Chapter 24 My name is Zhong Li. What can I do for you?

[As soon as you enter Liyue Harbor, you immediately become the center of attention. Wearing silver-white knight armor, you stand out prominently amidst the bustling streets of Liyue. It isn't long before a group of Qianyan soldiers approaches you, asking about your purpose in Liyue during this turbulent time.]

I don't plan to reveal my true intentions, you think. Instead, I'll say I'm an archaeology enthusiast from Mondstadt. I've heard that the immortals of Liyue are mobilized to deal with the monster tide, and I have some historical questions for them.

"Well, that makes sense. Immortals are living relics of the past, so your reason is quite reasonable," the Qianyan soldiers acknowledge.

[After considering your excuse, the soldiers nod and do not press further. Meeting immortals is a rare opportunity, and given the current situation, it's plausible that someone passionate about history would seek them out.]

[Before leaving, the leader of the Qianyan Army kindly informs you that the immortals are currently on the front lines fighting the monsters and are not present in Liyue Harbor. If you wish to meet them, you might need to go to the front line.]

[Additionally, Liyue is recruiting strong individuals to form a mercenary group. If you're interested, you could join the mercenaries as an individual.]

[You nod to acknowledge this information and watch as the Qianyan soldiers depart.]

For now, I don't intend to meet the immortals, you think. I want to search for ancient documents to find any clues. However, despite exploring various bookstores in Liyue, I couldn't find any historical texts. Upon inquiring, I learn that these documents are collected and managed centrally by Tianquan Star, one of the Liyue Seven Stars. No wonder I couldn't find them on the streets.

[With the search for ancient documents now at a standstill, you realize that as an ordinary traveler from Mondstadt, gaining access to such important documents would be challenging.]

What should I do now?

[1. Attempt to visit Tianquan Star with a hopeful attitude.]

[2. Alternatively, join the mercenary group to see if you can get in touch with the immortals.]

[3. Find another solution.]

"Choose 1. Now that I'm here, I might as well give it a try."

[An important plot point has been triggered. Entering immersion mode...]

An important plot point? Does this mean I made the right choice?

[As you ponder this, the scenery around you shifts back to the streets of Liyue.]

"Triggering side quest: The Truth of History."

"Mission objective: Convince Tianquan Star to grant you access to the document room."

"Tip: Tianquan Star, also known as Wenqu Star, symbolizes intelligence and talent and has a fondness for poetry and songs. If you present a good poem or quatrain, Tianquan Star will likely be pleased to meet you."

Is this really what Tianquan Star values? Can't anyone get access with enough money?

You recall the real Tianquan Star, Ningguang. She is indeed intelligent and talented, but her expertise lies more in business than in poetry. This suggests that things have changed significantly over the past five hundred years.

Kujo Tsumugi shakes her head. It seems that Liyue has evolved considerably.

This shift isn't surprising. The deity of Liyue is the Geo Archon, Morax, who represents "contracts." Under his influence, Liyue has become a prosperous commercial hub. In Liyue, merchants hold the highest status, followed by scholars and workers, while farmers are at the bottom of the social hierarchy. Only the elderly who refuse to leave their villages or those who fail in business work the land.

In such a society, Mora's value becomes increasingly significant, and whether one excels in poetry or not seems less important.

As Kujo Tsumugi walks through the streets, she observes the contrasts between Liyue five hundred years ago and its present state.

Since it is wartime, the streets are less crowded, with most people staying indoors. The buildings are shorter and more dilapidated than they would be in the future, and prices are notably lower.

Tsumugi asks several locals and discovers that dock workers earn 8,000 Mora a day. This amount is enough to support a family comfortably and save some money.

In reality, dock workers in Liyue earn 10,000 Mora daily. So, over 500 years, wages have only increased by 2,000 Mora?

Taking a deep breath, Tsumugi reflects on the significant inflation. This wage increase is quite modest. It seems our ancestors' emphasis on agriculture over commerce had its merits.

With a sigh, Kujo Tsumugi heads into a shop to buy paper and brushes.

The task prompt mentioned that Tianquan Star appreciates poetry. Given her current financial situation, Tsumugi knows she can't afford to buy her way in, but that's no problem.

I have ancient poems memorized from school—they're practically part of my DNA. Why not write one myself?

Kujo Tsumugi's brush moves swiftly, and soon, a poem titled "Song of the Prefect of Yanmen" takes shape on the paper. She makes a small modification, changing "half-rolled red flag is overlooking the Yishui River" to "half-rolled red flag is overlooking the Lushui River," to fit the current location of the Qianyan Army.

Once the ink dries, Tsumugi takes the poem to the residence of Tianquan Star.

"Hello, I'm a traveler from Mondstadt. I have something important to discuss with Lord Tianquan. Here's a gift for Lord Tianquan." She hands the ancient poem to the Qianyan Army guard and slips him a thousand Mora. "This is a small token, not a bribe. Please pass it on to Lord Tianquan."

"Alright, please wait a moment," the Qianyan soldier replies and goes inside to consult Tianquan.

Shortly after, the Qianyan soldier returns.

"Miss Tsumugi, Lord Tianquan wishes to see you."

Following the soldier, you soon arrive at Tianquan's quarters.

Upon opening the door, you see a tall woman with long black hair cascading down her back, dressed in a light brown cheongsam. On the table is the ancient poem you presented.

Hearing the door, the tall woman turns around with a faint smile. When Kujo Tsumugi sees her, she freezes in surprise.

"Hello, traveler from Mondstadt. I am Tianquan, one of the Seven Stars of Liyue. You may call me... Zhongli."