My low-key cultivation of immortality was discovered by the emperor in my diary.

The imperial advisor's decree quickly spread throughout the entire Great Xia Dynasty.

The news of the casting of the Nine Tripods became the focus of discussion throughout the Nine Provinces.

The Great Xia Empire, located in the central part of the vast continent of Shenzhou, is an empire with a long history and a vast territory.

Its territory was divided into nine provinces, named Yongzhou, Jizhou, Yanzhou, Liangzhou, Yuzhou, Qingzhou, Jingzhou, Xuzhou, and Yangzhou, each with its own unique characteristics. (Note)

Jizhou in the north is vast and serves as the front line against foreign enemies.

The area is bordered by Youyan to the north, the Central Plains to the south, the sea to the east, and the Taihang Mountains to the west. It boasts a majestic landscape and ever-changing scenery.

Among the mountains and rivers, the Taihang Mountains stand majestically, winding like a giant dragon, with overlapping peaks and swirling clouds and mist, revealing the vastness of heaven and earth.

The people lived in peace and contentment, diligently engaged in farming and skilled in weaving.

The eastern provinces of Yanzhou and Qingzhou are nestled between mountains and the sea, with a terrain that slopes from east to west, featuring undulating mountains and crisscrossing rivers.

Its eastern coastline is long and winding, dotted with islands, rich in marine products, and filled with the sounds of fishing boats returning home at dusk.

The Taiyi Mountains stretch out majestically, with towering peaks and cascading streams and waterfalls, creating a series of captivating landscape paintings.

Xuzhou and Yangzhou in the south are bordered by Shandong to the north, the Yangtze and Huai Rivers to the south, the Yellow Sea to the east, and the Central Plains to the west. They have vast plains and numerous rivers and lakes.

Numerous famous mountains and beautiful waters dot the landscape, with rolling hills and lush greenery adding to its charm. The shimmering blue waters and the interplay of lake and mountain scenery create a breathtaking scene that has inspired countless poets and writers to pen their verses.

Moreover, the Jiangnan water towns, with their developed agriculture and thriving commerce, are highly desirable destinations. Their handicrafts, such as jade and lacquerware, are also renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship.

Yongzhou in the northwest boasts vast and magnificent mountains and rivers, and its people are simple, honest, and profound.

The people of Yongzhou are open-minded, hardworking, and simple, and they cherish nature and harmony. They have lived on this land for generations, mainly farming, and leading a self-sufficient life.

At the same time, Yongzhou was an important node on the trade route, attracting merchants from all over the world, which made Yongzhou's culture more diverse and inclusive.

Liangzhou in the west has a complex and varied terrain, with both towering mountains and beautiful valleys and streams.

With its towering peaks, swirling clouds and mist, and the Jialing River flowing through it, this land is blessed with abundant water and vitality.

Jingzhou, located in the southwest, is bordered by the Han River to the north and the Yangtze River to the south, with crisscrossing rivers and numerous lakes.

Here stand the majestic Jing Mountains, like a natural barrier protecting this land; and the winding Jing River, like a giant dragon, rushes endlessly across the plains.

Finally, there is Yuzhou in the central region, located in the heart of the Central Plains. It has a flat terrain, fertile fields stretching for thousands of miles, and rivers winding through it like ribbons, nourishing this rich land.

Famous mountains and great rivers dot the landscape, adding to the grandeur and beauty of Yuzhou's mountains and rivers.

……

The governors of the nine provinces reacted differently after receiving the imperial order.

Xuzhou has long been known for its thriving commerce and prosperous industries.

The governor of the state was astute and secretly calculated: "The Nine Tripods are national treasures. If Qingzhou can make a difference in this matter, it will surely enhance the status of Xuzhou in the court."

Therefore, he immediately ordered the gathering of skilled craftsmen and the preparation of materials, determined to win the first place in the matter of the Nine Tripods and make a name for himself.

In contrast, Yongzhou is located in the northwest frontier, where sandstorms rage and mountains are difficult to cross.

The governor of Yongzhou frowned upon receiving this order.

"Although the Nine Tripods are precious artifacts, the stability of the borders is the foundation of national peace. It would be unwise to waste national strength on such a nominal thing."

After considering this, he decided to remain inactive and observe the situation to avoid causing greater harm to the people on the border.

In the other states, opinions were also divided and no consensus could be reached.

Some governors, adhering to the people-oriented ideology, believed that the people's suffering should be addressed first, and then other matters should be considered.

Some governors also held a neutral stance, being skeptical of the efficacy of the Nine Tripods, fearing that it would only increase waste and losses.

Even more extreme, some argued that the new national advisor's actions were driven by self-interest and ambition, misleading the emperor and causing the court to collapse and the foundation of the nation to crumble.

Rumors also circulated among the common people, with some subtly criticizing the emperor for being unable to distinguish between loyalty and treachery, for being bewitched by a seductive woman, and for neglecting the fate of the nation.

Ultimately, they had never witnessed the power of ghosts, gods, demons, or monsters, and therefore disregarded the rumors about the capital.

For the general public, the casting of these nine tripods was undoubtedly a rare and grand national event.

In the alleyways, teahouses, and taverns, people sat together, discussing the news with great interest.

"Hey, brother, have you heard? The Imperial Advisor has ordered the casting of the Nine Tripods! This is a once-in-a-millennium event!" One man's eyes gleamed with excitement.

"That's right! I've heard that these Nine Cauldrons are ancient divine artifacts that can suppress the fate of the nation. Once the Nine Cauldrons appear, the country will be peaceful and prosperous!" Another person chimed in, his face full of anticipation.

However, not everyone was immersed in joy.

Someone sighed softly, their worry evident in their expression: "Although the Chu State Preceptor's actions are intended to pray for the well-being of the people, I fear that this massive project will ultimately fall on the shoulders of us ordinary folks, with increased taxes and burdens, and the hard times are about to return."

Upon hearing this, the surroundings fell silent. Everyone felt a chill in their hearts as they considered the remaining food supplies at home.

"Alas, no matter how good the Nine Tripods are, they can't compare to a full rice jar," someone lamented.

"That's right, we just hope for a good harvest next year, and we can't worry about anything else."

The children did not understand the adults' worries; they only heard that the Nine Tripods seemed to be magical things that could bring good luck and miracles.

So they found some mud and sculpted it into all sorts of crooked and twisted shapes, playing around with it.

However, the scene was quite different within the academies throughout the Great Xia Dynasty.

The students, some sitting, some standing, some quoting classical texts, and some expressing their own opinions, were having a lively discussion about the history and significance of the Nine Tripods.

Thus, the entire Great Xia Dynasty, from the imperial court to the marketplace, from the white-haired elders to the innocent children, was captivated by the casting of the Nine Tripods.

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Note: The names and geography of Kyushu are also based on Chinese history, but have been modified in a fictional way.