Chapter 178

Yae Miko was ultimately dragged back to work forcefully, with Kitsune Saiguu coming personally to fetch her.

Kuki Miyuki also returned with them, but before leaving, she left quite a bit of mora for Jiang Ning.

Guuji Yae indicated that if it wasn't enough, he could just send the bill to Tenshukaku.

Jiang Ning gladly agreed.

[Host, you're really following in your master's footsteps...] 

The System commented sarcastically.

Jiang Ning said: "Can't help it, who told Zhongli-shifu to never bring mora when going out? This can only be described as the beam not being straight, so the rafters are crooked..."

When Jiang Ning first arrived at Liyue Harbor, he had thought about becoming wealthy through his own hard work.

But now, he had become what he used to hate the most.

However, thinking about it from another perspective, his efforts in bed could be considered as labor compensation.

Rounding it up, Jiang Ning felt justified again.

"Speaking of which, what about your physical form? I'm still very curious."

Jiang Ning said.

The System mumbled: [Soon, soon... Host, what type do you prefer? I can change.]

Jiang Ning said: "I don't ask for much, just be a big sister type."

[Host, your thoughts and preferences are really... transparent.]

Jiang Ning said: "Cuteness is no match for sexiness... do you understand?"

[I don't understand, but Host, is Yoimiya within your hunting range?]

Jiang Ning said: "Of course she is. Though she has a young girl's face, her figure is great... Look, isn't that her right there?"

"Yoimiya!" 

Jiang Ning called out to the distance.

"Hm? Ah, it's Jiang Ning! It's been so long!"

Yoimiya was strolling on the street, and upon seeing Jiang Ning, her face lit up with joy as she quickly ran to his side.

"Slow down, be careful not to fall... How have you been lately?"

Jiang Ning said to Yoimiya.

As Yoimiya approached, she brought with her a fragrant breeze - she was truly a sunny girl.

"It's fine, I'm very capable! Besides, the Sakoku Decree has been lifted, the Vision Hunt Decree is gone, and my wanted status has been cleared - three blessings at once! Of course I'm doing great!"

"Our Naganohara family's fireworks can finally be sold to other nations without having to hide, and they say it was a deity from Liyue who changed our Shogun, and apparently, there are two Shoguns now!"

Yoimiya chirped away like a skylark.

"And I heard that the deity from Liyue is going to marry our Inazuman Shogun."

As Yoimiya spoke, she began to feel something was off.

Hmm, the person in front of her... matched all the characteristics from the portrait the Shogun had issued...

And the more she looked, the more similar it seemed...

Yoimiya's voice gradually became smaller, and finally, she asked cautiously: "Let me ask first... that deity I was talking about... is it you?"

Jiang Ning said: "Yes, it is."

Yoimiya: "..."

Oh no, she had been gossiping about someone right to their face!

Yoimiya laughed awkwardly: "Um, Great Deity, I didn't mean to..."

"I've told you, we're friends, aren't we? Yoimiya, and besides, Liyue will need fireworks from your family in the future."

Yoimiya was overjoyed and forgot that the person in front of her was a deity. She happily grabbed Jiang Ning's hand and said: "Really? That's wonderful!"

A big order from Liyue meant a lot of mora. She would have to work hard!

Jiang Ning watched the cheering Yoimiya with a smile. After all, she was his friend, and he would help when he could.

"I'll be returning to Liyue in a while. When you come to deliver goods, you can come visit me."

Jiang Ning said.

"I've heard that Liyue is very prosperous. If I go to Liyue, I'll definitely visit you... but, where should I look for you?"

Jiang Ning said: "Hmm, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Yuehai Pavilion, Jade Chamber, or Yujing Terrace. As long as you can find someone from the Qixing, just say you're my friend, and they'll tell you where I am."

"Great... Wait, is that, ah, Ayaka! Over here, over here!"

Yoimiya waved her hand towards the distance, looking delighted.

At a nearby vendor's stall, Kamisato Ayaka was seriously asking about something, with the merchant looking both respectful and excited.

Hearing someone calling her, Kamisato Ayaka looked up in confusion, then saw Yoimiya and naturally noticed Jiang Ning beside her.

"Lord Jiang Ning... Yoimiya, how are you with Lord Jiang Ning?"

Kamisato Ayaka was startled, quickly leaving the vendor to come over, speaking very respectfully to Jiang Ning.

"Hehe, we just happened to meet on the road. What are you doing?"

Yoimiya was also curious.

Kamisato Ayaka said: "Some reconstruction work in Inazuma City, and matters regarding foreign trade. Because of the vacancies in the Kanjou Commission and Tenryou Commission, the Shogun has asked me to temporarily take over the duties of the Kanjou Commission, while Lady Kujou is temporarily handling the Tenryou Commission's work. I'm here to see what suggestions and thoughts people have about Inazuma's supplementary laws and upcoming cooperation with Liyue."

"Couldn't you have your subordinates do this kind of thing? You doing it personally seems like a waste of talent, and with just you alone, the efficiency must be low."

Yoimiya said.

Kamisato Ayaka gave a light laugh: "My household members are all out helping me collect opinions, so efficiency isn't a problem. Moreover, the work at hand has temporarily come to a pause, so it's just right to come out for some fresh air during this small break."

"You're really working hard, Ayaka." Yoimiya greatly admired her.

Jiang Ning suddenly said: "What about that ornamental fish? Why isn't she helping?"

Kamisato Ayaka was stunned, then realized he was talking about Sangonomiya Kokomi. Thinking he might be dissatisfied with Kokomi, and given her good personal relationship with Kokomi, she quickly said:

"About Kokomi, she's also helping me with things. With Kokomi around, I feel like things have become simpler and more manageable."

Jiang Ning waved his hand: "It's fine, no need to make excuses for her... I'm not some vampire who doesn't let people rest."

"Kokomi's abilities are quite good. Later, when Inazuma gets back on track and if Watatsumi Island truly has no rebellious intentions, we could consider letting Sangonomiya Kokomi become the Kanjou Commissioner..."

After all, Inazuma was his now, and after discussions with Raiden Makoto, she had been convinced by him multiple times, even leading Raiden Ei to follow his words.

As for Raiden Makoto, she would very carefully consider his suggestions, following his advice eight out of ten times.

It had to be said that Inazuman women, even deities, once they committed to a man, would almost unconditionally listen to everything.

Therefore, Kamisato Ayaka truly understood that with these words, if Watatsumi Island really put aside the matter of the Shogun killing Orobashi and truly wanted to integrate with Inazuma and embrace a better life, the position of Kanjou Commissioner would be set.

However, seeing some worry between Kamisato Ayaka's brows, combined with her already beautiful features, Jiang Ning felt moved and asked:

"Are you having any difficulties with work?"

Kamisato Ayaka seemed to have something on her mind and unconsciously said: "Yes... ah, no, no."

Jiang Ning said: "You can't deceive a deity, you know. It's alright, tell me. If you can't solve it, perhaps I can give some advice."

Kamisato Ayaka hesitated for a moment, looking at Jiang Ning's very deceptively innocent face, and finally began to explain the difficulties she had been facing recently.

Basically, after the Hiiragi clan was gone, along with several other noble families, these chickens were killed, but some monkeys thought that was the end of it.

Some even had the nerve to start eyeing the position of Kanjou Commissioner.

After all, Kamisato Ayaka's brother was the Yashiro Commissioner, and she was only temporarily serving as Kanjou Commissioner.

In the future, it would be impossible to have two major commissions headed by people with the same surname.

Therefore, some families from the former Kanjou Commission were secretly causing trouble for Kamisato Ayaka, while openly and secretly trying to make her voluntarily resign to the Shogun.

This way, wouldn't the Kanjou Commission be theirs?

"How can these people be like this? Inazuma has just gotten better, and they're already fighting for power?"

Yoimiya was very angry, then looked worriedly at Kamisato Ayaka: "Ayaka, are you okay? Jiang Ning, think of something!"

Jiang Ning gave a cold laugh: "It seems I've been too merciful? Did I suggest that Makoto kill too few people? Ayaka, do you know which families they are?"

Seeing that Jiang Ning looked ready to go on a killing spree, Kamisato Ayaka was startled.

To prevent more deaths in Inazuma, Kamisato Ayaka's mind raced, and she quickly thought of a compromise:

"Actually, only one family is stirring things up, most other families were forced to join through interests."

Jiang Ning knew this white heron princess's concerns and found it somewhat amusing: "Do I look like such a murderous deity?"

Kamisato Ayaka and Yoimiya laughed awkwardly.

If they were to say he wasn't... the execution grounds for traitors and corrupt officials still had blood-red marks and the smell of blood lingered even now...

The Kujou clan, Hiiragi clan, and some of their closest allied families, on his suggestion to Lady Makoto, were reduced from thousands to just dozens of people...

And the resistance forces, their leaders were beheaded publicly, with many convicted prisoners sent to mine and do hard labor...

Now on all of Watatsumi Island, among the leadership, except for Gorou and Kokomi, the rest were just common people.

Jiang Ning pondered for a moment and said: "However, you've reminded me... I still need to get execution authority from Makoto."

Otherwise, managing affairs would be legitimate, but killing people would feel somewhat illegitimate...

With divine power, he could kill people, but had to kneel. But with both divine power and authorization...

He, Jiang Ning, could stand while killing people, and they would have to kneel and call him their honorable lord.

Having made up his mind, he directly grabbed Kamisato Ayaka and Naganohara Yoimiya's arms. Under the surprised gazes of the two girls, he directly activated position transmission.

The next second, the three appeared inside Tenshukaku.

"This is... Tenshukaku?!"

Kamisato Ayaka was stunned - how did they suddenly arrive at Tenshukaku?

Yoimiya was also startled: "What? Tenshukaku?!"

What merit did she have to come to the deity's residence? Wasn't this place only accessible to the three commissioners and those closest to the deity?

Ancestors of the Naganohara family, your descendant has made it!

Jiang Ning casually said: "Coming to get something from Makoto..."

"Jiang Ning, why are you here? What do you need from me?"

Raiden Makoto's gentle voice came from above. Kamisato Ayaka and Yoimiya looked up - the former was somewhat better, but the latter was completely stunned.

"Three... three Shoguns?"

On the high platform, Raiden Makoto sat in the center, with Raiden Ei and the Raiden Shogun on either side.

"Hello, little one from the Naganohara family. I've heard about you from the Akitsu people."

Raiden Makoto said gently.

"Though fireworks are wonderful, you must be careful about where you experiment and pay attention to safety. If you cause a fire, it would be very troublesome."

Naganohara Yoimiya felt proud yet embarrassed.

Though it was great to be known by a deity, why did they know her for something like this?

"I... I understand, Your Excellency."

Jiang Ning said: "Makoto believes in the beauty of transience, so she quite likes fireworks."

"Really?" Yoimiya's face lit up with joy.

Raiden Makoto nodded and said: "Of course it's true. Your ancestors also had quite a good relationship with me. After all, in the past, whenever there were festivals and celebrations in Inazuma with fireworks, they were all prepared by your Naganohara family, so you must work hard."

Yoimiya was so excited her pretty face turned red: "I will work hard, Your Excellency!"

Kamisato Ayaka sighed inwardly - as expected of Lady Makoto, with just a few words, she had dispelled Yoimiya's nervousness and built rapport.

"Ayaka, you too have been working hard these days. Sometimes you shouldn't push yourself so hard, it's good to relax occasionally."

Raiden Makoto said softly.

Kamisato Ayaka respectfully replied: "As you command, Lady Makoto. For Inazuma, Ayaka doesn't feel tired at all."

Though it might be disrespectful, Kamisato Ayaka still felt that the Lady Makoto before her was much more humane than the Shogun and Lady Ei, and her methods of governing were much more sophisticated than the other two...

Having this deity now was like a dream come true.

"By the way, Jiang Ning, what did you say you needed from me?"

Raiden Makoto asked.

Jiang Ning explained what happened to Kamisato Ayaka, then smiled and said:

"So Miss Makoto, could you lend me Musou Isshin, or Ei, could you lend me your Engulfing Lightning..."

Raiden Makoto was also angered: "Wasn't the last punishment enough? Why are they still like this... If you want Musou Isshin, just take it, why talk about borrowing? We're family... Ei, what do you think?"

Raiden Ei thought for a moment and seriously asked: "So, why do you call her Miss Makoto but just call me by name?"

Jiang Ning: "...?"

Raiden Makoto: "...?"

----

You can join my P@treon to read 30+ chapters early and support me and my work.

P@treon.com/rivyura