Is everyone here today because of the great good thing that this city lord promised earlier

Meanwhile, preparations for the Anyang Grand Music Festival were drawing to a close.

The majestic high platform in the center of the city was already draped in a long carpet, red as fresh blood.

If one looked from a sharp enough angle, they could catch shadowy glimpses behind the stage—dancing girls waiting to perform, or perhaps songstresses preparing to belt out a soul-stirring melody.

Surrounding the main stage was the slightly lower "Second Tier."

Though these wooden platforms were newly constructed by carpenters, they were also carpeted and set with exquisite tables and chairs.

There was still some time before the Grand Festival, but fragrant pastries and clear tea had already been laid out on the tables.

These seats were reserved for the city's heavyweights, a display of their esteemed status.

Further down was the "Third Tier," which sat a meter lower than the second.

Also carpeted, it featured standard round tables and benches rather than the individual table-and-chair arrangement found above.

This area was designated for the servants of the dignitaries and for those with only a modicum of status to eat and drink.

Below the Third Tier, the carpet ended.

Rows of long tables lined the street, awaiting the return of the parade procession, where they would dine.

It was said the meal would be lavish, featuring heavy meat dishes, with all expenses borne by the City Lord's Manor.

Aside from the dragon dancers, the elderly were also invited to dine here for free—a gesture of filial respect from the City Lord.

Beyond that lay the solid brick pavement.

This was where the vast majority of commoners would watch the performance.

Of course, those with deep pockets could rent high-floor rooms in nearby restaurants, opening their windows to admire the view from above.

But on an occasion like this, anyone with that kind of financial clout had likely already secured a seat on the Second Tier.

Networking with other bigwigs was far more meaningful than watching some trifling song and dance.

Fortunately, the overall design was clever enough that even the commoners standing at the very bottom could catch a glimpse of the scenery on the main stage.

However, what everyone truly cared about at this Anyang Grand Music Festival was the final segment.

The City Lord himself had stated that he had a great announcement benefiting the entire city, to be declared publicly at the end of the festival.

Just as the whole city waited with bated breath...

Clang!

A melodious bell chimed from the central clock tower, echoing through every corner of Anyang City.

The bell rang twelve times, signaling the arrival of noon.

Several dragon dance teams winding through the streets let out a synchronized dragon roar as the final bell toll faded, concluding their five-hour patrol.

Sweat-drenched men carrying massive dragon heads and bodies converged from all directions, drawing waves of cheers from the citizens lining the streets.

The Anyang Grand Music Festival had officially begun.

The high plaza in the city center was already a sea of people.

On the outermost periphery, countless ordinary citizens stood on tiptoe, craning their necks in an effort to see the high platform, their faces beaming with genuine joy.

Seated on the Third Tier were the stewards of moderately wealthy merchants. Holding teacups, they chatted cheerfully with acquaintances at neighboring tables, occasionally casting envious glances toward the higher Second Tier.

The Second Tier was where the true figures of consequence sat.

Owners of major trading firms and prestigious local gentry sat there, dressed in splendid clothing. Attended by servants, their every gesture exuded the calm composure of the privileged.

Their conversations were hushed, their smiles perfectly measured—appearing intimate without losing their dignity.

The highest Main Stage, however, remained empty.

A single Grand Preceptor's chair sat upon the gold-threaded red carpet, bathed in the noon sunlight.

Just as the crowd began to whisper among themselves, a small commotion rippled from the rear.

"Look! It's the City Lord's carriage!"

Someone shouted, and all eyes snapped in that direction.

A carriage forged entirely from black iron, flanked by two squads of guards, was slowly approaching.

The carriage was not luxurious—perhaps even a bit plain—but the insignia of the Anyang City Lord's Manor on its side caused everyone to subconsciously hold their breath.

The carriage came to a steady halt before the carpeted steps.

A young servant waiting nearby immediately trotted over with a small three-step wooden ladder, waiting respectfully by the door.

The curtain was lifted from the inside.

Under the gaze of thousands, the City Lord of Anyang slowly stepped down from the carriage.

He wore a dark purple brocade official's robe, with a piece of high-quality warm jade tied at his waist. His expression was gentle, and the corner of his mouth held a perfectly measured smile that made one feel as if bathed in a spring breeze.

"City Lord!"

"Congratulations, City Lord!"

The gentry and wealthy merchants on the Second Tier rose one after another, cupping their hands in salute, their faces piled high with fawning smiles.

The City Lord did not rush to the stage. He smiled and nodded to the crowd, then stepped onto the Second Tier at an unhurried pace.

He exchanged pleasantries with familiar merchants and patted the shoulder of a highly respected old squire, his words kind and his posture humble, without a trace of bureaucratic arrogance.

The old squire who had been patted on the shoulder flushed with excitement, his back straightening a few inches as he drew envious looks from those around him.

The City Lord walked through, greeting everyone on the Second Tier.

Only then, amidst a chorus of compliments, did he slowly ascend to the highest Main Stage.

The noise in the plaza came to an abrupt halt the moment he turned to face the crowd.

Tens of thousands of eyes focused solely on him.

The smile on the City Lord's face deepened. He raised both hands and pressed them gently downward.

"Everyone... elders and folks of Anyang."

His voice was not loud, yet it traveled clearly across the entire square, carrying a gentle, persuasive power.

"Today is our Anyang City's annual Grand Music Festival."

"I, as the City Lord, thank you all for your support."

With that, he bowed deeply toward the audience below.

Seeing this, the citizens erupted into thunderous cheers and applause.

"Peace to the City Lord!"

"If not for the City Lord, how would we have the good life we have today!"

The City Lord straightened up and pressed his hands down again. Once the applause subsided slightly, he spoke again.

"I know that everyone came today not just to watch the excitement, but because you want to know about the great thing I promised earlier."

He deliberately kept them in suspense, making the crowd even more curious.

"This matter concerns the future rise and fall of Anyang City, and it concerns the welfare of every single person here."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the expectant faces below, his smile growing increasingly mysterious.

"But before that, I invite you all to enjoy a song and dance performance presented by the girls of the Spring Breeze Pavilion for our Anyang Festival."

As his voice fell, the crisp sound of jade ornaments clinking rang out from behind the main stage.