Five hundred years later — Liyue Harbor.
"Come try Wanmin Restaurant's cooking!"
"Zhongyuan Chop Suey — delicious and affordable!"
…
On the bustling streets, people hurried about their daily business.
The sun dipped toward the horizon, its afterglow spilling gently across Liyue Harbor, bathing the capital of the Geo nation in a golden sheen.
Lanterns hung before every household, swaying lightly in the breeze, gradually glowing brighter as dusk deepened.
A white-haired young man strolled leisurely along the street. Looking at the prosperous harbor, a faint smile curved his handsome face.
"Xiao Mao, you just got married and you're already working this hard?"
"Not even taking your wife out for a stroll? Aren't you afraid she'll complain?"
The white-haired youth looked at Chef Mao, who was enthusiastically calling out to customers, and asked with a grin.
"Oh! Isn't this our Tianquan?"
Chef Mao greeted him cheerfully, but his tone soon turned helpless.
"I was planning to take her out for some fun, but she insisted I open up shop. Said we'll have plenty of time to play in the future."
"Xiao Mao, let me tell you—being able to marry such a sensible wife, you should be counting your blessings."
Jiang Yan laughed and patted Chef Mao's shoulder, offering his sincere congratulations to the newlyweds.
"If you run into any difficulties, just let me know. Liyue has plenty of support policies for newly established families."
"Hahaha, then I'll have to thank Lord Tianquan!"
"Won't you come in and sit for a bit? I'll cook a couple of my signature dishes for you!"
Chef Mao tried to pull him inside.
"Ah, no need, no need. Dinner's already prepared at home."
Jiang Yan waved him off with a smile.
"I'll bring some friends over another time to support your business. Newly married and all — you need a lively start, right?"
"Hahaha, sounds good! If Lord Tianquan is coming, I'll have to prepare properly!"
Chef Mao laughed heartily as he saw Jiang Yan off.
As Jiang Yan continued strolling, many citizens recognized him and greeted him warmly.
He chatted casually along the way until he reached the harbor.
After the Khaenri'ah War, peace had once again returned to the Seven Nations, and trade between them flourished more than ever.
As the commercial hub of the Seven Nations, Liyue Harbor was naturally lively and prosperous.
From afar, ships of all sizes and colors were docked at the port.
Cargo vessels drifted across the nearby waters.
The sound of ship horns echoed endlessly.
From time to time, Liyue's naval fleet sailed across the distant sea, maintaining security within Liyue's waters.
Jiang Yan leaned his arms against the railing, gazing at the rippling sea shimmering gold under the sunset.
After standing there for a short while, he turned to head home—
Then suddenly stopped.
His gaze shifted to a spot not far from the docks.
Among the well-dressed merchants coming and going stood a little girl in ragged clothes.
Jiang Yan narrowed his eyes.
There was something strangely familiar about her.
The little girl had soft white hair draping over her shoulders.
Her small face was fair and delicate, like a porcelain doll.
Her crimson eyes were bright and clear, like glittering red gemstones.
And yet, such a refined and adorable child wore tattered clothing.
The fabric looked as though it had been cut and sewn from old cargo sacks.
Jiang Yan knew that material wasn't suitable for clothes — not only was it rough and prone to tearing, it was extremely uncomfortable against the skin.
Unless a family truly had nothing left to eat, who would subject their child to that?
He stood there for a long time.
Blinking, he rapidly searched through his memories.
Suddenly, his eyes widened.
Wait…
Could this be Ningguang?
Judging by her appearance, it was very likely.
He vaguely remembered that Ningguang's character background mentioned her impoverished childhood.
Little Ningguang looked frail.
Her oversized clothing fluttered in the summer evening breeze, puffing up around her thin frame as if she might be blown away at any moment.
She was barefoot.
Barefoot?
Jiang Yan frowned.
It was the height of summer.
Even though it was already evening, the ground, baked under a day of scorching sunlight, would still be burning hot.
And yet—
His eyes darkened.
According to the policies he had enacted, there were numerous welfare measures meant to improve citizens' living standards.
So why was Ningguang still like this?
Unless…
A cold gleam flashed in his eyes.
Unless those beneath him were defying his orders while pretending compliance.
The high and middle ranks wouldn't dare.
But local minor officials in towns and villages?
Very possible.
Heh.
Were they tired of living?
Was it that they had grown bold—or that he, Jiang Yan, had grown dull?
A chilling killing intent flickered in his gaze.
During his governance, what he could never tolerate most was officials oppressing the common people.
But Liyue had stood for far too long. With time, even he had blind spots he couldn't see.
It seemed it was time to personally tour Liyue again.
Suppressing the coldness in his eyes, Jiang Yan composed himself.
He had already chosen Ningguang as his successor five hundred years ago.
He needed to leave her with a good first impression.
As he approached, little Ningguang noticed him.
Her eyes lit up slightly.
This white-haired big brother looked wealthy at a glance!
From a young age, Ningguang possessed exceptional business instincts.
She was remarkably gifted in commerce.
Without hesitation, she ran toward Jiang Yan on her two small pale legs.
Jiang Yan blinked, slightly surprised to see her rushing over.
Before he could speak, she had already arrived before him.
Tilting her head up, blinking her bright watery eyes, she spoke in a soft, childish voice:
"Handsome big brother, have you eaten yet?"
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