Keqing's words made Ningguang's expression harden.
What do you mean your family "isn't short on treasure"?
Does she even hear herself?
Seeing Ningguang go speechless put Keqing in a great mood. She glanced over, ready to throw in a few more lines—
Only for several department leads to rush up.
"Keqing-sama, there's something in these documents I don't quite understand…"
"Keqing-sama, could you take a look at this…"
…
In no time, a crowd gathered around Keqing, firing questions at her one after another.
Behind them, Lumine and Paimon exchanged looks. For a moment, neither of them knew if they should step forward at all.
"Tabibito-san," Ningguang said, her gaze landing on Lumine, "did you come to see Keqing about something? If it's urgent, you can tell me as well."
Ever since Lumine came through Stone Gate, Ningguang had people keeping an eye on her. She'd heard plenty about what Lumine did in Mondstadt. She had even considered asking Ganyu to invite her over—she just didn't expect to run into her early at the Ministry of Civil Affairs.
"Ningguang-san!" Lumine was genuinely surprised to see her. She glanced around, then lowered her voice. "I know the Ministry of Civil Affairs is secure, but this involves something huge. I need to tell you in person."
"Alright." Seeing how serious Lumine looked, Ningguang had someone find a quiet room.
Once they were inside, Lumine took the item out and placed it on the table.
Ningguang picked up the talisman and examined it closely. The more she looked, the more unsettled she became.
It was her first time seeing something like this, but power saturated it—so dense it made her skin prickle. If that power ruptured, the Ministry of Civil Affairs would be torn apart in an instant.
Ningguang's voice dropped. "Where did this come from?"
Lumine saw how grave Ningguang was and laid out the whole story from start to finish.
"Fatui…" Ningguang's eyes narrowed. "They've been making moves lately. No wonder."
She put the talisman away, tone firm.
"Tabibito-san, on behalf of Liyue, thank you. If we'd found this any later, it would've been extremely dangerous. I don't even want to imagine what the Fatui might do with it."
"Ningguang-san… what is that thing?" Lumine couldn't help asking.
"I can't say for certain," Ningguang replied, "but I suspect it's a Sigil of Permission."
She paused, choosing her words carefully.
"It's something left by Rex Lapis. A trace of divine power is sealed within it. With it, one can seek an audience with the adepti of Liyue and request their aid. These days, Sigils of Permission are exceedingly rare."
After saying that, Ningguang turned back to Lumine and Paimon.
"Tabibito-san, thank you for bringing this to me. Tonight, I'd like to invite you to the Jade Chamber as my guest. Would you be willing?"
"Sure!" Lumine agreed at once.
She'd heard of that palace in the sky, and she'd always wanted to see it for herself.
"Good. Then we'll talk details tonight." Ningguang rose immediately, her movements brisk.
This matter was far too serious. She needed to investigate it at once. And whatever the Fatui were planning, she needed tight control on it—now.
The moment she stepped out, she noticed Ryou nearby, speaking with several people in an easy, unhurried tone. The few beside him stared down in thought—then, a moment later, their eyes lit up as if something snapped into place. Excitement and admiration filled their expressions.
Ningguang's steps slowed for half a beat.
She had wanted to ask Ryou a few questions herself. His ideas on medical matters were genuinely solid. But with the Sigil of Permission in play, she couldn't spare the time.
The questions would have to wait until tomorrow.
Keqing noticed Ningguang leave in a hurry, and something about it seemed off.
Before she could think too hard about it, Ryou pulled her into his arm.
He lowered his voice by her ear. "Wife, I've handled everything for you. We should head home."
"Mm." Keqing nodded without thinking.
Truthfully, she trusted him completely by now. Whether it was administration, construction projects, or people's livelihoods, he'd thrown out idea after idea. Some sounded wild at first—almost unbelievable—but the moment you really thought them through, they revealed depth. Follow through properly, and the average person's life would improve. Standards would rise across the board.
Keqing looked at him and knew she hadn't chosen wrong.
This man was outstanding—far, far beyond her.
"Keqing-san," Lumine called as she hurried over with Paimon, "sorry to interrupt, but… do you know how to get to the Jade Chamber?"
As she spoke, she looked a little embarrassed and scratched the back of her head.
Ningguang had left so quickly she never explained how.
And the Jade Chamber was literally in the sky.
Was Lumine supposed to fly up there?
[End of chapter]
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