He had walked a long distance and detoured to evade the bandit army, failing to rest in Heyang County. Hong Chengchou was both tired and hungry.

But as he sat on his horse, his demeanor remained impeccably composed, with no wrinkle on his clothes and no sign of fatigue on his face. He appeared straight, dignified, and utterly unperturbed.

When passing through Zhengjia Village, he was slightly surprised; the area seemed to have rained recently, with abundant green grass growing everywhere and trees looking vibrant. The fields appeared freshly harvested for wheat, many stalks still left behind.

In the village, there was even a big pond with a pool of clear water.

This puzzled him a bit.

Yet water was always welcome. Hong Chengchou ordered his men to fetch a basin of fresh water. He took out a comb to tidy his hair, then washed his face to refresh himself. He, Hong Chengchou, could not be seen looking disheveled; at all times, he must maintain an impeccable attitude.

At the west entrance of Zhengjia Village, he saw a strange gray “stone road” running alongside the official path, which astounded him further.

Out of caution, he avoided walking on that odd “stone road” and instructed his men to continue on the official path. They walked and walked; after six li, Gaojia Village came into view.

“What village lies ahead? Report quickly!”

The scout on duty promptly responded, “Master, it appears to be Gaojia Village. Two years ago, when I passed through, it was a small desolate village. I don’t know why, but it’s transformed into a large town now.”

Hong Chengchou frowned and thought it over. “In recent years, the great drought and roaming bandits have forced common folk to flee everywhere. Here, signs of rain are evident: crops can be grown and wild vegetables gathered. Refugees converging to build up a big town is understandable; nothing unusual about it. Stop overreacting like you’re a simpleton who hasn’t seen the world. Remember the Hong family motto: behavior—always mind your composure and avoid others’ ridicule.”

The servant hastily composed his expression.

Hong Chengchou said, “Since there’s a large town, we can pause to rest for a bit. Let’s go.”

The Hong family servants escorted the grain convoy and slowly entered Gaojia Village.

Shi Jian, the sentinel of Gaojia Village’s militia, spotted them from afar and rushed back to report. Then Cheng Xu immediately hid himself in the background, while Thirty-Two emerged to greet them with Gao Yiye and some scholars.

No one dared to neglect a fourth-rank court official.

Li Daoxuan’s focus intensified at once. Hong Chengchou had long been infamous; if Li Daoxuan wielded his “Thanos Hand” now, he could instantly crush this top-ranked traitor in “Records of Turncoat Officials”.

But…

Was this truly right?

Hong Chengchou would surrender over a decade later—a future event that hadn’t happened yet.

Could someone be judged over something that hadn’t occurred?

It didn’t seem right!

In Marvel movies, when Deadpool traveled back before WWII and saw the infant Hitler, he didn’t kill him either.

Unhappened matters didn’t need to occur; the best way was not to let a person face that trial.

Li Daoxuan sighed softly: Hong Chengchou! Maybe… with me present this time, I won’t let you hit rock bottom. I’ll hold off on killing you for now.

Hong Chengchou and his party entered Gaojia Village maintaining their stately composure.

All the Hong family servants appeared energetic, imposing, and kept their gaze forward, while Hong Chengchou stood even taller, chest out, looking dignified and grand.

Though he appeared not to glance aside, his eyes darted swiftly, rapidly appraising everything in Gaojia Village.

The fortress with walls three zhang high indicated that the village’s gentry held formidable power, beyond that of ordinary wealthy families.

In the village were harvested wheat fields and colorful markets…

A strange large vehicle???

At the sight of the huge small train, Hong Chengchou nearly lost his composure and displayed a look of astonishment—like a country bumpkin. He forced himself to control his facial muscles to prevent any distortion.

“Don’t panic, composure!” It must be Westerners’ tricks; Westerners love concocting such bizarre contraptions. If this official expressed shock, those barbaric Westerners would surely mock him.

At that moment, Thirty-Two stepped forward. “I am Thirty-Two, Steward of the Li Family in Gaojia Village. My apologies for the late welcome.”

Without speaking, Hong Chengchou let his servant state for him, “Our master is Mr. Hong Chengchou, Shaanxi Grain Transport Supervisor, responsible for escorting the court’s military supplies. Passing through, we plan to stay overnight.”

This was far from unusual!

It was common practice for high court officials on duty to seek lodging from wealthy households. The hosts typically entertained them well and farewelled them properly, building goodwill in return.

Perhaps one day, this grand official might extend a favor.

Thirty-Two naturally grasped this unwritten rule and smiled. “If Mr. Hong chooses to visit, we’re most delighted to receive you. I will arrange your quarters immediately.”

Just then, Gao Yiye whispered in Thirty-Two’s ear, “The Deity has ordered: invite Hong Chengchou to the Hot Pot Festival and tease him a little.”

Thirty-Two absorbed this, his smile unwavering, and continued, “By the way, our village happens to be holding the ‘Deity Hot Pot Festival’ today. While you await arrangements, Mr. Hong, why not take a look?”

A question mark formed above Hong Chengchou’s head. “Deity Hot Pot Festival?”

Thirty-Two gestured toward the pond area, drawing Hong Chengchou’s gaze. There, on open ground next to the pond, he saw hundreds of big pots boiling water, their bubbling broth enticingly inviting. Alongside them stood numerous large tables, each laden with varied ingredients: meat, vegetables, seafood, and more…

Amid this severe drought, how did this village possess such diverse foods?

Was this real?

Hong Chengchou’s attention fixed itself there instantly.

Thirty-Two smiled. “Your Excellency, the servants and Military Gentlemen you brought must all be weary and hungry. Why not participate in the Hot Pot Festival? With meat and dishes, enjoy a hearty meal.”

Hong Chengchou glanced back; truly, his men were all tired and hungry. Gazing at the scores of boiling pots, “eat now” was written plain on every face.

“Hmm!”

Hong Chengchou cared deeply for his servants and gravely said, “Proceed! But partake prudently, heed your eating manners, and do not disturb the local populace.”

The hundred-plus servants, soldiers, and porters he commanded burst into cheers together and charged toward the row of boiling pots.

Thus, the Deity Hot Pot Festival officially kicked off!