He changed Tiwat

Chapter Thirteen: Keqing's Philosophy

First, they went to the cloth shop to pick up new silk, and then they carried several firework tubes specially made by the pyrotechnician Peng Yi as gifts for the immortals. Finally, Han Fulai and Ke Qing got into the carriage.

Ke Qing's carriage was quite luxurious, its exterior clearly costing a fortune. The walls of the carriage bore the emblem of the Jade Balance Star, indicating it was her private property. The carriage was driven by a master and pulled by two fine horses. The interior was furnished with soft cushions and pillows, and was quite spacious. Even with the pile of gifts to be given to the immortals, there was still enough room for Ke Qing and Han Fulai to lie down and rest.

If the carriage Han Fulai and Xingqiu rented when they went to Qingce Village was an ordinary Santana, Ke Qing's was at least a Maybach GLS.

"We can't forget that Keqing, the civil engineer, is actually one of the richest businessmen in Liyue just because of her work style!" Han Fulai thought to himself.

Keqing didn't relax at all just because she was in the comfortable carriage. As soon as she got in, she waved her hand and summoned a scroll from her God's Eye to examine it carefully. It was the budget plan that she had asked Pengyi to revise and send to the General Affairs Department.

After Ke Qing finished giving her instructions, she waved and produced a new scroll. This was a draft design for the final stages of the fireworks display. Han Fulai had spent a long time discussing it with Ke Qing before finally finalizing the design. However, Ke Qing seemed tireless and quickly took out a planning map of the fireworks display site at Qiaoying Village to continue reviewing…

Only after the work was finished did Han Fulai have a chance to breathe a sigh of relief. Ke Qing's face finally showed obvious fatigue.

But Keqing still showed no sign of wanting to rest properly. She took out paper and pen and began to jot down some new ideas.

"Lady Keqing, what Lady Ningguang said earlier is not without reason. Many things can be delegated to subordinates. Lady Ningguang is very busy and cannot do without the help of Baiwen, Baishi, and Baixiao. Now that the work is over, Lady Keqing, why don't you take a break?" Han Fulai advised.

Ke Qing looked up at Han Fulai, then lowered her head again to stare at the pen and paper in her hand.

After a long silence, she finally spoke: "Ningguang and I... have different philosophies. In fact, although we are colleagues, our personalities don't really mesh. Ningguang may just treat Liyue as her business, and she will do anything as long as it can make money. But I want to do what I believe is the most valuable thing - I want to leave the mark of humanity on the land of the Emperor."

"After the Celestials retired, Liyue was actually governed entirely by the Seven Stars, which is exactly the opportunity I've been waiting for. I must do my best in organizing this Lantern Festival. Not only the Celestials, but I want all the people of Liyue to see that even without the Geo Archon, humanity can do everything well."

"The affairs of Liyue are numerous and complex. As the ruler of Yuheng Star, how can I become a role model for the people if I don't put in more effort? Humans' powers and lifespans are inferior to those of the gods. If we are held back by laziness and hesitation, how can we replace the gods in governing Liyue?"

“I understand your thinking, but things can’t be rushed. For example, the planning for the wrap-up of the ‘fireworks show’ shouldn’t be something that has to be done today,” Han Fulai said.

Ke Qing shook her head and said, "Nothing can exist independently without connections. If one thing is delayed, many things connected to it will also suffer. Therefore, today's work should be done today. It's not that I'm impatient, but things simply cannot be delayed."

Han Fulai gave a wry smile. Sure enough, Ningguang was right; even the most eloquent person would be utterly defeated by Keqing. It wasn't that Keqing's debating skills were particularly impressive, but rather that her convictions were too unwavering to be swayed by words.

Keqing's "Queen of the Scrolls" work ethic has been going on for quite some time now, and Han Fulai believes Ningguang understands Keqing's personality better than he does. If Keqing were willing to change, she would have done so long ago.

Ningguang's main purpose in asking him to persuade Keqing was still related to the "fireworks festival".

Fireworks are flammable and explosive, so they are very dangerous and can easily cause major accidents if not handled carefully. In China, during festivals like the Lantern Festival, the fire department is on high alert and ready to respond at any time.

According to Keqing's plan, these flammable and explosive materials will be scattered throughout Liyue and set off simultaneously at specific times—achieving this goal requires meticulous planning, precise process control, and exceptional organizational and management capabilities.

Even in modern Chinese society, with instant communication devices like telephones and the internet, organizing such an event would be extremely difficult. In an ancient society like Liyue, it would obviously be even more challenging. With so many preparatory steps involved in the "Fireworks Festival," any failure in any one step could lead to unpredictable and disastrous consequences.

For example, if the personnel in charge of the fireworks display don't control the timing properly, the fireworks in the sky will be a mess and won't look good. And that's just the least serious mistake. If other problems arise, such as issues with material preparation or safety hazards—Han Fulai gets a headache just thinking about it.

This Lantern Festival is the first one since the Rock King Emperor's retirement, a stage to showcase the Seven Star Government's capabilities; its political significance far outweighs its festival significance. Although Ningguang didn't explicitly say this to him this morning, her meaning was clear—this Lantern Festival isn't a question of whether it can be held successfully, it's a question of whether it must be held successfully!

That's why Keqing is so busy, handling almost everything personally to ensure the success of this "fireworks festival." If the "fireworks festival" were to fail miserably due to various problems, given Keqing's personality, she would probably blame herself for the rest of her life.

The saying goes, "Even the wisest person can make a mistake." No matter how capable Keqing is, it's hard to guarantee she won't make a mistake. Ningguang knew that Keqing didn't have anyone capable of properly assisting her, which is why she specifically asked her to help her. Ganyu's recommendation of herself to Keqing was likely based on the same consideration.

Ah Qing, you see, Ningguang and Ganyu actually care about you quite a bit. Even immortals like Granny Ping and Yanfei have secretly reminded me to take care of you. You really are the darling of Liyue. Han Fulai sighed inwardly.

The problem is, why do they all ask me to take care of you?! I'm just a newbie in the workplace, and I often work overtime. I really need to be taken care of too! Why don't you guys pamper me a little?!

Han Fulai glanced at Ke Qing with a complex look that held a hint of envy, jealousy, and resentment. Ke Qing was completely oblivious; she had her back to Han Fulai, gazing out the carriage window, lost in thought. Han Fulai only saw her purple twin ponytails bouncing with the carriage's swaying, along with the two strands of hair tied into cat-ear shapes on her head.

Forget it, after all, I'm not a purple-haired twin-tailed beauty, nor do I have cat ears, so I'm not cute at all. Even if I had to choose, I'd still favor Ah Qing.

Han Fulai found the difference in appearance.

Chapter Fourteen: Sweet and Engraved with Shen He

Although Keqing's private carriage was much faster than a regular taxi, the journey was long, and it was already night when the two arrived at Mount Okuzō.

By the time the two arrived at the cave dwelling of True Lord Liuyun Jiefeng with bags full of gifts, it was already past dinner time.

The Cave of the True Lord of Cloud-Borrowing Wind is located atop Mount Aozang, surrounded by peaks that encircle a small basin of breathtaking scenery. It boasts exotic flowers and rare herbs, ancient rocks and trees, and a small lake teeming with fish, a sight that transports one to another.

In front of the cave stood a stone tablet inscribed with the words, "The nature does not increase or decrease, the mind is without purity or defilement, there is no action or law, this is the carefree immortal, whose name is left in the clouds and wind. Without the register of immortals, it is difficult to see him."

In the middle of that small lake, there is a stone table and three stone chairs.

Standing beside the stone table were a man and a crane, none other than Gan Yu and Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun.

"With the festival approaching, what brings you to my humble abode? Isn't Yuehai Pavilion busy?" Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun rarely saw Gan Yu taking the initiative to seek him out, and his voice was filled with surprise.

"Ah, it is precisely because the Lantern Festival is approaching that I have taken leave to visit the True Lord." Gan Yu's voice was completely flat. If Han Fulai heard Gan Yu say this, he would definitely think to himself that Gan Yu was reading in a flat tone.

Gan Yu looked around and asked, "Why don't I see True Lord Xiaoyue Zhuyang and True Lord Lishui Dieshan?"

"Hmph, them..." Upon hearing the names of the two True Lords, Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun snorted and was about to scold the two when he suddenly saw a purple-haired girl with twin ponytails carrying a gift box walking down the mountain path, and a black-haired young man carrying a strange cylinder behind her.

"Hmm? Isn't this Han boy? Oh, and Yuheng Star too, truly rare guests."

"Immortal Master Liuyun, it's been a long time! You've become even more ethereal and graceful! And Lord Ganyu, Happy Lantern Festival!"

Han Fulai put down the firework tube on his shoulder and greeted the two. The two immortals he was most familiar with were naturally Gan Yu and his apprentice. With Gan Yu present, he felt somewhat at ease with formalities.

"Greetings, immortals, Gan Yu." Ke Qing also greeted the two immortals.

"I really didn't expect you to arrive so quickly." Gan Yu had originally planned to tell Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun in advance that Ke Qing would be the one to visit this year, but Ke Qing's efficiency was clearly higher than she had anticipated.

"Hmm...you're too kind. What brings you here to see me?" Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun flapped his wings.

Gan Yu is her disciple and is usually responsible for communicating with immortals, while Han Fulai is Gan Yu's personal secretary, so it's not surprising that they would come to visit. But it's really strange that Ke Qing from Yuheng Star would come looking for her, since she almost got into a fight with her during the Immortal Invitation Ceremony.

"With the festival approaching, I'm here on behalf of the Seven Stars to extend my greetings to you. This is just a small gift, please accept it." Ke Qing said, handing the gift box to Gan Yu.

As the saying goes, "One doesn't hit a smiling face," and "It's never wrong to be overly polite." Since they've come to offer a gift, Lord Liuyun Jiefeng will naturally accept it with a smile.

"The Seven Stars of Liyue are extremely busy, yet they still managed to personally visit my humble abode in the mountains. They are truly kind-hearted."

Speaking of gifts, Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun's eyes were fixed on the firework tube that Han Fulai had brought.

"Hmm? An interesting cylinder... Could this be..."

"These are new fireworks improved by the General Affairs Department. I heard you like mechanical devices, so I brought you a set as well, just for your amusement." Ke Qing smiled, but there was no smile in her purplish-red eyes.

Keqing knew that Lord Liuyun had gone to Liyue Harbor to confront the Seven Stars because he mistakenly believed the Emperor was dead, and that he didn't fundamentally reject human society. However, Lord Liuyun still had many doubts about the Seven Stars' ability to govern.

For immortals who have lived for countless years, Liyue's 3,700-year history is not long, and the so-called Liyue Seven Stars are just children in the eyes of Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun.

Keqing chose the cave of Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun as her first stop on her journey to visit the immortals in the mountains, precisely to leave a good impression on this immortal who did not believe in the Seven Stars. Having learned from Gan Yu that Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun was fond of mechanical arts, Keqing naturally intended to make good use of it. This firework tube, made using mechanical arts, was precisely the trump card that Keqing had carefully prepared.

Furthermore, Gan Yu told Ke Qing that Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhen Jun was very picky about food and drink, so Ke Qing deliberately did not prepare seafood and snacks in the gift box, just in case they did not suit his taste and caused him displeasure.

Clearly, Keqing's efforts had yielded excellent results. Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun was completely captivated by the gift before him.

"Hmm... I didn't expect this... This is quite interesting. It's exquisite with a unique touch, and the appearance is also quite well done..." True Monarch Liuyun Jiefeng murmured to himself.

"Hmm, judging from his expression, True Lord Liuyun really likes this gift." Gan Yu felt quite gratified.

"Very good, I will accept this device." True Monarch Liuyun Jiefeng was in a very good mood. He turned his neck and said to Keqing, "You probably still want to see Xiaoyue Zhuyang and Lishui Dieshan, right? Unfortunately, the timing is not right."

"I was just about to ask Immortal Master Liuyun, are those two True Lords out and not yet returned?" Han Fulai asked.

“Those two old guys… humph.” Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun complained when he mentioned his two old friends. “Xiao Yue Zhu Yang has always been concerned about Liyue Harbor. But we agreed that the Seven Stars of Liyue would manage Liyue Harbor. He can’t just go to the city to supervise their work anytime he wants.”

As Liu Yun spoke, he shook his head. "I did try to persuade him. If he really couldn't let go, he could transform into human form and go to the city for a visit. But this stubborn old man... just couldn't bring himself to do it. Later, he simply used the excuse of traveling to go out and clear his head, and hasn't returned since."

"He seems to have a good attitude towards managing water and stacking mountains, but he said he wanted to find some new things to protect the mountain gate, and he went treasure hunting, but we haven't heard from him since..."

As Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun was speaking, he suddenly thought of something and froze on the spot.

"Wait a minute... these two, are they just making up an excuse to go out and have fun together?!"

Gan Yu, Ke Qing, and Han Fulai all pretended to look around at the scenery, none of them wanting to make eye contact with the ostracized, empty-nest old crane.

Just then, a voice that seemed otherworldly rang out: "It's so lively..."

"That voice... Shen He? Is it Shen He?" Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun looked around upon hearing the voice.

Han Fulai suddenly turned around and saw a tall young woman walking gracefully towards him. She was dressed in white, her hair was as white as snow, her skin was like ice and her bones like jade, but her silver eyes were as cold as an unmelting glacier, full of murderous intent.

This was the first time Han Fulai had met Shen He. Before meeting Shen He, Han Fulai had never imagined that there could be such an ethereal woman in the world, as if she were the embodiment of the word "fairy".

“Shen He… could she be the junior sister that Zhenjun once mentioned?” Gan Yu thought of the junior sister that her master had mentioned. Although this junior sister was human, she was completely unable to integrate into human society, which made Gan Yu feel a bit of sympathy for her.

Shen He was a disciple that Master had only recently accepted, while Gan Yu had been a disciple for over three thousand years, so they had only heard of each other but never met.

"Shen He, this is Gan Yu, you should have heard of him." Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun introduced the two disciples.

"Hello, my name is Gan Yu, and I currently work at the Moonlit Pavilion in Yujingtai. If you need any help in Liyue Harbor, feel free to come to me." Gan Yu waved with a smile and greeted Shen He.

Liuyun Sect Secretariat.jpg

"I will remember, thank you very much." Shen He's reply was polite but indifferent.

Shen He turned to look at Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun and said, "Master, you said that during the Lantern Festival, people from Liyue would bring food to those they know. So I thought I should come here."

As Shen He spoke, he pulled out a large handful of Qingxin herbs, a large bundle of glass bags, and a large pile of glass lilies from his person. All sorts of herbs instantly filled the stone table.

Han Fulai glanced at Gan Yu and noticed that Gan Yu swallowed, seemingly unable to resist the temptation of the "delicious food" on the table.

"Oh no..." Ke Qing's small mouth revealed a hint of annoyance. She had deliberately not brought snacks or wine to avoid displeasing Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun, but Shen He's suggestion made her seem like she was being impolite.

"Oh? You even prepared a portion for those two old guys?" True Monarch Liuyun pointed at the table with his wing.

“Yes.” Shen He nodded.

True Lord Liuyun usually eats the finest and most exquisite food, which is completely different from the diet of her two disciples who grew up eating flowers and herbs. She doesn't have much of an appetite for things like purifying the mind, but she is very satisfied with her disciples' thoughtfulness.

"Hmm, Gan Yu..." Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun's emerald crane eyes lingered on Gan Yu, seemingly looking on with anticipation.

Gan Yu looked at her master with some confusion, completely unable to understand why Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun was staring at her.

Han Fulai almost covered his face. Ke Qing brought a gift box, he carried a firework tube, Shen He gave her herbs, and everyone brought gifts for the Lantern Festival to care for the lonely old cranes. Only Gan Yu went back to his hometown for the New Year empty-handed, and even swallowed his saliva at the New Year's gifts that his junior sister gave to their master.

As Gan Yu's personal secretary, it is my duty to help my boss solve problems!

Seeing this, Han Fulai took out a box of pastries from his satchel. These were the pastries that Keqing had made for him to eat on the carriage, but Han Fulai, who had been working with Keqing the whole way, hadn't had a chance to enjoy them. Now, he could just take advantage of the situation and offer them to her.

"Lord Ganyu, these are the pastries you asked me to bring to Immortal Master Liuyun. Last time, Lord Keqing made these pastries for you, but you were reluctant to eat them, saying that you wanted Immortal Master Liuyun to taste them."

As Han Fulai spoke, he stuffed the snack box into Gan Yu's hand.

Gan Yu finally realized what was happening, gave Han Fulai a grateful look, and gave the snacks to her master.

True Monarch Liuyun Jiefeng felt immensely gratified. Those two old fellows ostracized her and didn't include her in their activities, so she wouldn't receive such wonderful gifts or enjoy the disciples' well wishes. Hmph, they deserved it!

"Everyone, if you're all staying in Liyue Harbor from now on, you must look after each other, understand?" Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun said, glancing at Shen He. She felt it was time to let this disciple truly go down the mountain and gain some experience.

"I understand," Gan Yu quickly agreed.

Ke Qing gave Han Fulai a wink, and Han Fulai understood, knowing that there was still a gift that hadn't been given out. So he asked Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun, "May I ask, Immortal Master Liu Yun, where can we find the Demon-Subduing Great Sage?"

“The Great Sage Who Subdues Demons? I haven’t seen him recently. As usual, he should be active around the Wangshu Inn area,” said True Lord Liuyun Jiefeng.

"I see... Then let's go to Wangshu Inn to look for him." Ke Qing nodded.

"In short, during this major festival, only I am left to guard Mount Aozang. If it weren't for Gan Yu's visit, I would probably have gone into seclusion again to study mechanical arts."

"I'm so sorry to disturb your meditation..." Gan Yu keenly sensed that the atmosphere was changing in the direction she least wanted to go, and quickly apologized to her master.

"Haha, why are you suddenly being so formal? This isn't the first time you've bothered me, is it?" Liu Yun laughed.

"You, when you were little, loved to sneak into the house and run around while I was setting up my traps, and you especially loved playing with that thing I made... what was it called again..."

Ke Qing and Han Fu exchanged a glance, knowing that Gan Yu was in trouble again.

"Ah! True Lord! I have things to do, I'll go back first!" Gan Yu took a step back, turned around and left.

"Gan Yu, run! Running away is shameful, but it's useful!" Han Fulai encouraged Gan Yu in his heart.

"Eh? Why the sudden rush? Yuheng Star is right here. If you have something to say, why don't you just ask her for a decision?" Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun asked curiously.

Gan Yu lowered her head, her two small hands twisting together, and finally came up with a reason: "No, no, it's, it's a very important task, I must ask Lady Ningguang for permission..."

"So particular, why insist on finding Ningguang?" Liuyun Zhenjun asked suspiciously.

“Ah…yes, that’s right. Ningguang and I have different roles, and Ganyu usually has to report her work to different people in charge. It’s really hard on her.” Keqing quickly offered her help.

Gan Yu placed her hand on her chest and gave Ke Qing a grateful look.

"Yes! So I'm sorry, everyone, I... I'll take my leave now." Gan Yu said, quickening her pace as she ran down the mountain.

"Huh? What, what, she's really gone? That child... she's always so easily startled." Liu Yun Jie Feng Zhenjun felt quite disappointed. "I was just about to talk about her favorite thing when she was little... yes, the Emperor Transforming Doll. By the way, I remember you liked it a lot on Yuheng Star too, right?"

"What...what?" Ke Qing's face flushed red instantly.

"An Emperor doll! I heard you especially love collecting Emperor clay figurines, and even need to hold one to fall asleep at night. I've actually made quite a few Emperor dolls, definitely more exquisite than those on the market. Why don't I give one to you on Jade Balance Star to take back with you..."

"True Lord Liuyun, I'm so sorry, I... I suddenly remembered that I forgot to tell Miss Ganyu something important... Miss Ganyu! Please wait for me!"

As Ke Qing spoke, she sprinted down the mountain at a speed Han Fulai had never seen before, following Gan Yu.

Han Fulai silently admired the eloquence of the renowned Moonsea Pavilion's Executive Secretary Gan Yu and Liyue Seven Stars' Yuheng Star Keqing, who were both rendered speechless and forced to flee in disarray within three minutes. He truly deserved the title of a master conversationalist!