He changed Tiwat

Plus……

"When Lord Keqing and I met 'Gechenlang City True Lord,' also known as Granny Ping, we were rather quiet. In terms of status, you should have been the one talking to Granny Ping while I accompanied you. However, I noticed that you deliberately gave the initiative to Granny Ping and me during the conversation."

"That's why I guessed that perhaps Lady Keqing is not yet used to communicating with the Liyue people, and hopes that I can use my relationship as Lady Ganyu's personal secretary to act as your personal secretary and communicate with the Liyue people on your behalf."

Chapter Eleven: The Promise with Keqing

Han Fulai's analysis was so reasonable that Ke Qing nodded repeatedly.

But even so, Han Fulai knew best that his relationship with the Liyue Asuras was actually not as close as Keqing's. During the Battle of Ocel, he had to borrow power from the Emperor to get the Asuras to obey his commands.

Gan Yu can chat with the immortals about their glorious past and gossip about everyday life, but she is completely unfamiliar with them!

If I were to represent Keqing in delivering gifts to the immortals, I really don't know what I'd have to talk about with them. Grandma Ping, being a more easygoing immortal, would be fine; I could just listen to her tell stories. But what if I encountered the other True Lords?

They tell me about Gan Yu's embarrassing childhood, and I tell them about Gan Yu's embarrassing past at Yuehai Pavilion? Like, Gan Yu talking in his sleep saying, "Sweet Flower... No, I'll get fat..."? That would probably get me shot seven times in the back, and then Gan Yu would announce that he committed suicide!

I need to make Keqing take the blame with me.

Having made up his mind, Han Fulai bowed slightly and said, "Actually, Lady Keqing doesn't need me to represent her. She can go directly to the immortals. Last time at the Jade Pavilion, Lady Keqing joined forces with the immortals to fight against the demon god Oser. The immortals and you are already acquainted."

Keqing originally wanted to meet the immortals to show her sincerity, so since Han Fulai said so, she went along with it.

Ke Qing waved her hand and said, "It was just a brief encounter. After all, I had a dispute with the immortals back then. Visiting them without permission might offend them. So I think asking you to introduce me is the most polite thing to do."

"Since Lord Keqing has given the order, I am naturally happy to serve," Han Fulai said with a smile.

“Okay, then it’s settled.” Ke Qing nodded.

After a moment, she hesitated and said, "I know the work at Moonlit Pavilion is very demanding, and there are very few holidays. This is your first time celebrating the Lantern Festival in Liyue, and I feel really bad for troubling you to accompany me on this wonderful holiday..."

"Lord Keqing, you are overthinking this. It is my honor to share your burdens. Besides, Lord Keqing is always busy with official duties, and he didn't even relax during the Lantern Festival. He also had to organize the 'Fireworks Show' for the Lantern Festival. I have nothing but admiration for Lord Keqing." Han Fulai's words were very sincere. Keqing's workload was no less than his.

“'Fireworks Show'... I actually hope that everyone in Liyue can enjoy the fireworks show, including you, of course,” Keqing said.

Although Keqing is very serious about her work, even appearing somewhat cold-hearted, everything she does is actually for Liyue. Han Fulai thought to himself, a thought suddenly occurring to him.

"Then how about... after work, Lady Keqing and I watch the fireworks together?" Han Fulai asked.

"Eh, together?" Ke Qing asked, somewhat surprised.

"Now that I'm temporarily serving as Lord Keqing's personal secretary, accompanying my superior to inspect the results of the 'Fireworks Festival' is simply part of my job," Han Fulai said, his reasoning perfectly sound.

“Alright, then we’ll go watch the fireworks together.” Ke Qing agreed.

"Then, it's a date," Han Fulai said with a smile.

"Yes, it's arranged." Ke Qing returned the smile.

"Then I will go back to prepare the gift to give to the immortal tomorrow, and also handle some documents. Mr. Han, let's meet here on the Jade Capital Terrace first thing tomorrow morning."

Han Fulai returned to the lounge in Yuehaiting's office, but Gan Yu was not there. Han Fulai glanced at the book of ancient poems he had obtained from Xingqiu, then turned off the lights and went to rest.

The next morning, when Han Fulai got up, Gan Yu still hadn't returned to Yuehai Pavilion. Han Fulai felt slightly strange, but since Gan Yu hadn't left him a message, it shouldn't be anything he needed to worry about.

After washing up, he prepared to accompany Keqing on her long journey. When he arrived at the entrance of Yuehai Pavilion, he was met not by Keqing, but by Ningguang.

Ningguang was instructing Baishi and Baixiao on their tasks: "...Send this notice to the General Affairs Department and have them organize and assign the tasks listed above to the relevant departments. Tell them that the Lantern Festival is a complex event, but all tasks, big or small, must be handled properly."

Upon seeing him approach, Ningguang dismissed her two personal secretaries and waved to Han Fulai with a smile.

"Good morning. I hope I haven't disturbed Ningguang's work?" Seeing that Keqing hadn't arrived yet, Han Fulai was happy to chat with Ningguang first.

"Of course not, I actually have something to discuss with you, Xiao Han," Ningguang said.

"Oh? What are your instructions, Sister Ningguang?" Han Fulai asked.

"You know Keqing planned a 'fireworks show', right?" Ningguang asked.

Han Fulai nodded.

"The Lantern Festival has always focused on releasing 'sky lanterns,' but many things have happened in Liyue recently. Keqing said that people need more warmth and a sense of unity, and at least this year she hopes to adopt a more special and more relatable way of celebrating."

"Keqing's idea is to send fireworks to various parts of Liyue and light them all at the right time, so that the intense light and heat can connect people's emotions."

"Lady Keqing is really thoughtful." Han Fulai was actually quite looking forward to the "fireworks show" planned by Keqing. Since China banned fireworks and firecrackers from being set off in the main urban area, he could basically only see fireworks on TV.

"Little Han, do you know the origin of Liyue fireworks?" Ningguang continued to ask.

"Appreciate further details."

"When the ancestors of Liyue created fireworks, they named them 'firecrackers.' They can produce bright light and loud noise, and can be used to drive away poisonous snakes and wild beasts or to warn others. In the early days, people were away farming and communication was inconvenient. Firecrackers, because they can make a loud noise, were used to transmit signals when necessary."

"Firecrackers are the predecessor of fireworks. We improved firecrackers and set them off during the Lantern Festival to commemorate the fighting spirit of our ancestors."

"Amidst the crackling of firecrackers, the old year departs, and the spring breeze brings warmth to the New Year's wine." Han Fulai recalled this ancient poem. In this respect, Liyue's customs were no different from those of China.

Of course, he knew that Ningguang was not simply introducing him to the history of Liyue.

"What Ningguang means is that in ancient times, fireworks were used by residents as...explosives for self-defense."

Ningguang smiled. "That's right."

Seeing that Han Fulai had understood her meaning, Ningguang stopped talking about fireworks and started talking about Keqing instead.

"Keqing is a very reliable person, strict with herself, and passionate about her work. However, she is extremely strict with herself and others, to the point that she becomes overly involved and has been working hard for several days in a row."

Han Fulai nodded, thinking of the pitiful Pengyi he had met yesterday. Ke Qing was not only overworked herself, but everyone around her was also constantly busy.

“I don’t think this is a long-term solution. Too much of a good thing is bad, a principle that everyone in Liyue should understand. I’ve tried to advise her, but you’re probably well aware of her personality. Even the most eloquent person will run into trouble with Keqing,” Ningguang continued.

"So Ningguang hopes that I, as Keqing's personal secretary, can take this opportunity to persuade her?"

“Exactly. As far as I know, Keqing was actually busy working all night without rest. If she keeps working like this, I’m afraid her body won’t be able to take it. And…” Ningguang hesitated.

Moreover, Keqing is prone to making mistakes when she's fatigued. Fireworks are dangerous items, and there's a risk of serious consequences. Unfortunately, Keqing refuses to listen to Ningguang's advice, so Ningguang is pinning her hopes on him. Even if she can't persuade Keqing, he can at least help her identify and correct any oversights.

Han Fulai nodded. "Please rest assured, Sister Ningguang, I will help Lady Keqing organize this 'Fireworks Festival' well."

Chapter Twelve: Older Sister Ke Qing (from Civil Engineering)

Han Fu recalled the game storyline he had experienced. In the game, Ningguang did indeed ask the player to persuade Keqing to take a rest.

There were many tasks in the Lantern Festival event, and Han Fulai couldn't remember all the plot points in the game event, but he still remembered how to persuade Keqing to "balance work and rest".

In his memory, this method was Zhongli's advice to the players: "To speak rashly and preach will offend people. A more indirect approach might be worth trying."

Specifically, it means telling a story that Keqing can empathize with, and weaving the message you want to convey into it. This story should be based on real life, and ideally include people or things that Keqing is familiar with, so that she can relate to it.

To summarize briefly—tell a fable to persuade Ke Qing.

Such things are common in Chinese history. Han Fulai had seen them countless times in historical records. There was even a text in Chinese language textbooks called "Zou Ji Advises King Qi to Accept Criticism," which was required to be memorized and recited. So, what Han Fulai was going to do, by analogy, was probably "Han Fulai Advises Ke Qing to Accept Criticism."

However, this method has prerequisites for success. First, the relationship between the advisor and the one who accepts the advice must be good, so that the advisor has the opportunity to tell his story, or at least the other party must be willing to listen to him. Second, the one who accepts the advice must be broad-minded enough to be happy to hear criticism and readily accept good advice. In history, many officials who advised the monarch were recorded in history books because they were beheaded after submitting their advice.

Han Fulai remembered that in the game, the Traveler and Paimon made up a story that even Keqing thought was quite clumsy to persuade her. Keqing was able to listen to it because she had the Traveler in her heart, and she loved to listen to whatever the Traveler said.

The problem is, Ke Qing doesn't care about Han Fulai at all... As his current position as a seconded personal secretary, he has no right to interfere with Ke Qing's work policies. If he wants to persuade Ke Qing, he'll probably have to wait for an opportunity.

As Han Fulai was pondering this, Keqing walked over carrying two gift boxes, seemingly having just returned from Liyue Harbor. Her mental state appeared no different from usual; if Ningguang hadn't told him beforehand, Han Fulai would have had no idea that Keqing had worked all night.

"Ningguang, Mr. Han, good morning."

Upon seeing Ke Qing, Ning Guang's face showed a hint of worry: "Ke Qing, forgive my bluntness, but some work can be delegated to subordinates. You've been working non-stop for several days now, you should take a rest."

"It's nothing, no problem." Ke Qing shook her head indifferently. "Mr. Han, let's go and pay our respects to the immortals in the city first."

Seeing that Ke Qing persisted, Ning Guang said no more, but gave Han Fulai a wink.

Han Fulai nodded gently, naturally took the gift box from Ke Qing's hand, and followed her away from Yuehai Pavilion.

As they walked, Ke Qing took out a gift list and introduced the things she had prepared to Han Fulai.

"...These are the gifts for the immortals. I also brought some handmade pastries that I made myself; I hope they will like them. Is there anything I've forgotten?"

"Lady Keqing is very thoughtful, and I have nothing to add," Han Fulai replied. He wasn't really familiar with the immortals' preferences, but it never hurts to be polite, and he didn't think there was anything wrong with the gift Keqing had prepared.

The two arrived at the Yujingtai viewing platform and saw Granny Ping and Yan Fei.

"It's a big holiday, so don't run around. Just stay put." Grandma Ping sounded like she was trying to dissuade her granddaughter from staying at work to work overtime during the New Year for triple pay.

"Grandma, having many clients is a joyous occasion!" Yan Fei said, hands on her hips, puffing out her chest with considerable pride.

"Hehe, it's already the Lantern Festival, who would be in a hurry to come looking for you? This child..." Grandma Ping shook her head helplessly.

“You can’t say that…” Yanfei seemed very dissatisfied with Grandma Ping’s statement.

At this moment, Han Fulai and Ke Qing walked over.

"Grandma Ping, Yanfei, Happy Lantern Festival!" Han Fulai greeted first.

"It's you two! It's so nice to see you during the Lantern Festival." Grandma Ping smiled broadly as she saw the two young people who had chatted with her about old friends the night before.

"Mr. Han, it's been a long time." Yan Fei's eyes lit up with surprise when she saw Han Fulai. She was about to step forward and have a good chat with him when she remembered that Ke Qing seemed to have been left out. She quickly turned to Ke Qing. "Miss Ke Qing is here too. It's been a long time."

Ke Qing waved gently to Yan Fei as a greeting, then gestured for Han Fulai to present the gift box.

"With the festival approaching, we at Seven Stars have prepared a small gift for you both. It includes some seafood, two bolts of fine silk, and some rare flower seeds specially prepared for Grandma Ping. I've brought the lighter goods. The silk is still on its way; we just picked it up from the cloth shop and will have a clerk deliver it to you later. This is just a small token of our appreciation, and we hope it pleases you both."

Han Fulai then realized that Ke Qing had gone to the cloth shop in the city early that morning to personally select and place orders. Han Fulai couldn't help but secretly admire her dedication to doing everything to the best of her ability.

"Wow, that's great! Seven Stars is so thoughtful, thank you." Yan Fei clapped her hands happily. The seafood that Ke Qing sent was a high-end product from Liuli Pavilion, which even Yan Fei rarely got to eat.

"Good, good, since Keqing chose the flower seeds, they must be very good. Thank you so much." Grandma Ping's eyes curved into two crescent moons behind her reading glasses. She usually loved to cultivate flowers on the Jade Capital Terrace, and the flower seeds that Keqing chose were exactly what she liked.

"I'm glad you two like it. We still have to visit a few other immortals, so we won't bother you any longer." Seeing that the gift had received a satisfactory response, Ke Qing prepared to take her leave.

"Oh dear, Keqing, are you going to see Liuyun and the others? Oh... they should all be at Mount Aozang."

Grandma Ping had intended to invite the two of them to have tea together, but seeing that Ke Qing was busy, she had to give up. She turned to look at Yan Fei, who also turned around and exchanged a glance with Grandma Ping.

Grandma Ping thought for a moment, then said, "I heard that all these decorations on the street were designed by you, Ke Qing. You've made the city so beautiful, yet you run off to the mountains instead of going to stroll around the streets yourself. What a pity! Yan Fei loves that street; she goes there to wander around whenever she has free time..."

"Grandma, I wasn't just strolling around, I was consulting with clients," Yan Fei said confidently, hands on her hips again.

"Oh? So you spent so long in front of the grilled tigerfish stall, was it to get advice?" Grandma Ping asked with a smile.

"I was helping them calculate prices. Calculating prices is a lot of work; I have to check many regulations. And I personally checked the ingredients, the taste, the cooking time, and so on many times to ensure the prices were fair and honest!" Yan Fei said confidently.

Han Fulai keenly understood the meaning behind their words and said, "It's a holiday, Yanfei, and you're still working. You're working too hard."

Yan Fei sighed dramatically, spreading her hands in a helpless gesture.

"Well, in our line of work, there are generally no days off. If a client asks me for something, I have to rush over."

Han Fulai and Yan Fei sang in unison.

"Isn't that even more arduous than our Secretary Yue Haiting's work? No rest time at all, we can't live like that!"

“Yes, yes.” Yan Fei nodded vigorously. “But the absence of clearly defined rest days also means there are no clearly defined workdays. We can arrange our own time and always find some free time to relax.”

As Yan Fei spoke, she turned to Ke Qing meaningfully and said, "Otherwise, if I always go to see clients looking tired, their first impression of me will definitely be very bad, let alone any cooperation. Besides, what's that saying again... um, 'Rest is for better work'?"

Han Fulai chimed in, "Has Lady Keqing been out shopping lately?"

Ke Qing lowered her head slightly, resting the back of her hand on her chin, as if recalling her recent itinerary.

"I visited the site many times while supervising the construction, but I haven't been there since it was completed... I planned to take a good stroll after work, but one thing after another came up... and I forgot about going shopping."

Where are you, the civil engineering senior? Are you always rushing from one construction site to another?

Han Fulai silently complained in his heart, but made a suggestion without showing any emotion: "After Lady Keqing is done with her work, why don't we invite Miss Yanfei to stroll around the Lantern Festival market together? If you need someone to carry the shopping bags, I would be happy to accompany you."

"Okay, that's fine. It's a rare opportunity, and I'd like to travel around a bit..." Ke Qing nodded in agreement.

Han Fulai was secretly pleased, knowing that he had successfully planted the idea that Ke Qing needed to rest in her mind, and that he had also tried to naturally get closer to Ke Qing, making it easier to talk to her in the future.

"...However, it's good to balance work and rest, but we can't relax too much. Right now, we still need to get to Mount Aozang. You two, we'll take our leave now."

Keqing bowed to the two immortals and then left.

Han Fulai knew that changing Keqing's mind was not a simple matter, and there was no need to rush things.

"Miss Keqing is so diligent. Should I learn from her?" Yanfei shook her head upon seeing this.

"No matter how busy you are, you should still take a break. It's not worth ruining your health." Grandma Ping said with a hint of reproach, seemingly lecturing Yan Fei, but her eyes were fixed on Han Fulai.

Han Fulai nodded, indicating that he understood, and then turned to follow Ke Qing.

The fact that Granny Ping and Yan Fei were talking so coincidentally on the Jade Capital Terrace, and then so tacitly advising Ke Qing to rest, was clearly premeditated. Otherwise, given Yan Fei's profession as a legal consultant, she'd probably be consulting with clients somewhere right now.

Han Fulai could easily see Gan Yu's good intentions now. Gan Yu, who hadn't returned to Yuehai Pavilion, had probably gone to see Yan Fei and Granny Ping yesterday to ask them to help persuade Ke Qing.

For the past thousand years, Gan Yu has been in charge of comforting these old immortal cadres. This year, Ke Qing has suddenly taken over. I'm afraid these immortals might have some unnecessary thoughts, wondering if something has happened to Gan Yu.

Gan Yu is always meticulous in her work. When Ke Qing went to Yuehai Pavilion to consult Gan Yu yesterday, Gan Yu had already thought of this. She would obviously inform all the immortals in advance to pave the way for Ke Qing and Han Fulai, and also ask them to help persuade Ke Qing.

Mt. Aozang is a long way from Liyue Harbor; I can only hope that everything goes smoothly on this journey. Han Fulai watched Keqing's retreating figure, and had a vague premonition that this journey to visit the immortals would not be so easy.