Ningguang, considering future plans, felt it best for Feng Yi to understand more of Yelan's modus operandi, to avoid potential conflicts arising from misunderstandings.
After their intimate moments, Ningguang told Feng Yi that Yelan was unlike ordinary women. She wasn't interested in domestic skills or feminine pursuits. The stirrings in her bloodline made her uninterested in a dull, stable life, and she often did things others couldn't comprehend.
For instance, at the pharmacies in Liyue Harbor, strange patients would occasionally appear without warning: sometimes mercenaries from Sumeru, sometimes adventurers from Fontaine, sometimes a Mondstadt fisherman who claimed to have accidentally fallen into the water and hit his head on a reef...
These individuals, varying in age and background, hailing from all corners of the world, shared one peculiar trait—a slight addiction to pain.
They enjoyed the dull ache of pressure on bruises and relished the stinging sensation of herbs applied to their wounds.
During some of the more painful treatments, they didn't even mind if anesthesia was used.
Most of the novice pharmacists were astonished by the patients' extraordinary tolerance for pain, which diverted their attention, causing them to fail to notice that all these visitors seeking medical attention were, in fact, the same person. All of the above were Yelan in disguise.
Thanks to her superb disguise skills, she always managed to avoid scrutiny.
As for her injuries, they were naturally a result of her ceaseless, dangerous endeavors.
Although she engaged in peculiar work, Yelan wasn't particularly curious about the world.
She did, of course, eat, sleep, and live like any other person, but few things could truly capture her interest nowadays.
Being adept at social graces wasn't indicative of a fondness for manipulating others; extensive reading wasn't a sign of cherishing books as companions.
Even though she traveled far and wide, visiting numerous countries, she held little interest in distant lands or travel itself. She read aloud.
In Yelan's view, completing necessary tasks couldn't be called an interest. She much preferred rolling dice to decide how to pass her time.
Just as ordinary meals couldn't awaken the taste buds of someone who craved spice, only fiery dishes could bring her joy.
"Calmness is numbness; intensity is clarity."
This was the philosophy Yelan had lived by for years.
"If Yelan were from Mondstadt, she would undoubtedly be a renowned adventurer!"
After hearing Ningguang's introduction, Feng Yi formed this impression of Yelan.
Yelan's demeanor resonated with the adventurous spirit of those who disdained the ordinary and sought excitement.
"Keep a close eye out these next few days. I already sense the omens of approaching storms. Those fellows have been dormant for years, and they're finally about to reveal their fangs!"
Ningguang returned to her desk to handle official duties. Considering recent movements by the Fatui, she cautioned Feng Yi.
"Is it the Fatui? Is there anything I can help with?"
Feng Yi estimated the time; it wouldn't be long before the Geo Archon was attacked and the Oceanid Osial made its appearance.
"Currently, Liyue and the Fatui are in the initial stages of mutual infiltration and intelligence gathering. Liyue is prosperous and powerful, with deep foundations. Moreover, this is our home turf; we aren't afraid of them causing a ruckus. If the need arises, I will ask for your help..."
Having governed Liyue for many years, Ningguang understood its foundations better than anyone. She had absolute confidence in her ability to withstand any enemy intent on causing trouble.
Speaking of which, this was still the preliminary stage of mutual intelligence gathering, which could be handled by her subordinates.
It would be at least another month or two before the two sides formally clashed. During this time, it was crucial to ensure Liyue's normal trade, acting as if nothing were amiss. There must be no widespread panic among the populace that could be exploited by those with ulterior motives to manipulate public opinion, inciting anxiety and chaos.
Ningguang stated that during this period, people should continue their lives as usual, eating and drinking, pretending nothing was happening, and not descend into chaos.
"Very well. I'll go to Mondstadt for a stroll in a few days. If anything comes up, I'll fly back immediately..."
Feng Yi nodded. He planned to step forward only when Osial made his final push.
After indulging in some food and drink, he left the Jade Chamber, intending to meet up with some other close acquaintances.
Standing on the bustling street filled with people, Feng Yi glanced back at the Jade Chamber floating in the sky. These might be its final moments.
Ever since Ningguang began stockpiling large quantities of explosive barrels on the Jade Chamber, its fate had been sealed.
It wasn't that they couldn't defeat Osial without destroying the Jade Chamber.
However, even if Osial could be defeated without its use, the Jade Chamber still had to be destroyed.
After all, if Ningguang wanted the era of 'human governance' to fully arrive, she had to pay a price to earn the trust of the Adepti.
The Jade Chamber, an opulent structure built at great expense and representing her status as the Tianquan, was the most fitting sacrifice to demonstrate her resolve.
Therefore, the Jade Chamber was destined for destruction.
However, Feng Yi could later gift Ningguang two even better Jade Chambers, one golden and one silver.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Feng Yi withdrew his gaze and continued walking down the street.
Suddenly, Feng Yi's peripheral vision caught sight of a familiar figure – it was Yelan, whom he had met before in front of Ningguang's study.
She was seated at a table in an open-air tea house, resting her elbows on the table, propping up her chin, a faint smile on her lips. Her other hand was shaking, playing dice with several other tea patrons.
"How unlucky, I lost again! Miss Yelan is too good..."
"I don't believe it today, I'll bet on small again. I don't believe I can lose again! Morax, bless me!"
"This is all my remaining fortune. If I lose again, I'll have to beg for scraps..."
"......"
Driven by curiosity, Feng Yi entered the open-air tea house. Observing the engrossed patrons, he couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.
"Place your bets, reveal!"
"Four, five, six, a total of fifteen points! Large! Miss Yelan wins!"
Just as Feng Yi had anticipated, these patrons, already caught up in the game, had lost again.
As the saying goes, gambling often leads to loss, especially when one loses self-control and rational thinking, increasing the probability of losing even further.
In this game, Yelan, to prove her innocence, had handed the dice-rolling task to the waiter who was watching the show. With only her keen hearing, she could determine the dice rolls.
Against such a gambling master, these patrons with limited gambling experience were not unfairly defeated.
"This is Miss Yelan's thirteenth victory. Is there anyone else who wishes to challenge Miss Yelan? If you win, as agreed, you will receive a super high reward of thirteen times your bet from Miss Yelan..."
The waiter, enjoying the spectacle, shouted excitedly.
The mountain of glittering Mora piled on the table intensely stimulated everyone's eyes. Yet, despite their eagerness, they were completely out of funds.
"Mr. Feng Yi, would you like to try a round?"
Yelan, with a smile, looked towards Feng Yi, who was standing to the side, nibbling on seeds and watching the show.