He changed Tiwat

Moreover, Xingqiu is backed by the Feiyun Merchant Guild and the Liyue Yun Clan, possessing abundant resources. He is kind, intelligent, and highly skilled in martial arts, and is a key figure in the revival of the Guhua Sect. Naturally, the deeper the relationship with Xingqiu, the better. Most importantly, Xingqiu holds a secret that could potentially make him stronger—a secret manual left behind by the Guhua Sect.

Since Xingqiu values ​​him so much now, why not strike while the iron is hot?

Han Fulai coughed, put a hand on Xingqiu's shoulder, and said solemnly, "Brother Xingqiu, I have an idea. Since we share similar interests, have the same goals, and both have the desire to punish evil and promote good, and to help those in distress, then why not..."

"How about?" Xingqiu tilted his head to look at him.

"Why don't we become sworn brothers?"

Han Fulai's eyes were clearly serious.

Xingqiu was startled, his eyes widened, and his mouth opened uncontrollably, as if he were quite frightened.

Han Fulai continued, "Since we've always called each other brothers, why don't we take this opportunity to become sworn brothers?"

Seeing that Han Fulai was quite serious, Xingqiu also regained his composure.

In his heart, Han Fulai was one of the heroes who saved Liyue in the Battle of Osel, and he also gave him a lot of advice in the matter of Chang Jiuye, and pointed out a new path of chivalry for him. He can be said to admire Han Fulai very much.

For fans of martial arts novels, forming a sworn brotherhood with like-minded friends is inherently a chivalrous experience. Given this opportunity, why not take it?

After a moment, Xingqiu nodded solemnly.

"There's no time like the present, so let's become sworn brothers today!" Xingqiu said. "However, according to the rules, a sworn brotherhood requires offerings and an altar to be declared to heaven and earth. There are indeed none near Qingce Mountain."

“Hmm…that is a problem.” Han Fulai pondered. “I do remember that in the Wangshan Hall of our Guhua Sect, there are offerings for our ancestor, as well as the ‘Rain-Cutting’ divine sword left by the Guhua Ancestor. We can go there to become sworn brothers…but the journey is too far, and I’m afraid we won’t be able to make it today.”

When Han Fulai mentioned Gu Hua, it stirred something in Xingqiu's heart.

“I’ve got it. I do have some items left behind by Ancestor Guhua. If Ancestor Guhua can serve as a witness, then there’s no need for those tedious formalities.”

As Xingqiu spoke, he summoned a book from the Eye of God.

The book was different from the popular styles in Liyue; it was bound with white thread and looked quite old. Han Fulai saw that the cover of the book had the words "Ancient Poetry and Lyrics" written on it.

Xing Qiuzhen held this book in his hands with great care.

“These are books left behind by the Gu Hua Ancestor. When I joined the Gu Hua Sect, I was favored by the previous sect leader, who opened the secret library in Wangshan Hall for me to read. Most of them are records of various martial arts insights left by the ancestors of the Gu Hua Sect. Only this book was left behind by the Gu Hua Ancestor,” Xing Qiu said.

"Back then, I obtained this Eye of God because I read this book and was inspired by it, and I also comprehended the secrets of the ancient Chinese arts."

Xingqiu pointed to the blue Eye of God at his waist.

"Since the decline of the Guhua School, I have moved the collection of books in Wangshan Hall to my home for safekeeping, and I have always carried this book with me. Now that we have become sworn brothers, let us use this book as a testament to the Guhua Patriarch."

After Xingqiu finished speaking, he respectfully placed the book on a nearby rock. Han Fulai then took out several sticks of incense used in rituals from his satchel; these were naturally props for the "Ancient Chinese Secret Techniques".

The two lit incense sticks in their hands and began their sworn brotherhood ceremony before the book left behind by Gu Hua.

"Under the guidance of the ancient patriarch, Han Fulai and Yun Xingqiu here today become sworn brothers. From this day forward, we will share both good fortune and hardship."

"To serve the nation above and bring peace to the common people below." These are the words Han Fulai recited.

"To help those in distress and to uphold justice." These are the words Xing Qiu recited.

"We don't ask to be born on the same day, in the same month, in the same year, but we ask to die on the same day, in the same month, in the same year." This time, the two finally recited the same words.

"If one betrays righteousness and forgets kindness..." Xingqiu paused here. The phrases he had seen in martial arts novels were things like being punished by heaven and earth, or being struck by lightning, but they didn't seem to fit the current situation.

Han Fulai naturally chimed in, "...Those who break their promises shall be punished by being eaten by rocks."

Arranged by age, Han Fulai is the eldest brother, while Xingqiu is the youngest brother.

After the ceremony, the two smiled at each other.

Han Fulai said, "Second brother, in order to revitalize the Guhua Sect, I have a request. Could I borrow this secret ancient book left by the Guhua Ancestor for a few days?"

Chapter Seven: Xingqiu's Eye of God

"This collection of poems left by the ancient master Guhua did not originally belong to me. I was just holding it for my sect. Brother Han, there's no need to be so polite. Please take it."

As Xingqiu spoke, he picked up the rather old-looking thread-bound book from the rock that had been used as an altar for sworn brotherhood.

"A collection of poems?" Han Fulai was somewhat surprised. Although he saw that the cover read "Ancient Poetry and Lyrics," he subconsciously thought that it was a cover for some kind of hidden martial arts manual, just like Xingqiu hollowed out his textbooks and filled them with martial arts novels.

“Yes, this book is actually a collection of poems left by the ancient master Guhua. All the poems in this book were written by the ancient master Guhua.” Xingqiu said, opening the book in front of Han Fulai.

The first poem in the book is "The Ballad of the Knight-Errant," which Han Fulai once recited to Zhongli at the "Three Bowls and You Can't Cross the Harbor" event. It is clear that Gu Hua was shameless when he was plagiarizing otherworldly literature and unceremoniously claimed Li Bai's masterpiece as his own.

"The previous sect leader once told me that Ancestor Gu Hua had two great hobbies: wine and poetry. Whenever he was drunk, he would compose poems, and he was even known as 'Gu Hua can write a hundred poems after drinking a bucket of wine'!"

Xingqiu's face showed a leisurely and wistful look. When awake, he would wield his sword and roam freely; when drunk, he would splash ink and compose poems. How dashing, how carefree, how chivalrous the ancient Hua Ancestor was back then!

"Speaking of poetry and wine, Master Guhua also left behind these lines of poetry: 'Do not dwell on old friends and the old country, but rather try new tea with newly kindled fire. Enjoy poetry and wine while you are young.'" Although Xingqiu could not reach Guhua's chivalrous life, he yearned for it.

Han Fulai was speechless, thinking to himself, "Fellow villager, you've copied quite a lot. Just the ones I know of include Li Bai, Liu Yuxi, Liu Guo, Zhao Yi... and now you've even copied Su Shi's works." Needless to say, the "Ancient Poetry and Lyrics" in front of him was actually "Ancient Hua's Excerpts of Poetry and Lyrics."

This fellow countryman from Guhua was, after all, a liberal arts student who had received a complete higher education in China. He had memorized all the ancient poems in his Chinese textbooks from elementary school to university, plus the poems he had accumulated outside of class. After transmigrating to Teyvat, a continent with a far lower level of culture than China, he could become famous for all time simply by reciting poems.

"How hateful! Why do all the good things happen to you, my fellow villager!" Han Fulai thought to himself with envy, jealousy, and resentment.

"It is said that Master Guhua left behind a large number of famous works, which were widely circulated and recited. However, as times changed, most of Master Guhua's works were lost. The only remaining part was compiled into a book by our ancestors several generations ago, which is the one we have in our hands." Xingqiu said, handing the book to Han Fulai.

Holding the collection of poems excerpted by Gu Hua, Han Fulai didn't rush to flip through it. Instead, he asked Xing Qiu a question that he was most eager to know.

"I remember you just said that you comprehended the essence of the Ancient Chinese Secret Techniques from the ancient books left behind by the Ancient Chinese School, and even obtained the Eye of God?"

“Yes.” Xingqiu nodded. “It was while browsing through this book of ancient poems left by our patriarch in Wangshan Hall that I had a sudden inspiration and obtained this Eye of God. Only after obtaining the Eye of God did I realize that the ancient Hua secret technique is a pupil technique.”

Han Fulai's heart skipped a beat, recalling the time he recited poetry to Zhongli that night. Zhongli's reaction at that time seemed a little strange.

Of course, Han Fulai had no idea that he had received treatment comparable to a demon god simply for reciting two lines of poetry. Most of Liyue's top combat power had come to Liyue Harbor to form teams and watch him.

"Second brother, when you obtained the Eye of God, were you reading this poem, 'Ode to a Knight-Errant'?" Han Fulai asked.

“Yes…but how did you know, Brother Han?” Xingqiu asked, quite surprised.

"Because in my opinion, this poem will definitely suit your taste." Han Fulai smiled.

The chivalrous spirit displayed in the poem "Ode to a Knight-Errant" perfectly matches Xingqiu's dream of becoming a great knight-errant.

The conditions for obtaining Visions in the Genshin Impact game remained a mystery, at least up to the time Han Fulai traveled through time.

In his mind, one of the necessary conditions for obtaining the Eye of God is that "a mortal's 'desire' reaches its peak, and then the gaze of the gods will be cast down." Literally, it means that "the Eye of God symbolizes the gods' approval of human desires."

If Xingqiu's heart was stirred upon seeing the poem "The Knight-Errant," and his desire to uphold justice reached its peak, thus earning him divine recognition and the Eye of God, it seems quite reasonable.

However, there is one more thing that Han Fulai needs to confirm.

Han Fulai pointed to certain words and phrases in "The Knight Errant" and asked Xingqiu a question.

"There are certain words and phrases in this poem that I do not quite understand. I would appreciate it if you could explain them to me, my dear brother."

For example, who is "Zhao Ke" in the line "Zhao Ke wears a silk tassel on a barbarian hat, his Wu hook sword shines like frost and snow"?

"And who are Xinling, Zhu Hai, and Hou Ying mentioned in the line 'Leisurely drinking at Xinling, sword laid across my knees. I offer roasted meat to Zhu Hai, and raise my cup to Hou Ying'?"

Where in Liyue are "Handan" and "Daliang" in the line "He wielded a golden hammer to save Zhao, and Handan was the first to be shocked. Two heroes for a thousand autumns, their fame resounds in Daliang City."?

Faced with Han Fulai's barrage of questions, Xingqiu responded with, "I don't know. I'm not sure. I don't understand."

In short, "I know nothing when asked".

According to Xingqiu, the era of the Ancient Master Hua is too long ago, and almost all historical records have been lost, with only some folk tales remaining. The names of people and places mentioned in the poem should be from that era, and it's normal that much has changed after the war between demons and gods. However, even without knowing the names of people and places mentioned in the poem, it doesn't prevent one from appreciating the chivalry it conveys.

Han Fulai quite agreed with this, saying that the artistic conception of poetry is the most important thing, and even if people travel between two worlds, it does not prevent people in both worlds from experiencing the same artistic conception.

However, according to Han Fulai's thinking, Liyue in the era of Guhua should not have had the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods of China, and of course, the same figures should not exist. It might be difficult for the people of Teyvat to understand the allusions in these poems, and it is unknown how these poems were originally passed down.

Fortunately, Han Fulai knew an old man who had lived for six thousand years. He could ask Zhongli for advice and perhaps get some clues.

Moreover, since Xingqiu was able to gain a divine eye through reciting poetry, Han Fulai might be able to as well. This collection of poems is of significant reference value in any case.

Han Fulai put the book of ancient poems into his satchel and went down the mountain with Xingqiu. Halfway down the mountain, a purple figure suddenly came into view.

The visitor was none other than Keqing, one of the seven stars of Liyue, the Jade Balance Star.

"Deputy Minister Han, I've finally found you." These were the first words Ke Qing said to Han Fulai when they met.

Chapter 8 was borrowed by Keqing

It seems that Keqing has been looking for him for a long time.

Han Fulai frowned slightly, not expecting Ke Qing's reason for seeking him out.

His trip to Qingce Manor to accompany Xingqiu on his fishing trip... no, to a field mission, was for a legitimate reason; he submitted a report and kept records. Logically, this trip should be considered a business trip, not a vacation. Even if Keqing needed to contact him, there was no need for her to make a special trip to Qingce Manor. She could simply wait for him at Yuehai Pavilion tomorrow when he returned to work.

Unless... Keqing has an urgent matter that requires his help?

Thinking of this, Han Fulai bowed slightly to Ke Qing and asked, "May I ask what business Lord Yuheng has with me?"

"I had already temporarily borrowed you from Miss Gan Yu before I came here."

Ke Qing was as decisive as ever, tossing her twin ponytails behind her head and taking a few steps forward to stand in front of Han Fulai.

“Mr. Han Fulai, from now on, you will serve as my personal secretary and assist me in my actions.”

Han Fulai's surprise lasted only a moment, after which he immediately adopted a very professional and businesslike expression.

"Yes, Lady Keqing."

Han Fulai's most important position is essentially "Chief Private Secretary of Moonsea Pavilion," which is Gan Yu's private secretary. However, he still receives a salary from Whitewater Pavilion and remains a civil servant in Liyue.

His current position in the Liyue Seven Stars government is "Deputy Director of the Moonlit Pavilion Office, Executive Deputy Secretary-General," which mainly involves administrative management work, but this job still falls within the scope of a secretary.

Although since Gan Yu took control of personnel at Moonsea Pavilion and completed its restructuring, it has effectively become Gan Yu's private kingdom, all the secretaries in the Moonsea Pavilion's offices are nominally serving the Liyue Sept government. Therefore, it is entirely reasonable for Keqing to be a secretary seconded from Moonsea Pavilion by the Liyue Sept.

But what is reasonable does not necessarily mean what is justifiable.

The question is—why was he seconded?

Besides Gan Yu, there are at least three hundred secretaries in Yuehaiting’s office that Ke Qing can choose from. Why did Ke Qing go to Qingce Manor to find him instead of going to such lengths?

Furthermore, the Liyue Seven Stars should all know that he is essentially Gan Yu's personal secretary, and transferring him would be tantamount to stealing him from Gan Yu. Why would Keqing do this?

More importantly—why did Gan Yu agree?

Han Fulai felt a strange sense of grievance, as if Gan Yu had used him and then abandoned him, handing him over to Ke Qing after she was done with him—wait a minute, what a strange feeling this is!

"Since you two have other business to attend to, I won't disturb you any longer. Speaking of the Lantern Festival, the Feiyun Merchant Guild also has a batch of goods that needs to be processed. Keqing, Brother Han, I'll take my leave now." Seeing that the two seemed to have important matters to discuss, Xingqiu immediately took his leave as well.

"I originally thought he wouldn't handle family affairs." Ke Qing looked at Xing Qiu's back, seemingly somewhat surprised.

"Oh? What makes you say that, Lord Keqing?" Han Fulai asked.

“I’ve heard his story. He comes from a prestigious family, but he doesn’t care about the family business and prefers to go out and fight for justice. Actually, I admire him.” Ke Qing smiled slightly. “After all, not everyone has the courage to throw aside the rules and regulations of the family and insist on doing what they believe is right.”

Ke Qing seemed to have a hidden meaning in her words, but Han Fulai didn't need to delve into the relationship between Ke Qing and Xing Qiu.

"May I ask what urgent matter brings you, Lady Keqing, to Qingce Manor?" Han Fulai asked.

Keqing turned around, nodded to Han Fulai, and said, "It's about preparing for the Liyue Lantern Festival. I'm in charge of the 'Fireworks Show' for this year's Lantern Festival. There are only a few days left until the Lantern Festival, but there are still many things to be done in the preparations."

Han Fulai did a quick calculation and suddenly realized that the most important annual festival in Liyue—the Lantern Festival—was just around the corner. If the Lantern Festival were replaced by a festival in China, it would be a combination of the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, making it a very important day for the people of Liyue.

As Yue Haiting's secretary, he had seen documents related to the Lantern Festival preparations. However, most of the miscellaneous tasks for the Lantern Festival were handled by the General Affairs Department, and Yue Haiting had more important work to do, so he never really felt a connection to the Lantern Festival.

Moreover, there have been too many major events recently, such as the restructuring of Yuehaiting, which has kept him busy enough. So it wasn't until Keqing mentioned it today that he remembered there was such a festival.

"In order to ensure the success of this year's Lantern Festival, I planned to improve work efficiency. However, my subordinates told me that they had already done their best and could not meet my requirements."

"So I went to Yuehaiting to consult with Ms. Gan Yu. On the way, I found that the secretaries at Yuehaiting had become very busy and their work efficiency was much higher than before. I asked Ms. Gan Yu and learned that it was thanks to you that you introduced the 'work log' system to Yuehaiting."

“I thought that since you can improve the work efficiency of Yuehaiting, you can probably also help me with the preparations for the ‘Fireworks Festival’. So I asked Miss Ganyu to temporarily borrow you to help me prepare for the Lantern Festival.”

Oh, so it's just a temporary assignment until the end of the Lantern Festival. Han Fulai secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

If he had a choice, Han Fulai would definitely refuse to be colleagues with Ke Qing.

“Let’s go. If we waste too much time, we won’t be able to finish our work.” Ke Qing said, and without caring whether Han Fulai could keep up, she strode towards Qingce Village at the foot of the mountain.

...Because being around Ke Qing was just too much of a hassle. Han Fulai silently complained in his heart, taking three steps at a time to catch up with Ke Qing.

Ke Qing is known as an efficiency maniac, both in the game and in real life, making working under her a truly grueling experience. "My hard-earned time to slack off is gone," Han Fulai lamented inwardly.

When the two arrived at Qingce Village, they saw a young man pacing around in circles, like an ant on a hot pan. He was carrying a small basket containing fireworks and similar items.

Upon seeing Ke Qing, this person hurriedly came to greet her.

"Lady Keqing, you've finally arrived!" the man said urgently.

“Pengyi, didn’t I tell you? We need to add a few more locations for setting up the fireworks. We need to have a broader perspective and not limit ourselves to the city. Don’t the people of Qingce Village celebrate the Lantern Festival?” Keqing was clearly familiar with this man named Pengyi.

"But, sir, in that case, the budget will be..." Pengyi was clearly in a dilemma.

Ke Qing crossed her arms and looked serious: "What is a budget? It's the 'most appropriate amount to do something well.' If you think the current budget is not enough to do this well, submit an application to the General Affairs Department for recalculation and approval."

As she spoke, she changed her posture, waving one hand and placing the other on her hip, as if to emphasize the weight of her words. Her crimson eyes fixed intently on the other person with a powerful gaze.