"Ah… they're really just… sigh. I've never seen them this frantic before," Baiwen said, shaking her head.
"Maybe they think they can score a profit off a national-level project," Ningguang replied.
"Burn all these invitations," Ningguang said flatly. "And from now on, you don't need to bring these kinds of things to me for review anymore."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang," Baiwen nodded, but then drew one envelope from the pile and said, "This one's a letter from that Li family young master."
"Hmm? Who?" Ningguang frowned slightly, not recognizing the name.
"Uh… one of your admirers?" Baiwen said carefully. "The Li family."
"..." Ningguang's expression darkened. "From now on, burn all letters from idiots like that."
"I won't read any such letters. Not a single one," she added coldly.
"Um…" Baiwen hesitated.
"Hmm?" Ningguang raised an eyebrow. "Since you're one of my trusted aides, I may as well tell you—I already have someone I care for. Compared to him, these kinds of suitors are nothing."
"Make sure I don't see another letter like that again. If I do, there will be consequences."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang." Baiwen was stunned. Lady Ningguang… has someone she loves?
She nodded quickly, trying not to let the shock show on her face.
Who could it be? Lady Ningguang's beloved?
Suddenly, an image flashed through Baiwen's mind—Akio.
When Lord Akio had visited Liyue before, Lady Ningguang hadn't shown any special interest in him. But ever since returning from this diplomatic mission, she was completely different.
Could it be…?
Baiwen was startled. If it really was him, then Lady Ningguang's beloved was actually a god!
But someone as exceptional as Lady Ningguang… even a god would be a fitting match.
In that case, what were those so-called "elite heirs" of Liyue's noble houses worth in comparison?
"What are you spacing out for? Go rest already." Ningguang waved a hand. "You've worked hard these past few days. You and your sisters can go into my inner treasury and each pick out something you like."
"Thank you for your generosity, Lady Ningguang." Baiwen bowed quickly. Lady Ningguang's inner treasury—everything in there was priceless.
"Oh, right—how's Baishi coming along with the plans to rebuild the Jade Chamber?" Ningguang asked suddenly.
"Lady Ningguang, Baishi has already finalized the proposal. It can be posted publicly tomorrow," Baiwen replied.
"Excellent." Ningguang nodded. "You may go. Oh, one more thing—come with me tomorrow to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor?" Baiwen blinked. "Lady Ningguang, surely there's no need for you to personally visit a place like that. I can handle it."
"No. Birth, old age, sickness, and death are all part of the human condition—what's there to shy away from?" Ningguang shook her head. "I'm simply curious about something. I want to speak with the parlor's consultant, Mr. Zhongli. He's well-read and insightful—I'm sure he can answer my questions."
"I see. Understood, Lady Ningguang," Baiwen nodded.
"Mm. Go rest. I'll rest a bit too," Ningguang said, pressing a hand to her forehead as she reclined in her chair and closed her eyes.
"Good night, Lady Ningguang." Baiwen gave a respectful nod and quietly exited, gently closing the door behind her.
"Sigh… Zhongli… Morax… Truly an enigma. Are all gods so eccentric?" Ningguang murmured, shaking her head.
An image of Akio floated into her mind. "Husband… It's still most peaceful by your side…"
"When my Jade Chamber rises again, husband, I'll invite you up here to drink tea and admire the flowers with me~"
Time flew by, and the next morning, Ningguang finished her breakfast and set out with Baiwen for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"This place really is deserted," Ningguang remarked as she looked ahead. Despite being the monopoly of Liyue's entire funeral industry, the Wangsheng Parlor's exterior was quite stately.
"Well, anything related to death is considered taboo by most people. Unless someone in their family has passed, no one would willingly come to visit," Baiwen explained.
"Heh…" Ningguang chuckled softly and nodded. "Come on, let's go in."
Just as the two of them reached the entrance, they saw a petite girl skipping out while humming a bizarre little tune.
"The sun is out, I'll sunbathe in the sun~ The moon is out, I'll sunbathe in the moonlight too~"
"Huh? Miss Ningguang?" Hu Tao's eyes lit up the moment she spotted her. Wow, this was a major client!
"Director Hu." Ningguang noticed her as well and greeted her with a faint smile.
"You actually know who I am?" Hu Tao blinked in surprise.
"You flatter me. As the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, how could I not know you?" Ningguang replied with a pleasant smile.
"Then… are you here today because you need funeral services? Or are you thinking of making a reservation in advance?" Hu Tao asked more formally now, reining in her usual playfulness.
"Mind your words! Lady Ningguang is young and blessed—why would she need your services?" Baiwen snapped, clearly offended.
"Now, now..." Ningguang raised a hand to stop her, unbothered. "Director Hu, I don't currently require any of the parlor's offerings."
What a joke. She'd already ascended to godhood—her lifespan practically infinite. Why would she need funeral services?
"I came today mainly to see your consultant, Mr. Zhongli."
"Zhongli? Oh, that guy? He went out early this morning. Probably off somewhere again… listening to opera at a teahouse," Hu Tao said, shaking her head.
"That guy really gets on my nerves! Never takes care of proper business, always wandering around and running up tabs," she grumbled. "Once I'm done with my errands, I'll have to go drag him back again. If he gets detained for not paying, it'd be way too embarrassing."
And with that, Hu Tao shook her head and headed off.
Ningguang watched her go with a faint look of helplessness.
So the Geo Archon, now retired, had completely let himself go?
No wonder Akio called it "leisurely wandering the mortal world"—this was too leisurely.
"Sigh… let's go see if we can track him down," Ningguang said with a sigh.
"Yes, ma'am." Baiwen followed closely as they left the funeral parlor.
At that moment, the Heyu Tea House was absolutely packed.
Today was the day Lady Yun Jin of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe was scheduled to perform. As Liyue's national sweetheart, any appearance by Yun Jin always caused a frenzy over tea house tickets.
Seated in the most distinguished private booth up front was none other than Zhongli, sipping fragrant tea while enjoying Yun Jin's opera.
After the song ended and Yun Jin stepped down for a break, the tea house owner, walked over to Zhongli with a smile.
"Mr. Zhongli, how would you like to pay for today's tea?"