That evening, Jiang Yan returned home together with Ganyu.
During the days since Ayaka had left, Jiang Yan hadn't been idle.
After all, there were still three little ones at home who needed looking after.
Besides their daily foundational training, Jiang Yan had begun teaching Shenhe and Beidou the basics of combat techniques.
As for little Ningguang, compared to combat training, she was far more interested in business.
Not only did Jiang Yan not stop her from pursuing commerce—he strongly supported it.
After all, little Ningguang was someone he intended to cultivate as the future successor to Liyue's Tianquan.
As the coordinator of Liyue, the city of commerce, the true foundation of the Liyue Qixing was six top merchants from different industries, along with Jiang Yan, the immortal among them.
If Ningguang wished to become Tianquan, she needed achievements in business.
So Jiang Yan simply granted her access to ten million Mora, encouraging her to invest boldly and learn through trial and error.
Little Keqing would also come by Jiang Yan's house every evening after dinner, constantly calling him "big brother" this and "big brother" that.
Jiang Yan was more than happy to guide her swordsmanship.
Life like this felt quite fulfilling.
As for Ganyu, her changes were even more obvious.
The most noticeable was that she had become increasingly skilled at caring for children.
From when Jiang Yan first brought home little Ningguang, to later when the household became "the three little ones," Ganyu had grown more and more adept at handling kids.
Whenever the little girls became mischievous, she would stop them gently.
When one of them cried after making a mistake, she could soothe them quickly in her embrace.
Even Jiang Yan sometimes teased her, saying she was becoming more and more like a virtuous wife and loving mother.
Every time he made such jokes, Ganyu would blush and quickly run away.
The look in Jiang Yan's eyes always seemed like he wanted to devour her whole.
Ganyu already had plenty of work during the day.
If Jiang Yan really started fooling around, she wouldn't be able to handle it.
It would delay too many things.
"Master~"
"Teacher's Wife~"
When Jiang Yan and Ganyu pushed open the door and entered, the three little girls ran over on their tiny legs to greet them.
"Good girls. How did your studies go today?"
Jiang Yan vigorously ruffled their little heads and smiled.
"We finished everything! Master can check however he wants!"
The three little ones looked full of confidence, practically radiating Come test us!
"I'll go make dinner. You can check their lessons."
Ganyu smiled softly, said this to Jiang Yan, and walked into the kitchen.
Jiang Yan nodded.
Then he looked toward Ningguang and the others.
"Alright then. Let Master see how well you've done."
"Okay~"
Several days later, Liyue Harbor.
Morning sunlight quietly spread across the harbor.
Accompanied by the clear crowing of roosters, the people of Liyue awoke to welcome another day.
Near the docks—
Several black ships appeared on the sea, gradually approaching the harbor.
They resembled steel beasts upon the water, drawing everyone's attention.
Compared to them, ordinary merchant vessels seemed insignificant.
On the decks stood numerous sturdy soldiers.
They wore purple armor and carried long katanas at their waists.
Their imposing appearance alone proved that whoever traveled aboard these ships was no ordinary figure.
Nearby vessels instinctively steered clear of the black fleet.
No one knew where these ships came from.
Only the lightning-emblazoned banners fluttering on their sails revealed their origin—
Inazuma.
Anyone from Inazuma would immediately recognize the crest engraved upon the ships.
They belonged to the Kamisato Clan of the Yashiro Commission.
At the prow stood a small white-haired girl, excitement shining across her face as she watched Liyue Harbor draw closer.
Finally.
After several days—
She could see Brother Jiang Yan again!
She wondered if Brother Jiang Yan had missed her.
"Ayaka."
Her mother stepped forward, gently stroking her head.
"The wind is strong outside. Come back into the cabin for now."
"Once we dock, we'll go see your Brother Jiang Yan."
Yes.
This time, the entire Kamisato family had come to Liyue.
A few days earlier, they had survived the ambush thanks to Jiang Yan's safeguard left with Ayaka.
After settling matters back home, Ayaka's father brought the whole family to Liyue to thank Jiang Yan in person.
"Thank you, Mother, but I want to stay out here."
Ayaka's tone was full of impatience and anticipation, making her mother laugh helplessly.
Ever since entering Liyue's waters, the little girl had been unusually excited.
With no other choice, her mother simply accompanied her on the deck while waiting for the ship to arrive.
At long last, the ship docked.
Ayaka hopped down first, running as fast as her little legs could carry her.
Her arms were filled with boxes of various sizes, yet she didn't seem burdened at all.
Inside were gifts she had carefully prepared for Jiang Yan, Ningguang, and the others.
"Ayaka, don't rush so much."
Her mother grabbed her before she could dash away, speaking with mild reproach.
"Before coming here, your father already informed Liyue that the Kamisato Clan would be visiting."
"Your Brother Jiang Yan is this nation's Tianquan. There's no way he'd just stay home waiting for us."
"Exactly."
Ayaka's father descended with Ayato, smiling.
"No need to rush. You'll see your Brother Jiang Yan soon enough."
"Hmph. I really wonder who your actual brother is."
Ayato muttered quietly from the side, sounding deeply jealous.
"Excuse me, are you members of the Kamisato Clan from Inazuma?"
At that moment, a bespectacled official in Liyue government attire approached.
"Yes."
Ayaka's father nodded.
"Hello. I'm a secretary from the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Under Tianquan's orders, I've come to welcome you."
The secretary smiled politely.
"Please come with me. Tianquan has been waiting for you for quite some time."
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