Soon, a city gate with an arrow tower came into view. It had no city walls as a defensive system and probably only served as a symbolic entrance and exit.

It's also possible that it wasn't built in time, since Guili County was a new city and its governor was still Lord Ji Ming.

You're playing both sides, Lord Ji Ming.

For once, Qin felt a hint of resentment towards Ji Ming. Wouldn't it be better to be more devoted?

After presenting the young emperor's handwritten decree, the heavily armored soldiers quickly took on the role of guides, boarding the carriage and beginning to direct the coachman.

Lisa lifted the curtain: "Sir, may I ask what 'Sifang Pavilion' is? Is it... the little emperor's private estate?"

Upon hearing this, the soldier was taken aback and said with great surprise, "How could that be? The Emperor does not live in Guili County. Furthermore, even if you are a foreign dignitary, do not even think about staying in the Emperor's residence. Sifang Pavilion is only a high-class residence for people like you."

"Oh, I see. Thank you for clearing up my confusion, sir."

Lisa lowered the curtain, shrugged, and chuckled mischievously in a low voice, "Hehe~ Leader Qin, it seems we can't send you to Little Cutie's private estate, what a pity."

"Let's not talk about that now. Lisa, come and take a look. There seems to be a speech on the main street ahead."

"speech?"

It's probably storytelling. Liyue rarely hosts speeches, but storytelling is quite common.

Lisa leaned closer and was surprised to find that someone was actually giving a speech. She became interested and began to listen attentively.

He was a young scholar, holding a newly written memorial in his hand, passionately proclaiming his views to a large crowd. The crowd's emotions seemed to be ignited as well, and they were just short of marching with flags in hand.

There were no inappropriate words or phrases; it was simply an emotional outburst, and the wording was extremely strong, almost to the point of pointing fingers at a foreign organization and cursing it out.

Lisa cupped her face in her hands, her voice full of laughter: "Wow, the anti-winter sentiment is quite strong in Guili County."

Qin corrected, "It's the Anti-Foolish Clan. That young gentleman didn't mention Zhidong. It wouldn't be good if others heard you say that. Don't cause trouble for Lord Ji Ming."

Honestly, even though the Fatui were not mentioned, she could still guess. After all, they are the only organization on the Teyvat continent that goes to other people's homes every day, which is very annoying.

"Oh my~ So you're speaking up for the cutie. The leader of the harem who forgets her friends for the sake of a pretty boy is kind of cute."

Qin coughed softly and said, "In short, it's the time when foreign envoys are gathering in Guili County, and we absolutely cannot let Lord Jiming down."

"Okay, whatever you say~"

Qin felt that Lisa had seen through her little thoughts, but it didn't matter, as long as she didn't expose her.

Chapter 195 Qin escaped like the wind (4000 words total)

As night deepened, the newly installed streetlights on the streets of Guili County gradually lit up. The citizens of Guili County, having finished their day's work, had already gone home, and those who finished get off work early had even turned off their lights and gone to bed early.

Guili County is very young, and every citizen here needs to work hard for the future of the new city. Although there is a mandatory eight-hour workday, they still choose to work overtime according to their own circumstances.

Of course, overtime work is regulated; under the Emperor's rule, no one dares to withhold employees' wages.

Unlike the local residents who went to bed early, the Mondstadt delegation, who had already checked into the Four Directions House, showed no signs of fatigue. After enjoying a special dinner, Jean wanted to go out for a stroll.

Clearly, Qin is not the only one with these similar thoughts.

As soon as she stepped outside, Jean encountered an envoy from Sumeru. However, Mondstadt rarely had official exchanges with Sumeru, and she didn't recognize the envoys from Sumeru at all, which made her feel a little awkward.

However, being a perfect knight, Jean quickly composed herself and nodded in greeting, saying, "May the wind god protect you, esteemed messenger."

The envoy was expressionless, his short, smoky gray hair partially obscuring his left eye, giving him a cold and aloof appearance: "You must be the acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius. It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Elhesen."

Their attitude was surprisingly good, much better than the foolish envoys at the Winter Solstice.

Qin gave a polite smile and spoke appropriately: "Mr. Elhesen, are you also interested in the local customs and culture of Guili County?"

This acting leader seems to be trying to trick me into revealing information? What a hassle! I originally just wanted to stay in Sumeru to conduct research, but in the end I was appointed as an envoy and traveled all the way to Guili County to respond to the invitation.

He would never have accepted the position of "envoy" if it weren't for the fact that there was someone he wanted to see here.

Elhesen asked somewhat helplessly, "Is Commander Qin very interested in this place?"

Qin smoothed her hair and frankly admitted, "Yes, there is someone here who interests me, so I can't help but be interested. Mr. Elhesen, what about you?"

Their words were strange, but their thoughts were surprisingly in sync.

“I’m not interested in Guili County, but my senior from school works there, so I came here specifically to see him.”

"Senior?"

Qin was completely confused, but Elhesen had no patience to explain further. He said goodbye, turned around, and left the Four Directions Pavilion.

The strange Sumeru people didn't seem like the bookworms of legend.

Shaking her head, Qin also decided to leave the Four Directions Pavilion and search for a new Wind God in Guili County.

Following Al-Hysen's movements, just as Jean crossed the high threshold, she was blocked by a sinister-looking man.

"Are you the acting Grand Master of the Knights?"

"I am, are you?"

The man nodded, then lost interest and said casually, "Qing Kui, under the Emperor's command, invites Commander Qin to the Prefect's residence for a chat."

No words were spoken during the process. The Sifang Pavilion was less than 300 meters away from the Prefect's Residence, and Qin quickly arrived at the magnificent Prefect's Residence, which was also the Emperor's current temporary palace.

Compared to the headquarters of the Knights of Favonius, this place is too understated. Perhaps it is due to the customs of Liyue, or perhaps Lord Ji Ming has no intention of building a palace at all, so he uses the local government as a temporary residence.

After completing the guiding task, the man named Qingkui gave a few instructions and then left the prefect's residence alone, seemingly having other work to attend to.

This man doesn't seem like a good person.

Well, Lord Ji Ming has his reasons for selecting officials, and I have no reason to question them.

Summoned by the Emperor, Qin was overjoyed and strode towards the central government office. Just before entering the main hall, she quickly slowed down, pretending to be indifferent, and steadily entered the office.

"You're here? Sit down and rest. You must be exhausted after two months of travel," Ji Ming said without looking up, as if he had directly confirmed Qin's location. "I know you're upset, but I have my reasons."

Hmph, you've said all the good and bad things.

Qin obediently sat down, took a sip of the freshly poured teacup, and felt a little lost, unsure of what to say.

Gently setting down the memorial, Ji Ming said with a smile, "My lord, do you still remember the first time we met?"

"I remember, it was a year ago."

“That’s right, what I was back then is who you are now. A year ago, that little minion met the ruler of Mondstadt and didn’t know what to say.”

Looking around to make sure no one else was there, Qin made a suggestive remark: "Lord Fengshen really likes to joke. You were so lively back then, without any restraint, and you even made me a cup of black tea."

Ji Ming tapped the table and smirked, "Now, shouldn't we quietly switch roles?"

You're so knowledgeable, Lord Ji Ming.

She got up and walked to the glass storage cabinet where the tea was stored. She took out an inconspicuous bag of black tea from the corner and began to operate it skillfully and meticulously.

Qin placed the teacup on the table and repeated Ji Ming's words: "You just finished your official business. Have a cup of tea to relax before reading, otherwise your eyes will get tired."

"You're the one who needs to relax, Qin Tongzhang."

After quickly finishing his black tea and setting the cup aside, Ji Ming said meaningfully, "You're not quite yourself anymore."

Upon hearing this, Qin immediately tensed up, reached out and tugged at the hem of her skirt, holding her breath as she said, "W-what's wrong? Doesn't this outfit look like something a lady would wear?"

"Just because our status has changed, does that mean Leader Qin's attitude towards me should also change?"

Ji Ming crossed his legs and bluntly said, "Let me be frank, the former head of the ensemble would never have made me black tea. Now, aren't you being a little too obsequious?"

Having said that, Qin had completely grasped the attack and sarcasm in Ji Ming's words. She was momentarily annoyed, but due to the difference in their social status, she suppressed her anger and sincerely apologized:

"I apologize. I was too out of line and made Lord Wind God uncomfortable."

Goodness, if he had said this a year ago, the troupe leader might have thrown him out of the office, but now he's apologizing with a defiant expression, which is kind of cute in a contrast.

Hehe, let's add some spice.

"No, Master Qin, you're not devout enough. Why don't you let Barbara do it? Maybe that will bring me joy."

"You're so outrageous!"

Qin bit her lower lip, glaring angrily at Ji Ming, her beautiful eyes filled with indescribable emotions; at this moment, her heart was filled with grievances.

He always presented himself as a strong leader in Mondstadt. Commander Falgar took most of the main force with him. Mondstadt citizens often entrusted the Knights to do things. The Lawrence family often caused trouble. Little Klee often blew fish.

Qin had been forcing herself to stay focused at work, and she was already under immense pressure. She could only relieve her stress by reading romance novels.

Now, after being ridiculed, all the pent-up grievances I had been holding back suddenly burst forth.

Qin Shang could hold back her tears in front of strangers, but the person in front of her was the god she worshipped and believed in, and she was being mocked by her own wind god. Soon, her tears began to fall uncontrollably.

Qin didn't wipe away her tears. She ran over and closed the door and windows, then ran back again and stood beside Ji Ming, tears streaming down her face as she wept silently.

"Hey, hey, hey, you're a commander-in-chief, aren't you ashamed?"

Ji Ming was flustered and pulled out a few tissues to wipe Qin's tears, but she dodged to the side.

Qin was very stubborn: "You... God, you're really terrible!"

"Yes, yes, let's stop crying, okay? It'll sound awful if word gets out. People will think the Emperor is bullying the acting Grand Master of the Knights in a government office."

"That's the truth!"

"Okay, so let's stop crying for now, okay?"

Ji Ming's intention was not to bully Qin, nor did he intend to make her cry. He didn't have such a perverse sense of humor; he simply wanted to correct Qin's wrong attitude.

The situation was ambiguous from the start; anyone who didn't know better might think he had deceived the acting leader of the Qin University delegation.

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