Chapter 55: Retirement, Meal, Storytime

Adjusting his mindset, Wang Daoyi no longer felt dejected, and a polite smile returned to his face.

The Emperor always favored polite and well-behaved individuals like me.

Putting away the Favonius's Codex, Wang Daoyi began chatting with Zhongli.

"You went to Mondstadt. How was it?" Zhongli asked. Lately, he had been contemplating whether it was time for him to take a break. Since the Anemo Archon of Mondstadt was similarly detached from worldly affairs, asking about Mondstadt's situation would aid in his reflections on the future of Liyue.

Wang Daoyi didn't think much about it. Since Zhongli asked, he would answer. After all, this was his biggest supporter.

"It's alright. Mondstadt is a theocracy, but the Anemo Archon doesn't really involve himself in matters. The Knights of Favonius handle most affairs."

Zhongli nodded. Even without Barbatos' presence, Mondstadt continued to function normally. So, should I take a break too?

"A few days ago, while strolling in Liyue Harbor, I overheard a merchant telling his assistant, 'You've fulfilled your duty, now go rest.' My patron, do you think I've fulfilled my duty?" Zhongli casually posed a question.

Wang Daoyi's heart trembled suddenly, and the relaxed atmosphere vanished from within him. He remained silent for a long time, and Zhongli didn't rush him, simply gazing at his youngest patron.

What? Am I supposed to advise the Emperor to retire?

After much consideration, Wang Daoyi finally responded.

"Your Majesty, the contract between an assistant and a merchant is temporary. If the assistant completes their duty today, they can rest, but tomorrow they'll have new tasks, a new contract will be formed."

"However, your contract with Liyue is long-term. You've led Liyue for thousands of years, and the people of Liyue have become accustomed to your leadership. Not long ago, I overheard people discussing Mondstadt in the streets. They couldn't imagine Mondstadt without a guiding deity."

"Your Majesty, I can't judge whether the people of Liyue are ready or not. Perhaps you can try to see if Liyue is capable of moving forward on its own!"

Zhongli didn't respond immediately. His previously indifferent face now frowned slightly. He had walked alongside Liyue for over 3,700 years, even before the establishment of Liyue. Thinking of retirement was not only a test for the people of Liyue but also a difficult decision for himself.

Silent for a while, Zhongli finally spoke up.

"What do you think of the Qixing ruling Liyue?"

Zhongli suddenly asked.

Wang Daoyi had already thought of his response. He knew Zhongli had made his decision.

"The Qixing assist you in governing Liyue, and this model has existed for a long time. Although not every generation of the Qxingis wise, they have never betrayed you. They have always fulfilled their duties."

"The social structure of Liyue has been polished over thousands of years and is stable. Beneath the Qixing, there is also the Ministry of Civil Affairs, and beneath that, various departments. These ordinary people are the key to the functioning of Liyue."

"Your Majesty, Liyue appears to have no issues on the surface. It only needs one test to verify whether Liyue has the ability to move forward on its own!"

Zhongli had made his decision. Since Liyue needed a test, he would agree to the request of the Cryo Archon and conduct a real test to see if Liyue, without him, still had the strength to progress.

In Zhongli's view, if Liyue was prepared, then he could retire. If Liyue was not ready, even without the heart of a god, he, the God of War from the Archon War period, could still protect Liyue.

After finishing his thoughts and glancing at the sky, the two had unknowingly chatted for a long time and it was already noon.

Putting down their teacups, Zhongli stood up.

"Let's go, have lunch, and then go to the Three Bowls Harbor to listen to stories. I heard Tian Tiezui has changed his story today. We must go listen. You'll foot the bill, consider it today's consultation fee!"

He, Zhongli, a guest of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, had a high consultation fee.

Naturally, Wang Daoyi had no objections. Even if you're just taking advantage of me, I don't mind at all.

The two stepped out of the courtyard and saw Hu Tao squatting carelessly at the entrance of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, playing with the little white cat in front of the door.

Seeing Wang Daoyi and Zhongli coming out, Hu Tao abandoned the already-started disgruntled little white cat and bounced over to them.

"Oh, Zhongli, Daoyi, are you guys going out?"

"Yes, I consulted with Zhongli this morning, and I'm planning to treat Zhongli to lunch!"

After lunch, they planned to listen to stories. Of course, the story-listening part was not to be mentioned to Hu Tao; otherwise, she would get angry and stop Zhongli from participating in the business.

"Eating? Great, can I come too?"

As soon as Hu Tao heard about eating, she immediately expressed her desire to join, fluttering her eyelashes pitifully.

"Huh? Isn't there lunch at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor today?" Wang Daoyi remembered that there was lunch provided at the funeral parlor, and he had even mooched off it before.

"There's an event today, and they've prepared a full-course meal, so the grandmaster is also there. I don't have lunch to eat!"

The variety of set meals at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor was always unexpected.

Unable to let Hu Tao go hungry at home, they brought her along, and the three headed to the Wanmin Restaurant.

Upon arriving at the Wanmin Restaurant, it was already packed with guests.

News of Xiangling's return yesterday had spread early in the morning, so there were many more people than usual for lunch. They were all here for the little chef of the Wanmin Restaurant.

Chef Mao had once again transformed from a chef into a waiter.

Entering the Wanmin Restaurant, Wang Daoyi spotted a table that had just finished their meal, so he casually picked up a cloth and went over to tidy it up.

Then, he beckoned Hu Tao and Zhongli to sit down.

"Oh, it's Master Hu and Guest Zhongli! Welcome! Wang Daoyi, take care of our esteemed guests!" Chef Mao also noticed the three of them and greeted them casually before continuing to attend to other guests.

"Master Hu, Guest Zhongli, what would you like to have today?"

Wang Daoyi acted as the waiter.

"Today, you're treating, so you decide!" 

"I want the boiled fish!" they both said simultaneously.

"Alright, one serving of boiled fish, and then a few other dishes. Please wait a moment while I place the order."

Serving them a pot of

 hot tea, Wang Daoyi headed to the kitchen.

In the kitchen, Xiangling was busy, but she had already noticed Wang Daoyi bringing two guests for lunch.

"Wang Daoyi, what do you want to eat? I'll prepare it for you first!"

With their relationship confirmed, Xiangling treated him differently. Previously, even if Wang Daoyi came, he had to wait in line, but now she would prepare his order first.

Taking a handkerchief to wipe off the sweat on Xiangling's forehead, Wang Daoyi then picked up an idle iron pot.

"You can help me make a boiled fish first. Hu Tao likes the kind she makes, and for the other dishes, I'll do them myself. Don't let it affect your business."

Although he was delighted that Xiangling could give him special treatment, he didn't want to take advantage of it too much. He just asked her to help with one main dish, while he would prepare the rest himself.

Although Wang Daoyi's cooking skills couldn't match Xiangling's, they were still decent. Previously, Chef Mao even wanted Wang Daoyi to learn cooking from him.

Soon, the dishes were prepared one after another.

Placing the dishes on the table one by one, Wang Daoyi spoke, "It's been too busy today, and there are too many people. The boiled fish was made by Xiangling, and the rest were made by me. Don't be picky!"

Hu Tao had already started, picking up a bit of the dish and putting it in her mouth, showing a satisfied expression.

"Mmm~ Wang Daoyi's cooking is not bad, comparable to mine!"

Cough cough, that shouldn't be praise, right? Everyone at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor knows about your cooking skills.

Zhongli also picked up a bit, tasted it, and commented, "Although it's not as good as Miss Xiangling's, it's still very good."

Then he glanced at Hu Tao casually, "Although it's not as imaginative as Master Hu's, it's very standard!"

Low EQ: Hu Tao can't cook

High EQ: Hu Tao's cooking is very imaginative

Upon hearing Zhongli's comment, both Wang Daoyi and Hu Tao were very satisfied.

(End of this chapter)