After the Jade Chamber's explosion, the most immediate consequence for Qin Yu was where she woke up.
A familiar ceiling.
She was back in her rented room, her usual residence.
Ningguang had returned to Yujing Terrace. Qin Yu had actually thought living at Yujing Terrace would be fine—there were rooms there—but Ningguang insisted:
"You have a place of your own, don't you? Go back there for now."
Her reason was that Qin Yu would be more relaxed in a familiar environment.
Admittedly, Qin Yu wasn't used to the living quarters at Yujing Terrace. But humans are highly adaptable. Besides, while her rented room was familiar, it wasn't really her home.
Any place would do.
Ningguang had repeatedly insisted Qin Yu do so, leaving her no choice but to comply.
Looking back now, Qin Yu still found Ningguang's reasons forced and unnatural.
Oh well.
...Though I'd like to say that, whenever I recall my autographed copy of "The Citrus Within," now "sunk to the bottom of the sea," I can only wear a look of utter despair.
She opened the wardrobe.
The uniform she'd worn at the Jade Chamber wasn't there either.
After all, I practically lived there, Qin Yu thought, feeling a pang of regret. The uniform was made of fine materials, so it must have been quite expensive.
Of course, Ningguang had suffered far greater losses than she had.
Precious antiques, priceless paintings, and calligraphy... the Jade Chamber's collection was vast. Just retrieving a single item could make an ordinary person rich overnight.
Salvage? It's impossible to recover everything.
What a devastating loss! Tsk, all thanks to that damn Childe and his reckless rampage!
The more Qin Yu thought about it, the angrier she became at Childe. If she hadn't stopped the God in time, countless lives in Liyue Port would have been lost.
Better not dwell on that infuriating fellow.
Today, the Rite of Parting would be held, officially drawing a close to all that had transpired.
Qin Yu changed into her formal attire and headed straight to Yujing Terrace, arriving at the door of Ningguang's office.
She knocked gently. "Lady Ningguang, are you there?"
"Come in."
Judging by her voice and tone—hm, as calm as ever, Qin Yu thought, relieved. She pushed open the door and entered.
Upon seeing Ningguang, Qin Yu immediately scanned her expression.
She seems quite composed. Was I worrying too much after all? Qin Yu thought, then noticed Ganyu standing beside her. She flashed both women a bright smile.
"Good morning, you two!"
Ningguang returned a small smile. "Good morning. You look well-rested."
Ganyu smiled. "Good morning. You seemed so weak and unwell yesterday, I was quite worried... But seeing you so energetic now puts my mind at ease."
Qin Yu had been utterly exhausted the previous day.
As soon as the group dispersed, Shenhe had escorted Qin Yu to her room, where she collapsed into bed and slept soundly until this morning. Her head still felt a bit groggy, likely from sleeping too long.
But don't worry about me.
It was Ningguang and Ganyu who had reason to worry—one had lost the Jade Chamber, and the other had close ties with Rex Lapis.
"Mm, I'm already feeling much better!" Qin Yu replied with a smile.
"That's wonderful to hear. By the way, there's something I need to tell you," Ningguang said.
"What is it?"
Ningguang stated bluntly, "Rex Lapis is not dead."
Qin Yu was mildly surprised, but her shock wasn't at the fact that Rex Lapis was alive, but rather at how they had discovered he wasn't dead.
"Did the Adepti tell you?" Qin Yu asked curiously.
Ningguang explained, "No, actually we—or rather, the Adepti and the Qixing—all had the same dream. The Geo Archon appeared in our dreams, hinting that he had not passed away and telling us, 'From now on, Liyue is entrusted to you.'"
Ah, so that's how it is... a dream-vision.
But if Rex Lapis isn't dead, why would he fake his death?
I just wanted to see what you all would do after I was gone! Was that his reasoning? No, no, no—that was too dramatic, impossible.
Rex Lapis Wants the People of Liyue to Regret It for the Rest of Their Lives? No matter how I looked at it, the idea seemed absurd.
But if that wasn't his motivation, could it be that he wanted to test the people of Liyue?
"After my death, how will Liyue respond to adversity?"...
That actually sounded somewhat plausible.
Still, this "test" was far too nerve-wracking.
Ganyu said, "The Geo Archon must have had his reasons for acting this way. After discussing it with Lady Ningguang, we believe he wanted to test whether we were capable of shouldering the responsibility of governing Liyue."
"Hmph, judging by the results, our answers earned us a respectable score," Ningguang remarked with satisfaction.
Ningguang's answer sheet was the Jade Chamber...?
What an expensive answer sheet!
"It's all thanks to everyone!" Qin Yu said.
Ningguang nodded. "Indeed, this victory belongs to all of us. But Qin Yu, you made the greatest contribution."
"M-me?"
What did I even do? Just my daily work and a few fights.
Qin Yu forced a laugh. "Ahahaha, that's not true at all! If we're talking about contributions, I think Shenhe's was much greater than mine. Without her, the Adepti might not have been so cooperative..."
"Qin Yu, have you already forgotten what I told you earlier?"
"Huh?"
Ningguang said calmly, "Don't be excessively modest. Or are you trying to embarrass us?"
Qin Yu immediately tensed up, feeling anxious. "I never intended that."
"Then accept praise and rewards with grace."
"But Lady Ningguang, you were the one who devised the strategy. Shouldn't you be the one credited with the greatest contribution?" Qin Yu couldn't help but ask.
Ningguang had anticipated this question and already had an answer prepared.
"Protecting Liyue is the Qixing's duty, and striving for excellence is simply fulfilling my responsibilities. There's nothing particularly special about that. But you, Qin Yu, voluntarily took on the task of confronting Childe and actively joined the battle, saving countless Millelith soldiers."
"Well..."
Ningguang smiled. "It would be unjust and unreasonable not to commend you, wouldn't it?"
"Indeed, Qin Yu, you should accept it," Ganyu added at the opportune moment.
One by one, they both said the same thing.
Left with no choice, Qin Yu nodded in agreement, though she didn't feel she deserved any reward.
"That's the spirit! I'm very pleased with your work. Of course, the Qixing will reward all those who contributed to this incident, including Shenhe."
Ganyu asked curiously, "Qin Yu, what kind of reward would you like?"
A reward? Besides Mora and Points, Qin Yu couldn't think of anything else. She was completely stumped.
If she said, "I want to deepen my relationship with you both!" Ningguang would likely retort, "Do you think our relationship isn't good enough already?" That wouldn't do.
If she said, "I want Mora!" not only would it betray her character, but Ningguang would dismiss it instantly, demanding she choose something else.
"Given your significant contributions this time, you're free to make a bolder request," Ningguang said.
A bolder request?
Images flashed through Qin Yu's mind, and her ears suddenly grew hot.
No, what am I thinking?
Ganyu murmured softly, "For example, what do you desire most right now? Just say it."
What she desired most...
Hmm... Hmm... Mmm... Qin Yu gazed out the window, longing to return to her familiar life. But that was impossible.
Even if the Jade Chamber were to be rebuilt, construction couldn't begin immediately.
Considering her own feelings, Ningguang must feel the same way.
So Qin Yu said, "Then I wish Lady Ningguang would grant me one request."
"Speak," Ningguang replied, curious about what Qin Yu wanted.
"If anything unpleasant happens, please let me share the burden."
Evaluation: D+ (Ningguang)
Ningguang stared at Qin Yu in surprise.
For some reason, she felt deeply uncomfortable, forcing herself to say something insincere: "Share the burden? Do you really think you're capable of shouldering the Tianquan's troubles in your current state?"
Why is she saying this again? Qin Yu suddenly felt annoyed.
"Yes, I can!" she declared.
Evaluation: C+ (Ningguang)
Ningguang's inner turmoil intensified. If Ganyu hadn't been present, she might have resorted to non-verbal methods to confirm.
"I have no unpleasantness to share."
"I'm talking about the future," Qin Yu pressed deliberately. "Or does Lady Ningguang want to retract her promise? Call it a bold request if you like. Or does Lady Ningguang believe I'm incapable of fulfilling it?"
A truly simple and direct provocation.
Yet Ningguang still took the bait.
"Alright, I'll agree to this. If I become unhappy, I'll expect you to share my burden. But at the same time, I hope you won't regret your words, otherwise... it would be awkward for both of us," Ningguang said with a faint blush and a smile.
"Mm!"
Evaluation: B (Ningguang)
"You've certainly grown bolder," Ningguang remarked with a sigh.
Where did that come from?
Probably nowhere.
Qin Yu wasn't entirely sure herself, but thinking about it, there was nothing wrong with it. After all, Ningguang always teased her; it was about time the tables turned, even if she hadn't meant to tease back.
To be frank, Ningguang was feeling somewhat melancholy.
She didn't regret destroying the Jade Chamber to suppress Osial. But her "old friend" was no longer in those skies. Whenever she gazed upward, she couldn't help but feel that something was missing, something lacking.
Yet Qin Yu's words quickly dispelled that gloom.
As Ningguang replayed Qin Yu's earlier remarks in her mind, her mood soared.
Indeed, my maid is utterly adorable.
Ganyu blinked, finding it difficult to insert herself into this conversation and atmosphere. Hearing Qin Yu speak to Ningguang in such a way, she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, casting expectant glances at Qin Yu.
"Of course, the same goes for you, Sister Ganyu! If anything troubles you, please come to me!"
A radiant smile bloomed on Ganyu's face.
"Ah, okay, thank you. I will."
Evaluation: D (Ganyu)
Ningguang's mood plummeted rapidly.
"You should change your wish," Ningguang said.
"Eh?"
Ha? Why? No way!
Don't waste my brainpower so early in the morning. Why suddenly back out of something we've already decided? Suddenly you don't like it anymore? Humph, capricious woman, I don't care.
Qin Yu smiled softly. "No."
"Qin Yu."
"If Lady Ningguang changes her mind, then I'll only have to share Sister Ganyu's troubles," Qin Yu said.
Ganyu murmured, her heart stirred, "Only have to share mine..."
That doesn't sound so bad, she thought.
Evaluation: C- (Ganyu)
"Qin Yu..." Ningguang called out, her voice tinged with a hint of coaxing.
"What is it?" Qin Yu maintained her smile.
"Fine, I retract my previous statement."
Ningguang sighed helplessly.
"Ahahaha, sorry, did I tease you too much?"
"Mm, a bit."
Actually, there was nothing, Ningguang thought, but I need to exaggerate a little—make one point seem like ten—to capture Qin Yu's full attention.
"My apologies. Speaking of which—"
"Hmm?"
Qin Yu asked, "Isn't the Rite of Parting about to begin?"
Hmm?
Why did she brush that off so easily? Confused, Ningguang replied, "That's right. It will start in half an hour. Everything is prepared."
"Then we still have time for a little chat. Qin Yu, you..."
Ningguang tried to steer the conversation back on track, but Qin Yu deliberately cut her off. "Since Rex Lapis didn't die, what about the motive? What about the so-called 'culprit'?"
Will they use Childe as a scapegoat? Qin Yu wondered.
By now, Ningguang was certain Qin Yu was acting deliberately. Her eyes deepened with meaning.
"The culprit will naturally be deemed nonexistent," she said. "We'll simply claim Rex Lapis failed his ascension trial."
Ugh, a failed ascension trial? What a lame excuse. But if it wasn't human intervention, they'd have to attribute it to divine will.
"Of course, that's the public narrative. Behind the scenes, we can punish the Fatui for their repeated sabotage. We'll spread rumors like 'the Fatui are suspects' and 'the one who assassinated the Geo Archon and released the God is the same person,'" Ganyu said with a serene smile.
This woman is actually saying such things while smiling?
Excellent! I approve wholeheartedly! Qin Yu thought, but she had to maintain her persona, so she could only nod in feigned realization.
"Moreover, the Fatui have acted with unparalleled audacity and recklessness. I cannot tolerate their actions, neither publicly nor privately. Fortunately, evidence against them is abundant, so dealing with them will be no problem," Ningguang said with a calculating smile.
Qin Yu had seen that smile many times before.
It always appeared when Mora was about to fall into her hands.
"Indeed, the Fatui must pay the price," Qin Yu said earnestly, her heart practically bursting with glee.
Serves you little bastards right! Ahahaha! Ahahahaha! Ahahahahahahaha! Qin Yu mentally erupted in three stages of laughter, her expression remaining perfectly composed.
Wait a minute...
Qin Yu suddenly asked, puzzled, "Um, Rex Lapis isn't actually dead, is he?"
"That's correct," Ganyu nodded.
"The Rite of Parting is a funeral for an Adeptus, right?"
"Yes..."
Qin Yu continued, "But the god isn't dead! Are we really going to attend a funeral for a god who's still alive?"
"Ha ha..." Ganyu chuckled awkwardly.
"Yes, that's exactly right," Ningguang said. "So relax, but not too much. After all, no one but us knows Rex Lapis isn't dead."
"I... I see."
Regardless of the Rite of Parting itself, Qin Yu couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions when she thought back to her earlier grief over Rex Lapis's supposed death.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly, then asked curiously, "Even the Adepti don't know where Rex Lapis has gone?"
"I'm afraid not," Ganyu admitted. "At least, I can't imagine it. Perhaps the Geo Archon has gone to attend to more important matters."
Really?
It almost sounds like Rex Lapis has retired.
Still, Ganyu's words made sense. How could mortals possibly comprehend the thoughts of a god? He might well be preparing some earth-shattering event for the future.
After discussing some trivial matters concerning the future of Liyue Port with Ganyu and Ningguang, the time for the Rite of Parting to officially begin drew near.
"It's time to go," Ganyu said.
"Mm."
Ganyu left the office first, while Qin Yu waited for Ningguang to depart before following.
Unexpectedly, Ningguang suddenly grabbed Qin Yu's hand.
"Lady Ningguang?" Qin Yu asked, her voice tense and anxious.
What is she doing so suddenly?
"I'll decide the form of our burden-sharing," Ningguang said softly.
"Eh? Ah, um..."
The form of burden-sharing? There's even a specific form? Qin Yu felt a growing sense of unease, as if she had once again fallen into one of Ningguang's traps. But it was too late to escape.
Ningguang removed her sleeve, pressed her thumb against Qin Yu's lips, and softly commanded, "Ah—"
What is she doing? Qin Yu wanted to ask, but opening her mouth would mean complying. Instead, she remained silent, trying to convey her confusion and protest through her eyes.
"You said I could come to you to share my burdens when I'm unhappy. And I get to decide the form of our burden-sharing... After all, you want me to be happy, don't you?"
Not anymore. Just stay depressed, Qin Yu grumbled inwardly.
"Think I'm stretching the truth? Hmm, perhaps you're right. But I believe this is the only way to make myself feel better right now," Ningguang murmured softly.
Only a ghost would believe that.
"It's not exactly a replacement, but you can do this to me too. What do you say, Qin Yu?"
No.
Seeing Qin Yu's apparent indifference, Ningguang sighed, "I see..."
Seeing Ningguang's expression, Qin Yu's heart softened.
Losing an "old friend" would indeed be painful... Oh well, it's not like it's crossing any lines.
Qin Yu's standards fluctuated with her mood, and, coincidentally, her mood tended to change rapidly.
But it feels very unpleasant if only I am being treated this way. Qin Yu cautiously reached out, her thumb gently pressing against Ningguang's lips.
Before she could fully savor the softness, Ningguang parted her lips slightly. Warm, moist breath enveloped Qin Yu's fingertip, and a distinct firmness from above and below pressed against it.
Evaluation: A-
Qin Yu involuntarily held her breath, her face flushing hot. Ningguang's thumb gently pressed twice against Qin Yu's lips, conveying her intent.
Having no choice but to avert her gaze, Qin Yu lightly bit down on Ningguang's thumb.
Evaluation: A+
She quickly released her grip, withdrew her hand, and said, "It's almost time, Lady Ningguang."
"Mm, thank you."
"It's... nothing, really..."
Don't do that again, Qin Yu thought to herself.
Ningguang adjusted her sleeve cuffs.
"Let's go."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang."
Arriving at the Rite of Parting ceremony, Keqing spotted them and silently conveyed her impatience with a glance: You're late. What were you doing?
Ningguang returned a serene smile.
In truth, there were still twenty minutes until the ceremony began, but to Keqing, that was still too long.
-
"As I said earlier, the Geo Archon's return to the heavens signifies both the severance of the 'Contract' and the end of an era."
Ningguang was delivering her final address.
Standing slightly behind and to her side, Qin Yu listened to Ningguang's words with detached attention.
The end of an era. The phrase felt abstract and lacking in substance. But once work resumed its normal rhythm, the weight of its truth would likely become apparent.
For this year, Rex Lapis had yet to issue his Edict.
The future now rested entirely on the Qixing's deliberations and the Ministry of Civil Affairs' actions. Rex Lapis's guidance had always been precise and clear, like a lighthouse illuminating Liyue's path.
With that lighthouse extinguished, Liyue would now have to navigate through the fog, groping its way forward.
Though this generation of the Qixing included Keqing and Ningguang, with Ganyu's continued support, they couldn't possibly fall too far short. Without Rex Lapis, they might not be able to follow a straight path, but even detours could still lead forward.
Qin Yu's gaze swept discreetly over the crowd.
She met eyes with Shenhe, who had come to observe.
Are you okay with so many people? Qin Yu wanted to go to her, but it was work hours. She could only hold Shenhe's gaze for a few seconds, conveying her concern.
Shenhe nodded, indicating she was fine.
That's good... Speaking of which, there are a few familiar faces here.
Hu Tao, Yanfei, Lumine, Paimon... and that Zhongli, who exuded an extraordinary aura.
Speaking of which, Zhongli prepared the Rite of Parting for Rex Lapis with such meticulous detail. Just who is this man? Qin Yu mused, her gaze drifting across the crowd again.
Ah, that black-haired girl is quite cute, though her hat has way too many dumpling-like decorations... No, no! Even if the Archon isn't dead, I can't let my mind wander.
Qin Yu refocused her attention.
"Now that the Contract has been re-established, will you... bless the next era?"
Ningguang's address had just concluded.
The final stages were underway. Ningguang noticed Shenhe and told Qin Yu she could take a temporary break, instructing her to return to Ningguang's office later to resume her regular duties.
Accepting the permission, Qin Yu hurried over to stand before Shenhe.
Although the Rite of Parting had concluded and the crowd had mostly dispersed, Qin Yu couldn't help but ask, "Are you feeling alright?"
"I'm fine, thank you for your concern. What about you? I was worried when I saw how exhausted you were yesterday. Have you rested properly?"
But your expression hasn't changed at all. It's always been like this.
Qin Yu grinned. "Full of energy!"
"That's good," Shenhe nodded.
Right, now that the Adepti know Rex Lapis isn't dead, does that mean our previous plan to visit Cloud Retainer is no longer necessary?
Unable to decide, Qin Yu leaned in close to Shenhe's ear.
"Shenhe, Rex Lapis isn't actually dead."
"Is that so."
"Aren't you surprised?"
Shenhe replied in an equally hushed tone, "The entire incident was full of inconsistencies. Besides, there were already suspicions surrounding Rex Lapis's death. Knowing the truth now doesn't surprise me."
I figured as much.
Qin Yu whispered again, "Ganyu and the Qixing all received dream visions from Rex Lapis revealing the truth. The Adepti must know too. So, about our previous plan to visit your Master..."
"Shall we cancel it?" Shenhe asked.
If I knew, I wouldn't be asking you! Qin Yu stammered, "I'm not sure..."
"In that case, let's cancel it. As long as Master is happy."
"Mm, that's true."
The agreement was canceled, leaving Qin Yu feeling a bit disappointed and regretful.
But thinking about it, not needing to prepare or worry about scheduling... isn't that great?
Yeah, there's nothing wrong with that.
"Even without a destination, I still want to go out with you," Shenhe added.
Ha? Why go out if we don't even know where we're going? For a walk? You don't even live in Liyue Port.
Qin Yu twisted a strand of her hair, her face flushing red. "Ah, um... Let's talk about that later."
"Mm."
Evaluation: D+ (Shenhe)
Just then, Qin Yu sensed someone behind her. Before she could react, Hu Tao threw her arms around her from behind.
"I heard, Fishy Treasure! You really shone! As your friend, this Director is so proud of you!" Hu Tao chirped with a grin.
Don't suddenly hug me like that.
Not suddenly? That won't work either.
Just... don't hug me.
Qin Yu forced a dry laugh. "Ahaha, really? I didn't do much! Without everyone's help, we wouldn't have overcome this crisis."
"So humble! But I love your humility!"
Really? Qin Yu wondered skeptically.
Yanfei approached as well.
"I heard too, Qin Yu! You were amazing! The Millelith soldiers I know can't stop singing your praises!" Yanfei said with a smile.
"Praising me?"
"Exactly! 'You'd never guess from her usual demeanor, but when she fights, she's incredibly valiant!' 'She defeated enemies with one hand while saving her teammates with the other. We owe our limited casualties to her and the Adepti!' Hearing such praise makes me so happy! As your friend, I'm incredibly proud of you!"
Hmm, so that's the evaluation... Not bad at all.
Hu Tao teased, "Happy?"
I'd be happy if you hadn't asked, Qin Yu thought, but she couldn't admit that. She forced a smile.
"Yes, but I still believe everyone who fought in this battle is a hero."
"Exactly!" Hu Tao agreed.
Yanfei smiled. "I think so too. Speaking of which—"
Yanfei gave Qin Yu a strangely subtle look.
Qin Yu asked, puzzled, "What is it?"
"Ah, nothing, just thinking about something. Don't worry about it." Yanfei scratched her cheek.
"I see. But if anything's bothering you, please tell me. Even if I can't solve your problems, I can at least share your burdens," Qin Yu said with a smile.
Evaluation: D (Yanfei)
Yanfei blushed, "Mmm, I know..."
But now that Qin Yu had become so strong, did she still need Yanfei's protection? Yanfei found herself troubled by this question.