“Swordsmanship manual? Can such a young child even learn it?”
Keqing expressed her doubts. “Introducing rigid postures and techniques to children at such an early age is detrimental to their growth in the long run.”
“If we’re talking about broad-based education, the limitations of resources like medicines and teachers make it extremely difficult.”
“Then let me ask, what exactly has your Sanxuan Society been doing with its assets? Honestly, if you let even a small portion trickle out, the problem could be solved.”
“Not to mention all of Liyue, but at least piloting this program in Liyue Harbor wouldn’t be an issue. Plus, you could always seek sponsorship from the merchant guilds.”
“Sponsorship?”
“Oh, just like the Dance of the Archons. Have the kids’ training uniforms and weapons bear a little label: ‘Sponsored by [insert name] Merchant Guild.’ Something like that.”
“Children are pure. They’ll remember every act of kindness shown to them. Even if those ‘kind acts’ are riddled with ulterior motives from an adult perspective, the children will still remember and feel gratitude.”
“You’re making me feel guilty with all this,” Keqing sighed helplessly. “And another thing—why are you still so hung up on that Sanxuan Society money? Is it necessary to have such an obsession?”
“What else am I supposed to do? If I had that much money, do you think the last time something happened, I wouldn’t have installed massive screens along the border to show our lovely neighbors what the combat prowess of the Conqueror of Demons really looks like?”
“Let’s drop that topic for now. Let’s refocus on the swordsmanship manual,” Keqing said firmly. “I still believe that introducing this to children too early isn’t good.”
“You think I haven’t already considered that?”
Gu Sanqiu shot Keqing a sideways glance. “The manual progresses step by step, starting with the basics like walking and sitting posture. It’s not like I’m asking the kids to pick up metal swords and start pulling off flashy moves.”
“Starting early has its benefits. Regular training improves health, sharpens the mind, and strengthens the body. The last thing I want to see in Liyue’s future is a bunch of twenty-year-olds, dripping with scheming smugness, focused solely on Mora and power. If that day comes, I might as well retire to Minlin and sit things out.”
A vein throbbed on Keqing’s forehead. “What do you mean by ‘things you’ve already considered’? I demand a reasonable explanation!”
If you can’t give me a good one, don’t blame me for cutting you down right here!
“Exactly what I said. Political intrigue and business dealings may be your forte, but teaching and training people is mine. Don’t look at it with an outsider’s perspective and question my expertise.”
Keqing grabbed the manual from the stone table and flipped through it. “It does look legit. But was it necessary to make it this thick?”
“Absolutely necessary. This isn’t some martial arts manual to be locked away in a sect; it’s an instructional guide for young students. The more detailed, the better—it’s all part of the process.”
“Thorough preparation from the beginning benefits the clarity of your long-term plans. Trust me.”
Gu Sanqiu dusted off his hands. “So, why are you here? Don’t tell me it’s to settle the score from that feeding incident a few days ago. If you want revenge, you should be looking for Xingqiu or Xiangling.”
“Heh, going straight to the culprit is the proper way to handle things,” Keqing said, kicking Gu Sanqiu lightly in the shin. “And you, randomly compiling this swordsmanship manual—is this preparation for that matter?”
“What matter? I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t play dumb.”
Keqing shot Gu Sanqiu a glare. “That crimson figure—you must know that’s why I’m here.”
“Oh, so it’s official business then,” Gu Sanqiu said, instantly perking up. He cleared the papers off the stone table and poured two glasses of juice.
“So, Miss Keqing, Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, what price are you prepared to offer?”
“So you do know something,” Keqing replied coldly.
“Of course I do. I know a lot—like the name of that power, its origins, how it’s used, and even how to strengthen it. I know all of that.”
Gu Sanqiu tilted his head with a smirk. “But I’m not inclined to give you that information for free. Name your price.”
“Just a friendly reminder—your first offer will determine how sincere I think you are. If I’m not satisfied, don’t be surprised if I show you the door.”
“How about this: I’ll help you deal with a family that’s got designs on you. Does that work as a gift?”
Keqing tossed a file onto the table.
“Interesting. So, you want our two sides to cooperate? To pool all assets and secrets for this operation?”
Gu Sanqiu casually flicked the file aside.
“Not all of them, technically. They’d probably opt for a step-by-step erosion.”
“I don’t care what steps they take—they won’t succeed anyway.”
“But you,” Gu Sanqiu continued, “you gave me their information so easily. Aren’t you afraid this family might mysteriously drop dead tomorrow?”
Keqing froze. She had momentarily forgotten just how unpredictable Gu Sanqiu could be.
Letting a dangerously violent maniac know that someone harbors ill intentions against him—and giving him a detailed list of names? What could possibly go wrong?
“Don’t do anything rash. Liyue is a society governed by law now,” Keqing said sharply.
“Relax. I won’t do anything rash. They’ll just suffer from a small, targeted plague. In about half a month, they’ll die painfully, their bodies rotting and their souls erased—leaving no trace back to me.”
“Did you seriously just say that in front of me? And you think it won’t lead back to you?!”
Keqing was dumbfounded at Gu Sanqiu’s brazenness. “Do you even know what you’re saying?”
“Crystal clear.”
Gu Sanqiu crossed his legs. “But would you really protect people like that? Those idiots in high positions, probably consumed with forming cliques, abusing power, and embezzling funds—what value do they have?”
“You’re not wrong. Those people probably aren’t even worth as much as one of your fingers.”
“Don’t insult my fingers. Those people aren’t even worth my fingernail clippings.”
…
Keqing took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to strike Gu Sanqiu on the spot.
“Still, Liyue is a society governed by the rule of law now. Even you, I won’t allow to start a precedent of using personal strength to undermine that.”
“Those who harbor ill intent toward your family and Hu Tao’s must be punished. If they deserve the death penalty, then so be it; if imprisonment, then they’ll be imprisoned. But under no circumstances can you kill them yourself.”
“Even if it sounds laughable, I need to protect their right to face justice. From my perspective, this isn’t just personal business—it’s official. Sharing this with you is already toeing the line of abuse of power.”
“Now is the age of the law. If this matter falls within the law’s purview, then justice must be served through due process.”
Keqing’s voice calmed. “Matters of the Jianghu should be settled there; matters of the court belong to the court. Rules don’t change—only the hearts of people in different circumstances do.”
“Well said. Truly moving—I almost shed a tear,” Gu Sanqiu clapped sarcastically. “Fine, I’ll accept this as a meeting gift. Now, let’s talk pricing.”
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