. Hong Chengchou instructed his retinue to fetch a basin of fresh water. He then took out his comb, tidied his hair, and washed his face, restoring his refreshed appearance. Hong Chengchou could never face anyone looking grimy or unkempt; maintaining his composure and dignified bearing was paramount, always.
Upon reaching the western edge of Zhengjia Village, he spotted another peculiar, gray "stone road" running perfectly parallel to the official highway, a sight that left him even more confounded.
Exercising caution, he refrained from venturing onto the peculiar "stone road," instead directing his men to remain on the official highway. They continued for about six li before finally reaching Gao Family Village.
"What village lies ahead? Report at once!"
Hong Chengchou furrowed his brow, considering. "In recent years, the empire has endured severe drought, with rebels running wild, forcing ordinary folk into widespread flight. This area, however, clearly shows signs of recent rain, making it suitable for cultivation and offering easily foraged wild greens. It's perfectly conceivable, then, that refugees would converge here and form a large town. There’s nothing to be surprised about; don't gawk like some country bumpkin. Remember my Hong family's precept: always, always mind your bearing, lest you become a laughingstock."
The attendant swiftly composed his features.
Hong Chengchou declared, "Since there is a substantial town, we can pause here for some rest. Proceed."
The Hong family's retainers, guarding the grain convoy, slowly advanced into Gao Family Village.
Shi Jian, a sentinel from the Gao Family Village Militia, had spotted the approaching group from a distance and promptly returned to report. As a result, Cheng Xu immediately withdrew, discreetly observing from the background. San Shier, however, stepped forward to greet them, accompanied by Gao Yiye and several other learned individuals.
A fourth-rank imperial official was not to be underestimated.
Li Daoxuan's attention immediately sharpened. Hong Chengchou, a figure long famous, was now right before him. He could, with a mere thought, unleash his Infinite Gauntlet and instantly crush this "traitor," historically ranked number one in the 'Biographies of Treacherous Ministers.'
But...
Was that truly the right course of action?
Hong Chengchou's eventual surrender, years down the line, was a future event, one that hadn't happened yet.
Could he judge a man based on deeds yet to be committed?
That hardly seemed fair!
In the Marvel films, when Deadpool traveled back before World War II and faced an infant dictator, even he hesitated.
Events yet to unfold could still be prevented. The most effective way, perhaps, was to ensure a person never encountered the crucible that might lead to such a fall.
Li Daoxuan let out a soft sigh. "Hong Chengchou! Perhaps... with me present this time, you won't be stripped bare of everything again. For now, I'll spare your life."
Maintaining their flawless composure, Hong Chengchou and his retinue proceeded into Gao Family Village.
Every one of the Hong family's retainers was sharp and spirited, carrying themselves with an imposing dignity, their gazes fixed forward. Hong Chengchou himself walked with his chest proudly out, head held high, presenting an exceptionally distinguished figure.
However, despite appearing to gaze straight ahead, his eyes were, in fact, darting about slyly, rapidly cataloging every detail of Gao Family Village.
A fortified stronghold with walls towering three zhang high—the local gentry here possessed immense power, far surpassing any ordinary influential family.
Within the village walls, he observed harvested wheat fields, a vibrant, bustling market...
...and then, strange, colossal vehicles???
The very moment his eyes fell upon that enormous "small train," Hong Chengchou nearly lost his perfect composure, almost betraying the wide-eyed look of a rustic bumpkin. He quickly reasserted control over his facial muscles, allowing not the slightest twitch.
"Don't panic! Maintain your composure!" he silently admonished himself. "It must be some trick by the Westerners; they delight in crafting such bizarre and outlandish devices. If I, an imperial official, were to display any surprise, those Western barbarians would surely ridicule me."
Just then, San Shier stepped forward. "I am San Shier, steward of the Li family of Gao Family Village. My apologies for not greeting you further out; please forgive this oversight."
Hong Chengchou remained silent, allowing one of his personal attendants to speak on his behalf. "Our master is Lord Hong Chengchou, the Shaanxi Grain Intendant, responsible for escorting imperial provisions. Passing through this region, he intends to stay here for the night."
This was hardly an uncommon request.
It was customary for high imperial officials on official duty, when passing by influential households, to request lodging for a stopover. Prominent families would typically host them well and bid them a respectful farewell, understanding this as both shrewd conduct and a means to foster goodwill.
For who knew when such an official might reciprocate, offering their powerful patronage?
San Shier, naturally understanding this unspoken custom, smiled. "Lord Hong is most welcome to honor us with his presence. We are absolutely delighted; I will arrange your accommodations at once."
At that very moment, Gao Yiye leaned in close to San Shier, murmuring, "The Heavenly Lord has commanded it: invite Hong Chengchou to partake in the Heavenly Lord Hot Pot Festival and, well, amuse ourselves with him."
San Shier, upon hearing this, didn't even let his smile waver. He promptly added, "Ah, yes, by the way, our village is celebrating the 'Heavenly Lord Hot Pot Festival' today. While Lord Hong awaits his accommodations, perhaps he might care to observe?"
A question mark seemed to hover above Hong Chengchou's head as he uttered, "The Heavenly Lord Hot Pot Festival?"
San Shier gestured towards the pond's edge. Hong Chengchou's gaze followed, and he saw hundreds of massive cauldrons simmering in the open area by the water, their bubbling broths looking incredibly enticing. Beside them, numerous large tables were spread out, each piled high with a diverse assortment of ingredients.
Meats and vegetables, seafood and land creatures, and even delicacies from the skies...
In this year of crippling drought, how could this single village possess such an extravagant and diverse array of food?
Was this some elaborate deception?
Hong Chengchou's attention was instantly, utterly captivated.
San Shier smiled. "The retainers and soldiers accompanying you, my lord, tasked with escorting the grain, must undoubtedly be weary and ravenous. Why not join our Heavenly Lord Hot Pot Festival? With an abundance of both meat and vegetables, you can all enjoy a truly satisfying meal."
Hong Chengchou glanced back. Indeed, every one of his subordinates appeared utterly exhausted and starving. As they gazed at the hundreds of cauldrons ahead, the words "I want to eat!" were practically etched onto their faces.
"Hmm," Hong Chengchou grunted.
Hong Chengchou, ever mindful of his retainers' welfare, stated in a low voice, "Go, then. Participate discreetly, mind your table manners, and above all, do not disturb the local populace."
His hundred-odd retainers, along with the hundreds of soldiers and laborers escorting the grain, erupted in a collective cheer, surging towards the vast array of bubbling cauldrons.
And thus, the Heavenly Lord Hot Pot Festival officially commenced!
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