He changed Tiwat

Jean's constellation is "Leo Minor". She is not only the "Dandelion Knight" but also the holder of the title "Lion Fang Knight" of the Knights Order, inheriting the title of "Lion of the South Wind" from the first leader, Vanessa.

Because Jean was only fifteen years old when she inherited the title, she was called the "Young Lion".

However, Qin, who is now acting as the head of the delegation, is hardly a "young lion"; she is clearly a "kindergarten teacher" taking care of children in a kindergarten.

Take Margaret for example. As the owner of the pet tavern, it should have been her responsibility as the manager to take good care of her pet "employees." However, she clearly pushed the responsibility onto Captain Jean—and the reason she asked Jean to find the cat was probably because it didn't cost any money.

As for Shopkeeper Sarah, knowing that monsters were causing trouble outside the city, she should have hired adventurers as cargo escorts. According to Yura, the Knights of Favonius had no obligation to act as bodyguards for residents, and the security in Mondstadt's wilderness had always been poor. Sarah wasn't a foreign guest; how could she not know that?

Han Fulai knew that neither of these two were bad people, so the reason they did such a thing was ultimately because Qin was a good person.

She is a leader who truly considers "doing good" as a government obligation.

The reputation of Mondstadt residents as "go to Jean if you have any problems" actually stems from Jean taking on all the responsibilities and obligations that belong to the residents themselves, thus spoiling the residents of Mondstadt.

After the residents developed a "path dependency" of always asking Qin, they became even less inclined to do anything themselves, since Qin would take care of everything anyway.

Good people deserve to have guns pointed at them... It seems the world is the same everywhere.

Han Fulai recalled seeing online polls online before.

At the time, Genshin Impact had just released three countries: Mondstadt, Liyue, and Inazuma. The poll asked players which country they would most like to travel to if they could choose one.

Most players chose Mondstadt.

If you were to transmigrate to Inazuma, you'd be struck by lightning, harassed by bandits, and might not even have enough to eat. Plus, there's a war going on in your home country. Who would want to transmigrate there and suffer like that?

If you transmigrate to Liyue, you'll be just like Han Fulai, living a life-and-death struggle. You had to work overtime before transmigrating, and you still have to work overtime after transmigrating. Isn't this a waste of time?

Only in Mondstadt's starting village, with "Jin Mama" tirelessly taking care of everyone, you can just laze around and wait to die.

He could only sigh silently, Mondstadt's reputation as the "giant baby city" was truly well-deserved...

Chapter Sixty-Eight: Mondstadt's Sword and Shield

Kaiya, who was standing to the side, was about to lose his temper. Just as he was about to risk being scolded by Jean to get rid of the two "clients", his savior appeared just in time.

"Commander Qin, the headquarters restaurant has been equipped with new stoves and cooking utensils, and the auxiliary devices previously developed by Mr. Abedo of the investigation team have also been put into use. The special pizza oven prepared for the 'Badminton Festival' banquet is also completed! Captain Herta invites you to inspect the results of the renovation."

—An unofficial member of the Knights of Favonius, a local legend in Mondstadt, known as the "omnipresent and all-powerful maid," the "Maid Knight" Noelle has arrived.

If there is anyone in the entire city of Mondstadt who truly supports the "chivalrous virtues" preached by Jean, it must be this prospective knight who wears bright red roses and knight's armor over her maid outfit.

Legend has it that no matter where you are in trouble in Mondstadt, as long as you shout "Noelle!" to the sky, this omnipresent and all-powerful maid will suddenly appear like a Liyue hermit, and then warmly and thoughtfully take care of all your troubles.

For example, if you're having a picnic outside Mondstadt but don't know how to set up a campfire for a barbecue, just shout Noelle's name, and then you can just sit and wait.

The amazing maid will not only help you build a campfire in no time, but will also set up the barbecue grill with lightning speed, prepare the ingredients, cook a fragrant feast, taste a bite to confirm that the cooking is perfect, and then remind you to make sure the meat is cooked through and that you must extinguish the fire to prevent wildfires before leaving.

When you thank her, she will definitely tell you: "Helping those in distress is a knight's duty. I am far from being as good as Commander Jean. This is the training on the path to knighthood, and training cannot be just empty words."

Because Noelle hasn't been selected as a full-fledged Knight of Favonius, strictly speaking, she's not a member of the Knights of Favonius at all—just like Mona is currently working for free at the library, they're both unemployed temporary workers.

Of course, for Noelle herself, helping Captain Herta of the logistics team process ingredients, helping Sister Lisa in the library organize bookshelves, and helping Captain Kaeya complete some errands and "emergency tasks" all fall under the category of "knight training".

Everyone, including the Knights of Favonius, had become quite accustomed to relying on Noelle.

Although Jean added a prohibition in the "Knights' Guidebook, Fifth Edition" that strictly forbids knights from shouting "Noel!" during working hours, and specifically stated that she had instructed Noel to record and report any lazy knights who asked her to do their work, such violations would be punished by reducing their holidays and allowances.

—But it had no effect.

For example, the Knights' kitchen equipment upgrade for the "Badminton Festival" was like this. Captain Hertha asked Noel, who is good at cooking, to help. As a result, Noel ended up taking over all the kitchen affairs without anyone noticing—even the errand task of inviting Captain Gin to inspect the kitchen was taken over by Noel.

Like the chorus leader she most respected and admired, Noelle always had endless things to do.

Normally, Kaeya would actually feel quite sorry for Noelle. The reason he asked Noelle to do all sorts of "emergency missions" was actually to keep her from participating in the dangerous battle against Stormterror.

Kaiya could swear to Barbatos that, apart from having Noelle help him wash his eye patch, he had never asked Noelle to do anything for personal reasons—but this time he had no choice but to rely on Noelle.

“It’s an emergency mission, Noelle,” Kaeya said seriously.

“Leave it to me! Leave everything to me!” Noelle agreed almost the moment she heard the word “mission,” only realizing her mistake afterward: “—Oh right, what is Captain Kaeya’s mission? I haven’t had a chance to hear it yet…”

For Noelle, Kaeya was also a very respectable knight—he was mysterious, came like a shadow and went like the wind, had important tasks to handle every day, and often assigned her small tasks, as if she were already a member of his team... Noelle cherished this experience very much.

Kaeya pointed to Margaret and Sarah and said, "These two have encountered some trouble and want to ask Commander Jean for help. However, Commander Jean is very busy with official duties... I wonder if you, Noelle, have time to take on their request?"

“Leave it to me!” Noelle’s eyes practically sparkled.

For Noelle, being able to help the leader of the harem, whom she admired, complete a mission was practically a "reward," and she accepted the mission without hesitation.

Jean opened her mouth as if to refuse, but in the end, Denoelle led Margaret and the others away.

The talks, which had been interrupted, finally resumed.

"I was rude just now, I'm very sorry... I hope you can understand." Qin bowed to Han Fulai to express her apology.

Although Han Fulai did not visit Liyue in an official capacity this time, given his status, it was still very impolite to leave him waiting for so long during the talks.

Han Fulai naturally wouldn't pursue such a matter. Commander Qin had her own principles, and it was Mondstadt's internal affair; it was none of his business to interfere. Besides, in a way, this was serving the people of Mondstadt, which aligned with his own ideals—though he didn't approve of such practices.

He simply smiled and said, "I've heard that Commander Qin is the people of Mondstadt's support, and seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved."

"Please excuse my poor skills. Although they are all trivial matters, they are things I must do as the 'Dandelion Knight'."

Jean knows how others perceive her handling of these small matters, but to her, this is her "chivalry," and also her tribute to the first captain, Vanessa—the name "Dandelion Knight" represents the "benevolence" of that gentle yet steadfast great warrior.

The "Lion Fang Knight" symbolizes Mondstadt's "sword," while the "Dandelion Knight" symbolizes Mondstadt's "shield."

These two titles, belonging to Vanessa, the first Grand Master, have been passed down along with the Knights Order system to this day, and have always been awarded only to the most outstanding knights.

Even a knight as excellent as Jean would feel shaken—do I really deserve such a title?

Mondstadt has been rebuilt for over a thousand years... What merit do I possess to protect this ancient, free, and proud city-state?

Although everyone praised her for her virtue and talent, calling her the most outstanding knight in the order, Jean knew that the reason she was able to inherit this title was simply because she happened to be one of the top swordsmen in the order, and her surname just happened to be "Grunhild".

According to the tradition of the Knights of Favonius, the Grand Master has always been a knight who has been granted the title of "Lion" or "Wolf," and the "Lion" title has belonged to the same surname for a thousand years: Gunnhildr.

Would anyone think that she only inherited this honorary title because of her bloodline? Although no one said that, Qin couldn't help but think so.

For a girl who was only fifteen years old at the time, her mature and composed appearance actually concealed a girlish heart that was not yet ready.

She wasn't born a thousand years ago, nor five hundred years ago. Now, this peaceful and free city-state seems to have no need for her proud swordsmanship. Moreover, when it comes to swordsmanship, no one is inferior to her, whether it's Yura, Diluc, or Grand Master Falgar... Many people can become Mondstadt's "sword," so she will be Mondstadt's "shield."

"Maintenance" is always more difficult than "destruction".

This is the answer Qin found, and the path she chose.

Chapter Sixty-Nine is a bit tough.

Qin's face looked slightly gloomy.

There was a joke in the taverns back in the day: the eldest son and daughter of the Gunnhildr family could say "Forever Guardian Mondstadt" before they even learned to call their mother.

As the guardian of Mondstadt, Jean firmly believes that her choice to become the "shield" of Mondstadt was the right one, and that her efforts to help the residents with those small things were by no means meaningless.

"This is the right thing to do. No matter how hard it is, you should do your best when it's the right thing to do."

What may seem like trivial matters to outsiders are, for Jean, precisely how she protects Mondstadt.

Similarly, this is also her requirement for the knights under her command—the "Knights' Guidebook, Fifth Edition" is the initiative that Jean issued to the knights.

In that handbook, Jean enthusiastically appealed to everyone to join her in providing voluntary services to the residents of Mondstadt. The first rule of the handbook was, "When citizens are in need, we should take the initiative to lend a helping hand. Serving the people is the very duty of the Knights of Favonius."

She wanted to build a Mondstadt where knights and residents lived in harmony, where the people were the masters of Mondstadt and the knights were their servants.

But what troubles her is that few people can understand what she is doing, even though it is the right thing to do.

Not to mention Yura, who has never gotten along with her, even Kaya and Lisa, who are her right-hand women, are the same.

For example, when Margaret asked her to find the cat, Kaeya would definitely try to push her away or block her if she saw her; or when Sarah asked the Knights to help her retrieve the goods, Lisa would definitely say, "It's not a good day to go out... Hey, didn't I say that yesterday too?" or "Shouldn't we give more training opportunities to newcomers?"

Apart from Noelle, her ideas were never endorsed by anyone else.

So, as the acting leader, she could only lead by example... However, there was only so much time in a day, and even by sacrificing sleep, Qin couldn't help everyone.

Perhaps noticing the somewhat somber atmosphere, Kaeya seized the opportunity to steer the conversation: "Speaking of which, I heard that Deputy Minister Han established the 'Liyue Labor Association' in Liyue and also put forward the slogan 'Serve the People,' which is quite similar to our Commander Jean, isn't it? I wonder how Deputy Minister Han handles similar matters in Liyue?"

Although Kaiya seemed to mention it casually, Han Fulai clearly saw some kind of implication in Kaiya's eyes.

Ha, this Kaiya, he's probably planning to use him as a "lobbyist".

However, he doesn't mind being "used" by Kaiya now, since he also has something to say.

Han Fulai smiled and said, "I wonder if Captain Qin and Captain Kaeya have ever heard of our Liyue's 'Flying Cloud Merchant Guild'?"

"Of course." Qin nodded without hesitation.

The Flying Cloud Merchant Guild is a large-scale enterprise whose products are sold overseas. It has branches in all the friendly nations of Liyue, including Mondstadt. The silk products favored by Mondstadt nobles, such as handkerchiefs and headscarves, are mostly from the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild.

"Well then, I'll tell you a story about the second young master of the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce, Young Master Xingqiu. This Young Master Xingqiu is both a scholar and a warrior, and is exceptionally talented. He is not only a business genius, but also a master swordsman who has single-handedly promoted the swordsmanship of the Guhua School. In addition, he has a chivalrous heart."

Han Fulai immediately brought up his second younger brother, because when it comes to making up stories, it's best to do it with someone you know.

"His greatest pleasure in life is helping the needy and upholding justice, finding joy in helping others. For example, defeating bandits who block the road, driving away monsters that cause trouble, and helping a crying child take down a kite that is stuck in the treetop... All of this falls within the scope of Young Master Xingqiu's 'righteousness'. Our 'Liyue Laborers Association' has also benefited greatly from Young Master Xingqiu's help."

"Haha, I feel like he could become good friends with our leader, Qin," Kaiya said, clapping his hands and laughing.

Qin nodded, "Yes, if I have the chance, I would also like to get to know this Young Master Xingqiu."

Judging from Han Fulai's description, this young master Xingqiu's ideas are indeed in line with hers, and it would be best if they could become friends.

Han Fulai smiled and said, "However, even someone as righteous as Young Master Xingqiu has made a mistake once in his chivalrous deeds."

"Oh? Even someone as outstanding as Young Master Xingqiu can make mistakes?" Kaiya chimed in with a very perceptive and witty remark.

Han Fulai nodded. "That was half a year ago, during our Liyue Lantern Festival. The Flying Cloud Merchant Guild has a tradition of delivering festival gifts to the residents of our Liyue villages during the Lantern Festival. Young Master Xingqiu was escorting goods to Qingce Manor with a few servants when they were robbed by a group of thieves on the way."

"At that time, as her personal secretary, I accompanied our Liyue's Yuheng Star Keqing to Qingce Manor to offer my condolences. Upon hearing that there were bandits causing trouble in Qingce Manor, I went to capture them. Just then, I encountered Young Master Xingqiu and his servants who defeated the bandits."

"To commend Young Master Xingqiu for his act of bravery, Lord Keqing proposed to commend the Feiyun Merchant Guild. The General Affairs Department will later issue them a reward for their act of bravery."

Young Master Xingqiu refused Lord Keqing's offer on the spot, saying, "Upholding justice is our duty; how can I accept money?"

"So Liyue has knights like this too," Jean exclaimed sincerely.

Han Fulai smiled and said, "But this is the wrong thing that Young Master Xingqiu did."

"...What's wrong with this?" Qin really couldn't understand.

Han Fulai replied slowly, "Young Master Xingqiu has the backing of the Feiyun Merchant Guild, a large and powerful family, so naturally he doesn't care about that little bit of reward money. For him, the sense of accomplishment from upholding justice is already a reward. However, not everyone in Liyue is as rich as the Feiyun Merchant Guild."

"For example, the servants of the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce also risk injury when fighting bandits. This bounty is both a reward for their righteous act and a compensation for the risks they take. It is a good deed to help others, but if there is only risk and no reward, it is like throwing money into the water in business. Who would be willing to do it?"

"We in Liyue have an old saying: 'Good deeds are rewarded, and evil deeds are punished.' The Flying Cloud Merchant Guild acted bravely and righteously, and the General Affairs Department rewarded them according to the law. This will promote their good deeds and tell the people that there is punishment for doing bad things and reward for doing good things. This is how we can encourage people to do more good deeds. Therefore, afterward, our Lady Keqing still ordered the General Affairs Department to issue a reward to the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild and publish a commendation in the Liyue newspapers."

Kaiya stroked his chin: "What would have happened if the General Affairs Department hadn't given the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce the bonus back then?"

Han Fulai laughed and said, "I also asked the servants under Young Master Xingqiu at the time, asking them if they were happy following Young Master Xingqiu in his chivalrous deeds."

"Oh, so what did they say?" Kaiya asked with great interest.

“Of course they said they were happy,” Han Fulai laughed again, “but there’s another sentence after that ‘happy’… which is…”

Kaiya stretched out his hand, "Wait, let me guess, their next sentence must be, 'It's just a little not easy'?"

"Captain Kaiya guessed it right away." Han Fulai clapped.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

Chapter Seventy: Wanting the horse to run but not wanting it to eat grass.

Qin showed a wry smile.

Qin could easily see through Han Fulai and Kaiya's coordinated attack.

Kaiya's earlier comment, "It's not easy," was clearly meant for her.

Earlier, Jean released the Knights' Order Guidebook, advocating that knights serve the residents voluntarily. Everyone complained, one saying the duties were complicated, another saying their backs ached... and eventually it was abandoned.

She was silent for a moment, then asked Han Fulai, "Deputy Minister Han, I have a question. If doing good deeds requires a reward, can it still be considered true kindness? In that case, is doing good deeds for the sake of lofty moral principles or for the reward? If it's for the reward, what's the difference between you and an adventurer who takes money to do something?"

When Han Fulai heard Qin's question, he sighed inwardly. Qin's way of thinking was exactly the same as Xingqiu's when he first met her.

He now understood why Yura had reacted so strongly when he mentioned "heroic acts of bravery".

Like Xingqiu, Qin was born into a noble family and was outstanding in character and talent among her peers. For people like them, material rewards were no longer a consideration. In fact, talking to them about material rewards would only tarnish their lofty ideals.

People like them, who uphold justice and help those in distress, demand that their actions be "pure." For example, Xingqiu likes to "disappear after accomplishing his task, keeping his identity and name hidden," while Qin emphasizes that "doing good is a knight's duty, and one should not seek reward for doing good deeds."

But ordinary knights who usually work themselves to the bone without getting any bonuses, when they hear Captain Qin advocating for the honor and shame of knights, will only use that knight's manual as a table leg.

It's as if the Ancient Flower faction has now become "auxiliary police" under the General Affairs Department, frequently providing voluntary assistance to residents in Liyue's towns and villages—for example, chasing away pests in the fields, maintaining order, and expelling monsters and bandits...

Although the Gu Hua faction was classified as "temporary workers" in terms of official staffing, they still received stipends. They were well-fed, had access to good weapons, and their actions were considered chivalrous and prestigious. Moreover, there were career advancement opportunities; outstanding performers could be assessed and transferred to permanent positions in the General Affairs Department.

If it were a case like the one with the Qin Troupe Leader, where Gu Hua disciples were required to bring their own food and serve the residents of Qing Ce Village voluntarily... then the only reason they didn't beat you up was because they couldn't beat you.