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Chapter 6: Clarity
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He tapped his feet anxiously under the counter. How long is that meeting going to last? Chongyun thought to himself unable to sit still.
"Someone's excited," Xiangling remarked with a smile. "Is it the iced tea?"
Hu Tao smirked, "Not exactly." The memory of the park was clear as day in her mind. She tried to make sense of it, the mental image of her friends embracing, she tried to see if there was any normal explanation for it. Her intuition was telling her the impossible, They're really in love? She shut out the possibility. That can't be…
"Wait, you haven't even touched your tea!" Xiangling pouted, crossing her arms. "Even after I made it just how you like it." She set her empty glass behind her near the sink at her flank. Wanmin was closed but there was still some work to be done. Dishes, cleaning, and other menial tasks—the boring side of restaurant work.
"If it's possible, could I order for Xingqiu?" Chongyun asked, "I'm heading to see him after his meeting."
"You spent all day with him and now you want to see him again," Hu Tao shot him a smug look, pinching his cheek. "Someone's needy."
Chongyun reeled back, "It's not like that."
Xiangling nodded, "Sure I could make another." She paused, intrigued by the topic of conversation. "What did you all do earlier? I hope I didn't miss much."
"We went to the park with Xingqiu," Chongyun's eyes were glowing as he spoke, and there was a soft purring of his voice as he said the name of his close friend. He took a large gulp of his drink. It was chilled to perfection, Xiangling had outdone herself.
Hu Tao gulped down the last of her tea, wiping her lips with her sleeve in one big gesture. "You didn't miss much. Slime racing, a small picnic, those two making out on a bench."
Chongyun almost choked on his tea as Hu Tao spoke. "Wait what?"
"I missed a picnic?!" Xiangling lamented, clasping her head with trembling arms.
"We didn't make out!" Chongyun objected.
"More tea please!" Hu Tao shouted, adding to the uproar. Their voices were audible as far as the businesses across the street. Pedestrians passing by through the night life of Liyue stopped to listen, startled by the sudden noise.
Xiangling sighed, "It was so busy at work." She sprawled out over the counter, drooling at the thought of a picnic. "Sounds like you guys had fun."
"Cheer up Xiangling, we'll be sure to include you next time," Hu Tao assured her, placing a tender hand on her back. She turned to face Chongyun next, although with a new demeanor. Her expression changed from cheerful to inquisitive. A cold unflinching gaze that seemed to pierce into his soul. "So Chongyun, would you like to explain what you two were doing in the park earlier?"
Chongyun gulped, uncertain if he should tell the truth. "Well…it's complicated."
Hu Tao was silent, her expression unmoving.
"Hehe, we were practicing a-a skit for the lantern-rite festival."
Xiangling chuckled, "Even I can tell that's a lie." She watched on with great interest.
"Ehhh," Chongyun froze. They know me too well!
"Are you two in love?" Hu Tao asked bluntly, cutting straight to the point.
Chongyun sank his head, he knew he wasn't a good liar, but it certainly wasn't easy to be open about the subject in question either. "Yes," he sighed. "We're in love."
"Oh?!" Xiangling beamed. "So you two did make out afterall!" She wrapped her arms around Chongyun, shaking him violently.
"What? No!"
"I knew you two needed love in your lives, but that wasn't what I had in mind!"
Chongyun tried to brace himself, "Xiangling you don't understand!"
Hu Tao couldn't appear more smug if she tried, "They were shameless really, in the middle of a park with children all around."
"Waaaaa?!" Xiangling was fuming with a mix of confusion, shock, and a burning desire to know more. "I thought I knew you two?!" She tightened her grip around Chongyun, a strength honed by countless hours mastering the way of the kitchen.
"X—Xiangling…I can't…b-breath," Chongyun tapped out, struggling to break free over the counter.
Once things had calmed down they reorganized, taking up positions to hear what Chongyun had to say. Xiangling was perched on top of the bar counter with a pair of wide eyes. Hu Tao was sitting backwards on a tall chair, her chin resting on the edge of the backrest.
"It's true," he said. "We love each other. There's just something about Xingqiu I can't explain."
"I see. But just to clarify, you two didn't make out right?" Xiangling interrupted. "Hmmm? How would that even work given you're both—"
"I'm not sure either," Chongyun admitted. "As happy as I am, the whole thing feels surreal. We're both guys, is it even normal for us to be like this?"
Hu Tao raised her hand with an outstretched finger pointing into the air. "A wise man once told me: love is the greatest contract of all." Her tone deeped as she quoted the figure, mimicking the voice of Zhongli. "And contracts can be made with anyone you know!"
Chongyun breathed a sigh of relief. It was comforting knowing he had the support of his friends. Between the struggles of understanding himself and coming to terms with outside expectation, it was nice to have people to confide in. "The more I think about it, I'm really lucky to have him," Chongun chuckled.
"I'll say. I'm surprised you two didn't fall in love sooner, seeing how often you guys are together" Xiangling pondered, placing her hand on her chin. "Is this how all boys are? I see Xiao and Aether with each other all the time, maybe they're in love too?"
"Eh—" Hu Tao wheezed. "I'm not sure that's how it works."
"But I'm happy for you two," Xiangling beamed, patting Chongun on the head rapidly. "Xingqiu is one of the most kind hearted people I know, and he's really smart. I'm sure you're perfect for each other."
"Pfft, pranks aside that is," Hu Tao added, chuckling to herself.
"I don't know," Chongyun clenched his fists. "I can't help but feel I don't deserve him." It was odd. He understood his doubts more than his love. It was a frustrating feeling he struggled to make sense of. But the more he wrestled with the thought, the more it troubled him.
"What makes you say that?" Xiangling protested, raising her arms in defiance. "If anyone should be with him it should be you!"
"She's right," Hu Tao nodded. "For how long you two have known each other you've always been there for one another."
"You gotta give yourself more credit," Xiangling insisted. "You're kind, honest, empathetic, and you're the coolest person I know."
"It's just that," Chongyun exhaled deeply. "Whenever I lose control of myself, I risk hurting others." His gaze was set on the pairs of deep slashes just above the counter. Lined against the wall were markings of one of his first major episodes here at Wanmin; attempted exorcism of Xiangling during a meeting with his clan.
He continued, taking steady breaths, "What if I hurt Xingqiu." The words were harrowing for him to say. The thought was mortifying.
Xiangling and Hu Tao paused. It was hard to dismiss the concern given the likelihood of risk.
"You've never seriously injured anyone before," Xiangling pointed out. "Most of the damage has been to furniture at Wanmin."
"Still," Chongyun countered. "There's always a chance…"
"Your concerns are justified," Hu Tao admitted. "There will always be that risk, that's true for any love between two people. But still, the fact you're so concerned about it to begin with is proof to me you do deserve him."
"Hmm?" he lifted his gaze.
"You care deeply for him, and would put Xingqiu's safety above your own," Hu Tao said. "Those are the markings of a true lover."
"That makes sense," Chongyun breathed a sigh of relief. Their words didn't completely erase his doubts, but they did provide comfort. "Thank you both for the kind words."
"Anytime!" Xiangling chirped.
"Of course," Hu Tao smirked. "Now quit worrying and go pay Xingqiu a visit. His meeting should be over by now."
***Earlier***
"I'll see you all in a few hours," Xingqiu waved goodbye to his friends as he departed the alley. "Thanks again for everything!"
"Anytime!" Hu Tao shouted.
"Of course," Chongyun nodded.
The streets of Liyue at this hour were sparsely filled, at least in this quarter of the city. The administration district in Yujing Terrace was home to some of the largest meeting halls and palaces in Liyue. Along with dozens of smaller tenements that acted as lodging for the small army of indentured servants that kept the place maintained.
It was a portion of the city rich in both age and architecture, with some of the oldest buildings in the city's history dotted around the precinct. Their structures were made from a classical form and material during a time only the oldest families of Liyue could remember.
They've already started, it seems, Xingqiu sighed. Better late than never I suppose. Father will surely scold me.
A thousand steps lined with lanterns on either side paved the way to the summit. Guard posts in the distant flanks and bulwarks were silently unmanned. Xingqiu quickly vaulted over the steps, knowing he was already late to the meeting.
It was nerve wracking to know how many people would be in attendance. Almost every head of every clan involved with the Commerce Guild would be present; in addition to their aides and family members. Dozens of major financial heads gathered in one place with a host of other foreign advisors and interests.
Despite his anxiety, he took comfort in knowing how the meetings usually proceeded. Lot's of important old people, talking about boring things in boring ways. Xingqiu rarely went to the meetings but when he did he usually kept quiet, reading through whatever books he had on hand—much to the frustration of his Father.
With his anxiety growing, Xingqiu tried to focus his mind on something else. Hmmm, wonder what Yun Yun wants me to do with that dress, he thought to himself, the image of the outfit clear in his mind. I must admit it's a little strange for him to do such a thing. The more he thought about it, the more the dilemma unveiled itself. This reminds me of a novel, Ravished and Ravenous, in chapter eleven the couple had to disguise themselves with…Xingqiu blushed, growing flustered the more his mind wandered. Chongyun couldn't possibly want me to…he shook his head. Doing something like that in public would be too scandalous!
Xingqiu clambered over the last steps, snapping his attention back to his surroundings. He breathed a sigh of relief, Looks like the doors are still open. He'd reached the meeting hall, its large gilded doors were open with only statues to stand guard. Ancient sculpts of dragons made from faded stone.
For a place known as the Jade palace, there certainly isn't that much of it, Xingqiu noted. He recalled his Father mentioning on a few occasions that a new meeting hall was under construction. It seemed as though many of the old and valuable furnishings had already been moved to the unfinished building; leaving behind a meeting hall that looked even more dated than usual.
"Phew," Xingqiu exhaled, entering the building past the large doors.
"Xingqiu!" a familiar voice hissed out at his side. It was his Brother, leaning against a dark wooden column. His expression was wrought with a mixture of tension and relief. "You're finally here, I was beginning to worry you weren't coming."
"It's started already?" Xingqiu whispered back, inching closer. "I apologize for my delay."
He nodded, "Yes. Father is already inside, there's no time to waste." He bolted off the pillar, but was stopped by Xingqiu's stern hands.
"Relax. Is something wrong? You seem tense," Xingqiu could feel the pressure in his Brother's shoulder. "Was it the wait?"
He shook his head, "They're discussing something very controversial."
Looks like this won't be a normal meeting Xingqiu sighed. And here I was hoping to finish reading 'Young and Hopelessly Smitten 2.'
"What in particular?" Xingqiu asked as they made their way towards the main hall. The long dark corridor was far from empty. Clad in formal robes, dozens of servants and administrators alike muttered quietly among the shadow of the columns.
"A merger sponsored by Northland Bank, to clear outstanding debt," his Brother explained.
"What?!" Xingqiu exclaimed. Heads around the atrium turned to face the source of the uproar. Xingqiu lowered his voice in embarrassment, "The Guild is seriously considering this?"
His Brother nodded, "The Guild is nearing bankruptcy, what choice do they have?"
"A merger? They might as well hand the city to the Tsaristsa at this rate," Xingqiu hissed. It was baffling to him that the proud heads of the Commerce Guild had even considered the unthinkable. An offer of surrender to the banks of Snezhnaya. The Fatui must be involved with this… Cursing under his breath, Xingqiu dashed off towards the main hall.
"Xingqiu wait!" his Brother called out to him.
I have to see if I can stop this. Turning his head over his shoulder Xingqiu shouted back, "There's no time to waste!"
Before he could turn his head back, he was stopped cold in his tracks. Abruptly colliding with something rigid and firm. As Xingqiu opened his eyes he could see it was another guest. He stood back, bowing humbly as he apologized, "Terribly sorry sir!"
Xingqiu didn't recognize the figure. His khaki colored coat was thick and reached from his collar to his boots. Eyes of glowing blue set behind a pair of round rimmed glasses. Neatly trimmed jet black hair matching stubble traced around his jaw.
"Ah, if it isn't the offspring of the Guild Manager himself," the voice had a cold and calculated edge to its delivery. "I must say I'm surprised to see you in attendance."
They were just before the main hall. The large door was smaller than the main entrance although still large enough to dwarf those standing before it. It's surface was ornate, carvings depicting Rex Lapis's life and accomplishments etched into wood; with handles made of gold fashioned in the shape of a dragon's maw. Xingqiu could hear muffled voices on the other side.
"I can't say we've met, I'm Xingqiu nice to meet you," Xingqiu stuck an outstretched hand forward.
"Oh, Xingqiu, this is Mr. Tanaschishin the new manager of Northland Bank," his Brother explained. "He's new to Liyue, but he's been to every Guild meeting since his arrival."
"Your reputation precedes you, the honor is mine." The figure bowed, giving Xingqiu an impression of his full towering stature. "Although I was sure the famous Guhua Scholar was more fond of writing novels than commerce." He struck out his own hand, embracing Xingqiu in a tight cold grip.
"What you've heard is true, yet I am here regardless," Xingqiu nodded. His hand! It's made of metal…The man's right hand was solid metal, with joints and articulating movements that bordered on the unnatural.
Tanaschishin rose back to his full height, adjusting his glasses as he spoke, "Forgive the intrusion." He took note of Xingqiu's fixation. "A memento of my time as a soldier."
"You fought for the Tsaristsa?" Xingqiu asked, intrigued by the unusual subject.
"I was a spy. Lost my hand when I was about your age to frostbite," his lips curled as he spoke. His expression was devoid of any visible grief or trauma. Indeed, it seemed as though he even took pride and enjoyment in his past. "Adventuring has its dangers, I'm sure you're aware. Especially when one wanders where they shouldn't."
"Of course," Xingqiu replied, growing tense. He knows about me?
The figure moved forward, stepping past the two brothers on his way to the chamber. "I apologize for the delay, although I'm glad to have finally met you Master Xingqiu. We simply must speak more sometime." Before Xingqiu could reply the figure entered the doors with only a parting glance. There was a glint in his eye reaching from the corner of his heavy gaze. Xingqiu had seen the look before, the kind of predatory glint he'd seen only in birds of prey.
"He's eccentric," Xingqiu commented, moving into the large chamber.
"Culture shock I suppose, he's only been in Liyue for three months," his Brother added. "That Snezhnayan charm hasn't worn off yet."
Like most traditional administrative halls in Liyue there were few tables to speak of. Rather small platforms marked seating locations that were raised high enough to reach one's lap. They were organized in a spacious formation just before the main podium where the leading figures of the Feiyun Commerce Guild sat. Ranks of administrators and advisors assembled in their seats stood silent, as the Manager continued deliberation, forbidden to speak without permission held by a badge of office.
Only the eldest members of the Guild were usually seated at the podium, although Xingqiu's Father was the one exception. He'd been instrumental in the Guild's success in recent years, and had served as its leader for some time. Although protocol forbade family members from sitting with officers, keeping his Father distantly apart from Xingqiu's own seat towards the back of the hall.
"Tanaschishin representing Northland Bank has arrived," his Father said. "You're late." Despite who his comments were addressed to, his glare was directed at Xingqiu, reaching past the assembly to target his son in the crowd. Xingqiu tried his best to not make eye contact, pretending as though he didn't notice.
"My sincerest apologies for the delay, I pray I did not keep you waiting," Tanaschishin replied, bowing before the assembly in a wide gesture.
"You didn't miss much, we're still in deliberation."
Tanaschishin nodded and took his own seat at the far corner of the room; the designated seating area for foreigners. He wasn't the only Snezhnayan in attendance, with seven other finely dressed diplomats and bankers gathered in place. They were dressed in large heavy coats and furskin caps, a set of apparel that made their figures seem much larger than normal.
Xingiu did his best to keep a low profile, taking his seat while all eyes in the room were drawn to the host of foreigners. Waiting in his seat was a warm cup of tea and a small paper fan, courtesy of the host. I made it, Xingqiu let out a deep breath. This shouldn't last too long, the sooner it ends the sooner I can see Yun Yun again. A soft excitement grew in his heart and mind at the thought of seeing Chongyun so soon. For a moment the boredom of politics and business evaded his attention.
Perhaps I should get Chongyun a gift as well? Xingqiu snickered at the thought. "An outfit for him?"
He tapped his feet. His heart fluttered back and forth. I suppose he could use a tailor, his current outfit is falling apart, Xingqiu froze, an idea came to mind. No, you're being too modest Xingqiu. Yes, Chongyun got me a scandalous gift, it's only fair if I do the same…
The possibilities ran through his mind, outfits and clothing of all shapes and sizes. Formal and informal. Appropriate and inappropriate. A new suit. A butler uniform. Oh?! I bet he'd look adorable in costume, Xingqiu was foaming at the mouth. Romantic love making vests from Fontaine. Traditional Sumeru linen skirts. His heart and soul began to melt, Yes! It's only fair!
At the foot of the podium Dai Longwei, Harbor Master of the South Wharf, raised his hand. In his grip was a badge of office, a cup of solid jade, the source of his authority to speak. "Once again I will stress the urgency of the situation," his voice was hoarse and tired, being one of the eldest voices in the Guild. "With the drought in Qingce and the shrinking demand for goods, I urge the Guild to move forward with the motion of joint cooperation with Snezhnayan ventures."
"And once again I must veto the motion," Xingqiu's Father responded sharply. "It's far too premature to conduct such an action, especially with the Lantern Rite Festival nearing fast."
"In all my years I have never seen Liyue in such a sorry state, revenue is down almost tenfold from last year. I move to overrule the veto with a unanimous vote from the senior council," Longwei slammed his cup against the podium, turning to the other officers of the Guild for their opinion.
"Very well," Xingqiu's Father bowed. The Commerce Guild was at its core a collection of the most powerful businessmen in Liyue, but regardless it had its customs; the upper ranks of the Guild were almost exclusively reserved for the elders, men who'd been instrumental in the fate of Liyue's commerce for over a generation. "We'll put it to a vote then."
"Before we do," Longwei spoke up, raising his jade cup once more. "I would like everyone to hear from the Snezhnayans. I lend my jade to Tanaschishin." As he spoke there were gasps and mutters of disbelief in the assembly. Whispers and rumors spread around the quiet gathering, while a servant hastily passed the badge of office to a foreigner on the other side of the room.
With permission to speak now he rose to his full height, and addressed the crowd. "I understand many in attendance have their reservations about working alongside us. I understand your anxiety and concerns, indeed Liyue has its fair share of grievances, but we mustn't let the past impede our prosperous future together." Pausing to clear his throat he continued, "Northland Bank's new relief loans will grant the Commerce Guild the funds to recover, and at a generous forgiveness of outstanding debt."
Tuning in on the discussion Xingqiu shook his head, There must be a catch to all of this, surely the guild isn't this desperate?
"What choice do we have?" Tian Bolin, Chairman of Interior Silks spoke, raising his jade. "I vote in favor of the motion." As he spoke, several other leading council members raised their hands in agreement.
Guess that's a yes…Xingqiu planted his palm in his face, shaking his head in disbelief. Isn't anyone going to speak up?! Although the Guild Manager would address and coordinate the deliberation, in addition to explaining his actions, he was forbidden from using his own opinions to sway votes. A responsibility the general assembly was tasked with.
"They can't be serious," Xingqiu hissed in frustration. "No one is offering opposition." He groaned, slamming his head into his lap desk.
Tanaschishin smiled, only a single council member had yet to decide, it seemed as though the verdict was about to be reached. He knew the people of Liyue considered it taboo to speak out against their elders, but he had no idea it would be this pervasive.
"Is something wrong Xingqiu?" his Brother whispered from his seat next to Xingqiu.
Xingqiu was ready to tear his hair out, "Does this not concern you?"
"I must admit I have my reservations, but I see little other paths for—"
"They're about to sell Liyue away!" Xingqiu hissed. It was an issue he couldn't stand, as a member of the Adventurer's Guild and a champion of chivalry, Xingqiu has spent his whole life trying to make Liyue a better place. It boiled his blood to see others so willing to throw that all away. If no one else is going to speak up…
"Guo Yusheng, you are the last councilor to vote," Xingqiu's Father said, trying to move the court along.
The man nodded in silence, the anxiety of being the deciding vote on the matter was nerve wracking. It wasn't easy to speak out, voting 'no' would place him firmly at odds with every other senior member. A precarious position from which the political fallout would surely destroy his career. But it wasn't easy to vote 'yes' either, knowing full well the consequences at stake. He bit his lip in frustration. Time…he thought. I need more time.
Drinking the last of his tea, XIngqiu rose from his seat at the far end of the room. His body was pounding with adrenaline, his cheeks flushed a furious shade of red. He was afraid, but his love for his home was greater. Greater than the weight of every pair of eyes in the room bearing down on him.
"The path that can be walked is not always the path forward," he said, addressing everyone in earshot. As he spoke there were murmurs of unease in the assembly. "I propose a more modest solution to all of your worries."
"Xingqiu!" his Brother hissed, tugged at his coat. "You mustn't speak without a jade cup."
Xingqiu ignored him, continuing to speak, his eyes meeting the glare of Dai Longwei. "The edge of Yujing Terrace is not far from here. It would be far hastier to walk off the side of it together than to wait for Northland Bank's relief loans."
"Insolence!" Longwei shouted. "You mock Feiyun?"
"Silence!" Xingqiu's Father shouted. "You do not have permission to speak." His glare and voice were directed at both the fuming Longwei and his son Xingqiu.
Xingqiu ignored them, "The end result would remain the same, a death for the commerce of Liyue."
Tanaschishin chuckled from the far side of the room, Don't wander where you shouldn't Master Xingqiu.
Guo Yusheng shifted nervously in his seat, The time I need! Raising his trembling hand he spoke, "I lend my jade to the boy."
Longwei shot him a look of bewilderment, "You can't be serious?!"
"Silence!" Xingqiu's Father spoke. "There will be civil order in this hall. This isn't Monstadt."
A servant hastily carried the jade cup over to Xingqiu. The walk was long and the air was tense with anticipation. Xingqiu bowed, thanking both the servant and Guo Yusheng for the gift before speaking. "Northland Bank offers a generous plan, but at what cost? Has anyone bothered to check the interest rates?"
"No price is too great for survival," Lei Weizhe, foreman of Mingyun. "Bold of you to scold us for seeking a way out of bankruptcy when your own clan is struggling."
"No price is too great for independence," Xingqiu argued. "What Northland offers would indebt the whole of Liyue for the next century."
Tanaschishin rose from his seat, clearing his throat before speaking, "You say this could be the death of Liyue, but this matter only concerns the Commerce Guild. It's a private affair separate from the Liyue Qixing."
"Almost eighty percent of businesses in the city are connected to the Guild, and it oversees the direct flow of goods and services. The Liyue Qixing raise taxes, we raise hearts and minds," Xingqiu corrected. "But that much would've been obvious if you'd stayed in Liyue long enough."
Tanaschishin's smirk was cleared off his face. His staff aides behind him cursed silently in their native tongue. "And what bold alternative would a failed novelist such as yourself propose?"
"Time," Xingqiu insisted, pretending he didn't hear the insult directed at him. "The Guild should wait until a new path presents itself."