Zhu Tao's incident could, at most, be considered a small interlude at the banquet.
Because of this incident, Ningguang, as the host, offered three cups of wine to Yuto and Shenhe as an apology.
Yuto and Shenhe naturally brushed off the matter lightly, but Liyue would not let him off so easily.
A merchant without power as a protective umbrella, no matter how much wealth he possesses, it is all a castle in the air.
What's more, Zhu Tao had simultaneously offended the highest leaders of both Liyue and Inazuma; in such a situation, there was no longer any place for him in Liyue or Inazuma.
As long as Ningguang of Liyue and Yuto of Inazuma still held power, there was no possibility of Zhu Tao returning; even if he did, he could only live anonymously, secluded in the mountains, and the prosperity of Liyue Harbor would have nothing to do with him.
After the banquet ended, Ningguang, with heavy steps, returned to her boudoir within the Jade Chamber, supported by Baixiao.
After Baixiao prepared honey water for Ningguang, she silently and slowly retreated.
Sitting at the table, slowly drinking honey water, Ningguang rubbed her dizzy head and asked herself, "Are the intelligence reports compiled?"
After she spoke, a light patter of footsteps came from Ningguang's room, and a tall, beautiful blue figure slowly appeared before Ningguang.
"Ningguang, really, with your current status, is there still a banquet that can make you drink too much?" Yelan asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Alas, you wouldn't understand, but today I was indeed happy and drank a bit more than usual.
I didn't expect that Zhu Tao's incident would occur midway, causing me to drink a few extra cups to apologize to Yuto and Shenhe."
"That fellow Zhu Tao, he never changes.
If he hadn't been willing to pay to do some foolish things as a pledge of allegiance, you wouldn't have cooperated with him, would you?"
"That's true, but he has, after all, served me for so many years, so it's only right to save him.
Of all people to offend, he had to offend Yuto.
You didn't see how terrifying his smiling eyes were just now, as if he was about to devour Zhu Tao whole the next second.
If I hadn't had someone escort him away beforehand, he might have lost his life."
"A human possessing the combat power of a God; Inazuma's luck is truly good.
It's a pity; we should have listened to your suggestion back then and kept him in Liyue with the position of a Qixing."
"Alright, no more 'woulda, coulda, shoulda'.
You must have seen what happened during the day at the Jade Chamber, right?
Give me a summary."
"Okay, from start to finish, Yuto used fire, lightning, water, and ice elements, all in large-scale attacks.
The wooden puppet he summoned at the end should be considered a Dendro ability, right?
However, it's worlds apart from the abilities of Baizhu and Yaoyao.
I've already sent people to investigate the wooden puppet on the sea; it's completely different from the war machines left behind by Khaenri'ah.
There's no room for manipulation; I'm afraid no one can make that wooden puppet move again except for Yuto.
Also, whether Yuto can create a second wooden puppet is unknown.
Furthermore, even if that wooden puppet loses Yuto's energy support, its body remains incomparably hard, impervious to blades and spears, and unaffected by water and fire; it simply doesn't possess the characteristics a piece of wood should have.
Besides that, Yuto also displayed an unfathomable spatial transfer ability, as well as the ability to summon an Inazuman warrior projection that could cut off three of Osial's heads with one strike.
In short, my conclusion is that if Liyue, as it currently stands, were to oppose Yuto, Liyue Harbor might not last more than one round against him."
"Is that so? That aligns with my conclusion.
When I saw Yuto's actions back then, I also had the same opinion as you: this person is not to be made an enemy, but only a friend."
"Fortunately, our relationship with him is still harmonious.
Moreover, Shenhe becoming Yuto's woman has truly helped Liyue greatly.
With this layer of relationship, the ties between Liyue and Inazuma should maintain a honeymoon period for a long time."
Unexpectedly, Ningguang shook her head at this and said, "Entrusting the fate of two nations to Shenhe alone is too unsafe.
Besides, have you noticed the attitudes of Yae Miko and Kuki Shinobu?"
"Those two? What about them?"
"Regarding the relationship between Yuto and Shenhe, they showed an abnormal level of tolerance, especially Yae Miko.
I always feel that her smile has a deeper meaning.
Oh, right, according to recent intelligence from Inazuma, the Regent's Office, where Yuto is located, is said to have four secretaries as beautiful as celestial maidens.
Kuki Shinobu is one of them.
The other three are Demoiselle Kamisato Ayaka of the Yashiro Commission's Kamisato Clan, the former leader of the resistance on Watatsumi Island, Sangonomiya Kokomi, and the adopted daughter of the former Tenryou Commission head, Kujou Sara.
Oh, no, her name is Uchiha Sara now."
"Uchiha? What is her relationship with Yuto?!"
"The official explanation is that the Kujou Clan of the former Tenryou Commission committed a serious crime, and Raiden Shogun stripped Kujou Sara of her surname.
In Inazuma, a surname is a crucial symbol, so Yuto gave his own surname to Sara, making her one of the only two members of the Uchiha Clan.
However, the common people do not accept this explanation.
There are rumors that Sara married Yuto, and following the custom of a wife taking her husband's surname, Sara rightfully acquired Yuto's surname."
"So that's how it is.
Heh! That perverted brat is indeed capable of that."
"Excellent men always have a great attraction for women.
When I went to see Beidou this afternoon, I found her opinion of Yuto surprising."
"What? Even Beidou...? Is it a hero-saves-the-damsel scenario for Yuto?"
Ningguang shook her head and said, "Hard to say... Hmm? What do you mean by 'even'? Could it be that you...?"
Yelan quickly waved her hand and explained, "No, no, no, you misunderstood.
I was just surprised about Beidou."
Ningguang picked up her pipe and played with it, saying, "So what if it is? It's nothing to be ashamed of.
By my reckoning, Yuto was probably the first person to take liberties with you.
I still hold my previous opinion: if it's with Yuto, you wouldn't be at a disadvantage.
Besides, Yuto will eventually return to Inazuma.
I'm a bit worried that Shenhe alone will have difficulty fending off all those flirtatious women in Inazuma.
If more Liyue people went, I would feel more at ease."
Upon hearing Ningguang's reply, Yelan was greatly surprised.
"Are you saying... you are deliberately playing matchmaker for that fellow Yuto?"
Ningguang revealed a meaningful smile and said, "That's none of my business.
I'm just providing an opportunity.
As for the choice, the initiative will always be in their own hands."
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