Chapter 141: Chapter 141
Everyone looked towards the entrance of the Jade Chamber. Keqing strode in quickly on her high heels, with Baiwen behind her looking troubled, wanting to announce her arrival.
"What brings the Yuheng to my Jade Chamber?" Ningguang waved her hand, and Baiwen immediately breathed a sigh of relief, hurriedly leaving and closing the door.
Keqing said: "I said, I'll go to Inazuma."
Ningguang asked: "Oh? Didn't the Yuheng say earlier that affairs in Liyue were too complex, so you couldn't leave for now? Why the change of heart?"
Keqing said:
"It's nothing, I just feel that going to Inazuma is a significant matter. I'm not at ease, so I'll go along."
This statement would only fool a three-year-old child. Ningguang certainly didn't believe it. If one were to speak of Keqing's sudden change, it was because she learned that Jiang Ning was also going to Inazuma...
Ningguang narrowed her eyes:
"It's because of Jiang Ning, isn't it?"
Keqing was somewhat surprised that Ningguang had directly pointed it out, but she wasn't one to be coy. She frankly admitted:
"Yes, because there are many things I want to discuss with Jiang Ning. I originally thought that if Jiang Ning was staying in Liyue temporarily, I wouldn't leave either. But since Jiang Ning is going to Inazuma, I'll go along. We can talk on the way."
Ningguang said: "Yuheng, please note that this is work, not an opportunity for you to engage in romance."
Keqing was confused: "What romance? There's nothing of the sort. Don't make things up."
Seeing that Keqing didn't seem to be lying, Ningguang said:
"Then go ahead. Thank you for your efforts, Yuheng."
Keqing nodded, then said to Jiang Ning: "Well then, I look forward to working with you on the Inazuma trip."
Jiang Ning said: "Mm, I'll travel with you, but once we reach Inazuma, I'll need to act freely..."
Keqing nodded: "Don't worry, your status means no one can force you to do anything."
"But for your convenience, you'll still need to be under the name of the Liyue delegation," Ningguang said.
"Mm, alright."
Jiang Ning nodded, while Ganyu looked on with gentle eyes.
This trip to Inazuma, who knows what would happen. The qilin's sixth sense told her that Jiang Ning might be planning something big.
Ningguang's move, ostensibly to facilitate Jiang Ning's actions, was actually also telling the people of Inazuma that this heir of the Geo Archon was not only acknowledged by Rex Lapis but also by the people of Liyue.
Standing together through thick and thin - Inazuma should think carefully... Although apart from the Raiden Shogun, they couldn't think of any existence in Inazuma that could threaten Jiang Ning.
Keqing had come just to say this, and having delivered her message, she turned and left directly.
Eula said: "Miss Keqing is truly decisive and efficient."
Ningguang said: "You'll get used to it. Despite her agreeable appearance, she's a genuine workaholic."
Jiang Ning couldn't help saying: "Sister Ningguang, don't you often work overtime too?"
Ningguang rested her jade-like face on her hand: "Me? At least I know how to relax properly in my free time, unlike Keqing who only knows how to work all day."
Ganyu looked up in confusion, wondering why she felt like she was being caught in the crossfire.
Jiang Ning said: "By the way, Eula, did you know? The game that's popular all over Liyue, 'Liyue Millennial,' was created by Sister Ningguang."
Eula said: "Really? I play it sometimes in my free time. It's quite popular in Mondstadt too... It's even comparable to the Genius Invokation TCG game from Sumeru."
Ningguang smiled modestly: "It's just a small trick, only known in Liyue and Mondstadt, unlike Genius Invokation TCG which is popular across all of Teyvat."
Jiang Ning thought, of course, this Liyue Millennial is basically a Monopoly-style game with historical and business aspects. Only those interested in Liyue's history would know about it. For those who play for fun but aren't very interested in history, it's not as easy to get into as Genius Invokation TCG.
"Well, if we've finished discussing everything, shall we have a meal together?" Ningguang's eyes looked directly at Jiang Ning.
Ganyu became somewhat alert, shielding Jiang Ning behind her: "No need, Madame Ping has invited us over later. We'll be heading there soon."
Ningguang didn't insist: "That's a pity. We'll gather again another time then."
Ganyu nodded: "Then we'll be going."
Saying this, she pulled Jiang Ning and Eula away from the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang watched them board the floating stone and disappear from sight before withdrawing her gaze.
Looking at the documents on her desk, Ningguang suddenly chuckled softly.
This Ganyu, truly an interesting reaction. However, your protection won't be effective. A qilin guarding its food might work for now, but can you watch over him for a lifetime?
On the other side, Jiang Ning looked at Ganyu's behavior with curiosity:
"Senior Sister Ganyu, what's this about..."
Ganyu shook her head, the bells on her neck jingling, seeming like celestial music that could involuntarily relax people.
This was indeed a celestial instrument, capable of calming one's thoughts and emotions.
Ganyu also knew what was wrong with her. It was just a bit of selfishness. Because she was also a latecomer, she hoped that fewer people would share her Little Junior Brother.
Originally she wasn't so tense, but after Eula arrived, Ganyu became a bit nervous.
The Yuheng and Tianquan had also shown something, which made the little cocogoat even more anxious.
However, what triggered her most was something her master had said before.
At that time, Xianyun was troubled about when she would have grand-disciples.
So she did a divination, incidentally looking at the future fate lines of Jiang Ning.
The result was still mostly obscure, but the only thing that could be seen clearly was a star that was red to the point of being purple.
Looking closer, goodness, it was the Star of Romance, and the fate lines on it were absurdly numerous. Those relationship lines were like a ball of yarn messed up by a cat.
It was impossible to count how many lines there were.
Then Xianyun was overjoyed, while Ganyu felt numb.
Even when she secretly looked at the divination results again, she discovered something terrifying - among them, there seemed to be a line connected to a Constellation that looked like a crane...
After that, Ganyu didn't dare to think further.
She had to keep this secret.
Eula, seeing Ganyu's expression, guessed a few things. Although there was a bit of jealousy, Eula was the type to accept things as they were.
After all, as a noble, having many wives was something Eula was quite accustomed to seeing.
Truthfully, Jean and Barbara's father was considered to have married into the family, so having only one wife was very normal.
Even Diluc's late father, having only one wife, was considered unusual among Mondstadt nobles.
Not to mention those who prided themselves on being Lawrence nobles.
Although, it was basically only within the Lawrence family's own clan that they could practice polygamy.
However, Eula also had her own personality. If you want to have a harem, that's fine, but not just anyone can be accepted by the family.
On this point, Eula felt it necessary to have a talk with Ganyu and Shenhe.
She believed they would accept her views.
The three, each with their own thoughts, arrived at Yujing Terrace.
Madame Ping had already prepared tea and snacks, and Shenhe was also sitting nearby.
"You've arrived. This child Shenhe came early to help this old woman tend to the flowers and plants."
Madame Ping said cheerfully.
"Just helping with carrying water and such... Have you finished your business?" Shenhe shook her head.
"Yes, it's done. We'll be going to Inazuma later. Keqing will be going with me then," Jiang Ning said.
Shenhe said: "Then I should also..."
"Shenhe, you should stay behind. Though it's a bit blunt, for Jiang Ning, both you and Eula have already fallen too far behind. You should use the time while Jiang Ning is in Inazuma to cultivate with this old woman. You wouldn't want to become withered beauties after a hundred years while Jiang Ning remains unchanged, would you?" Madame Ping said.
She could see at a glance that compared to last time, this girl Eula had already lost her maiden essence. Combined with her coming to settle in Liyue Harbor with Jiang Ning, it was clear who was responsible.
So Madame Ping also treated Eula as one of their own.
Since they were family, she had to consider their future.
At the very least, she wanted to ensure they could stay together for a long time.
So Madame Ping decided not to hold back anymore and directly lead them onto the path of immortality.
"Mm, understood." Shenhe nodded.
Eula immediately understood and quickly said: "Thank you, Grandmother."
"It's nothing, just what us old bones should do," Madame Ping said.
"Hmph hmph hmph, are you all just going to ignore this Master Hu?" Hu Tao stood to the side with her hands on her hips, snorting.
Jiang Ning laughed: "What? Isn't Director Hu out promoting her business and finding clients?"
"Now that you mention it, I almost forgot. Look, isn't Inazuma at war? Why don't you help me promote my business in Inazuma while you're there?" Hu Tao patted Jiang Ning's shoulder and said.
Jiang Ning responded: "Let's not, that's not appropriate. Besides, I heard that the funeral customs in Inazuma are different from ours in Liyue."
Hu Tao pondered: "That's true... I'll ask that Zhongli guy when I get back if he knows about funeral rites in other countries. This Master Hu still has much to learn. I aim to expand and strengthen the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor across all of Teyvat!"
Now that would be a terrifying scene.
However, Eula was somewhat surprised. Shouldn't this Director Hu know Mr. Zhongli's identity? How could she be so casual?
Even Madame Ping, seeing Hu Tao's attitude, couldn't help but sigh. It seemed that Rex Lapis's decision to hide at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor back then had its own considerations. This child's attitude showed that no matter who Zhongli was or what his status was, she treated him normally.
Jiang Ning said: "Ahem... How's the insurance business going?"
As soon as this was mentioned, Hu Tao became excited: "This time, thanks to you, our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has been making a fortune! Moreover, with legal guarantees, we've eliminated most cases of insurance fraud. Thank you so much! This Master Hu will treat you to a meal sometime."
Jiang Ning said: "You think you can dismiss me with just one meal?"
Hu Tao thought seriously: "Then in the future, when it's time for your ascension ceremony, this Master Hu will personally handle it for you."
"Are you cursing me or what?" Jiang Ning felt a bit numb.
Hu Tao was still mortal, while he had already stepped onto the path of immortality. Once he obtained an Archon's body, he would directly ascend to become an Archon.
Hu Tao handling his ascension ceremony... was basically equivalent to wishing for his early demise.
Hu Tao said: "Oh come on, I'll work hard. Zhongli has also given me methods for cultivation. Don't worry, I'll try my best to outlast you."
Hearing Hu Tao's words, Eula couldn't help but ask:
"Has Miss Hu Tao always been like this?"
Ganyu said: "Well, Hu Tao's thoughts are indeed sometimes different from ordinary people."
Seeing that Hu Tao was about to launch into a long speech, Ganyu quickly said:
"Madame Ping, where are Yanfei and Yaoyao?"
"That child Yaoyao has gone back. I heard Beidou's fleet will be returning in a few days, so she went back to prepare some good things to welcome Beidou. As for Yanfei, that child is still very busy."
"She was supposed to come with this old woman, but she was called away midway. Seems there was some urgent matter. She's probably on her way to the Chasm now."
Madame Ping said.
"The Chasm... Is it safe?" Ganyu's gaze sharpened with worry.
"Don't worry, she's just in the outskirts, she won't enter the depths of the Chasm. Moreover, the Conqueror of Demons has been active in that area recently. I've also asked him to look after Yanfei a bit more."
"That's good." Ganyu breathed a sigh of relief. Without the burden of karmic debt, Xiao's strength was no longer comparable to before. Ganyu knew the power of the Yaksha Guardian when fully unleashed.
Although karmic debt could put Xiao into a state that could barely be considered a berserker enhancement, overall, it was a drag on his strength.
Eula was somewhat disappointed to hear that Yanfei wasn't there.
Madame Ping then said: "Eula, don't worry. When Yanfei returns, she'll come to see you. Also, here with us, just say whatever comes to mind. Don't worry, we're all family."
Experiencing this kind of familial care and concern from elders for the first time, Eula felt a warmth in her heart and nodded, saying: "Mm, alright..."
"Speaking of which, I should thank you for saving Yanfei back then. That child, always rushing headlong into things, and then getting into trouble. It's fortunate you were there. This old woman doesn't have much to offer, but I heard you use a claymore. Although I'm not extremely proficient, I can give you some pointers."
"For the next period of time, why don't you stay by my side?"
Madame Ping said.
"It was what I should have done, and Yanfei is also my friend... But still, thank you, Grandmother."
Eula, stunned by the sudden reward, quickly said.
"Good, good, you're a very polite and good child."
Madame Ping was still cheerful.
A group of promising young people gathered around her knees, and her old friend was likely to return soon...
Even the Streetward Rambler, whose mentality was declining with age, felt very happy at this moment.
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