bookbashuk Chapter 1084: The king does not see the king, avoiding his edge?
Chapter 1084: The king does not see the king, avoiding his edge?
At the same time, in the Qun Yu Pavilion high above Liyue.
Ningguang was sitting behind her desk, working on the detailed plan that Ye Lan had just handed over for Keqing's planning of the temple fair.
Her eyes followed the text and she made admiring sounds from time to time.
"This temple fair is well organized," Ningguang said with obvious appreciation as she turned the pages and read out the details in the plan.
"Thousands of ships gathered at Liyue Harbor, and the streets were decorated with lanterns and streamers all the way to Yujing Terrace. There were also traditional activities such as beating drums to liven up the atmosphere and inviting and sending off the gods..."
"Even the blessing ceremony for Qingce Manor was taken into consideration. Every aspect was taken care of very thoroughly."
When Ningguang saw the last page about the estimated crowd flow and public feedback at the temple fair, she couldn't help but put down the plan, leaning back in her chair, a hint of emotion flashing in her eyes.
She raised her hand to brush her hair back and sighed softly, "I really underestimated Keqing... I always thought she was too impatient and like a headless chicken."
"I didn't expect that she also had such a meticulous and thoughtful side. She's able to organize a temple fair on a scale comparable to the Lantern Festival. She's truly quite capable."
Ye Lan, who was standing beside the desk, heard this and, based on what she had secretly observed over the past few days, objectively gave her own understanding.
"Ms. Keqing is indeed capable. To be able to execute the plan to this extent has exceeded many people's expectations."
"But without your secret support."
"For example, by mobilizing merchants' resources, spreading rumors to encourage public participation, and even quietly coordinating with the Thousand Rock Army to maintain order, this temple fair might have been completely deserted today, far from the bustling scene it is now."
Ye Lan's words hit the nail on the head, pointing out that the key force behind the success of the temple fair was Ningguang.
But Ningguang shook her head slightly and said a few fair words.
"That's because Keqing is capable of receiving this support."
"You have to understand that this is a temple fair comparable in scale to the Hai Lantern Festival. From planning to execution, it needs to be successful. It's far from enough to rely solely on others to act and secretly fan the flames."
"Her own ability and execution are the most important factors."
After saying this, Ningguang suddenly stood up and said to Ye Lan:
"Let's go! I have to go to our popular Yuheng Star and personally support it. I want to see how exciting this temple fair that has the entire Liyue excited is."
When Ye Lan heard that Ningguang was going to the temple fair in person, the smile on her face instantly disappeared, and she subconsciously worried about her thoughts.
"Are you sure you want to go? Your relationship with Miss Keqing hasn't been as harmonious as it used to be in recent years. There have been many disagreements, both overt and covert."
"If you suddenly make a public appearance now, and a conflict breaks out, wouldn't that cause a huge upheaval in Liyue's political landscape?"
In Ye Lan's opinion, although Ningguang and Keqing are both among the Seven Stars of Liyue, they often have frictions due to their different governing philosophies.
Keqing is currently using the temple fair to build up her reputation, so Ningguang's visit at this time will inevitably be interpreted by the outside world as a "provocation", which will easily cause unnecessary trouble. The so-called "kings do not meet kings" is exactly this reason.
But Ningguang had already considered all of this and gave her reasons for why she had to participate.
"I have to go. To support this temple fair, I've already spread the word that I approve of and support Keqing's plan, and even secretly provided assistance."
"Now that the temple fair has begun in grand style, if I don't show up, it will only arouse public suspicion."
"Everyone will think that the previous 'support' was just Keqing's nonsense, a lie she made up to save face. But what will be damaged is Keqing's credibility."
Having said this, Ningguang paused, and her tone became a little complicated.
"Although the previous incident of pulling out the zodiac has greatly damaged her trust in the public, this temple fair is a good opportunity for her to rebuild her credibility. I cannot let it change because of my absence."
"After all, although we have our differences, I don't want to see Keqing completely fall... that would only add to my troubles."
After hearing what Ningguang said, Ye Lan saw that she had already made thorough considerations, so she stopped trying to dissuade her.
……
At the main site of the temple fair, as the sun gradually rose higher, more and more people came to participate.
The originally spacious passage was now packed with people, long queues formed in front of the snack stalls, and the seats under the stage were completely occupied.
Keqing had already taken off her usual official uniform and changed into tight clothes that were convenient for movement. The hair on her forehead was wet with sweat, but she did not look tired at all.
She moved among the crowd, sometimes guiding pedestrians to avoid crowded roads, and sometimes helping the Qianyan Army to dissuade children who were trying to climb the stage, her face full of dedication.
Looking at the crowded and cheerful scene in front of her, Keqing's heart was filled with pride.
This was the temple fair she had personally planned. It was her effort for Liyue and its people, and the excitement and support she saw before her was the best response to her.
She could even hear the people around her whispering, things like, "This temple fair is really well organized, even more lively than previous Lantern Festivals!"
"Thanks to Lord Yuhengxing, we in Liyue can have such a happy life!"
These words made her more determined in her choice.
Of course, as to whether or not it was Ningguang's shill, that's unknown...
But just as Keqing was immersed in this satisfaction, a burst of orderly footsteps suddenly came from a distance, breaking the lively atmosphere on the scene.
I saw a team of armored Qianyan soldiers marching with steady steps to lead the way, with white tassel spears in their hands hanging straight down, with serious expressions, and they forcibly opened a passage through the crowded crowd.
At the end of the passage, a gorgeously decorated golden sedan slowly approached. The sedan body was embroidered with delicate cloud patterns, and the tassels hanging from the four corners swayed in the wind, exuding an air of nobility that could not be ignored.
The sedan stopped in the open space in front of the two-person-tall statue, and the Qianyan Army stood on both sides, forming a barrier.
Then, the curtain of the sedan chair was lifted by a slender hand, and Ningguang slowly walked down.
Her gaze swept across the entire room calmly, and a powerful aura emanated from her.
The originally bustling temple fair scene suddenly became silent at this moment, even the sounds of children playing disappeared.
Keqing looked at Ningguang who suddenly appeared, the smile on her face froze instantly, and a surge of anger rose from the bottom of her heart.
She never expected that Ningguang would suddenly appear here.
Looking at this scene, it seems that they are not here to show their support, but to spoil her fun!
Keqing's eyebrows suddenly raised, her eyes full of anger. She wanted to draw her weapon "Dragon Roar in the Box" immediately and have a 1V1 duel with Ningguang to ask her what she wanted to do.
"This is too much..." Keqing gritted her teeth and squeezed out two words from her throat, staring at Ningguang sharply, her tone full of displeasure.
“Ningguang…”
Ningguang had already anticipated her reaction. She looked at Keqing in front of her, who was like Hakimi in the form of a "Spirodon". Not only was she not angry, but she curled up the corners of her lips and revealed a charming smile.
She walked forward slowly, and although her tone was teasing, she still had her aura.
"Why, Master Yuhengxing doesn't welcome me?"
Keqing glanced around and saw that the people around were looking at them curiously, and many even looked worried.
She took a deep breath and forced herself to suppress the anger in her heart.
She couldn't lose her temper here. She couldn't let the atmosphere of the temple fair that she had carefully prepared for for so long be ruined by a quarrel, and she couldn't let the people see the discord between the Seven Stars.
So, Keqing tried to act calm, but her tone was clearly sarcastic as she retorted:
"Lady Ningguang is busy with numerous affairs, overseeing Liyue's finances and commerce. Logically, you should be handling official business in your Jade Pavilion right now."
"I'm a little surprised that you've suddenly arrived at this temple fair. I wonder what your purpose is in coming here today?"
Ningguang heard the sting in Keqing's words, but didn't care.
She took a step closer, lowered her voice so only the two of them could hear her, and warned, "Don't be so hostile, Keqing."
"Don't forget, the Immortals are still secretly watching Liyue's movements. If we clash in public, it will not only affect the reputation of the Seven Stars, but will also make the people uneasy."
"You wouldn't want the temple fair you carefully planned to end abruptly due to discord among the Seven Stars, would you?"
Ningguang was not saying this casually, because the temple fair hosted by Keqing was so grand that even the Liyue immortals who usually lived in seclusion in the mountains or caves were attracted by the lively atmosphere. They transformed into human form and quietly came to participate.
In the stall area selling sacrificial supplies, Zhongli was strolling slowly with the mischievous Hu Tao.
Zhongli still looked mature, stopping from time to time to exchange a few words with the stall owner about his views on sacrifice.
Hu Tao on the side seemed much more lively. She picked up a peculiarly shaped Nuo mask (the mask that Xiao wears on his face when fighting) and put it on her face, and then she was curious about the snacks on the stall.
At the toy stall on the other side, Xianyun was stopping to watch with his new disciple Shuyu.
The stalls are filled with small toys made by ordinary people, such as windmills, puppets, bamboo dragonflies, etc.
Although in Xianyun's opinion, the craftsmanship of these toys is far inferior to the exquisite toys he made using immortal techniques.
But seeing Shuyu beside him staring at the toy with sparkling eyes, her face full of curiosity and joy, Xianyun said softly, "If you like it, buy it. I'll pay for it."
In addition, Zhenjun Xueyue Zhuyang and Zhenjun Lishui Dieshan also appeared in the temple fair.
The two of them walked side by side in the snack stall area. Zhenjun Xueyue Zhuyang was holding a string of newly bought candied haws, taking a bite from time to time, with a rare relaxed expression on his face.
Lishui Dieshan Zhenjun held a bowl of steaming hot tea and savored it carefully.
Even the Gechenlang City True Lord "Ping Granny" held Yaoyao's hand and strolled around the temple fair.
While Grandma Ping was buying sweet sugar paintings for Yaoyao, she was telling her about the temple fair customs of Liyue in the past.
Yaoyao held Grandma Ping's hand obediently, nodding in agreement from time to time, her little face full of seriousness.
I am also planning to tell Qiqi what I learned today!