Although Hu Tao was the current director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, she had been forced into that role when she was only twelve years old. She had never had enough time to learn all the various funeral customs and rituals. Over the years, it was fortunate that Consultant Zhongli was there to help solve many problems. As a result, the funeral ceremonies at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor were actually presided over by Zhongli.
Imagine this: as a citizen of Liyue, to have Rex Lapis personally preside over your funeral and bless you before you are laid to rest—who could refuse that? Who wouldn't consider it the greatest honor of their life?
Under such circumstances, if Hu Tao were to launch a "Rex Lapis Funeral Package," the people of Liyue would surely scramble to pre-order one for themselves.
Having realized this, Hu Tao's clever eyes darted about, catching the attention of those around her.
Keqing asked curiously, "Director Hu, have you thought of something again?"
Hu Tao grinned. "Of course. I've successfully seized the greatest business opportunity in Liyue Harbor."
She seemed to see countless Mora waving at her, full of anticipation.
Keqing was taken aback. "The greatest business opportunity in Liyue? I heard that a group called Yae Publishing House is printing the storyteller's stories and making a lot of money. Are you planning to do the same?"
Hu Tao shook her head. "Not at all. Those stories can only make so much money. I'm preparing a big venture—a brand new funeral package!"
Keqing looked puzzled. "What funeral package? Still offering the thirty percent discount?"
Hu Tao said gleefully, "The Rex Lapis Funeral Package! And this time, no discounts at all. I'll get the flyers made and start promoting it."
As she spoke, she produced a sheet of paper from somewhere and began designing the flyer. Promoting it at Wangshu Inn, along with the Rex Lapis Funeral Package, would surely attract many customers. Perhaps even Keqing and Xiangling might become her clients.
Hearing this, Keqing was speechless. As a deeply devoted Rex Lapis admirer, she absolutely did not want Hu Tao to do this. But Hu Tao was Rex Lapis's direct superior. Even Rex Lapis himself had not objected, so Keqing, as Yuheng, could hardly speak up. She could only watch this absurd event unfold, hoping that Hu Tao's wild ideas wouldn't cause any chaos.
...
While Zhongli's identity as Rex Lapis was being exposed at Wangshu Inn and causing a stir, Bennett, who had traveled across mountains and rivers from Mondstadt, was drawing closer to Liyue Harbor. He was about to arrive at Wangshu Inn.
Not only Bennett—on the other side of the distant sea, in Inazuma City, when Yae Miko's people delivered the light novels to Yae Publishing House to be printed and sold on the streets of Liyue, they immediately caused a huge sensation. Within half a day, almost everyone on the streets of Inazuma had a copy.
"So this is how our Raiden Shogun came to be."
"No wonder the Shogun struck down Orobashi without hesitation—it was because of the Heavenly Principles."
"The friend of Kazuha who was slain by the Shogun was actually her brother?"
"Stories of the Anemo Archon, stories of the adeptus disciple... Who could know so many secrets of Teyvat's history?"
"Does the Shogun know about this? Someone send her a copy."
"Are you mad? Sending such fabrications to the Shogun? Aren't you afraid of being struck down?"
"Send what? Inside sources say the Shogun already took Miko to Liyue. She must already know these stories."
"Does that mean these stories are true?"
When the people of Liyue first saw these stories, they had not believed them. But now, learning that the Shogun had gone to Liyue and likely knew the stories without punishing anyone, the people gradually began to believe.
Not only ordinary Inazumans, but even Arataki Itto, who roamed the streets with his gang, got his hands on a copy. Hearing that the Raiden Shogun had left Inazuma, he danced for joy and immediately gathered all the members of the Arataki Gang to discuss a plan to reclaim his Vision.
"Brothers, the Arataki Gang has suffered under the Shogun for too long. Now that she has finally left Inazuma, the era of the Arataki Gang has come! Let's go challenge that Kujou Tortoise and take back our Visions!"
Itto gave an impassioned speech to rally his men. They cheered.
But beside them, a kunoichi watched coldly.
Just as Itto was about to lead his gang to the Shogun's estate to reclaim his Vision, a calm voice sounded from behind them.
"Street brawling is punishable by at least five years in prison under Inazuman law. Challenging the Shogun is punishable by at least ten years. Attacking the Shogun's estate is rebellion—the penalty is to face the Shogun's Musou no Hitotachi. Boss Itto, are you ready to receive that strike?"
It was Kuki Shinobu's voice. As the second-in-command of the Arataki Gang, Shinobu had studied abroad in Liyue. She was the most educated member of the gang.
Hearing this, everyone in the Arataki Gang stopped in their tracks. Though Itto bragged about not fearing that strike, he knew very well that no one survived it. If that blade fell, his life as an oni would truly be over.
He didn't want to face those charges, but he was unwilling to let such a perfect opportunity slip. He found it very frustrating. This Shinobu was always contradicting him.
Arataki Itto sighed helplessly. "Fine, fine. I won't go to the estate. I'll send someone to deliver a letter of challenge. I'll fight that Kujou Turtle one-on-one. That shouldn't violate Inazuman law, should it?"
He was very frustrated. Ever since Shinobu returned from her studies in Liyue, she was always contradicting him. Yet she was always right. Itto couldn't even get angry at her. If he made her mad, there would be no one to bail him out of the Inazuman prison next time.
With that, he quickly prepared a letter of challenge and sent a subordinate to deliver it to Kujou Sara.