In the Jade Chamber, Ningguang had barely settled into her seat when she caught Baiwen hurrying toward her out of the corner of her eye.
Her good mood vanished the moment she saw Baiwen.
"Madam Ningguang, trouble!"
"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor again?"
"Yes, Madam Ningguang. The Millelith reported that the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is suspected of involvement in a series of murders. Wangsheng Funeral Parlor promotional flyers were found on all five victims today."
Ningguang sighed, rubbing her temples. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor had been causing far too much trouble lately, not giving her a moment's peace.
"What does this have to do with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? They distribute hundreds of flyers daily. It's only natural that a few victims happened to have them on them, isn't it?"
Hearing this, Keqing immediately turned to Baiwen, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has a long and esteemed history in Liyue," she said. "Who could be spreading such slanderous lies?"
Keqing stood up, a hint of anger flickering across her face.
"Ningguang, let me investigate this matter," she declared. "I will punish those spreading these rumors and restore the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's reputation."
As Keqing finished speaking, she noticed Ningguang and Baiwen exchanging strange glances. After a moment of awkward silence, Baiwen finally spoke.
"But Lady Keqing, over a hundred people have reported this matter to the authorities."
Keqing: "?"
Baiwen's words left Keqing momentarily stunned. When had the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor amassed so many enemies?
"Keqing, sit down," Ningguang said, pressing her hand down to signal her to remain seated. "There have been some recent developments you're not fully aware of. Let Baiwen explain the situation."
Though skepticism lingered on her face, Keqing reluctantly settled back into her seat.
"Baiwen, tell the Yuheng how many flyers Director Hu Tao has distributed in the past two days."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang," Baiwen replied, turning to Keqing. "Lady Keqing, Director Hu Tao has only distributed fewer than fifty flyers in the past two days."
Keqing: "?"
"And it's not just today. Yesterday, three more deceased individuals were found carrying flyers from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Keqing: "???"
Keqing was dumbfounded. Anyone with half a brain could see the connection between these deaths and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, given such a horrifying proportion.
Wait a minute... She seemed to recall that the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's new Consultant could discern a person's remaining lifespan...
Hiss...
Keqing gasped, drawing in a sharp breath.
Could Director Hu Tao have colluded with the Consultant to execute some kind of precision targeting?!
Good grief! Keqing exclaimed inwardly. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor truly knows how to stir up trouble!
While such actions might not technically violate any regulations, they posed a grave threat to Liyue's peace and stability. Ultimately, the Liyue Qixing would bear the brunt of the headache.
Keqing finally understood why Ningguang had worn such a rare expression of distress. This matter was indeed thorny.
"Ningguang, how do you plan to handle this?"
"Oh, and we should also respond to that incident from three days ago."
"Um, Madam Keqing, I don't think we need to intervene in that matter," Baiwen said, her expression oddly conflicted as she explained. "The family who filed the complaint against the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor has withdrawn it. They even knelt before Director Hu Tao, begging for mercy."
Keqing: ...
Ningguang shook her head slowly.
"I don't have a perfect solution for this. The only thing we can do is expedite the revision of the Liyue Legislation to fill this legal gap."
"We can't directly and openly ban them, or we'll only confirm the rumors and severely damage Liyue's stability and development."
"After all, not everyone can face their impending death calmly."
Hearing Ningguang's words, Keqing nodded in agreement.
"Of course, we should also privately advise Director Hu Tao to rein in her more... eccentric methods. She needs to be more mindful of the repercussions."
Ningguang paused, deep in thought.
This approach was arguably an abuse of power. At its core, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was simply using aggressive marketing tactics—the issue was that their methods were so precise that they were causing widespread panic.
When people learn they only have a few days to live, how many can maintain their composure and continue their lives as usual?
"As compensation, the Liyue Qixing can help promote Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
"I'll trouble the Yuheng to handle this personally."
Keqing nodded in agreement, accepting the task.
At that moment, a languid figure appeared at the entrance, knocking on the Jade Chamber's door.
The sound immediately drew everyone's attention. At Ningguang's command, Yelan, with one hand on her hip, swiftly materialized before the trio.
"Baiwen, go find Ganyu and convey my instructions."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang!"
After dismissing Baiwen, Ningguang turned back to Yelan and asked, "Yelan, how's the investigation progressing?"
Yelan nodded in response. "I've completed the basic investigation into Chen Feng, the new Consultant at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Hearing this, Keqing was startled. She hadn't expected Ningguang to dispatch Yelan to investigate Chen Feng.
The mere thought of Chen Feng involuntarily brought to mind the images she had been desperately trying to suppress, causing her ears to flush slightly.
"Chen Feng's origins remain shrouded in mystery," Yelan continued. "In truth, we had results from the initial investigation as early as yesterday. However, the findings were so unexpected that I conducted a separate investigation using alternative methods to verify their accuracy. Both investigations yielded identical results."
"Chen Feng appeared in Liyue thirteen days ago. Before that, there was no trace of anyone by that name ever existing in Liyue. It's as if he materialized out of thin air thirteen days ago."
Upon hearing this, Ningguang and Keqing's expressions turned slightly grave.
They were well aware of Yelan's capabilities. If even she believed Chen Feng had suddenly appeared in Liyue, his origins were indeed intriguing.
"During this time, Chen Feng has been begging on the streets to survive. I've investigated everyone he's come into contact with, and there's nothing suspicious. Just recently, he suddenly began calculating people's remaining lifespans in public. That same day, he was arrested by the Millelith on suspicion of murder and imprisoned in Liyue Prison."
"After the Millelith confirmed his innocence, Director Hu Tao took him in as a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Ningguang and Keqing exchanged thoughtful glances once more.
Chen Feng's movements were remarkably straightforward, but when combined with his mysterious origins, his motives became a matter for serious contemplation.
From all appearances, if Chen Feng's intentions are impure, his target is likely the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
However, this raised a new question: what could the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor possibly possess that would attract Chen Feng?
"It seems we must keep a close watch on him," Ningguang said. "We need to monitor his every move and uncover his true motives for contacting Director Hu Tao as soon as possible."
Although Chen Feng claimed to have amnesia, given the doubts surrounding his identity, they couldn't take his words at face value. They needed to prepare in advance to prevent any potential threats.
Ningguang had initially considered entrusting this task to Yelan, but considering Yelan's numerous other responsibilities, it was unlikely she could manage everything comprehensively. She turned to Keqing instead.
"Keqing, please take special interest in this matter. I'll have my intelligence operatives coordinate with you. You don't need to monitor Chen Feng's every move daily, but you'll need to intervene personally when necessary."
"You've had prior contact with him, making you the most suitable candidate for this task."
Keqing was about to refuse, but reconsidered and nodded.
"Very well."
With five new deaths added to their tally, Hu Tao and Chen Feng's infamy spread like wildfire. The entire city of Liyue now turned pale at the mere mention of their names.
Those who had previously accepted the flyers now rushed to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, begging Hu Tao to take them back, tears streaming down their faces.
"Director Hu Tao, please, take this back!"
"We were wrong! We shouldn't have been so greedy for such petty gains!"
"Director Hu Tao, please spare us!"
"Sigh... This Director has already told you countless times that those deaths have nothing to do with the flyers!"
Despite Hu Tao's repeated assurances, the people remained unconvinced, insisting she take the flyers back and even attempting to force their savings upon her.
Better safe than sorry, they reasoned. They dared not keep these cursed flyers on their persons any longer.
Nor dared they discard them casually. They needed Hu Tao's explicit consent to take them back, believing only then could they escape disaster.
"Hey, hey! What are you doing? Take those back!"
Hu Tao naturally refused the money, but the people quickly wised up. Instead of saying it was for her, they claimed it was a donation to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
But Hu Tao wasn't fooled by their tricks. She resolutely refused.
"No! This Director cannot accept this money!"
Seeing Hu Tao's unwavering refusal, the group burst into tears, their wails so mournful they could break the hearts of anyone who heard them.
"Alright, alright, this Director will accept it then," Hu Tao relented, having no other choice.
"But let's be clear: this money is for your funeral arrangements. I'll only take a small portion as compensation."
Upon hearing this, the group's faces turned as pale as paper, their bodies trembled uncontrollably, and their wailing intensified.
So... they really can't escape death?!
"Director Hu Tao, what's all the commotion so early in the morning?" Chen Feng yawned as he approached Hu Tao, casting a strange glance at the group before them.
At the sight of Chen Feng, the group shuddered in unison. They had heard tales of his fearsome reputation.
According to reliable rumors, the real threat wasn't Hu Tao herself, but this new Consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—Chen Feng!
Normally, they would have avoided such a cursed figure at all costs. But in their desperate state, they threw caution to the wind and scrambled on their hands and knees toward Chen Feng.
"Mr. Chen, please spare us! We don't want to die yet!"
"But I can only calculate fate, not change it," Chen Feng replied.
"Precisely because it cannot be altered, fate is called fate. Your request is beyond my power."
"I advise you to return home. Rather than waste your time here, cherish your final moments. At least write your last will and testament in advance."
Hearing Chen Feng's words, the group fell into utter despair.
Finally, after much persuasion from Hu Tao, they reluctantly left Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, glancing back every few steps.
Watching their retreating figures, Hu Tao finally let out a sigh of relief.
"They're finally gone! We should go find new clients now."
"Consultant Chen Feng, let's hurry!"
"Oh, right! Consultant Zhongli, stay behind. If anyone else comes looking for us, just dismiss them casually."
Zhongli, who had been planning to spend the day slacking off at the opera house to avoid Hu Tao and Chen Feng, thought:
Crap, I let my guard down and came out too early!
After assigning Zhongli his task, Hu Tao grabbed Chen Feng and scurried away.
Watching their departing figures, Zhongli's gaze deepened...
-
"We've finally arrived in Fontaine! It's really true—there's water everywhere!"
Lumine and Paimon sat on the boat, curiously observing the scattered buildings and landmasses jutting out of the water, their eyes sparkling with excitement.
"I heard Fontaine wasn't always like this. After several sea level rises, much of the land sank beneath the waves."
Enjou chimed in with an explanation.
Ever since the Sumeru incident was resolved, Lumine, Paimon, and Enjou had left Sumeru without stopping to rest and headed straight for Fontaine.
The main reason for their haste was Lumine's uncertainty about whether everything she was seeing was a dream.
Crossing the border between Sumeru and Fontaine finally brought Lumine peace of mind. We're out of Sumeru now. Surely I can't still be dreaming, right?
"Hey Enjou, when are you finally going back?" Paimon asked, eyeing him warily. After all, his character design was practically identical to hers, threatening her position as Lumine's mouthpiece!
"Go back? Going back is impossible—I'll never go back in this lifetime! The only way I can barely scrape by is by staying by the Princess's side and being a mascot."
Once Enjou realized the overwhelming power gap between himself and Lumine, he completely abandoned any thoughts of returning.
If he'd once had a slim chance of defeating Lumine, trying now would be like bashing his head against a brick wall!
"You're still hanging around? Let me tell you, freeloading isn't an option! You'll have to earn your keep like everyone else!"
Hearing Paimon's words, Lumine unconsciously nodded in agreement.
Supporting one Emergency Food was already stretching her finances thin. Supporting another would make survival impossible!
"Aren't you freeloading too?" Enjou countered, his tone righteous.
"That's different! I'm the Traveler's best companion!"
"Well, I'm Princess Lumine's loyal subordinate!"
Enjou's words made Paimon stomp her feet in anger.
"Companions are more important!"
"Subordinates are far more crucial!"
The two quickly devolved into a heated argument over who held greater importance in Lumine's heart.
Enough arguing! Lumine snapped. Neither of you is important. From now on, earn your own keep!
Paimon immediately lost her composure, while Enjou, the cunning schemer, secretly rejoiced.
His plan to usurp Paimon as Lumine's No. 1 lackey was progressing smoothly. By proving his usefulness through diligent work, he could show Lumine that he was far more valuable than that freeloading Emergency Food, thus earning her greater respect.
Perfect!
Just as Enjou was secretly plotting his schemes, the ship finally docked at Port of Fontaine.