Yelan, as Ningguang's special intelligence officer, was not actually on the Ministry of Civil Affairs's staff list. In other words, she, like Kuki Shinobu, was also a part-timer. However, she followed a good boss and, with her excellent personal abilities combined with Ningguang's status, successfully rose to become one of Liyue's invisible high-level figures.
Originally, Yelan was not qualified to attend this banquet due to her status, but when she investigated and found that Kuki Shinobu, one of Inazuma's vice envoys, seemed to be in a similar situation, she decisively followed along.
Mainly, she was also very curious about Yuto becoming the Inazuma Regent and wanted to know his specific situation.
Therefore, Yelan could be said to have been observing Yuto the entire time, noting his every expression and movement, to determine which of his words were true, which were false, and which were merely platitudes. This would be helpful for Ningguang's future arrangements.
During his conversation with Uncle Tian, Yelan keenly noticed that Yuto paused slightly midway through, and his expression also changed subtly, as if he had discovered something but was too embarrassed to say it directly.
Uncle Tian: "Alas, I originally thought my old bones could still fight for Liyue for a few more years, but now it seems I need to find a suitable person to hand over to as soon as possible."
Ningguang: "Uncle Tian, you are highly respected, so there's no rush for the handover. You can carefully evaluate suitable candidates, and I will have no objection to anyone you recommend."
Keqing: "Me too."
Uncle Tian: "Then I thank Tianquan and Yuheng. Alas, what I want to do most now is to go fishing at Liyue Harbor every day. After stepping away from all the complicated matters, I found that many of my old friends are no longer alive. They have drifted further and further from me. Many things, just let them be, and have a clear conscience. It's just a pity that the fish have become harder and harder to catch lately; I often come back empty-handed, haha, it seems my fishing skills still need improvement."
Yuto: "Thank you for your guidance, Uncle Tian, and please take care of your health. Lady Ningguang, Uncle Tian has fought for Liyue his whole life. Now that he has health problems, shouldn't we ask someone to examine him?"
Ningguang nodded: "Indeed, that should be done. I will arrange for Dr. Baizhu from Bubu Pharmacy to look after Uncle Tian's health."
"Oh, by the way, Yuto, a few months ago, when you traveled to Inazuma, the Jade Chamber had just been rebuilt. The mingxia floating stone, perilous conch, and Adeptus Sigils that you and Shenhe provided were a great help to me. Now the Jade Chamber is nearing completion, and an ascent ceremony will be held soon. I would like to invite you and Shenhe to the Jade Chamber's completion banquet."
"This is a private banquet, unrelated to status. I hope you and Shenhe can attend as friends, not as the Regent. To be honest, such business banquets are too restrictive. Oh, of course, it would be my honor if Senior Yae and Miss Kuki could also come."
When the Shogun and Kuki Shinobu heard the name Shenhe, they immediately perked up. Was this the name of Yuto's girlfriend? This was an excellent opportunity to meet her and probe her background.
The Shogun: "Then I will respectfully accept."
Kuki Shinobu: "Thank you, Lady Ningguang."
Seeing that the Shogun and Kuki Shinobu had already expressed their intentions, it would be disrespectful for Yuto to refuse. Yuto knew that he had fallen into Ningguang's trap again.
On the day the Jade Chamber ascends, Beisht, Osial's last follower, will attack Liyue Harbor. If he goes that day, he'll probably end up working for Ningguang for free again. He wasn't the kind of person like Lumine and Paimon who could be easily dismissed.
Yuto: "I have no problem, but Shenhe... Shenhe is a bit unaccustomed to attending such occasions."
Ningguang: "You can rest assured about that. In fact, I sensed during our last meeting that Shenhe also really wants to have friends, but due to her introverted personality, she finds it a bit difficult to open up. Oh, by the way, Yun Jin's new play has also finished rehearsals and will premiere on the Jade Chamber. As for the content of the new play, I'm sure you already know, right?"
A new play adapted from Shenhe's own personal experiences certainly held great significance for Shenhe. For this reason alone, he had to take Shenhe to see it; it would be good for her. It seemed he was committed to this task.
Yuto: "Alright, I will try my best to persuade Shenhe to attend."
Ningguang: "Very well, the ascent ceremony is tentatively scheduled for noon three days from now. Everyone is welcome to attend. During this time, if you wish to explore Liyue's customs further, our Ministry of Civil Affairs will dispatch professional guides to lead you on tours. If you encounter any trouble while in Liyue, you can also contact the Millelith or the Ministry of Civil Affairs for assistance."
These words signaled the end of the banquet. Everyone rose and departed. As Yuto passed by Yelan, he quietly said something that surprised her.
The Shogun and Kuki Shinobu clearly noticed this change but said nothing explicitly. The Shogun merely said to Yuto, with a hint of meaning: "Little one, remember to protect yourself."
Yuto just gave the Shogun an eye-roll. After tonight's banquet, Yuto understood one thing: the wine he drank at the Inazuma farewell banquet was definitely problematic. He had drunk so much wine today, yet he didn't feel drunk at all.
Yanshang Teahouse.
Yelan's secret intelligence base. During the day, it operated as a normal teahouse, serving customers while also secretly collecting intelligence. At night, it was used for daily intelligence compilation and analysis.
Currently, Liyue was in a state of flux due to the arrival of the Inazuma Delegation. Various forces were inquiring about the specifics of this diplomatic effort, whether for fame, profit, or other reasons.
Chuyi, as the Yanshang Teahouse's hostess and intelligence analyst, was diligently analyzing today's intelligence inside the room. Just then, a very rhythmic knock came from outside the room.
After carefully listening to the rhythm of the knock, Chuyi immediately stood up respectfully and looked towards the door. The next moment, Yelan directly opened the door of the Yanshang Teahouse.
"Lady Yelan..."
Chuyi was about to greet her superior when she noticed a man following behind Yelan. If this man had been anyone else, Chuyi wouldn't have been so surprised, but the man before her was none other than the Inazuma Regent — Yuto, and also their key surveillance target.
But she hadn't expected her superior to bring him directly here. As expected of Lady Yelan, but was this really alright? Wouldn't this cause tension between the two nations?
While Chuyi was still lost in thought, Yelan had already led Yuto upstairs to a quiet room on the second floor.
"Alright, Regent, it should be quiet enough here, right? Can you tell me what you've discovered?"
Yuto seemed not to have heard. He casually picked up the teacup on the table and poured a cup of cold tea into a teacup. Yelan looked at the teacup in Yuto's hand and couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat: He took the teacup I drank from!
Just as Yelan was about to stop him, she heard Yuto say unhurriedly: "Uncle Tian is poisoned!"
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