Chapter 10: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [10]
Late Night, Jade Chamber
Under the dim glow of the lanterns, Ningguang leaned on one hand, her other delicately holding Liyue's recent development plans. Her gaze was focused, yet tinged with a trace of fatigue.
In just a short while, the annual Rite of Descension would take place, and she had to ensure all preparations were in order well in advance.
It was the most important day of the year — the day when the Geo Archon revealed himself to guide Liyue for the year to come. Every citizen of Liyue would be watching the ceremony, so there could be no room for error.
This year, it was Ningguang's turn to host the ceremony and receive the oracle. Everything had gone smoothly last year when Yuheng Keqing had presided over the Rite, and Ningguang had no intention of letting any mishaps occur under her watch.
Yet, the Fatui from Snezhnaya were making their moves at such a critical time. She couldn't help but feel uneasy — were they aiming to disrupt the Rite?
The enemy lay hidden in the shadows while she stood in the light. Any mistakes during the ceremony wouldn't just provoke discontent among Liyue's people — even the Adepti of Jueyun Karst might ridicule her for it.
"Back so soon?"
Ningguang closed the planning documents and glanced behind her. Emerging from behind the screen painted with mountain and river landscapes, Yelan approached slowly.
"It seems he's not as simple as we thought."
One look at Yelan's expression, and Ningguang could tell — she must have been thwarted by that man. There were traces of tears at the corner of Yelan's eyes, a faint blush on her cheeks, and a look of indignant frustration.
Could it be... she was teased?
Yelan spoke in a low voice. "He has a strange ability... he can control someone's body."
"Control their body?" Ningguang's eyes scanned Yelan up and down, a hint of doubt in her gaze.
So Yelan's embarrassed expression... was because he controlled her body, and then...?
"He captured me, but then deliberately let me go. I'm not sure what his intentions were."
"He didn't do anything else? No interrogation, for example?" Ningguang asked suddenly.
"..."
"Anyway, all the traits Snezhnaya mentioned match him. It's likely he's the newly appointed Fatui trainee Harbinger," Yelan said, her face tinged with a hint of red as she avoided answering Ningguang's question directly.
"A Harbinger coming to Liyue in secret instead of through official diplomatic channels... and hiding his true identity?" Ningguang mused.
"It seems I'll have to meet him myself soon," she said, her gaze serious as she looked back at the Rite of Descension plan on her desk. No matter what, she couldn't let anyone jeopardize the Rite.
"Since you've been discovered, stop following him for now. Look into this instead."
Ningguang pulled a report from a stack of documents and handed it to Yelan. The cover read "Snezhnaya's Cultural Research Division in Liyue."
"This is...?" Yelan asked, accepting the report and carefully reading its contents. It contained various pieces of intelligence about the research division.
"There are rumors they've been investigating the Sigil of Permission. You know how dangerous that could be. If possible, see that it's destroyed."
"Understood," Yelan replied, slipping the file into her coat before vanishing behind the screen.
After Yelan left, Ningguang glanced back at the Rite of Descension plans and called out toward the doorway.
"Baishi."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang? What are your orders?" came the immediate response.
"Make the necessary arrangements. I want to meet with the new manager of the Northland Bank tomorrow at the Jade Chamber. Tell him it's to discuss future business opportunities."
"Understood."
The Next Morning
Luo Qing had stayed up late the night before, expecting Yelan to come seeking revenge. Worried she might ambush him, he'd remained vigilant until the early hours, only falling asleep when he was sure she wouldn't return.
He'd just woken up when there was a knock on his door.
"Master Luo Qing, there's someone here to see you downstairs," Natalia called respectfully from the other side.
"To see me?" Luo Qing asked, rubbing his eyes.
"They said they're from the big house in the sky," Natalia replied.
"The Jade Chamber?" Luo Qing blinked, puzzled. Yesterday he'd caught one of Ningguang's spies, and now, they wanted to see him already? What was Ningguang up to?
Descending to the lobby of the Northland Bank, he found Baishi waiting for him. She had arrived early, expecting to quickly meet with the manager.
Instead, a man named Igor had told her that his master typically slept until noon and that she was early.
When she asked why they couldn't just wake Luo Qing up, Igor had explained that his master had decreed that even the Geo Archon himself couldn't disturb his sleep. Anyone who dared to wake him would face his wrath.
If they interrupted Master Luo Qing's slumber, they'd be dancing on Yujing Terrace with poles by evening.
After hearing that, Baishi's mood soured. This was an invitation from Lady Ningguang! Liyue merchants would pay fortunes just for a chance to set foot in the Jade Chamber, yet this man dared to keep her waiting because he was sleeping?
Anyone else wouldn't have dared to make her wait a second.
She had other work to do! She couldn't afford to waste time here!
"My name is Luo Qing, manager of the Northland Bank in Liyue." Luo Qing yawned, looking relaxed. "Your master wants to meet with me?"
"Luo Qing... A Liyue name?" Baishi's brow furrowed, confused. This man was supposed to be from Snezhnaya, so why did he have a Liyuean name and appearance?
"Oh, I was a Liyue orphan. I grew up in Snezhnaya," Luo Qing explained casually.
"My apologies, Mr. Luo Qing," Baishi said, her tone softening. Knowing he was originally from Liyue made her feel less antagonistic, and she found herself sympathetic to his story.
After all, there were orphans everywhere in this world, even in the prosperous Liyue.
Ningguang's dream was to reduce their number until every family in Liyue was happy and whole.
"My name is Baishi, and I'm Lady Ningguang's secretary. She would like to invite you to the Jade Chamber to discuss potential future cooperation between Liyue and the Northland Bank. Would Mr. Luo Qing have time to join her?"
"Oh, I'd be delighted," Luo Qing said with a smile. "But since it's Lady Ningguang inviting me, I can't go empty-handed. Miss Baishi, would you mind waiting a moment while I prepare a gift?"
"Of course. I can wait here, but please note that Lady Ningguang has already prepared lunch for you. It would be best not to keep her waiting," Baishi replied.
"Don't worry, I won't take long."
Luo Qing gave Igor a meaningful look, and the latter nodded, following him back upstairs.
Once inside his room, Luo Qing began rummaging through his belongings, giving instructions to his three followers.
"Igor, you and Sergei need to head to the harbor and find a ship heading to Guyun Stone Forest. Make sure it departs tonight. You'll accompany me there later."
"Yes, Master Luo Qing," they replied in unison.
"What about me, Master Luo Qing?" Natalia asked eagerly, raising her hand.
"You're coming with me to the Jade Chamber. I'll need you to back me up," Luo Qing said offhandedly.
"..."
[Frustration Value from Natalia +1]
"Ugh, fine," Natalia sighed, her expression falling.
Field missions could earn merits, while a diplomatic meeting was just a formality. She didn't understand why the two men got to go with Master Luo Qing while she was stuck playing support.
Seeing the smirks on Igor and Sergei's faces only made her more annoyed.
"Got it! Finally!" Luo Qing exclaimed, holding up a black disc he had found in his belongings with a satisfied grin.
"Master Luo Qing... you're going to use that as a gift?!" the trio gasped in unison.
They knew exactly what it was.
It was the very BGM they used to dance to back in the training camp — the one featuring Master Luo Qing's heartfelt singing!
"A good gift must come from the heart!" Luo Qing flicked the disc with his finger, producing a crisp sound. He seemed utterly confident.
"Master Luo Qing... if I may speak frankly, aren't you worried this might cause a diplomatic incident?" Igor asked hesitantly.
"Hmm? What's that supposed to mean, Igor? Are you saying you don't like my singing?"
"N-no! Go ahead, it's a great gift!" Igor stammered quickly.
Chapter 11: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [11]
On the Jade Chamber
The sun was bright, the weather warm and pleasant.
A gentle breeze drifted by, slightly lifting Ningguang's dress and revealing a glimpse of her elegant silhouette. Outside the Jade Chamber, the guards stood at attention, holding their spears with solemn faces.
Although Ningguang had assured them it was just an ordinary meeting and there was no need to be overly tense, they remained vigilant.
From its humble beginnings as a modest dwelling, the Jade Chamber had transformed into a grand floating palace, overshadowing the skies of Liyue. Never before had an envoy from Snezhnaya set foot in this sacred place.
But today, Lady Ningguang herself had extended an invitation to the new manager of the Northland Bank for a luncheon.
Given the reputation of the Fatui, the guards decided to be on high alert — no one wanted the guest to cause trouble in the Jade Chamber.
Standing on the stone terrace, Ningguang glanced toward Yujing Terrace, her gaze distant. Behind her stood Baiwen and Baixiao, her two aides, silently waiting.
Baishi had set off at dawn to extend the invitation, yet now it was nearly noon, and there was still no sign of her return. A hint of worry crept into Ningguang's mind.
Could something have happened?
Just as she considered sending someone to check, a green levitating platform began to rise from below Yujing Terrace. On it stood three figures, one of whom was Baishi.
The other two were a man and a woman. The man had black hair and was dressed in Snezhnayan attire. Ningguang didn't need to guess — this had to be the man who'd given Yelan a hard time.
Soon, the green platform settled on the stone terrace, and Luo Qing and his companion lightly leaped off.
"Lady Ningguang! It's an honor, truly! I've heard that you're not only capable but the fairest flower of Liyue, and seeing you today confirms it!" Luo Qing exclaimed with a radiant smile as he approached Ningguang, his tone full of exaggerated admiration.
As he got closer, he held out his hand, and Natalia promptly placed a small disc case into it.
"Just a small token of appreciation, a little gift for Lady Ningguang. I hope you'll forgive its simplicity," Luo Qing said, presenting the disc with both hands, his manner exceedingly polite.
"Lady Ningguang, this is the new manager of the Northland Bank, Luo Qing," Baishi introduced in a low voice.
"Luo Qing..." Ningguang murmured, her gaze lingering thoughtfully on the man before her.
In all her dealings with the Fatui, Ningguang had only ever encountered arrogance. Some of them wouldn't tolerate so much as a glance without causing trouble.
Look at them the wrong way, and they'd explode.
Yet here was Luo Qing, behaving more like a shrewd Liyue merchant than an envoy from Snezhnaya.
But Ningguang knew better than to let appearances deceive her. No matter how Liyuean his mannerisms, he was still Fatui — and a Fatui should never be trusted on face value alone. In fact, the more normal he appeared, the more dangerous he seemed.
"For Mr. Luo Qing to become the manager of the Northland Bank, you must be quite accomplished. No need to be so modest," Ningguang said, gesturing for Baixiao to take the disc.
"Oh, Lady Ningguang, there's no need for such flattery," Luo Qing said, waving a hand modestly. "I'm just a humble businessman, nowhere near the level of Liyue's premier leader, Lady Ningguang."
"Hehe, if you say so. Please, follow me — I've been waiting for some time," Ningguang said with a gentle smile.
"Baishi, show our guests to their seats," she instructed.
"Of course, Lady Ningguang," Baishi said, stepping forward and leading Luo Qing and Natalia inside.
As Baishi led them through the ornate entrance, Ningguang's professional smile faded. She turned to Baishi with a concerned expression.
"Did something happen on the way?" she asked.
"No, Lady Ningguang. It's just that..." Baishi hesitated, struggling to find the right words.
"Just say it."
"That man... he refused to get up until almost noon! I had to wait until his subordinates finally agreed to wake him!" Baishi blurted out, her frustration clear.
"..."
Meanwhile, as Luo Qing and Natalia followed Baishi into the Jade Chamber, Luo Qing received two sudden notifications:
[Frustration Value from Baishi +1]
[Frustration Value from Ningguang +1]
Huh, did I do something to annoy them? Luo Qing wondered.
The Jade Chamber served as Ningguang's center of power, where she managed all the affairs of Liyue. Rumor had it that somewhere within its walls was an intelligence board containing all of Liyue's secrets. Even obtaining a single page from it would make Liyuean merchants beg to buy it at any price.
But today, to meet with Luo Qing, Ningguang had ordered all confidential documents to be put away.
For now, the Jade Chamber was nothing more than a stunning palace in Luo Qing's eyes.
After guiding them into a side chamber, Baishi bowed and took her leave, leaving the two alone in the opulent space.
"Wow, Master Luo Qing, there's a pond inside the room!" Natalia exclaimed.
"And those lanterns are so pretty."
"Look at these antiques and porcelain..."
Natalia's eyes sparkled as she took in the elegant decor, completely entranced by the splendor of the Jade Chamber.
"No wonder they call Lady Ningguang the richest woman in Liyue..." Natalia concluded.
"Natalia, I didn't bring you here to act like some wide-eyed country girl! Have some composure!" Luo Qing said, feeling embarrassed.
With her blonde hair, blue eyes, and long legs, Natalia looked sophisticated — but her behavior was ruining the effect.
Had he known she'd act this way, he would've come alone.
"...Fine," Natalia pouted. She took a deep breath and returned to her composed demeanor, her eyes taking on a cool, distant gaze as she stood behind Luo Qing.
It wasn't long before Ningguang arrived, accompanied by her three aides.
"Mr. Luo Qing, my apologies for the wait. Lunch will be served shortly. In the meantime, why don't we have a little chat?" she suggested, sitting down gracefully.
"Of course, Lady Ningguang. Feel free to ask anything you wish. If I know the answer, I'll be happy to share," Luo Qing said, leaning back in his chair.
He was curious to see how Ningguang would play this game.
After all, they were both seasoned foxes — she wouldn't get anything out of him with mere flattery.
"Mr. Luo Qing, being a Liyuean, why did you end up in Snezhnaya? I heard they aren't particularly welcoming to outsiders. It's said that surviving there can be... challenging," Ningguang asked.
"I was an orphan raised in Snezhnaya, after all. I grew up there. So, while I may have Liyuean blood, I'm practically half Snezhnayan," Luo Qing replied evenly.
"I see... Forgive me, Mr. Luo Qing. I shouldn't have pried," Ningguang said, offering an apologetic smile.
By now, she was certain: Luo Qing was the newly appointed trainee Harbinger.
Yet another Harbinger of Liyuean descent... how curious.
For a while, Ningguang's questions focused on Luo Qing's past. After that, the conversation shifted to discussing Liyue's business opportunities — but she never once brought up the collaboration she had initially mentioned.
Luo Qing, having a background in intelligence work, saw through her intentions easily.
It was clear she already suspected his true identity. Or perhaps she never truly believed he was just a bank manager in the first place. Why else would she have sent Yelan to shadow him the moment he arrived?
Still, as long as Ningguang wasn't going to address it directly, he had no reason to confirm her suspicions.
Feigning ignorance was the best strategy.
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