He changed Tiwat

"May I ask who this gentleman is?" Old Ke was not a respectable merchant, and he was unfamiliar with Han Fulai. Seeing that Han Fulai seemed determined to get rid of them, he became somewhat flustered.

Moreover, Ningguang's decision not to pursue the matter was conditional on signing a contract, which hasn't been signed yet!

He instinctively looked at Ningguang with pleading eyes, hoping to gain her protection.

"He is my temporary secretary who is traveling with me today, Vice Minister Han of Yuehaiting," Ningguang introduced to the two casually.

"Vice Minister Han is...that Vice Minister Han?" Old Xu felt his tongue was tied in knots.

“It’s that Deputy Minister Han,” Ningguang replied calmly.

It's that Han Fulai! Rumor has it that the wealthy merchant Maocai of Yujingtai offended him, and Han Fulai swiftly confiscated his property and exterminated his entire clan. Moreover, he's strong enough to fight Ba Che to a standstill!

Is this terrifying Deputy Minister Han going to severely punish me? Just thinking about it made Old Xu's legs start to tremble.

Ningguang glanced at Han Fulai with a half-smile, the meaning of which was probably, "See, you scared him."

Han Fulai twitched the corner of his mouth, thinking to himself, "I'm not some kind of devil."

He cleared his throat and asked his question: "First question, where did you hear the news that the Fontaine merchants would be buying up the luminous marrow?"

If the whole "shiny marrow" product scam is a fraud, then investigating the source of the information is the most crucial step. He absolutely must obtain this information to understand the truth.

Old Ke quickly replied, "It was at Wangshu Inn! During the Lantern Festival, Old Xu and I went to Dihua Isle to enjoy the scenery and met a merchant from Mondstadt. He had a few drinks with us, and we talked about him. His name was... what was it again..."

“His name is Landa! It seems he’s been staying near Wangshu Inn for some reason,” Old Xu quickly added.

“Yes, yes, he also has a daughter. We thought that since he brought his family along to do business, he didn’t seem like a swindler, so we believed him,” Old Ke said.

The two of them talked back and forth, afraid of not explaining in enough detail and angering the formidable Deputy Minister Han.

"Wangshu Inn...Landa..."

Han Fulai silently noted down the location and name, then asked the next question: "My second question is, where did you acquire this batch of Light Essence from?"

This is also an important question. If we're talking about who has the strongest motive for speculating, it's undoubtedly the owner of the goods. Knowing the owner's identity provides a clue for the investigation.

"It's...it's Lao Guan..." When Lao Xu mentioned this name, his face clearly darkened.

"Old Guan?" Han Fulai raised an eyebrow. This surname didn't seem to belong to any of the wealthy merchants in Liyue Harbor.

“Old Guan’s full name is Guan Hong. He was also a partner with us for a while. Like us, he did all sorts of businesses, basically doing whatever made money. And this guy was very lucky, making a lot of money through speculation! However…” Old Ke sighed and shook his head, “He suddenly sold off his assets a while ago, and this batch of goods was what he gave us back then.”

“Yeah… Hearing Lao Guan say things like ‘I don’t have long to live, so I should enjoy life’ made me very uncomfortable. If we can earn money but not live to spend it, what’s the point of making money?” Lao Xu shook his head as well.

“Guan Hong…” Han Fulai noted down another name, then asked the last question: “Third question, where did you borrow the money to buy the luminous marrow?”

Old Ke and Old Xu had told Ningguang before that they had borrowed money to do this business, and if the price of luminous marrow plummeted, they would be in debt. So, in this scam, there is of course another beneficiary, the lender.

As for the answer to this question, Han Fulai already had a premonition.

"Northern Bank!" Old Ke and Old Xu said in unison.

As expected. Han Fulai sighed softly... Fools, I'm begging you, please stop causing trouble and take a break! If you don't take a break, I'll have to work overtime too!

The interest-free loans offered by the Northern Bank were quite tempting. Old Ke and Old Xu, initially aiming to make a fortune, naturally thought that borrowing such interest-free loans from the Northern Bank was the most cost-effective option. However, the methods of elite debt collectors were far from lenient. If the two went bankrupt in this deal, they would likely face more than just financial losses.

With these clues, even without Ningguang's subordinates, he was confident that with the help of Gan Yu, Ke Qing, and Yan Fei, he could thoroughly investigate the "Radiant Marrow Fried Goods Case."

Behind this matter, either a Seven Stars mastermind or the Fools are up to no good, or even a conspiracy between some of the Seven Stars and the Fools—just thinking about this possibility made Han Fulai feel like he had thorns in his back, and he completely lost the mood for a vacation.

After that, Ningguang and Han Fulai took Lao Ke and Lao Xu back to the notice board at Chihuyan.

Lao Ke and Lao Xu solemnly apologized to Nan Nan, while Ning Guang handed over the power to deal with the two men to Nan Nan.

Seeing the two uncles looking dejected, Nan Nan surprisingly gave them a lecture and encouragement in a very old-fashioned way—"Liyue is undergoing a great upheaval that has not been seen in a thousand years. In this 'Age of Man,' everyone is crucial. So you two should keep going!"

Without a doubt, these are the words Ningguang used to say to the children.

As for the punishment for the two, the children decided that Old Ke and Old Xu would have to play the ghost and accompany them to the North Wharf to play hide-and-seek until they were satisfied.

For two middle-aged men, playing children's games in public is quite a scandal. Of course, compared to bankruptcy, the punishment is negligible.

Han Fulai and Ningguang took on the responsibility of guardianship, watching over the children at the dock.

If it weren't for the incident with the luminous marrow, this scene would have been quite heartwarming.

However, Han Fulai's current state of mind is anything but warm.

Seeing Han Fulai's somber expression, Ningguang took out her pipe and gently tapped Han Fulai's head.

"Are you talking bad about me in your head?" Ningguang asked with a smile.

"...How could I dare..." Han Fulai said, feeling wronged.

"Oh, it's not that you don't want to, but that you don't dare to?" Ningguang said, and then gently tapped him again.

"If you keep hitting me, I'll go crazy..." and my hairstyle will be messed up too... Han Fulai held his head.

Ningguang smiled and said, "Did you just think that my using those children as my informants is no different from those two businessmen using children?"

To be honest, Han Fulai had indeed thought about it, but this kind of thing is like your girlfriend asking you, "Is she prettier or is some other female celebrity prettier?" You can't tell the truth.

However, just as he was about to deny it, Ningguang didn't wait for his reply and continued talking on her own.

“When I first met the children, it was nothing like it is now. They would run away when they saw me, or they would tremble all over and be unable to say a word for a long time.”

There was a hint of loneliness in Ningguang's tone.

After all, Ningguang is a big name known to everyone in Liyue Harbor. Not to mention children, even Han Fulai was quite nervous when he first met Ningguang.

"But they gradually realized that I just wanted to be their friend. I also did my best to fulfill the duties of a good friend."

Ningguang watched the children playing, and the same gentle smile returned to her face.

"Besides playing with them, I also teach them knowledge, how to observe and analyze, and how to think... but I never teach them how to do business. Now, they are much more mature than their peers, both in their studies and in life, and they have gained confidence because of this maturity. I think this is also a beneficial thing for them."

"Not only is she a 'big friend,' Ningguang is also a teacher beloved by these children," Han Fulai said. He also deeply felt this teacher-student relationship—just like him and Zhongli. Although they didn't have a formal teacher-student relationship, Zhongli had taught him a lot since he entered Liyue.

Without Zhongli's guidance and help, Han Fulai's later plan to strengthen the Thousand Rock Army would not have happened, and Liyue's overall situation would probably be very different.

Besides Zhongli, there are actually two other people who can be considered his mentors.

One of them was his contractor and also his superior, Gan Yu. Gan Yu's teachings and example were the foundation upon which he was able to stand firm in the treacherous situation of Liyue. Even now, consulting Gan Yu when in doubt is a policy that Han Fulai has always adhered to. This executive secretary who has ruled Moonsea Pavilion for three thousand years always gives him a sense of clarity and understanding.

The other one was Ningguang, the woman who led him into the "Seven Realms of Governance in the Mortal World." If the information gap could be bridged, Han Fulai believed that Ningguang's strategic vision might not be inferior to Zhongli's. At times, he did indeed regard Ningguang as a mentor he could rely on.

In fact, without Ningguang's help, many of his plans, from the Immortal Invocation Ceremony to the Battle of Bache, would have been nothing but empty talk. It can be said that his achievements today are inseparable from Ningguang's support. From the night of the Immortal Invocation Ceremony, he and Ningguang had become a community of shared interests.

However, now...

“Well, maybe you could say that.” Ningguang lowered her head, toying with the pipe in her hand. “I didn’t have the opportunity to receive a good education when I was young, so I hope to pass on some of the experience I have accumulated now through education. Maybe one day in the future they will realize that in this world, besides equal exchange, there is also deceit and treachery… but that’s okay.”

"By then, they will surely be ready and qualified to become outstanding businessmen. Until then, I will protect them."

"Is this... training a successor? Sister Ningguang is still incredibly beautiful and has long been out of the question, isn't she?" Han Fulai said helplessly. Why are all the Seven Stars thinking about retirement these days? Uncle Tian is like this, and Ningguang is like this too... Zhongli, look at the good example you've set!

Ningguang raised her head and stared intently at Han Fulai.

"I will eventually grow old, and the seven stars will rise and fall; this is inevitable."

“But I hope that the name ‘Ningguang’ can live on, no longer representing me as a person, but becoming a symbol. In this way, my thoughts and actions can transcend the limits of time. This is the ‘infinity’ I pursue.”

Chapter 61 A Date with Ningguang (Final) [4k5]

“‘Infinite’…” Han Fulai pondered the word repeatedly, feeling that Ningguang’s words contained a profound meaning.

Time flies, youth fades, but the name "Ningguang" will continue to be passed down as a symbol... Is this what Ningguang meant by "infinity"?

Han Fulai still remembered that on the day they defeated the Demon God Oser, Ningguang had said something similar to the Liyue Asgardians—

"We, the Seven Stars, though mortals, are bound by contracts. The accumulated knowledge of the Seven Stars of each generation ensures that each generation leaves behind something worth inheriting."

So perhaps Ningguang already had the intention of passing on her legacy... Although these children are still young, under Ningguang's tutelage, they are influenced by what they see and hear, and their future achievements are probably limitless.

—Is this also Ningguang's "raising an army for a thousand days" strategy?

Ningguang turned her head and looked at the children playing, and said softly, "Whether you believe it or not, Xiao Han, I never really wanted to use these children to spy on others. It was just a 'game'. I just... simply like children."

“I believe it, because you can’t fake their expressions.” Han Fulai pointed to the corner of his mouth.

Ningguang then realized that, without her noticing, a gentle smile had crept onto the corners of her lips. It was a rare, genuine smile from Ningguang.

"When you're with them, there's no political intrigue, no business backstabbing. Only then can Ningguang truly relax. Is this some kind of 'healing'?" Han Fulai chuckled. Ningguang's love for children is probably like modern people's virtual cat-petting – a form of mental relaxation and healing.

“Cure? ...I guess so.” Ningguang gently twirled the pipe in her hand, turning her head to look at Han Fulai. “But children will eventually grow up...I really hope these days can last longer.”

Just then, Xiaolong, who was about to hide, ran past the two of them. Seeing that Ningguang was still standing there, Xiaolong grabbed Ningguang's arm with a dissatisfied look: "Sister Ningguang, come here, come here, you have to play with us too!"

Han Fu glanced at Ningguang, who actually had an eager expression on her face.

"Then we'll...?" Han Fulai asked tentatively.

Ningguang nodded. "Let's go together, while the weather is just right."

Tianquan, the Star of the Liyue Seven, and the Permanent Vice-Chief of the Moonlit Pavilion, dressed in formal banquet attire, joined the game of hide-and-seek.

As the sun set, the play with the children came to an end. After signing the contract with Lao Ke and Lao Xu, Ningguang and Han Fulai strolled along the streets of Chihuyan.

Smoke curls from the chimneys of houses along the roadside, filling Chihuyan with the warmth and life of everyday life.

"Zhongyuan Offal Soup - Delicious and Affordable!"

"Secret recipe grilled tiger fish, or your money back!"

The vendors' cries rose and fell, attracting tourists to stop and watch, while the aroma of food tempted their appetites.

Ningguang suddenly stopped in front of the grilled tigerfish stall.

"Sister Ningguang, would you like to try these snacks?" Han Fulai asked shrewdly. He and Ningguang had spent the afternoon traveling from Feiyunpo to Chihuyan, from the South Wharf to the North Wharf, covering a long distance, and had also played with the children for a long time. They must be hungry by now.

The boss might be too embarrassed to admit he's hungry, but the secretary has to be sensible. As Ningguang's "temporary secretary," Han Fulai was already prepared to pay for it.

But Ningguang stopped him.

“No, I was just thinking about my life before I became a member of the Liyue Seven Stars.” Ningguang looked at the food stalls on the street and said with reminiscence, “My family was not wealthy. All the wealth you see in me started from a box of fish.”

Ningguang's past experience of selling fish barefoot in Yaoguang Beach was widely known in Liyue Harbor, and Han Fulai was of course aware of it as well.

"Besides, I'm not just good at fishing. I've done all sorts of odd jobs, and you'd be surprised if I told you. Quite a few older merchants even talk about how they used to hire me." Ningguang winked playfully. "Little Han, do you believe me? My grilling skills are better than most restaurant owners'!"

Ningguang doing chores? An image inexplicably appeared in Han Fulai's mind—Ningguang wearing a very revealing maid outfit, kneeling obediently in front of him, her small hands gently kneading his thighs, asking him in a particularly gentle voice, "Young Master, is it comfortable?"

Maid Ningguang.jpg

"Impossible, impossible..." Han Fulai quickly shook his head to dispel the delusions in his mind.

Seeing Han Fulai shaking his head, Ningguang smiled.

“You don’t believe me? Fine, then I’ll show you.” Ningguang said, and strode forward.

Han Fulai realized what was happening and quickly caught up with Ningguang, asking, "What is Sister Ningguang doing?"

Ningguang answered with two words without turning her head: "Catch fish."

Huh? Ningguang is really going to catch fish herself just to prove that her grilled fish is delicious? Han Fulai was starting to wonder if Ningguang had caught the childishness from playing with kids for too long... That's so childish!

"Um... I believe you..." Han Fulai quickly explained to Ningguang, but Ningguang wouldn't listen at all.

Han Fulai had no choice but to settle for second best, "At least tell me where we're going now?"

“Liyue Harbor, huh?” Ningguang’s voice sounded excited. “It’s so unbecoming of Tianquan Star Ningguang to be catching fish in Liyue Harbor—it would be in the newspapers if someone saw her. If you want to catch fish, you should go outside the city.”

Hey, you know it's not in line with your identity?! And you knew it was in line with your identity, yet you still went fishing! And you even wisely chose a place where you wouldn't be seen by reporters!

Han Fulai forcibly suppressed his urge to complain and tried to persuade Ningguang: "It's getting late, why don't we go back to Qunyu Pavilion first? If you don't go back so late, Miss Baishi and the others will worry..."

Ningguang suddenly turned around and pressed a finger to Han Fulai's lips: "I remember you said, 'I'm here today to accompany Sister Ningguang. If Sister Ningguang says east, I won't go west.' Have you changed your mind?"

"No, no, I wouldn't dare," Han Fulai hurriedly replied.

"Since that's the case, then you'll stay with me. You have to listen to me today." Ningguang pouted, puffed out her cheeks, and looked quite dissatisfied.

Han Fulai could only nod in agreement, his heart filled with surprise—was Ningguang just now acting coquettishly? No, no, no, how could Ningguang possibly act coquettishly?

After exiting the north gate of Liyue Harbor, walk along the main road for a while, then turn southeast to reach Luhua Pool.

Luhua Pond is located on the north side of Tianheng Mountain, at the junction of Qiongji Field and Guili Plain, making it a great place for sightseeing. The naturally formed ponds cascade down in layers, resembling terraced fields, and have a unique beauty when reflected in the setting sun.

There are also relics of ancient people here. Archaeologists from Mount Meru and sketch painters from Mondstadt often come here to explore and take pictures. It is also a tourist attraction during the day.

However, the terrain here is unsuitable for farming and settlement, and being near Liyue Harbor, there are no villages here. As night approached, the tourists had all returned to Liyue Harbor, and Luhua Pond was quite quiet; at least as far as the eye could see, only Han Fulai and Ningguang were there.

Ningguang directed Han Fulai to light a bonfire on the shore, while she took off her shoes, tied up her skirt, and stepped into the water with her bare, white feet.

She said she was good at catching fish, which was obviously not a lie.

Ningguang held a sweet flower in her hand and squeezed out the juice, letting it flow with the water. Soon, it attracted several "sweet flower medaka".