"Lady Ningguang, there are visitors: Miss Ganyu, Miss Shenhe, and Mr. Jiang Ning," reported Baishi, one of the secretaries, as she entered quietly.
"They're here already? So quick..." Ningguang sighed helplessly.
Keqing settled in to watch the show.
Today's negotiations had been resolved smoothly, finishing ahead of schedule.
The next appointment wasn't for at least an hour.
So Keqing thought it was time for some entertainment.
"Tianquan, I believe you owe me an explanation for this matter."
The usually easy-going Ganyu now stood before Ningguang like a protective mother, radiating intensity.
She didn't even address Ningguang by name, instead confronting her directly.
However, Ningguang wasn't looking at Ganyu, but rather studying Jiang Ning.
She had met Shenhe before, as the adeptus frequently contacted officials during her demon-hunting missions... though Shenhe herself didn't know this.
But this was Ningguang's first time seeing Jiang Ning.
She had been curious about him for a long time.
This young man, whom Ganyu had kept well-hidden and who rarely appeared in public, was finally before her.
Ningguang found herself somewhat stunned. His complexion was fair and refined, his skin even better than hers as a woman, which made her feel slightly insecure.
No wonder he had captured the hearts of both the cold, divine Shenhe and Ganyu.
However, after this brief moment of amazement, Ningguang returned her attention to Ganyu.
She didn't try to deflect Ganyu's questioning - any excuses would only irritate someone of her status.
"This was indeed our mistake. We are prepared to offer appropriate compensation," Ningguang stated.
Ganyu replied, "Compensation alone is not enough."
"Tonight, I will host a banquet at Yanshang Teahouse as an apology," Ningguang said. "Additionally, the responsible intelligence personnel will be disciplined, and we will implement stricter verification procedures..."
Ganyu nodded. It wouldn't be good to escalate the matter, as opportunists might take advantage. This was probably the most Ningguang could do, and it showed sincerity.
"However, regarding the compensation..."
Ningguang smiled. "I assure you it will be to everyone's satisfaction."
Despite her words, Ningguang's heart ached a little.
This time she would really have to pay dearly.
While others might not understand the extent of her assets, Ganyu certainly did. There was no room for half-measures.
Keqing watched disappointedly from the side. Damn, was that it? She had been hoping to see Ningguang squirm.
Seeing her composed manner, she had clearly prepared for this.
How boring.
Keqing stood up. "Since everything's settled, I'll take my leave..."
Ningguang's expression remained unchanged. "Then I won't see the Yuheng out."
You thought you'd see me embarrassed? What haven't I dealt with in all these years?
Ningguang glanced at Keqing.
Hmph, still such a young girl.
Jiang Ning and Shenhe, unused to such negotiations, were bewildered.
Had they really settled everything in just a few exchanges?
But whatever - there was compensation to be had, so no losses...
As a results-oriented person, Jiang Ning felt he hadn't lost out.
Shenhe had been dissatisfied initially - her little junior brother had almost died, and it was resolved with just a few words?
But seeing her senior sister's approval and her junior brother's satisfaction, Shenhe remained silent.
...
Ganyu walked through Liyue's streets with her junior disciples, feeling pleased.
"This time, Ningguang will have to bring out her treasures. There might even be a divine weapon."
"A divine weapon?" Jiang Ning asked excitedly.
"Will I get my own divine weapon?"
Ganyu smiled. "Perhaps. It's about time you upgraded your weapon, junior brother."
Shenhe spoke up: "Actually, I could give you my Calamity Queller, little junior brother..."
"No need, Senior Sister. That was Master's gift to you. How could I take it?" Jiang Ning waved his hand.
Shenhe pressed her lips together and said no more.
The Calamity Queller was one of Liyue's divine weapons, a treasure from Cloud Retainer.
It had always been Shenhe's weapon.
"Let's not discuss this now. We should rest before tonight's banquet," Ganyu said.
...
Liyue Harbor glowed at night, and Yanshang Teahouse, a venue for receiving distinguished guests, was especially resplendent.
Today, the teahouse was closed to the public - Ningguang had spared no expense to reserve the entire establishment.
While Yanshang Teahouse normally operated on reservations, this only applied to common folk. For major merchants, especially one of the Liyue Qixing like Ningguang, such rules were flexible.
Her secretaries had personally contacted each party with existing reservations, apologizing and promising future business opportunities.
These merchants, eager for a chance to connect with the Tianquan, readily agreed.
Thus, the teahouse was secured for their use.
"Today's incident was truly my error. I, Ningguang, offer my sincere apologies to you both. In the future, if you need any assistance, please don't hesitate to ask."
Ningguang raised her cup to Shenhe and Jiang Ning.
"It's fine, Miss Ningguang. It wasn't really that serious..." Jiang Ning said.
Ningguang's gaze softened. Indeed, this young man was quite reasonable.
Though they weren't concerned, Ningguang couldn't be discourteous. She lightly clapped her hands, and Baishi began presenting the apologetic gifts one by one.
These weren't what Ganyu and the others valued most.
After all, as adepti disciples, they had seen all manner of precious things. What truly caught their attention was Ningguang's final offering.
As soon as the case was brought out, a wind seemed to whisper through the private room.
"Could this be...?"
Ganyu's face showed surprise.
Ningguang smiled and said, "I've heard of Young Master Jiang Ning's exceptional spearmanship. Consider this a token of my sincerity."
Baishi respectfully presented it to Jiang Ning, who eagerly opened it.
The wind stirred.
A spear emanating brilliant light lay within, its tip seemingly formed from a whirlwind, creating an almost painful sensation on the skin.
"Skyward spine?! Isn't this a divine weapon from Mondstadt? How did you get this?"
Ganyu was incredulous. She had expected a divine weapon from Liyue, and likely not even a spear. Getting any divine weapon would have been satisfactory.
But she never imagined Ningguang's collection would include this!
Ningguang smiled and said, "I purchased it at great cost from an adventurer from Mondstadt... I assure you, Miss Ganyu, it was entirely legal and proper."
"Does this adequately demonstrate my sincerity?"