The citizens gathered across Yujing Terrace stood in stunned silence for several seconds before erupting into a deafening clamor.
The wave of chatter and gasps grew louder than the triumphant cheers that had greeted the news of victory moments earlier.
Resurrection was at hand.
Reviving illuminated adepti and renowned Vision wielders was something the populace could theoretically accept.
The people of Liyue had experienced countless miraculous blessings flowing from that other world, goods whose properties already defied normal mortal logic.
Possessing an esoteric art of resurrection alongside the mysterious longevity of ancient immortals did not seem entirely impossible.
Yet the army was a different matter.
Those were common mortal soldiers, flesh and blood just like anyone else in the harbor. Could common soldiers truly be brought back across the threshold of death?
In an instant, the crowd abandoned all discussion of battle lines and victory parades, consumed entirely by the concept of resurrection.
Catching the shift in the air, Baiwen exchanged a sharp glance with Baixiao.
Baixiao gave a subtle nod, passing a coded hand sign down to the clerks.
Agents from the Ministry of Civil Affairs positioned throughout the gathering began steering the chatter toward new topics.
The secret of resurrection carried immense strategic weight. While the leadership had agreed to let the broad truth be known, permitting the populace to dissect every occult detail was out of the question.
Allowing wild theories to run rampant would only breed chaos in the streets.
Before long, the direction of the conversation had drifted away from the metaphysical nature of rebirth.
The crowd began speaking of the heroism of the frontline regiments and debating the grand banquets that would welcome the returning warriors.
Observing the shift, Baiwen let out a quiet breath of relief.
The worst-case scenario had been averted; the citizens were no longer obsessing over how the dead walked or seeking private access to the rites.
Should further complications arise, the Ministry was positioned to contain them before they escalated.
The three thousand Millelith stationed in the harbor were more than enough to handle minor domestic unrest.
While only three thousand soldiers remained on native soil, tens of thousands of tamed wolves were quartered across the countryside.
Moreover, an Iniquitous Baptist from the Abyss Order had recently met with the Ministry.
The representative had confirmed that while Liyue's main army remained abroad and before the recruitment of fresh divisions was finalized, Khaenri'ah would deploy forces to assist in maintaining public security.
Taking everything into account, the domestic peace of Liyue Harbor was secure.
Minor disturbances were inevitable, but manageable unrest resolved in advance posed no true hazard.
The Ministry of Civil Affairs was glad for the labor; sitting in the harbor day after day agonizing over how to spend their mounting mountains of Mora had grown tedious.
The sacrifice of the fallen warriors provided an ideal outlet for state funds.
The families of the fallen required generous pensions.
The surviving veterans deserved lavish martial bonuses.
Distributing these allocations would expend a vast sum of Mora in one stroke, securing the economic bureau's spending targets for the next two months.
Baiwen glanced toward the economic officials standing nearby, noting the bright smiles on their faces.
With the soldiers alive and the state treasury successfully circulating currency, the clerks considered it an ideal outcome.
Having no desire to prolong the assembly, Baiwen clapped her hands together, channeling her voice through the adeptal amplifier once more.
The chatter across Yujing Terrace died down.
"The official bulletin has been delivered," Baiwen projected across the plaza. "For full tactical summaries, citizens may view the detailed ledgers posted outside the Ministry of Civil Affairs tomorrow morning."
"Furthermore, the expeditionary forces of the Millelith will rotate home on family leave within thirty days. Let all households rest easy."
"In addition, all regular supplies and provisions from that other world will resume public distribution at dawn tomorrow. Those wishing to purchase goods may visit the merchant quarters as usual."
"Please disperse in an orderly fashion. Do not obstruct the peacekeepers."
The citizens offered one final, joyous cheer before filtering down the mountain path in high spirits.
Their soldiers were returning from the grave and their nation stood victorious across the frontier; it was the finest news they could have received.
Tonight, Liyue Harbor would celebrate until dawn.
Baiwen let out a soft sigh. The grand crisis was contained, yet minor administrative headaches remained.
She signaled for the commander of the garrison to step forward.
"The night will demand your vigilance," Baiwen instructed in a low voice. "The citizens will likely organize festivals throughout the streets, and your men must preserve public order."
"Beyond that, I am concerned that the news of resurrection may stir dangerous ambitions among certain foreign elements in the harbor. Keep a close watch."
The officer saluted crisply. "Understood, Lady Baiwen. Regarding the residence of Ryen beneath Mt. Tianheng... with our personnel deployed here, the outpost..."
"The residence is protected by Khaenri'ahn detachments," Baiwen replied smoothly. "You need not concern yourselves with that sector."
The commander visibly relaxed. "Understood. We shall maintain order and stamp out any signs of disturbance."
He hesitated for a second, shifting awkwardly on his feet as he looked at her.
"Lady Baiwen... if I may inquire about one more matter..."
Reading his expression, Baiwen gave a knowing nod.
"You wish to ask about the resurrection?"
The officer cleared his throat, somewhat embarrassed. "I harbor no improper thoughts, Lady Baiwen. I merely wished to ask after my brothers..."
"They are unharmed, though post-war reconstruction demands their hands across the threshold. They will return on leave soon."
Baiwen waved her hand lightly, continuing in a firm tone.
"Lady Ningguang has arranged further duties for them. Moving forward, the veteran regiments will largely remain stationed in that realm to oversee colonization."
"Your recruitment drives must accelerate. Expand your efforts to enlist ten thousand fresh soldiers within three months."
The commander's eyes lit up with delight, nodding enthusiastically before marching off to organize patrols, though he could not help but envy his peers serving across the gate.
As Baiwen turned to confer with Baixiao and Baishi regarding public messaging, she saw Dashi's wife approaching, gently supporting Dashi's elderly mother.
Both women carried anxious expressions.
"Lady Baiwen, may we trouble you for a moment?"
Baiwen paused, turning around with a warm smile as she recognized the family.
"How may I assist you?"
Dashi's wife pressed her lips together, her voice dropping to an anxious whisper.
"My husband... is he truly..."
Baiwen understood immediately, speaking with gentle warmth.
"Set your mind at ease. Commander Dashi is entirely safe and has already been restored through the totems. Lady Ningguang noted that our triumph was owed in large part to the courage displayed by Dashi and his men."
"During the final seven days of the siege, Commander Dashi and Lord Xiao formed an elite vanguard, repeatedly trading their lives to bring down the enemy commanders and secure victory."
"To eliminate the opposing war leaders, Commander Dashi launched six suicide assaults, laying down his life six times."
"Yet do not fear. As an essential officer overseeing countless operations, he was revived the moment the line held."
"He is currently consumed by post-war restoration across the threshold and has no leisure to return tonight."
"However, I shall convey your situation to Lady Ningguang. If duties permit, he may be granted an early visit home."
Dashi's wife let out a long breath of relief, though learning her husband had thrown himself into mortal danger six consecutive times made her heart ache.
"No, please do not trouble Lady Ningguang on our account," she replied, waving her hands in protest. "Liyue's welfare comes first. Our private matters must not interfere with his duty. You need not burden yourself for us, Lady Baiwen."
Baiwen shook her head gently.
"It is no trouble at all. Commander Dashi made extraordinary contributions, and the garrison will begin regular leave cycles soon anyway. A brief visit home is well deserved."
Turning her gaze toward the older woman, Baiwen added with deep respect, "Aunt Qiao, you raised a remarkable son."
"Commander Dashi fought with peerless valor, leading from the front with complete disregard for his own safety. Both Lord Morax and the allied Archons praised his conduct. He is the pride of Liyue's Dragon Knights."
A proud smile wrinkled Aunt Qiao's weathered face.
"Is that so? Even Lord Morax praised him? That rascal did not bring shame to our name!"
"What does it matter if he fell a few times for Liyue? He enjoys the highest honors of our nation, and facing death without fear is his obligation."
"Even had he fallen for good, it would have been an honorable close to his life!"
Baiwen offered an amused, helpless smile.
"You remain as resolute as ever, Aunt Qiao. Yet there is no need for permanent tragedy; our leaders command the power to reverse such loss."
"Furthermore, Commander Dashi serves as both the general of our Dragon Knights and the leader of our combat mage units, carrying heavy responsibilities. Many tasks directed by Ryen and Lord Morax pass directly through his hands."
"You have borne much on his behalf. With him occupied in the days ahead, please inform the Ministry if your household ever requires assistance."
"While Commander Dashi expands our frontiers abroad, our duty is ensuring his family prospers in comfort."
Aunt Qiao waved her hand dismissively, laughing heartily.
"What could I possibly lack? Liyue provides every comfort, and our life grows sweeter with each passing season."
"We understand Dashi's obligations; it is all in service of our people."
"We will not keep you from your work. The war has only just concluded, and your duties are many."
"When you find a free afternoon, come by the house for tea, little Baiwen."
Baiwen smiled, nodding gracefully. "I will certainly visit, Aunt Qiao."
"Listen to you, speaking of visits like a guest. Little Baiwen is now Lady Ningguang's chief secretary, a high minister managing the affairs of state. Having you step across our threshold brings honor to our home."
Hearing the affectionate teasing, Baiwen shook her head with a wry laugh. "Aunt Qiao, please do not tease me so..."
"Very well, I shall say no more. You are still as modest as when you were a child."
Aunt Qiao chuckled warmly, exchanging brief farewells before descending the terrace with Dashi's wife.
Watching their silhouettes disappear down the flagstones, Baiwen turned back to her staff.
"Where were we?"
"Lady Baiwen, regarding the public messaging on resurrection, military recruitment targets, and state expenditures..."
"Right." Baiwen clapped her hands together crisply.
"Lady Ningguang's directive is to expand our domestic Millelith garrison to ten thousand soldiers as quickly as possible. The official window is three months."
"Yet everyone understands Lady Ningguang's expectations, and Lady Keqing will be monitoring the progress closely."
"We must complete enlistment within two months, and bring those recruits to standard combat readiness by month three."
"As for military payouts, the economic bureau will work through the night to finalize the allocations. Lady Ningguang requires a complete ledger for signature tomorrow morning; ensure the accounting is immaculate."
"Finally, news of resurrection will inevitably travel across Teyvat. We need not worry about our allies."
"Our focus must remain on the diplomatic corridors of Fontaine and Natlan. The intelligence bureau will handle surveillance. Lady Yelan will remain abroad for the near future; can your operatives manage independently?"
A slender figure cloaked in dark gray cloth gave a silent, precise nod from the shadows.
"There will be no failure. Lady Yelan's networks across Fontaine and Natlan remain fully operational, and all border movements are under observation."
"Splendid. You have all worked tirelessly through this crisis. Hold the line a little longer; a vast allocation of resources will arrive for processing soon."
Offering her staff a few words of encouragement, Baiwen dismissed the gathering.
Turning to gaze upon the harbor illuminated beneath the moonlight, she let out a slow, thoughtful breath.
Tonight, a glorious celebration would sweep through Liyue.
Within a few short weeks, the storm ignited upon Yujing Terrace would ripple across the skies of the entire continent.
She prayed the realm would weather the coming waves with grace.