"Keqing-san, what do you mean by that?!"
Ningguang's expression sank the moment she heard it. So that's how it is, Keqing—talking around the point and still taking a swing at her. Calling her old, was she?
Keqing watched Ningguang's face change and just shrugged. "I didn't name names. If you want to take it personally, that's on you. Besides, I'm not wrong."
She tilted her chin slightly, voice turning smug.
"We're both part of the Liyue Qixing. Age? I'm younger than you. Talent? My husband is better than you. Influence? His family has produced three members of the Liyue Qixing. What exactly are you comparing with me?"
Ningguang's expression turned icy. Is that even something a person says?
They were supposed to be talking about business, and Keqing opened with "my husband this, my husband that."
"Keqing-san," Ningguang said, giving her a sideways glance, "enjoy it while it lasts."
Then her tone shifted. She lowered her voice. "You know Yelan, right?"
"What are you trying to say?" Keqing stared her down.
"I'm not trying to say anything," Ningguang replied lightly. "I was worried you'd do something rash, so I had Yelan keep an eye on you."
She clicked her tongue twice, smiling as if she'd just found something entertaining.
"And wow. For a Vision bearer, you're a bit… fragile, aren't you? You talk about practicing the sword every day—so tell me, where exactly did all that training go?"
Keqing's expression kept sliding lower, and Ningguang's mood visibly improved.
"But," Ningguang continued, dragging it out, "your onee-san is generous. I happened to get a prescription. It'll improve your physical condition by a lot, and the results are immediate."
She leaned closer, voice sweet on purpose.
"If you call me Ningguang-onee-san, I'll help you."
"In your dreams!" Keqing snapped, shooting her a hard glare. "You're one of the Liyue Qixing and you're having people spy and listen in? Impressive."
"I'm doing it for your sake," Ningguang said, completely unbothered. "Everyone knows how sharp your temper is. I was worried that even after marrying Ryou, you wouldn't behave."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"Ryou's father is one of my mentors. Of course I'm going to keep an eye on things."
She paused, then let out a quiet laugh.
"I just didn't expect none of that to happen… and instead, the Yuheng ended up completely obedient."
Ningguang wasn't even mocking her. It sounded more like disbelief.
Because it was true. She knew Keqing's personality better than most. Even if Ryou was outstanding, there were things Keqing wouldn't back down on.
That was why Ningguang paid extra attention.
Who knew Yelan would go over at night and come back before dawn?
And as another woman, Ningguang noticed immediately that something was off. Yelan's cheeks were flushed, and even the way she moved looked awkward. When she reported back, Ningguang was so stunned she couldn't speak.
Two full hours.
That was brutal.
"Hmph. Mind your own business." Keqing's face looked a little stiff. She didn't want to waste words with Ningguang.
Still, that "prescription" line stuck in her head.
She wasn't going to ask Ningguang for it, though. She'd find someone else and ask around. Last night was still fresh in her memory, and tonight… she probably wouldn't have an easy time either.
If she ended up barely able to move tomorrow, Ningguang would never let her live it down.
Just thinking about it put her in a worse mood.
Noticing Ningguang edging closer again, Keqing shot her another glare. "Ningguang-san, what are you doing? The Rite of Descension is about to start. Shouldn't you be dealing with that instead of coming here to stir up trouble?"
"You think I came for you?" Ningguang's irritation flared the moment she saw Keqing acting proud. "I'm here to see your husband."
Keqing's eyes sharpened. "You're looking for my husband? For what?"
She stared at Ningguang for a long moment—then her gaze flicked somewhere else and lingered. Her eyes narrowed, and she looked like she wanted to bite.
What does this woman even eat? How is that even possible?
So annoying.
"Stop staring," Ningguang said, laughing softly. "This is talent. You can't learn it."
She leaned in close to Keqing's ear. "What, are you scared I'll steal your man?"
She smiled, like she was enjoying every second of it.
"Not impossible, you know. And don't forget— I'm the one who supports polygamy. Your husband is that exceptional. Having a few more women would be perfectly normal, right?"
"Keep dreaming," Keqing shot back, dripping with sarcasm. "Even if something like that happened, it wouldn't be you."
She looked Ningguang up and down once, then added the knife.
"You're too old."
"You—!" Ningguang jabbed a finger at her, shaking with anger. "So what if I'm older?! Haven't you heard the saying? A woman three years older is pure treasure!"
"Sorry," Keqing said, folding her arms with a cold little laugh. "My husband's family isn't exactly short on treasure."
[End of chapter]
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