He changed Tiwat

As a result, most of the staff at Jade Pavilion returned to Liyue Harbor for the Lantern Festival, leaving only a few Thousand Rock soldiers responsible for operating the aerial passages to guide visitors to Jade Pavilion.

It might be called deserted, but from another perspective, Jade Pavilion is now undoubtedly the best viewing platform in Liyue Harbor. Without the distractions of lights or the noise of crowds, and high above the ground, the entire harbor is laid out before you. Whether you're admiring the scenery or simply chatting, it's an excellent spot.

The two walked onto the deck of the Jade Pavilion and silently gazed at Liyue Harbor below.

The night breeze ruffled Ke Qing's hair and stirred her emotions. Ke Qing suddenly sighed.

"What's wrong with Lady Keqing?" Han Fulai asked with concern.

Ke Qing shook her head. "It's nothing. I'm just worried that this year's Lantern Festival and fireworks display... won't be as good as before."

"The fireworks display was originally organized because of my suggestion. We were already inexperienced and needed to be careful in everything we did. I never expected... that kind of thing would happen."

“Ningguang is currently busy with preparations for the Liyue National Bank, and the responsibility of organizing the Lantern Festival has fallen on my shoulders... This is also my first time organizing the Lantern Festival.”

"If I fail to perform well and meet the people's expectations... does that mean I am not qualified to lead the people of Liyue as the leader of Yuheng Star?"

"What makes you say that, Lady Keqing?" Han Fulai was somewhat surprised. He could understand Keqing's concerns, but he did not expect that Keqing had already begun to doubt herself.

Ke Qing's voice was low.

"Because I've been thinking these past few days about what this fireworks display would look like if you weren't by my side."

"The fireworks will be completely exploited by Pantarone and turned into a huge disaster. The river embankment of Qingce Village will be destroyed, the Thousand Rock Army in Liyue Harbor will have to be mobilized for disaster relief, and the Golden House and the General Affairs Office will also be left undefended. Pantarone will succeed in the same way... and I will not even know who is manipulating all of this behind the scenes, or what kind of danger is lurking around me."

"Am I, in this state, truly qualified to guide the people of Liyue?"

Han Fulai recalled Zhongli's evaluation of Ke Qing a few days ago: "Yuheng Star is upright, intelligent and diligent, and is naturally a pillar of society. However, everything has its limits. Yuheng Star's problem is that he goes too far."

Reflection is a good thing, but Keqing's excessive reflection led her into self-doubt. Coupled with her upright and principled character, and her high standards for herself and others, her self-blame was more intense than others' when problems arose.

After the Pantarone incident, Keqing had been suppressing her emotions in order to focus on her work. Now that everything was temporarily underway, and the sparsely populated environment of Qunyu Pavilion was perfect for confiding in others, Keqing no longer needed to pretend to be fine in front of others, so her suppressed emotions finally burst forth.

However, advising superiors was also part of Han Fulai's job as a secretary.

Han Fulai thought for a moment and said, "Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Even someone as talented as Lord Keqing can't be good at everything. That's the value of a subordinate like me. It's my duty to help you fill in the gaps. Please don't worry about it too much, Lord Keqing."

"Moreover, everyone made mistakes in this incident, and the responsibility does not lie solely with Lady Keqing."

"Lord Keqing's expertise lies in land development. Such scheming and intrigue are not her forte. Lord Keqing only needs to be upright and stick to her own path. Petrone is a villain who only uses crooked methods and will not last long."

"Besides, I also promised Lady Keqing that I would settle this score with Pantalone. Doesn't Lady Keqing believe me?"

Han Fulai spoke sincerely; since he had promised to settle the score with Pantalone, he would keep his word. Furthermore, with the advice Zhongli had given him during their conversation a few days prior, Han Fulai was now brimming with confidence.

Perhaps his confidence infected Ke Qing, for she forced a smile and said, "Of course I believe in you, I'm just a little... a little insecure."

"Did you know that this year is actually the first time that the Liyue Septim are the chief planners of the Lantern Festival? For the past three thousand years, the Lantern Festival has been held according to the rules left by the Geo Archon. Although the event is rather... old-fashioned, it has the advantage of having precedents to follow. It is difficult to make mistakes if we follow the past experience. But because I wanted to innovate... that's why the enemy was able to find a loophole."

Han Fulai pondered. What Keqing said was true. If the Lantern Festival were held according to the usual event procedures, Liyue Harbor would have enough manpower, and naturally, Pantarone would not be able to take advantage of the situation.

“Of course, I know that innovation always comes with risks. After all, it’s about taking a path that no one has taken before, and it’s normal to encounter difficulties,” Ke Qing continued. “But… I thought I was mentally prepared and had enough ability to handle all the problems I encountered, but now I realize that I’m not really prepared.”

“A few days ago, I took over the work related to the Lantern Festival that Ningguang assigned to me. Only then did I realize that even if we follow the old rules left by the Emperor, there are still countless things to do and all sorts of difficulties. If I hadn’t personally experienced these things, I wouldn’t have been able to discover the difficulties just by imagining them.”

Han Fulai recalled meeting Miss Jiang Zhou at the General Affairs Department and seeing the things she had written down in her notebook. Issues included stalls obstructing the road, fence repairs, pets disturbing the peace… a multitude of trivial matters. Although they were all small things, if these things weren't handled well, the Lantern Festival wouldn't be able to succeed.

Even if I work hard to complete the task, I will find that it is nothing more than something that the emperor of the past could easily do.

Ke Qing shook her head with a self-deprecating smile.

"I kept asking myself, 'Why can't I do this much? Why...can't I do better?'"

"This..." Han Fulai was about to offer some words of comfort when Ke Qing stopped him from speaking.

"Mr. Han, you don't need to comfort me. I actually understand the reason."

Ke Qing recalled the question Han Fulai asked her by the campfire that night: "The Rock King Emperor has six thousand years of experience to understand the ways of the world and people's hearts. May I ask how old you are, Lady Ke Qing?"

She is the most "disrespectful" person in Liyue Harbor, and her "disrespect" has even been acknowledged by the Geo Archon himself... But this does not mean that she is currently capable of "replacing" the Geo Archon.

There is a gap of six thousand years between her and the Rock King Emperor—a gap that is utterly hopeless.

“In fact, Lady Keqing doesn’t need to put herself and the Emperor in an opposing position, or rather, you don’t need to ‘catch up’ and ‘compete’,” Han Fulai said. “You and the Emperor are both working hard for Liyue and working for the people of Liyue—there is absolutely no reason for people who love the same thing to be enemies.”

"If you feel lost, you might as well stop and think, 'If you were the Emperor, what would you do in this situation?'"

Chapter Sixty-One: Flying Stars Gather in Splendor, May Our Glory Be Engraved (The End) [5k]

"It's not about 'catching up' or 'competing,' but... understanding him?" Ke Qing pondered Han Fulai's words repeatedly, feeling as if she had vaguely grasped something crucial.

Han Fulai smiled slightly. During the ceremony of inviting immortals, right here in this Jade Pavilion, when Ningguang guided him into the "Reflection Zone of the Seven Rulers of the Mortal World," he shared the same feelings as Keqing.

"When Lady Keqing is being harsh on herself, has she ever thought that the Rock King Emperor has also experienced failure?"

"The Emperor's failure...?" Keqing's crimson pupils were filled with doubt—in her heart, that was the omnipotent Rock King Emperor, the goal she had always pursued and wanted to surpass. She had never heard of this god ever experiencing any "failure."

"Even the Rock King himself relied on the help of a large number of immortals to create Liyue. Does Lady Keqing still remember the 'True Lord Who Guides the Heavens and Moves the Clouds' that Granny Ping mentioned to us? If this immortal hadn't sacrificed himself to support Tianheng Mountain, perhaps Liyue would be a completely different place now," Han Fulai said.

"But has Lady Keqing considered how many immortals and how many people Liyue lost in the process of establishing it? Even the mighty Geo Archon couldn't protect every one of his subordinates and subjects."

"Ah..." Ke Qing's eyes widened.

If the Emperor is always right and omnipotent, then why did those heroic souls commemorated every year during the Lantern Festival sacrifice themselves? If the Emperor could protect all his people, why would he need the "True Lord Who Shifts the Clouds and Guides the Heavens" to sacrifice his life to hold up Mount Tianheng? And how could he stand by and watch his people die?

Unless the circumstances at the time did not allow the Emperor to protect his subordinate immortals and his subjects, or even if the Emperor was capable, he was powerless to do so.

Even gods cannot achieve perfection, let alone a human like her. Isn't her self-criticism a form of arrogance, a self-perception that she is on par with the gods?

Ke Qing murmured to herself, "Even the Emperor... has things he can't do."

“That’s right, even the Emperor has things he can’t do,” Han Fulai said.

"'When the fog obscures your vision, and you are only focused on the trivial matters before your eyes, you cannot see the distant mountains clearly. If you can break through the fog before your eyes, you will surely see the light.' — This sentence was left to me by the Emperor, and I also give this sentence to Lady Keqing for mutual encouragement."

Ke Qing stared intently at Han Fulai, feeling as if his words had read her very soul and pierced through the fog of confusion within her. They were like a ray of light, guiding a ship lost at sea.

The Emperor's image in her heart was so lofty that she used him as the benchmark in everything she did, and always wanted to compare herself to him. This was both an admiration for the Emperor and a desire to "confront" him. She was always eager to prove to the Emperor that humans could do everything that gods could do, and that humans could build a Liyue that was no less powerful than the rule of the gods.

—And so the Emperor's tall figure gradually obscured her vision. This made it impossible for her to see herself clearly, nor could she see the path beneath her feet.

"So this is what they call 'being blinded by the fog'..." Ke Qing murmured to herself.

The night in Liyue Harbor is deep and dark.

Keqing turned her head and gazed at Liyue Harbor below. Her gaze stretched from the streets of Liyue Harbor all the way to the docks, to the beach, and to the distant horizon where the sea and sky met.

How long has it been since you stopped to admire the scenery of Liyue Harbor?

"It's truly wonderful to be able to stop and look at Liyue Harbor like this."

Ke Qing's voice was very soft, as if she were speaking to herself, or perhaps responding to the absent Emperor.

"When you climb a high mountain, you will see the clouds and mist in the mountains; when you board a ship, you will see the fog on the sea. That is why you should always look at where you are, and try to dispel the fog to see your true self."

"Then, at this very moment, what is Lady Keqing's true feeling?" Han Fulai's voice came from the side.

“My true heart…” Ke Qing placed her hand on her chest, as if touching that burning true heart.

She turned her head and met Han Fulai's gaze. Han Fulai noticed that Ke Qing had a bright smile on her face.

"My true wish is to slow down time. To take this opportunity to see the people I should see, and to see... the fireworks I should see."

"Looking back, I used to be much more impatient than I am now, and people who worked with me would quit within three months... But I have improved, you can see that, Mr. Han, right?"

Han Fulai smiled and nodded. The fact that Ke Qing was aware of these things and even willing to tell him was already a great improvement.

Ke Qing lowered her head slightly and suddenly took Han Fulai's hand.

"So... Mr. Han, you can't resign."

Han Fulai was slightly taken aback as he felt the softness in his palm, and for a moment he was speechless.

Ke Qing smiled mischievously, let go of his hand, turned around and walked a few steps with her back to Han Fulai.

“I’ve heard a story that’s been passed down in Mondstadt— ‘Courage taught the bird to fly.’” Keqing shook her head, her purple twin tails swaying gently. “However, it must be that first there is an unparalleled longing for the vast sky that gives rise to the impulse and courage to spread one’s wings. For me, Liyue is that sky.”

"So, I still have a lot of things I want to do with you. I don't plan to let you go until we've finished what we want to do."

Just then, a series of footsteps sounded.

The two turned around and saw a capable-looking woman in a uniform, with a single ponytail and black-rimmed glasses, walking towards them. She was Bai Shi, currently serving as the Executive Vice-Chief of the Heji Hall within the Eight Gates. However, in essence, she was one of Ning Guang's three personal secretaries, and also the personal secretary responsible for taking care of Ning Guang's daily life.

Upon seeing Keqing, Baishi bowed and said, "My lady, the things that Lady Ningguang prepared for you have been delivered."

Ke Qing nodded and said to Han Fulai, "Mr. Han, please wait here for me for a while, and don't leave!"

"Of course, I'm also looking forward to enjoying tonight's fireworks display with Lady Keqing," Han Fulai said with a smile.

After Keqing left with Baishi, Han Fulai stood on the edge of the deck of Qunyu Pavilion, looking down at Liyue Harbor.

Judging by the timing, the Lantern Festival is about to begin.

As if in response to his thoughts, a dark shadow suddenly appeared in the brightly lit Liyue Harbor.

The dark shadow started from Jade Capital Terrace and stretched downwards, like a black behemoth devouring the lights of Liyue Harbor.

Han Fulai smiled; he knew the Lantern Festival had officially begun. Everything was proceeding smoothly and according to plan.

The reason he changed Keqing's previous patrol plan was precisely for this moment.

The Thousand Rock Army soldiers are strictly adhering to the plan, patrolling along the main road of Liyue Harbor and extinguishing the lights along the way. To prevent accidents after the lights are turned off, it is essential to concentrate the patrol route on the main road of Liyue and have the soldiers reassure tourists who are frightened by the darkness.

The darkness continued to extend along the road, eventually completely engulfing Liyue Harbor.

For the first time, night fell over Liyue Harbor, the sleepless trading port of Teyvat.

The elderly looked up at the sky and chatted with their relatives and friends—this was the first time in all their lives that they had seen such a clear and brilliant starry sky in Liyue Harbor.

There is light in Liyue Harbor; the light is concentrated on the docks and on the "Skylights".

The "Skylight," built by all the residents of Liyue Harbor, gradually lit up.

Starting with the four legs of "Yixiao Daotian Zhenjun", the golden light slowly spread to the entire body of the giant stag—it was the radiance of the rock element.

Until the two giant horns of "Yixiao Daotian Zhenjun" also lit up with golden light, the entire stag suddenly came to life!

Its emerald eyes gleamed, as if it had just woken up. Its four hooves pounded in the void, yet it seemed to be stepping on solid steps—in fact, circles of silver magic arrays appeared beneath its feet, like steps leading to the heavens.

"The True Lord Who Shifts the Clouds and Guides the Heavens" shook his long neck and suddenly strode through the air.

It ran past the docks, past "Sky Market," past Tiger Rock, past Scarlet Cloud Slope, and past Jade Capital Terrace. Following its trajectory, the lights in Liyue Harbor lit up one by one, and along with the lights, the Sky Lanterns held by the residents of Liyue Harbor lit up one by one.

The lanterns rose into the sky, dancing around the "True Lord Who Shifts the Sky and Guides Heaven," like a hundred birds paying homage to the phoenix, like stars surrounding the moon.

Even the residents of Liyue Harbor, who were used to seeing the lanterns of the Lantern Festival, and even the well-traveled merchants, were captivated by this sight.

"The True Lord of Shifting the Sky and Guiding the Heavens" walked through the air towards the Jade Pavilion, eventually passing over Han Fulai's head, leaving a trail of golden light behind him.

"So lovely."

Ke Qing's voice came from behind Han Fulai.

Han Fulai turned around and saw a beautiful woman with purple hair and flowing robes approaching gracefully.

This evening gown is predominantly black, but the skirt is a striking blue, like butterfly wings fluttering around Keqing. The lines painstakingly drawn in the past have woven together to create a light and magnificent appearance tonight.

The black bow choker accentuated the girl's long and slender neck; her daringly exposed shoulders and back made her skin appear even more delicate and alluring.

"Ningguang's personal tailor made her a new dress, saying it was exotic in style."

Keqing lifted her dress, twirled around as if dancing on a ballroom, and showed off her new gown.

"How is it? Does it look good?"

"So beautiful!" These were the only three words that were in Han Fulai's mind for the time being.

Ke Qing smiled, clearly pleased with Han Fulai's reaction.

"This fireworks display is something we've all been working on together, and I believe we've done our best. Now, let's enjoy this grand event together."

She walked up to Han Fulai, lifted her skirt with one hand, and stretched out the other hand in front of him, as if waiting for a gentleman to invite her to dance.

Han Fulai raised his hand and gently placed it on Ke Qing's fingertips.

"Lord Keqing, Happy Lantern Festival."

Ke Qing responded with a bright smile.

Happy Lantern Festival. And... thank you.

Above their heads, the golden stag climbed higher and higher, gradually becoming a dazzling star—then it exploded with a roar, burning into a giant firework.

As a signal, fireworks set up throughout Liyue were lit simultaneously, with hundreds of colorful fireworks soaring into the sky, instantly illuminating the night sky of Liyue.

There are double-layered blue flowers, magnificent silver stars, unique blue petals, and dazzling golden sparks.

Clouds and mountains rise one after another, rain falls like gold, and silver nights are dotted with stars across the sky.