"You lot, make sure to live properly once you get out. I don't want to see you back in this place again."
"You're the future of Liyue Harbor. One day, you'll be people of importance—names that everyone knows. If someone digs up the fact that you've been to jail, it's going to be a stain on your reputation."
After making the three men loudly recite the "Liyue People's Code of Morality" at the prison gate, Fang Pan kindly gave them a few words of advice.
But when he noticed Gu Sanqiu standing nearby, his face darkened instantly.
It seemed... this guy was a different story.
This was the first time Chongyun and Xingqiu had ended up in jail, and Fang Pan couldn't quite figure out what had led these young masters to be directly detained by the Qixing.
However, when he saw Gu Sanqiu get locked up in the same cell a day later, everything made sense.
This troublesome fellow was clearly a bad influence!
"All right, everyone, let's go home. I've got some clothes to fold. I'll have someone send you the secret technique I promised to the Feiyun Commerce Guild. You can pick it up there."
Gu Sanqiu patted Chongyun on the shoulder. "Just remember, if you and Xingqiu ever visit my house, leave that thing you carry behind. I don't want it getting purified on the spot."
"Thanks, Old Gu. If you ever need my help, just say the word. I've never claimed to be some wandering hero of justice, but I'll always help a friend when they ask."
"Then take this guy back to the Feiyun Commerce Guild safely."
Gu Sanqiu gestured to the sullen, gray-toned Xingqiu beside him. "In his current state, I'm worried he might get run over by a carriage before he even makes it back."
After bidding the duo farewell, Gu Sanqiu turned and looked at the figure hiding behind a tree.
"So, why are you waiting for me here? Looking for another fight? I just got out and have no intention of spending another two days locked up."
"Heh, why is it always about fighting with you? Can't we just have a cultured and refined conversation?"
Childe emerged from behind the tree with a mischievous grin. "Of course, if you're set on a brawl, I won't say no."
"Get lost. If I fight you, I'll be the only one thrown back in jail while you, as a Snezhnayan envoy, get off scot-free."
"Jail... 'suffering'?"
Childe studied Gu Sanqiu, who looked surprisingly spirited. "You don't seem anything like the people I've seen fresh out of prison."
"Ahem, that's beside the point. Let's get down to business—why is an executive like you here instead of handling your own affairs? Don't tell me there's some huge threat to Liyue Harbor."
"Why would there be a major crisis? We're in peaceful times."
Childe threw an arm around Gu Sanqiu's shoulders. "Remember I said I'd take you out for a meal? You ended up dragging me to see the sights instead."
"So, what do you say? How about we go for a meal now? In your Liyue terms, consider it a 'welcome-back' feast."
"A foreigner welcoming me back with Liyue customs... that's amusing."
Gu Sanqiu chuckled. "I thought you were joking before, but sure, I'm not too busy lately. Let's go."
"Not too busy, huh? I heard that you, the 'Fragrant Lord,' have quite a leisurely life—drinking tea at Yujing Terrace every morning."
"They don't get it. That's called putting in effort when no one's watching. Do they have any idea how much value there is in 'secret efforts'?"
The two climbed into a carriage, and Childe promptly handed Gu Sanqiu a list of the dinner guests.
"These are tonight's attendees. Take a look and let me know if there's anyone you think we should be wary of—also to see if any of your favorites are on the list."
"Heh, the Northland Bank's information network is as sharp as ever. But you've invited quite the crowd—seems like none of them are exactly upstanding citizens."
"Of course. If there's nothing special to gain, would the usual power players bother attending a Snezhnayan envoy's dinner?"
Childe shrugged. "So, any names that stand out?"
"Not bad. While this crowd might bend the rules, they're still law-abiding taxpayers. Only two stand out as problematic."
Gu Sanqiu pointed at two names on the list. "These two have records with Liyue's authorities. They're linked to treasure hoarder groups outside the city, and they're mixed up with the thugs at Stonegate."
"On the surface, they don't seem to interact much, but in reality, they're pretty close friends. Watch out for them—they might try to pull a fast one on you together."
"How do you know so much?"
Childe's face showed genuine confusion. "I didn't think someone like you, who avoids official business, had access to that kind of information."
Gu Sanqiu sipped his tea calmly. After all, his big sister was practically the ruler of Liyue. Was there anything in Liyue he couldn't know?
Well, within the confines of official documents, at least.
If he ever tried to spy on girls changing clothes or sneaking into someone's bedroom, Ningguang would hang him from the highest point of the Jade Chamber to dry like salted meat for a month—whether he did anything improper or not.
The dinner went smoothly, on the surface at least. The guests, seeing that Childe had managed to bring Gu Sanqiu, suddenly had newfound confidence in his influence and connections. It was a "successful" evening filled with lively conversation and exchanged toasts.
As the other guests left, ready to retire to the comfort of their homes, Childe and Gu Sanqiu remained behind. Childe leaned casually against a pillar, while Gu Sanqiu lay sprawled across a row of backup chairs he had dragged together.
"Hah—why did you bring me to this dinner? Even without the 'Fragrant Lord' title, you could've easily gotten those nouveau riche and countryside folks to fall in line."
"Ah—true, but there's another reason I needed you here."
Childe yawned. "Have you ever heard of the Three Secrets Society?"
"Don't tell me you Snezhnayans are involved with them."
"No, they approached the Northland Bank, asking Amir if he'd be willing to sell information on your whereabouts. They promised substantial benefits for our Snezhnayan interests."
Childe chuckled. "Of course, if we could work together to take you out, the rewards would be even greater."
"I see. Amir didn't leak anything, right?"
"This is a big deal, and Amir isn't one to gossip. Besides, I'm not too keen on this so-called partnership."
A mocking grin tugged at Childe's lips. "First, I have no way of knowing if they're really from the Three Secrets Society or if this is just a Liyuean scam."
"Second, I don't think those small-time grunts hiding in the shadows stand a chance against you."
"I did some digging. The Fragrant Lord's lineage, passed down through the ages, surviving to this day—your family's very existence is nothing short of a minor miracle."
Childe shrugged. "As for the Three Secrets Society, they weren't even willing to show their faces. They don't seem trustworthy."
Gu Sanqiu's lips twitched. No, in truth, if things had gone as they should, that so-called "minor miracle" he mentioned should've been killed off long ago. The Three Secrets Society did a decent job back then.
"So, why are you telling me this?"
"I just shared something important with you. Can't you tell me why those people want you dead?"
Gu Sanqiu casually tossed a cigarette butt into an uncleaned dish.
"So, tell me—what do you think ordinary people desire?"
---
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you spot any mistakes or inconsistencies!
If you wish to support me or read ahead here's a link! [patreon.com/WiseTL]