Chapter 10: Keqing's Ambition
The midday light poured through the carved windows of Liuli Pavilion, bathing the elegant chamber in a golden glow. The tension from earlier had faded, replaced by an atmosphere of measured purpose.
Kael leaned back slightly, swirling the tea in his cup before speaking.
"I'll upload some general knowledge about economics to the chat group," he said calmly. "It'll help Liyue's development. But as for advanced technologies and political frameworks from my world—those will come at a price."
Ningguang tilted her head. "A price?"
Kael nodded. "Points. They're the chat group's true currency. You can exchange them for knowledge, items, or enhancements. But I advise you not to spend recklessly. Points are far more valuable than Mora right now—they can be used to grow stronger."
Ningguang's eyes gleamed thoughtfully. "So in essence, this chat group has created a new economy. One based on information and potential rather than coin."
She smiled faintly. "How very Liyuean. A system of trade and value, even in divine design."
Her insight drew a small smirk from Kael. "You catch on quickly."
"Of course," Ningguang replied, folding her fan. "Even if the chat group claims we're all equals, favors can sour over time. I prefer clean transactions—clear, fair, and beneficial for both sides."
That was precisely why she had built the Jade Chamber: to ensure that no one could ever place her in another's debt.
Zhongli, sitting beside Kael, gave an approving nod. "A pragmatic approach. Such clarity will serve Liyue well."
---
Keqing, however, was quiet. Her eyes burned with focus. "Kael," she said suddenly, "I've been thinking about what I read from your world's archives—the way your people structured governance. If Liyue were to truly transition to self-rule, how would we begin?"
That question made even Zhongli pause, setting his teacup down carefully.
Keqing had not abandoned her dream; she had refined it.
Kael met her gaze, recognizing that spark of conviction. She was serious.
"A constitutional monarchy," Kael said after a moment's thought. "But with real authority. Not just ceremonial."
Keqing frowned slightly. "A monarch? Wouldn't that contradict the principles of the Qixing?"
"Not necessarily," Kael replied. "In your world, divine oversight still exists. The Archon could remain as a sovereign guardian—detached from daily politics, yet still a symbol of unity. The Qixing and the Adepti could form the governing body, maintaining checks and balances. That way, corruption and ambition won't destroy what's being built."
He tapped his fingers lightly against the table. "But that would require rewriting Liyue's laws—and more importantly, reshaping its mindset."
Zhongli hummed quietly in agreement. "Indeed. Liyue's laws were founded under divine principles. Adjusting them for mortal rule would not be simple."
Kael smiled faintly. "Nothing worth building ever is."
---
Keqing's expression softened as she absorbed his words. "I see now," she murmured. "Without Rex Lapis' presence, Liyue might not be ready to stand alone just yet."
Her voice lowered. "I used to think that if we just worked hard enough, we could prove we no longer needed his protection. But… even Mondstadt, without Barbatos' guidance, faces constant manipulation from the Fatui."
She clenched her fists gently. "I was naïve."
Zhongli watched her quietly, pride flickering behind his calm expression. Even in self-reflection, Keqing's conviction remained unbroken—it had simply become wiser.
"The Emperor foresaw this long ago," she said softly. "That's why he stayed with us, guiding from the shadows. But one day… one day we'll show him he can rest."
Her violet eyes lifted, filled with that familiar fire. "That humans are capable of walking their own path."
---
Ningguang studied her, expression unreadable for a long moment. Then she turned to Kael and Zhongli. "Liyue's road ahead will be long—and dangerous. I trust you both will support us along the way?"
Zhongli's smile was faint, but genuine. "You have already proven yourselves capable. The rest of Liyue will follow your example."
In truth, this had always been his hope.
Keqing and Ningguang were the cornerstone of Liyue's new era—one guided not by divine command, but by human hands strengthened through understanding.
Still, Zhongli's thoughts wandered briefly to the Chasm, to the slumbering form of Azhdaha. He needed points—perhaps many—to cleanse his old friend's corruption fully.
And Kael was the key to that power.
So this is what the Heavenly Principles have become, Zhongli mused. A god who trades growth for cooperation. A god who nurtures humanity through contracts rather than commandments.
He could respect that.
---
Kael took another sip of tea, smiling lazily. "Now that I've been appointed Tianquan's advisor, I'm sure word will spread. Considering I live right next to the Yuheng, I'll probably attract attention."
He chuckled. "I'm not much of a fighter, so I hope you'll protect me if trouble shows up."
Zhongli nearly choked on his tea.
Not much of a fighter? The man radiated divine pressure even when idling.
Keqing, however, took him seriously. "Don't worry," she said earnestly. "We'll ensure your safety."
Kael sighed inwardly. She really means it. So sincere…
He cast a side glance at Ningguang, whose faint smirk said everything.
Unlike her, of course.
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"By the way," Ningguang said casually, "there's another member in this chat group, isn't there? Someone who hasn't spoken yet?"
Zhongli set down his cup. "A quiet one. He seldom speaks unless necessary."
It wasn't a lie. Xiao had no interest in mortal politics—and with Keqing and Ningguang present, he would not show himself.
"I see," Ningguang replied, her tone giving nothing away. But her eyes glinted with quiet curiosity. There was more to this group than she yet understood.
---
The rest of the afternoon softened into a lighter tone. Ningguang spoke of current events, Keqing discussed reforms in the Millelith, and Kael shared lighthearted stories of his world—nations of steel, invisible communication networks, and machines that flew higher than any adeptus.
Zhongli watched the scene unfold with quiet satisfaction. The mortals of Liyue were learning, adapting, and questioning—the first signs of true progress.
As Kael listened to Ningguang's refined eloquence and Keqing's passionate conviction, he couldn't help but feel amused admiration.
They were ambitious, brilliant, and unyielding.
Liyue's foundations were built on stone—but its future, he realized, would be forged by women like these.
---
As dusk began to settle over the harbor, the faint sound of bells echoed from the terrace outside.
Kael leaned back, watching the golden sky darken into twilight.
Liyue is changing faster than I imagined, he thought, lips curving faintly. And soon, even Celestia will have no choice but to notice.
He looked toward Keqing—her eyes still burning with that fierce resolve.
Perhaps, when the time came, she would be one of the few mortals bold enough to challenge heaven itself.
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✨ End of Chapter 10