If Keqing's idea were to be realized, the people of Liyue—who worshipped the Emperor with near-fanatical devotion—would instantly declare Guili Plains the new capital!
Liyue Harbor?
What's Liyue Harbor?
Never heard of it.
Guili Plains is the true heart of Liyue now.
After all, it was built by the Emperor's own hands.
A city personally constructed by the Emperor? That was the real deal.
Of course, this was all just wishful thinking—because it would never happen.
Zhongli would never agree to such a proposal.
He had just retired, and now they wanted to put him to work again?
He'd drop a meteor on them before they could finish the sentence.
Even the most patient man had his limits.
After lunch, Keqing returned to her room for a short nap.
She kept a strict schedule—resting at noon so she could work efficiently in the afternoon.
Keqing might be a workaholic, but she was disciplined about it.
Havria also retreated to her room.
Jiang Chen had originally planned to make a quick trip to Dragonspine.
A round trip would take just enough time for him to return by evening, when Guizhong and the others arrived.
But then Aether had shown up unannounced.
Now that he'd promised to deliver Khaenri'ah's technology, Jiang Chen decided to wait.
Once the materials arrived, he'd make the trip.
He wasn't sure if Albedo had access to Khaenri'ah's research, but it wouldn't hurt to bring him a copy.
Especially the ley line network technology Aether mentioned.
"Should've given him some communication talismans."
Jiang Chen smacked his forehead, annoyed at the oversight.
How was he supposed to pester Aether now?
Or, more importantly—how was he supposed to backstab him later?
With that in mind, Jiang Chen made a decision.
Next time he saw Aether, he'd hand over a stack of talismans.
Then… if Lumine happened to find one while they were together, well…
And if she happened to use it to lure Aether out for a stabbing…
That was just natural consequences, right?
This made perfect sense.
Jiang Chen was fully committed to this betrayal.
Unaware of Jiang Chen's scheming, Aether sneezed violently in the depths of the Abyss.
"Achoo!"
"Ugh!"
"Lumine must be talking about me."
He clicked his tongue in annoyance.
Originally, he'd planned to go see Lumine immediately.
But after some thought, he changed his mind.
Better to prepare Jiang Chen's materials first.
Under his orders, the Abyss Mages worked at breakneck speed.
By sunset, everything was ready.
Aether immediately teleported to Liyue, arriving at the foot of Dragonspine with several crates in tow.
Then, he released his aura—a beacon for Jiang Chen.
Sensing Aether's presence, Jiang Chen paused mid-work.
That was fast.
He hurried to the meeting point.
When he arrived, Aether stood beside multiple sealed crates.
"Everything's here."
"The ley line network research is in one of these—have your people study it."
Aether gestured to the boxes.
"Damn, you're efficient."
Jiang Chen couldn't help but praise him.
Aether smirked.
"Of course."
"You're my brother-in-law now—priority service."
"I've already sent people to gather the relics you wanted."
"Should have a batch ready soon."
Everything had been arranged.
Jiang Chen nodded approvingly.
"Perfect."
"Here, take these."
He handed Aether a stack of talismans.
Aether examined them curiously.
"Adeptal communication charms?"
He recognized them instantly.
"Yep."
"For long-distance calls."
"Gods, it's annoying having to shout across Teyvat."
"Keep these—contact me if anything comes up."
"Once I get the internet running, we can ditch these."
Aether accepted them without suspicion.
"Deal."
Little did he know—this was a trap.
Jiang Chen suppressed a grin.
Hope you won't regret this later, bro.
Don't blame me when Lumine comes knocking.
With that thought, Jiang Chen stored the crates in his inventory.
"Alright, that's it for now."
"I've got work to do."
Now that he had the materials, he'd visit Albedo tomorrow.
But first, Albedo Less needed to organize the data.
Aether nodded.
"Later."
Mission accomplished, he vanished into a spatial rift.
Jiang Chen returned to Mingyun Village just in time.
Guizhong and the others had arrived, unloading their belongings.
They'd be working here for the foreseeable future.
He immediately sought out Albedo Less.
"Sort through these."
"Make a backup of the ley line network research—I'll need it tomorrow."
Albedo Less blinked in surprise.
"Understood."
If Jiang Chen said so, it had to be valuable.
Ley line networks?
Jiang Chen had mentioned this before.
Had he actually obtained the research?
They headed to Albedo Less's new lab.
Though Mingyun Village was temporary, it would eventually house permanent research facilities.
Study here, produce below.
At the lab, Jiang Chen unsealed the crates.
Albedo Less stared at the stacks of documents, intrigued.
"These are all Khaenri'ah's alchemy archives."
"Study them carefully."
"Most of it was likely left behind by your mother."
At the mention of her, Albedo Less stiffened.
Gold.
After a moment of silence, he nodded.
Jiang Chen left him to it.
Outside, Guizhong and the others were hauling equipment—their essential tools.
Jiang Chen called out to the group.
"Rest tomorrow—work starts the day after!"
The crowd erupted in cheers.
A day off?
Now that was a pleasant surprise.
"Yes, Lord Jiang Chen!"
"Long live Lord Jiang Chen!"
Jiang Chen chuckled.
All in a day's work.