While frantically pouring tea, Beidou explained to Su Yu.

"It's a toy you couldn't afford as a child, and you only bought it now that you have the money. Being able to fulfill a childhood regret is ultimately a heartwarming thing."

Beidou has a tragic history.

When she was little, she chased a stray dog ​​that had stolen her rice cake and ended up in a small fishing village near Wangshu Inn. The village chief took pity on her and took her in.

But the village chief died soon after, and the fishing village encountered a year of poor fishing, with almost no harvest for every household. The villagers believed that Beidou had killed the wild dog, killed the old village chief, and brought bad luck to the fishing village, so they vented their anger on the young Beidou.

Beidou desperately explained that she was not a jinx, but the angry villagers said that the name "Beidou" meant a star of death, and they drove her out of the village...

"Alas, I know I can't hide it from Your Highness. As you said, these things were indeed bought after I earned money, to make up for the regrets of my childhood. When I was little, I really liked those conch shells, but I couldn't afford them. Every time I passed by a stall selling conch shells, I would stand at a distance and watch for a long, long time. That was my only joy in my childhood."

Su Yu and he exchanged tea.

"It's hard to imagine that in the kingdom ruled by the Geo Archon, there are still many people in Liyue who have difficulty even getting enough to eat. The gods are high above, how could they know the suffering of the people?"

Beidou sighed softly: "Lord Ningguang's childhood was even more tragic than mine. She also came from a poor family and was almost sold to a brothel at a very young age. Later, she learned from the adults, carrying bamboo baskets and shoulder poles, and sold goods barefoot in the streets and alleys. Only then did she accumulate her first pot of gold. Later, through unremitting efforts, she slowly rose to the position of Tianquan Star today."

"It sounds like your relationship with Ningguang isn't as tense as outsiders say. In fact, you heroes appreciate each other."

"What kind of hero am I? Your Highness is the hero. Actually, I admire Liyue for the prosperity it has achieved under her management over the years, but to say that we share a mutual respect is absolutely unrealistic."

When the conversation turned to familiar topics, Beidou said with great enthusiasm, "Our 'Southern Cross' fleet has been roaming the underworld for years, often violating the laws of Liyue. The fines we've been fined are enough for me to buy a few more large ships. My brothers hold a deep grudge against her. A few times before, Ningguang and I played chess, and she lost a lot of money to me. When my brothers found out about this, they celebrated on the ship for three days and three nights, bragging about it to everyone they met."

“I’ve heard about it. After this incident, the merchants of Liyue have shown you great respect, not because you won Ningguang’s money, but because you dared to win her money.”

Listening to the truly legendary figure in front of him boast about his past, Beidou became embarrassed.

"Your Highness, don't listen to their boasting. Your great achievements in reforming the winter are what truly deserve respect."

While sipping his tea, Su Yu smiled and said, "Captain Beidou, I also came to Liyue to play a game of chess with Ningguang. How about I win all the money she has, just to help your subordinate vent her anger?"

At that moment, Beidou was stunned.

After a long pause, she replied, "That's wonderful! Your Highness, I really want to see her bankrupt, haha. But with her abilities, it'll be easy for her to start over from scratch. Anyway, I'm not worried about her at all."

“In that case, once we reach the shore, if you’re not busy, Captain Beidou, I’d like to have a guide. Liyue’s streets are interconnected, and having someone you know well by your side will save a lot of unnecessary time.”

Beidou readily agreed, saying, "I'd be happy to serve Your Highness. With me protecting you, no one in Liyue will dare to bully you."

Su Yu nodded slightly.

Beidou's personality is always so dashing.

However, he likes women with strong personalities.

"Your Highness, could you please wait outside for a moment? I need to make some preparations to ensure the guide's safety."

"can."

Su Yu left her room and went back up to the deck.

Chapter 53 The Dragon King's Sea Patrol

Beidou redefined the meaning of the phrase "wait a moment" for women for Su Yu.

As the "Dark Star" and "Imperial" warships were about to arrive at the port of Liyue, Beidou emerged from the cabin.

Su Yu finally understood why it had taken her so long.

Beidou changed into a brand new cheongsam. Although it was the same style as the one she wore before, it was noticeably tighter around her waist and bust, making her figure even more stunning than before.

She had freshly washed her hair, which was still damp with moisture, and had changed her boots to those with higher heels, making her appear even more upright.

The most significant changes were to her eyelashes and lips.

Her eyelashes were noticeably lengthened with some kind of tool, and she was also wearing bright lipstick. A layer of white foundation was applied to her cheeks, and she was paired with a pair of jade earrings. The unkempt tomboy had instantly transformed into an elegant and refined beauty.

"How dare you! Who are you? Where is Captain Beidou? What have you done to her?"

The moment Beidou appeared, the crew members quickly drew their long swords and surrounded her.

"You're all blind! You don't even recognize me!"

Although he dressed up, his fiery temper remained unchanged.

"Huh? Captain... Captain, what happened to you?"

Beidou, hands on her hips, demanded, "Is it good-looking?"

"Hehe, beautiful, beautiful! Our captain is even more beautiful than Lady Ningguang and Lady Keqing. Don't you guys agree?"

"That's right, our leader is simply a fairy descended from heaven, the most beautiful woman in the seven kingdoms."

Beidou laughed and cursed, "Get lost! If you keep looking, believe me, I'll gouge out your eyes and feed them to the fish!"

The crew members quickly lowered their heads, but they still occasionally stole glances at Beidou.

Beidou walked straight to Su Yu's side and gave a slight bow.

"Dragon King Beidou, come forward!"

Although Beidou is not an official member of Liyue, she enjoys considerable prestige among the people. She is known for her loyalty, righteousness, and skill in wielding a greatsword, and is called the "Uncrowned Dragon King".

At this time, Beidou still had the demeanor of a big sister, but after careful dressing and makeup, she transformed from a female pirate captain into a valiant and beautiful female knight-errant.

Her bow was, of course, to hear Su Yu's opinion.

As the saying goes, a woman dresses up for the man she loves, and this outfit was carefully prepared so that she could act as Su Yu's guide.

"When the Dragon King patrols the sea, the wind sweeps up the clouds. My opinion is the same as that of my brothers. It is more beautiful than the radiant light of the Tianquan Star and surpasses the clear sky of the Yuheng Star."

Beidou was embarrassed by the praise and hurriedly lifted her skirt to get off the boat.

"Hey, Your Highness, I'm waiting for you up ahead."

Liyue Harbor was already packed with people.

Yesterday, the three consecutive snowfalls at Qunyu Pavilion shocked the entire Liyue Kingdom. Merchants gathered there to warmly welcome the arrival of the Winter Solstice delegation, together with the common people.

Five of the "Liyue Seven Stars" personally attended, but Ningguang and Keqing were the only ones missing. They said they were preparing for tonight's banquet, but everyone knew they were simply saving them for the grand finale.

After meeting with the high-ranking officials of Yuehaiting, Su Yu shook hands with the officials of the Eight Gates of the General Affairs Department. Only after finishing all this did he instruct the Lady of Hidden Mirror to lead the delegation to the courtyard they had arranged for them to stay.

He himself left the city gate with Beidou and headed towards the outskirts of Liyue.

Immediately, the merchants who had come to watch, the onlookers, and the soldiers of the Thousand Rock Army maintaining order stared at each other, as if asking one another:

What's happening here?

Why did the prince suddenly leave the city at the winter's end?

Is it dissatisfaction with Liyue's welcoming ceremony, or is it an attempt to project an air of mystery?

Curiosity drove them to follow him out of the city, creating a spectacle in Liyue's history:

On the day the Winter Mission arrived, tens of thousands of people, merchants, and guards from Liyue Harbor followed Prince Winter to the outskirts of the city.

"Your Highness, are you really going to that little fishing village that drove me out back then?"

Halfway there, Beidou asked again, sounding surprised.

"of course."

“Liyue City is much more interesting than a small fishing village. Besides, it’s not right for you to leave those adults and many wealthy merchants of Moonsea Pavilion standing aside.”

Su Yu smiled calmly and said, "When the Dragon King patrols the sea, the wind and clouds come together. Now, the Dragon King is returning home in glory with the Prince of Zhidong. I think there is nothing more meaningful than this. Captain Beidou, don't overthink it. This is a reward for your painstaking makeup."

Beidou roughly understood Su Yu's idea; he was trying to support himself and pat himself on the back.

Ignoring a group of high-ranking officials and nobles, they chose to go to a small fishing village with him. Even Ningguang would be jealous of this face, and even the Rock King Emperor would be alarmed. What would the villagers think?

Even so, she was still filled with inner turmoil as she faced the small fishing village that had cast a long shadow over her childhood.

So many years have passed, and even though she is now somewhat famous, she has never returned.

The villagers' words that she represented an ominous "death omen" were the deepest thorn in her heart, or perhaps a demon, that constantly tormented her.

She lost her parents when she was young, and the village chief of the small fishing village who took her in died of illness. It seemed that whoever got close to her would be cursed to death.

Many times, Beidou really feels like it's a jinx.

He joined the Southern Cross fleet because he didn't want to cause the deaths of others, and he preferred to live a dangerous life of constant wandering at sea and licking blood from the edge of a knife.

"Everyone says Captain Beidou is decisive and efficient, but why is he so indecisive today? The scenery of Dihua Island is quite nice, and I also know that there is a famous inn called Wangshu Inn nearby in Liyue. Shouldn't Captain Beidou, as a guide, dutifully explain the local customs and culture to me?"

"It was my fault, Your Highness."

Beidou bit her lip, trying to dispel the hesitation and unease in her heart.

Perhaps it was time to confront her inner demons. The confusion in her eyes vanished, and a defiant smile returned to her lips.

Today, the little-known fishing village welcomed its most distinguished guest in history.

When news of Prince Zhidong's visit spread through the village, the old village chief and the villagers were overjoyed, but their faces immediately darkened when they saw the woman beside the prince.

The newly appointed village chief questioned, "Big Dipper, Death Star, why did you bring disaster upon His Highness the Prince?"

"Your Highness, stay away from that woman! She's a jinx! She's ruined our village!"

"That woman is said to be a bad woman in our village."

Not only adults, but even children think so.

Beidou was very frustrated. The small fishing village had taken her in years ago and had indeed done her a favor. She didn't want to have a direct conflict with the villagers, so she turned around and wanted to leave.

Unexpectedly, after so many years, he still couldn't be accepted by the people in the small fishing village.

Su Yu patted her shoulder lightly, then said to the villagers, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am not here for sightseeing, but at the invitation of Miss Beidou, to come to this small fishing village to taste your local specialty, grilled tigerfish. I heard from Miss Beidou that this tigerfish has delicious meat and extremely high nutritional value, making it a rare delicacy."

"Ah...right..." The old village chief was speechless for a moment, but quickly recovered, "Your Highness, tigerfish is indeed a type of fish unique to our village. You can't eat it anywhere else."

Prince Zhidong specifically requested grilled tigerfish, which is a golden opportunity for publicity!

Tigerfish has always been a specialty fish of the small fishing village, but it's a pity that there's a lack of opportunities to promote it, so many people don't know about it. If we can seize this business opportunity and advertise tigerfish, we won't have to worry about sales in the future.

The tigerfish's growing reputation will also boost sales of other fish, which is like a godsend for the small fishing village.

The old village chief hurriedly pulled Beidou aside and said with a kind smile, "Beidou, you are truly our village's lucky star. Please invite His Highness into the village to taste the grilled tigerfish!"

Chapter 54 Lucky Star

Lucky Star?

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like