Su Han was incredibly embarrassed. He thought he could fool her, but he never expected Ningguang to see through his trick with a single glance.
"Then why did you just now…"
"What good would it have done to say it? To make everyone embarrassed? Or to let that sly fox watch a joke at your expense?"
Ningguang turned to look out the window, her eyes filled with helplessness.
Although she had long been prepared for a day like this to come, Ningguang had never imagined that this "hot commodity" of hers would be swindled by the Anemo Archon.
Now that it had happened, what could she do?
If she made a scene, it would not only create a rift between Liyue and Mondstadt but also make things difficult for Su Han.
He hadn't done it on purpose; of that, she was certain.
With so many women around him, and even with Shenhe being intimate with him every day, he hadn't made a move. Would he really be thirsty for a Knights of Favonius leader he had just met? Su Han wasn't that stupid.
This was all the Anemo Archon's plot.
A dignified Archon, plotting against a mortal. Who could have guarded against that?
Even the storm yesterday must have been his handiwork.
Looking at Ningguang's ashen face, Su Han grabbed her hand and said, "Thank you for your magnanimity."
"Sigh. I just pity that woman. A woman who controls the Knights of Mondstadt, yet she was forced to make such a choice. Her heart must have been in turmoil," Ningguang turned her head, the anger in her eyes mostly gone, replaced by a touch of pity.
As women at the pinnacle of power, she naturally understood the hardships of that position.
However, she herself had been lucky to have the Liyue Qixing, the adepti disciples, and a responsible Geo Archon by her side. So, although she was tired, she still had time to relax.
But that Acting Grand Master? What kind of people did she have around her? The capable ones had left the Knights in disappointment. The captain-level figures only knew how to slack off and engage in petty schemes. The rest were either not strong enough or were just loafing around, waiting to die.
When she was inspecting Mondstadt yesterday, Ningguang had been shocked. How had such a dilapidated country managed to survive to this day?
You could call it a sense of mutual sympathy.
Ningguang forgave Jean's actions, but she couldn't stand the sour feeling of having her beloved treasure be taken by another.
Su Han didn't say anything. He just held Ningguang, cherishing the rare, warm moment between the two of them.
Several hours later, the group arrived at Liyue Harbor.
Ningguang, leading her secretaries, headed for Yuehai Pavilion.
Investing in a port city involved many different aspects and couldn't be completed in a short time. At the same time, she had to coordinate the prices in Liyue Harbor and not allow those unscrupulous merchants to make an exorbitant profit.
And Su Han was also very busy.
Since he had agreed to help Jean, he naturally couldn't just pay lip service. He had to truly help her.
For example, by supporting her with a batch of weapons and armor. Of course, the items made from the Great Dog Demon's bones could only be supplied to the elite knights. The lower-ranking ones were not worthy of using them.
Of course, he wasn't just giving them to her for free. The Knights of Mondstadt would use land as collateral!
The area near Dadaupa Gorge, by the sea, would be given to Su Han to build a manor for producing instant noodles, hot pot base, and various other things.
At the same time, Mondstadt would also give him a large, free shop, located on a prosperous street, a priceless location.
Otherwise, did you really think Ningguang was that generous? If she knew Su Han was giving things away for free, she would probably be furious.
The dispatch of weapons and armor was very fast.
That same day, they were sent to Mondstadt City by train.
Kaeya, Amber, and the others were shocked as they looked at the exquisite weapons and armor.
"What are these weapons made of? They feel so sharp."
"The armor is also of high quality."
"As expected of the equipment of Liyue's Black Blade unit. It's simply too strong."
The knights caressed the brand-new weapons and equipment, so excited they were on the verge of tears.
One of the knights struck his new greatsword against the one in his hand. As a result, his old weapon was easily shattered, a terrifying gap left in it.
Seeing this, the crowd couldn't help but draw in a cold breath.
A finely crafted Knights of Favonius greatsword was shattered so easily?
Were Liyue's weapons this terrifying?
Kaeya was shocked. "What material is this made of, to be so powerful?"
The person responsible for escorting the goods was Keqing.
She explained, "This was forged from the bones of a vicious beast. It's very rare. For now, we can only provide you with twenty such weapons and sets of armor, because even our own Black Blade unit has not been fully equipped with them."
"It's more than enough! Thank you for your help. By the way, Su Han didn't come?" Jean asked, having distributed the weapons and looking behind her, not seeing that familiar figure.
Keqing smiled. "Him? He's busy picking out people."
Now that he had territory in Mondstadt, Su Han naturally wanted to get it up and running as soon as possible, and manpower was the first problem to be solved. Because Dadaupa Gorge was inhabited by many Churl-churl tribes, he had to clear all of them out before he could live there comfortably.
A flash of disappointment appeared in Jean's eyes, but she smiled. "I didn't realize he was such a busy man."
"Hah, don't get me started. Even if he's free, he'll be frantically cultivating. Otherwise, how would he have gotten so strong? By the way, Jean, when you have time, you should cultivate the martial arts and Haki in the group files. When our own strength becomes stronger, we can face any challenge without fear."
"Mm, thank you for your advice. I will work hard on my cultivation."
In fact, ever since last night, Jean had felt that her body had undergone some strange changes. In the past, with such a busy workload, she would have been exhausted long ago. But now, she didn't feel tired at all. On the contrary, she was full of energy. It was so strange.
After delivering the weapons, Keqing began to direct the Millelith to transport large quantities of goods into the newly opened shop.
Inside were all kinds of instant noodles and some hot pot seasonings. Because the train was now open, the price was naturally much cheaper than before, but it still couldn't be cheaper than local production.
However, after the shop opened, it was still a massive hit in Mondstadt.
It had been a long time since the last sale of instant noodles. The things people had in their hands now had been bought from Liyue merchants at exorbitant prices. How could they compare to the cheap ones sold in the shop?
And so, the instant noodle shop became a complete sensation.
In just one afternoon, over ten thousand packs were sold. It was clear how much people needed this kind of fast food.
Night fell.
Jean was at her desk, handling official business.
At this moment, a notification chimed in the Multiverse Mission Group. She glanced at it and found that Su Han was private-messaging her.
At this time, does he need something?
Jean:What's wrong?
Su Han:What do you mean, what's wrong? Are you working overtime again?
Jean:Mm.
Su Han was furious. This woman, if you didn't manage her, she would get out of control. When she was in his arms, she had promised him so well that she wouldn't work overtime. As a result, it was now nine o'clock at night, and she was still working.
Su Han was fuming.
Su Han:Put down the work in your hands right now and go to rest! Do you hear me?
Jean:But I'm almost done.
Jean didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She was already used to this kind of work intensity. And if she didn't do it now, the things that piled up tomorrow would only be more.
But Su Han retorted:
Su Han:Why is all the work dumped on you alone? Are there no other people in the Knights of Favonius? You have to learn to train your subordinates and let them handle things, not let everyone in the Knights develop a dependency on you, thinking that all they have to do is throw things at you. And now, you're not just the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius; you're also my woman. Don't forget our agreement. If you want me to help Mondstadt, you have to be obedient and listen to me.
Jean:Alright, alright. I'll listen to you.
Hearing this, Jean put down the unfinished work in her hands and, for the first time, ended her overtime early.
Although she was being ordered around, a happy smile appeared on Jean's face.
This feeling of being cared for was truly wonderful.
Afterward, the two of them chatted in bed for a long time, all about the construction of Mondstadt City and the deployment of personnel.
The next day, at a meeting of the Knights of Favonius, Jean announced a promotion of personnel.
First was Kaeya, who was promoted from Cavalry Captain to Vice-Grand Master.
Second was Lisa, who went from Librarian to an advisor for the Knights.
And Noelle, who had no knightly title, became Jean's secretary, responsible for handling the daily affairs of the Knights and Mondstadt City.
And the Outrider, Amber, was promoted to Captain of the Outriders.
This change in personnel was something no one had expected.
At the same time, she also announced that the Knights would be undergoing an assessment in the near future. Those whose strength was insufficient would have their status as knights revoked. And from now on, the Knights would be assessed every month. Those who had no ability but were greedy for power would be completely weeded out.
"I object! This is too restrictive of our freedom! It violates the founding principles of Mondstadt City! This is just exploiting us knights!"
"I think so too."
"I also agree. Why must we be constantly assessed? This is not freedom! And it will greatly limit our rest time."
Looking at the three veteran knights who had stood up, a trace of hatred flashed in Jean's eyes.
It was always these guys who came out to cause trouble. They were useless at everything, but first-rate at making a mess. She had tolerated them for a long time.
"So, the freedom you're thinking of means that the Knights must be undisciplined, is that right? As a member of the Knights of Favonius, one's duty is to fight for Mondstadt with all one's heart. We need to continuously work hard and continuously improve! Lord Anres, last month you were on duty for eighteen days. During your duty, you went to the Cat's Tail tavern twenty times. May I ask, is this how a knight responsible for the peace of Mondstadt does his job? I've even had people see you colluding with the Fatui! Men, revoke his status and title! Arrest Anres!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
Watching the knights charge over, Anres's face was full of panic, and he turned to run.
Unfortunately, Kaedehara Kazuha had been waiting for a long time. With a single, light kick, he was sent back.
Half an hour later, Jean received a report. In the homes of Anres and the other two knights, a large amount of correspondence with the Fatui had been found.
After reading the contents, her admiration for Su Han grew even more.
If not for his guidance, she would have never known how many secrets these "moles" had leaked.
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