Chapter 52

Hu Tao explained everything to Zhongli in detail.

Then she sighed, "Zhongli, this disciple of yours is truly remarkable, highly talented, which is excellent... but not so good for the Funeral Parlor."

Zhongli relaxed - so he had learned it just by watching a few times.

Given the summary, it seemed possible for Jiang Ning, with his extraordinary talent and partial Authority of the God of Death, to achieve this.

However, it seemed the Director was quite troubled by this.

Zhongli chuckled, finding it rather amusing.

Hu Tao slammed the table and stood up: "You have the nerve to laugh! Your good disciple! Damn it, if this isn't resolved properly, I, Hu Tao, will have violated the Funeral Parlor's ancestral teachings!"

Hu Tao also remembered that while Zhongli was the Funeral Parlor's consultant, strictly speaking, he wasn't really one of their own - true family members were only those related by blood.

Hu Tao said, "How about if I make him my sworn brother?"

Zhongli was silent for a moment: "Generally speaking, that's not a good solution. It would just be self-deception..."

Hu Tao thought for a moment, then suddenly blushed: "Then, Zhongli, can you make the decision?"

"What does the Director mean?" Zhongli watched Hu Tao's expression warily.

Hu Tao mumbled, "Since this and that won't work, I can only ask if you can help arrange for Jiang Ning to marry into our family..."

"Look, after marrying in, he'll be the father of future children, which makes him family, so learning the Secret Spirit-Calming Art would be perfectly normal."

After all, Hu Tao had a good impression of this young man. He was good-looking, shared her interest in exciting things, and had a natural ability to counter spirits...

More importantly, hehe, Jiang Ning was soft and fragrant...

In short, among all the people her age Hu Tao had met, he was the only one who made her heart flutter a bit.

While Hu Tao was mischievous, she was still a young woman at the age of first love.

However, this speech completely stunned Zhongli, who was technically a consultant but actually more like an old father figure arranged by Hu Tao's grandfather through a contract before his death.

Though he knew the Director's thoughts could be wild, how did she jump straight to children?

Moreover, thinking about how both the "cabbage" and the "pig" were from his household made Zhongli's feelings quite complicated.

Despite the complexity, Zhongli wasn't opposed to it. Children and grandchildren have their own fortune... As for Shenhe and Ganyu...

Liyue wasn't strictly monogamous - didn't those big merchants all have multiple wives and concubines?

His disciple, especially after learning he could absorb demonic god resentment without side effects and even gain their Authority, had been viewed by Zhongli as his successor.

So how could Jiang Ning not be better than those merchants?

Zhongli got lost in these thoughts, then smiled and shook his head. He really was getting old, thinking about such things.

"Director, I think this matter still needs careful consideration. You and Jiang Ning have only known each other for a short time. Why not start as friends first?"

Zhongli suggested.

Hu Tao thought seriously, then agreed: "Alright, then this Director will spend more time getting to know Jiang Ning..."

Zhongli breathed a sigh of relief - at least he wouldn't have to look after the Director's children so soon...

...

Jiang Ning finished his night's work but didn't feel tired at all.

After all, last night's restless spirits were like pure energy supplements for Jiang Ning, very nourishing.

He even went to work early in the morning.

As soon as he arrived, Keqing came to find him: "Jiang Ning, those two Fatui you brought in are very stubborn. They won't talk no matter what. It's a shame Yelan isn't here - she'd definitely make them talk."

"Yelan?" Jiang Ning asked curiously.

"She's from our intelligence department, though technically a contractor... but she's skilled at interrogation. Don't worry about it - we weren't really expecting to get much information from these low-level operatives anyway."

"So, Keqing, did you need something from me?" Jiang Ning asked, confused. Surely she hadn't come just to chat? Keqing wasn't that free.

Keqing said, "Oh, in a while, Liyue needs someone to go to neighboring Mondstadt to bring back a batch of ordered goods, and also deliver a routine official exchange letter to Mondstadt City's Acting Grand Master... I was wondering if you're available?"

"Me? Why ask me to go?" Jiang Ning asked.

"Well, there are often some troublemakers on the road, so we need escorts. Then we need official Liyue personnel for diplomacy, plus you might need to stay there for a while, so... I thought of you."

Keqing's eyes sparkled: "You have the strength to handle road dangers, and while we haven't tested your diplomatic skills, everyone speaks very highly of you. Plus, your extended absence from Yuehai Pavilion would have minimal impact..."

Jiang Ning nodded: "I understand. Alright, I'll go."

Keqing said, "Good, then I'll leave it to you. I'll talk to Ganyu about it."

Jiang Ning said, "Okay."

...

"You'll be going to Mondstadt in a while, Keqing told me. Take good care of yourself there... Shenhe, you should go with him, I'd feel better about it."

Ganyu said gently.

Shenhe nodded: "Alright."

Jiang Ning ate quietly, looking obedient.

Now it seemed that maintaining this appearance of being young and immature had its benefits.

At least it was deceptive.

No matter what, Senior Sister Ganyu always protected and cared for him, and everyone at Yuehai Pavilion was very friendly.

And Master was different from Senior Sister - Senior Sister's approach was that you needed to learn to discover and seek things yourself.

But with him, whatever he wanted, Master would provide.

However, there was still some time before going to Mondstadt. During this time, he needed to improve his reputation in Liyue even more.

Jiang Ning had big ambitions, especially with his long-term quest [How Can a Great Man Stay Under Others for Long? Defeat Morax and Take His Position!]

So now Jiang Ning was focused on strengthening himself, building his reputation, and trying to see if he could meet Morax.

When the time came to fight, he definitely wouldn't win, but maybe he could convince him to pass on his position.

Of course, the specific plan would have to wait until he met Morax in person and had a private conversation.

Regarding this, Jiang Ning wasn't opposed to doing some bad things, as long as the key people didn't find out.

Just like releasing restless spirits at Wuwang Hill these past few nights.

Jiang Ning started shoveling rice into his mouth.

Tomorrow, he'd go walk around the streets again.