The saintess stood aside, handing out medicine to the elderly people who were queuing up.
They specifically stated that this time the elixir would only be given to the elderly.
This medicine has the effect of prolonging life and is especially effective in relieving common symptoms in the elderly such as rheumatic bone pain and heart and lung weakness.
Sunlight filtered through the sparse clouds, bathing her in a golden glow that made her figure appear even more sacred and warm.
The elderly people received the pills, some with slightly red eyes, too moved to speak, only nodding their thanks repeatedly.
Seeing this scene from not far away, Chairman Wang was at a loss for words.
The people of the Red Lotus Cult are really good at putting on airs.
"Hmph, it's nothing more than a tactic to win people over," Chairman Wang thought to himself.
However, it must be admitted that such actions have indeed won the favor and trust of many people.
After watching them finish distributing the pills, she stepped forward.
"The Holy Maiden is truly kind and benevolent; I admire her wholeheartedly. However, this world is turbulent, and people's hearts are complex. I wonder if the Holy Maiden has a long-term plan to ensure that the Red Lotus Sect's teachings truly benefit all people and are not exploited by those with ulterior motives?"
Chairman Wang's words carried a hint of probing.
Upon hearing this, the Crimson Lotus Saintess smiled gently, "The Guild Master is right. Since its establishment, the Crimson Lotus Sect has taken it upon itself to save all living beings and spread love. As for long-term plans, I think the best approach is to 'rectify the source and educate people's hearts.'"
At this point, the saintess paused slightly, her gaze sweeping over everyone present, and continued, "President Wang, you are a respected figure in this region, highly esteemed and virtuous. I hope to receive your guidance and support."
After she finished speaking, she looked at Chairman Wang with sincere eyes.
President Wang was slightly taken aback, then a complicated smile appeared on his lips. "You flatter me, Holy Maiden. I am but a mere merchant. How could I dare to offer any guidance?"
The two went back and forth, making excuses for each other for a while, before Chairman Wang finally found a reason to leave.
Just then, Situ Feng leaned close to Li Xi and whispered, "Xiao Yue, should we send some pills to President Wang? After all, she's the one in charge here."
Li Xi smiled slightly and shook her head, saying, "No need. We're all here to do business legitimately, and we haven't done anything wrong, so there's no need to please anyone. Besides, the entrance fee isn't cheap, and the daily rental fee isn't low either."
I can't have too much contact with President Wang right now, lest she recognize me.
After listening, Situ Feng thought for a moment and realized that Li Xi's words made sense.
Remembering his godfather's instructions, he turned around and got busy.
This year's trade fair saw far fewer merchants from other countries. The situation in many places was turbulent, so those people dared not travel across mountains and rivers to come.
Therefore, most of the people here are from Jingyuan, and the participation of various sects has made the venue much more lively.
The annual day for offering sacrifices to Heaven has arrived once again.
In the past two years, the border town has been repeatedly invaded. Foreign enemies have been constantly harassing the border, burning, killing, and looting, making life extremely difficult for the people.
The people in the city were filled with fear, terrified that the enemy would one day breach the city gates and break into their homes to plunder their valuables.
The year began with a snowstorm that killed many livestock and crops, leading to a severe famine in the spring.
The drought left farmers with no harvest and widespread suffering.
Although the imperial court allocated funds and grain in a timely manner, many places still could not receive sufficient assistance.
In addition, floods have occurred in many places, submerging large areas of farmland and houses, leaving more people without homes and livelihoods.
In this turbulent situation, people are filled with anxiety and fear about the future.
Therefore, the imperial court attached great importance to this sacrificial ceremony to Heaven.
This is not only a solemn sacrificial ceremony, but also a grand ritual to pray to the heavens for a peaceful and prosperous nation, favorable weather, and abundant harvests.
Last year, the emperor encountered an unexpected incident during the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, which plunged the entire scene into chaos.
To avoid repeating the same mistake, this year the emperor specially ordered the recall of 5,000 elite soldiers from the Military Affairs Battalion and secretly deployed them around the area to ensure safety.
These soldiers were all battle-hardened, well-trained, well-equipped, and powerful in combat.
They were positioned at various key locations, forming an impregnable defensive line to protect the emperor and the people participating in the sacrificial ceremony.
The sacrificial ceremony to Heaven went smoothly, and the emperor returned safely to the palace.
He had expected the Red Lotus Church to take this opportunity to cause trouble, but to his surprise, they never showed up.
This left the emperor feeling very puzzled and confused.
Li Xi's secret letter mentioned that the leader of the Red Lotus Cult planned to disrupt the sacrificial ceremony today, just like last year, and completely trample on the face of the royal family.
Today, his departure from the palace to participate in the sacrificial ceremony should be an excellent opportunity for the Red Lotus Church to assassinate him.
But why did they choose to remain inactive?
Could it be that the Red Lotus Cult Leader discovered his defenses? This possibility made the emperor ponder deeply.
If that's the case, then there are Red Lotus Cult members lurking around him who might even be able to see through the court's plans.
Once this idea emerged, it spread like wildfire in Emperor Wenyuan's mind.
His brows furrowed, and a resolute glint flashed in his eyes.
"Guards!" Emperor Wenyuan's deep and powerful voice echoed in the empty hall.
Immediately, a personal guard strode in, knelt down, and awaited instructions.
"Immediately issue orders to strengthen patrols at all key locations inside and outside the imperial city, paying particular attention to those who appear ordinary but are actually behaving strangely. At the same time, secretly investigate the Red Lotus Cult's movements within the city."
Li Xi, who had been waiting at the venue all day, did not receive any signals to take action.
A few days ago, the cult leader sent them to the trade fair to distract the imperial court and lower their guard.
After the sacrificial ceremony was disrupted, they took the Prince of Liang and the Emperor Emeritus hostage and headed to the palace gates, intending to force the emperor to abdicate.
She had already informed the emperor of this news, allowing him to take the opportunity to set up defenses and also ordering all the martial arts masters to be on standby at any time, so as to capture the leader of the Red Lotus Sect in one fell swoop.
But things did not go according to plan.
Had she been exposed? This possibility sent a chill down her spine.
That's impossible. She acted flawlessly, so how could the cult leader have noticed?
Unless... there is a spy among the emperor's men.
This thought, like a sharp, icy blade, instantly shattered the peace in Li Xi's heart.
She closed her eyes, trying to recall every detail, attempting to glean a clue from her chaotic thoughts that might reveal the secret.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps interrupted her thoughts.
It's Old Sun.
Once they reached a secluded spot, Elder Sun whispered, "The cult leader hasn't appeared..."
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