Chapter 194

Because the discussion last night went on for quite some time, neither of them knew when they had fallen asleep.

To be precise, Jiang Ning had subtly used his soul's authority to lull Xianyun into sleep.

Xianyun was already somewhat exhausted, and she had no defenses up against Jiang Ning.

Thus, she gradually felt drowsy.

Looking at Xianyun, who was now sleeping soundly with her head on the table, Jiang Ning gently picked her up and carried her to the bed.

However, he didn't do anything inappropriate. Jiang Ning wasn't the type to take advantage of someone in such a manner.

He wanted to slowly push the boundaries, making it so that by the time his master realized what was happening, she would already be deeply entangled.

The plan was simple: just hold her, just look, just touch, just rub against her, and finally, just once—it wouldn't lead to pregnancy, and if it did, he'd take responsibility… and so on.

So, Jiang Ning felt it was time to test the waters a little.

Holding his master's soft, fragrant body, Jiang Ning lay down beside her.

It had to be said, his master's figure was truly exceptional, rivaling even Eula and Shenhe, who had the best figures in the household.

Coupled with her unique immortal aura, it gave Jiang Ning a sense of defiling something sacred.

In any case, Jiang Ning happily held his master as he fell asleep. When they woke up the next day, it would all be an accident, right?

It was his master who had kept him up late discussing things, so it was her fault!

Jiang Ning had even thought of an excuse and positioned Xianyun's arm around his waist and her leg over his, making it look like she was the one holding him and not letting him go.

......

The next day, although the sunlight couldn't penetrate the tightly closed windows, Xianyun's internal clock woke her up.

However, as soon as she woke up, she felt something was off. Why did she feel like she was having trouble breathing?

And what was this in her arms?

Silently, Xianyun looked down and saw Jiang Ning sleeping peacefully, his head nestled between her ample bosom.

He was sleeping soundly, and one of his hands was resting rather improperly on her thigh.

Moreover, in the early morning, Xianyun felt like her disciple was hiding some kind of weapon, ready to assassinate her…

Instinctively, Xianyun kicked him off the bed.

"Ouch…"

Jiang Ning landed in a rather undignified manner. He climbed to his feet, looking confused, and said with a hint of grievance,

"Master, what was that for?"

Xianyun sat up, her face flushed with anger, and pointed a trembling finger at Jiang Ning, scolding him,

"You… you rebellious disciple! How dare you commit such an indecent act…"

"What did I do?" Jiang Ning immediately put on an innocent act, his face full of confusion.

Xianyun continued to scold, "You know exactly what you did last night!"

Jiang Ning replied, "Last night, wasn't it you who said we should discuss some things? And if I recall correctly, I was the one who fell asleep first…"

Xianyun's memory of the previous night was also a bit hazy. With Jiang Ning's acting and explanation, she began to doubt herself.

Could it be that she had let Jiang Ning stay because it was too late? But that didn't make sense. They were in the same courtyard, and she would never do something like that…

Jiang Ning seized the moment and said, "Master, maybe you were just too tired last night and accidentally fell asleep with me?"

Under his guidance, Xianyun's thoughts naturally drifted in that direction.

It had to be said, Xianyun sometimes didn't use her brain when it came to her family.

Despite being a wise and experienced immortal who had lived through the Archon War, she occasionally had moments of mental lapse when it came to her loved ones. It was understandable.

Jiang Ning looked at Xianyun and continued, "So, Master, why did you kick me…"

Xianyun recalled the position they were in when she woke up.

It seemed like she had been the one holding Jiang Ning. If Jiang Ning had been the one initiating, it wouldn't have been in that position…

Feeling a bit guilty, Xianyun realized she had wronged her disciple. He hadn't done anything wrong, yet she had scolded and kicked him.

But as a master, Xianyun's pride sometimes got the better of her.

She coughed, picked up her glasses from the side, and pushed them up her nose, trying to sound authoritative but failing to hide her guilt.

"Well, this master was merely reminding you not to be so careless. If I had wanted to harm you last night, you would already be dead."

Jiang Ning blinked innocently and said, "I know Master would never harm me, which is why I was so relaxed. And if Master ever did want to punish me, it would surely be because I had done something wrong to upset you. I would accept it without complaint…"

With a series of well-crafted words, Jiang Ning completely disarmed Xianyun, who was trying to maintain her composure.

This disciple… why was he so endearing?

Xianyun averted her gaze and muttered, "You should leave now… And don't mention today's events to anyone."

Jiang Ning nodded obediently. "Alright, Master…"

However, as he turned to leave, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

As soon as he stepped out, he ran into Ganyu, who was carrying a basin of water.

Ganyu had just finished her morning routine and, seeing Jiang Ning emerge from Xianyun's room, initially thought he had gone to wake their master. She didn't think much of it.

But when she noticed Jiang Ning's disheveled appearance—his clothes messy and his hair a mess—it was clear he had just woken up.

And Jiang Ning would never be so disrespectful as to wake their master in such a state, so…

Ganyu's eyes widened in shock.

Did Master really make a move? Although she had expected it, she didn't think it would happen so soon!

The thought of having to call her master "sister" in the future made Ganyu's heart race.

She wasn't sure how she felt about it.

Jiang Ning, with a "panicked" expression, said to his senior, "Senior, let me explain! There's nothing between me and Master!"

His explanation, which felt like a desperate attempt to cover up the truth, only made Ganyu more certain of her suspicions. Her little junior had fallen victim to their master's advances.

But there was nothing she could do. After all, it wasn't just Shenhe who had broken the rules back then. Their master… well, let's just say there was a mutual understanding.

Ganyu, feeling a bit guilty, said, "I… I was just passing by… Yes, there's definitely nothing going on…"

Despite her words, Ganyu decided she needed to discuss this matter with the other sisters.

Their little junior diciple was so well-behaved. If anything, it was their master who had done something wrong, and Jiang Ning was even trying to cover for her…

He's really too kind. It brings tears to my eyes.

However, since their master wasn't coming forward and Jiang Ning was helping her hide the truth, Ganyu felt that aside from informing the family, she should also consult Madame Ping and the Geo Archon about what to do.

Oh, and Azhdaha too…

Having made up her mind, Ganyu quickly made an excuse and left.

Jiang Ning, on the other hand, hummed a little tune as he walked away, a subtle smile on his face.

From here on out, it wasn't his problem anymore. He could just sit back and wait for his master to fall into his hands.

......

Ganyu hurried to the Jade Chamber, where Keqing and Ningguang were present.

Eula had also returned to report.

"Ganyu? Why are you in such a hurry?" Eula asked, puzzled.

Ganyu caught her breath and said, "There's something you all need to know."

She then recounted what she had witnessed that morning.

While Eula and Ningguang were surprised, they didn't react too strongly.

Ningguang, being the shrewd woman she was, had seen this coming and was mentally prepared. She was just surprised that the usually reserved Xianyun had acted so decisively.

As for Eula, she was even more indifferent.

In Mondstadt, the history of the old aristocracy was far more scandalous.

Even in present-day Mondstadt, it wasn't uncommon for noblewomen to develop romantic relationships with their female sword or etiquette instructors, especially if the instructors were beautiful.

So, in the free-spirited Mondstadt, Eula was used to such things.

In fact, if this story spread, it might even become a ballad.

With a little adaptation, it could go like this:

A child saved by an immortal falls in love with her at first sight. After becoming her disciple, he works hard to master his skills, not wanting to disappoint her and hoping to stay by her side forever. Eventually, he achieves great success and reunites with his master…

How romantic.

Only Keqing was truly shocked. "Cloud Retainer… she actually…?"

Ningguang said, "What Cloud Retainer? We might have to start calling her 'sister' soon."

Keqing slammed the table and stood up. "But they're master and disciple!"

Ningguang replied, "You've read enough of Liyue's history to know that master-disciple relationships aren't unheard of. And it's not like they're mismatched or anything."

If it were a case of a wrinkled old man or woman paired with a young, vibrant disciple, it might be uncomfortable and raise suspicions about ulterior motives like power or wealth.

But this was different. Both were long-lived beings, and both were attractive. There was no question of unequal status or hidden agendas.

It just went to show that this was still a world where appearances mattered.

"So, you're all okay with this?" Ganyu asked. "Cloud Retainer has taken care of me, Shenhe, and Jiang Ning for so many years. She's always been alone, and I've often seen her gazing at the sea of clouds over Mt. Tianheng, looking lonely."

"So, I've always hoped she would find a partner. As for what happened with Jiang Ning, I fully support it."

Ganyu expressed her stance firmly.

Ningguang smiled and said, "Cloud Retainer has contributed greatly to Liyue. Her merits are undeniable, and she is deeply respected. I have no reason to oppose this…"

Eula crossed her arms and said, "Hmph, this isn't a big deal, is it?"

Then the three of them turned to Keqing.

"Why are you all looking at me like that?" Keqing asked, confused.

Ningguang said, "We're just worried that the Yuheng Star might disapprove."

"Hey, hey, you're making me sound like some heartless person," Keqing said, slapping the table in frustration.

But the others remained unmoved, still staring at her. Keqing sighed in defeat. "Fine, I agree… But I'm not responsible for what people outside say."

Ningguang said, "That's easy to handle. One is an immortal, and the other is the Geo Archon raised by that immortal. With a little guidance, this could become another beautiful tale."

"By the way, I'll go talk to Shenhe later… She needs to be prepared, but she's the one who would never object."

"And also, it seems Cloud Retainer wants to keep this a secret for now. But I think that's unfair to both her and Jiang Ning. We should consult Madame Ping and the Geo Archon about how to handle this."

Ganyu said.

After all, Shenhe would agree to anything Jiang Ning wanted. Though she was reserved, when it came to obeying Jiang Ning, Shenhe was second to none.

There were benefits to being simple-minded.

"I'll talk to Shenhe. As for the Geo Archon, it's not appropriate for the three of us to approach him. Ganyu, you're closer to the adepti, so you handle that."

Keqing said.

Ganyu thought for a moment and nodded. "Alright…"

After leaving the Jade Chamber in a hurry, Ganyu headed straight to Yujing Terrace.

Soon, Madame Ping, Zhongli, and Azhdaha had all gathered.

As for the others… Ganyu didn't plan to involve them. They would definitely mock the situation.

To avoid complicating things, Ganyu decided to leave them out.

"Sigh, you all…" Madame Ping sighed. "So, you want us to help Cloud Retainer overcome her hesitation and make this public?"

Ganyu nodded eagerly. "Yes, Madame Ping."

Madame Ping glanced at Zhongli and Azhdaha, who were listening intently, and said with a hint of exasperation,

"You could have just come to me. Why involve these two? They've been single for so long; what advice could they possibly offer?"

"Besides, this isn't something men should be involved in. It's better for us women to discuss such matters privately."

Zhongli and Azhdaha looked somewhat embarrassed.

Indeed, this wasn't their area of expertise, and their input might only make things awkward.

Madame Ping said, "Tonight, you all keep Jiang Ning occupied. I'll go talk to Cloud Retainer."

Ganyu smiled gratefully.

"Thank you so much, Madame Ping."

"No need for thanks. We've been friends for so many years, and I've always hoped she would find happiness… Jiang Ning is a good choice."

It definitely wasn't because Jiang Ning called her "Grandma Ping," and she wanted to one-up her old friend by becoming her senior.

Definitely not.

And so, without Xianyun even realizing it, her fate had been thoroughly arranged by those around her.

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