Genshin Impact's Incense Burner Of Liyue [544]

Very good. Childe actually predicted even this.

Gu Sanqiu was speechless. Tartaglia was truly going all out to guard against him. Judging from that message—where he outright assumed Gu Sanqiu would try to pin the blame on him—he’d already given up on maintaining any dignity and was fully embracing a wreck-it-all mindset.

Or rather, this level of absolute nonchalance was, in itself, an effective defense. Because once someone stops caring about how low they can go, it becomes nearly impossible to exploit their weaknesses.

Should he go for another massacre? One specifically targeting the Fatui this time?

…Forget it. Even setting aside the success rate, just the act itself would be crossing a line. The cultivation sects would never accept a sect leader who engaged in wanton slaughter.

“Tch, knowing the future really is a pain sometimes.”

Gu Sanqiu sighed, choosing to let it go for now. After helping himself to a free cup of tea, he left the Northland Bank and headed toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.

When in doubt, ask the elders. A household with an elder is like having a hidden treasure. Who knew? Maybe the old man would just so happen to let slip some crucial intel.

If he were to accidentally mention any suspicious Fatui movements, that’d be perfect. And Gu Sanqiu, of course, would absolutely not question the source of the information.

After all, as the parlor’s consultant, the old man could plausibly notice shady figures lurking around at night while handling funeral affairs.

And then—

Gu Sanqiu walked through the bustling streets, his expression completely blank.

In front of him, Hu Tao bounced around, exploring every shop in sight.

Why was I going to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor again?

Before he could retrace his train of thought, Hu Tao yanked him toward a storefront, demanding he pay for something she had her eye on.

It was a delicate hair ribbon imported from Mondstadt, soaked in Cecilia flower perfume over time, giving it a faint, cool fragrance. Supposedly, when worn, it evoked the crisp winds that swept over high cliffs.

…Though, that last bit was probably just marketing fluff to drive up the price.

“I told you last time—you should just come with me to Mondstadt. Stuff like this is everywhere.”

As everyone knew, ordinary local items could become ridiculously valuable once they crossed borders—like how Dandelion Seeds from Mondstadt were absurdly expensive in Inazuma.

If someone bulk-bought five or six packs as a gift for Thoma, even the Yashiro Commission might start suspecting them of bribery.

Expressionless, Gu Sanqiu handed over the money.

Right. I came to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor to get information from the old man. But before I even stepped inside, this brat dragged me out for shopping.

He had originally planned to decline, given the pressing matters at hand.

But Hu Tao had simply said, “Consider this compensation for making me watch you almost get beaten to death.”

…And just like that, she won.

Fine. He’d just play the role of an emotionless, mindless wallet for now.

“Oh, come on.”

Hu Tao smugly tucked away her new hair ribbon. “If you see something you like, you just buy it—that’s what you taught me, remember?”

“Liking something isn’t about whether it’s made by a famous artisan, or whether it has some special attributes, or just because everyone else likes it. It’s about my feelings. It’s about my joy.”

“…That’s something I said a long time ago. But next time, can you use your own wallet to ensure your own happiness?”

Gu Sanqiu ruffled her hair, though the hat got in the way, so he couldn’t really gauge how soft it was today.

Honestly, this little gremlin sometimes even ran around without washing her hair. An absolute disgrace to girls her age.

“Hehe, what’s yours is mine, but what’s mine is not yours! Accept your fate, little Qiuqiu! You’re doomed to be my personal errand boy!”

Hu Tao struck a playful pose, making a scissor sign near her head, then swiftly dodged as Gu Sanqiu reached out to flick her forehead. Light on her feet, she pranced toward another store.

Huh. She’s gotten better.

Gu Sanqiu raised an eyebrow. Before, she’d never been able to avoid his sneak attacks.

Looking up at the sky, then around at the storefronts, he realized this was one of Liyue Harbor’s busiest commercial streets. Not just Mondstadt goods—there were even specialty items from Natlan and Snezhnaya.

Yeah… blowing up the whole street probably isn’t a good idea. Ending a shopping trip that way would be a bit too hardcore.

Hu Tao flitted from shop to shop, lively as ever, while Gu Sanqiu trailed behind like an old tortoise, slow and steady. If he had a pair of jade spheres rolling in his palm, he’d look even more like an old man.

“Sanqiu! Look at this dress! Doesn’t it look amazing?”

Hu Tao zipped back, grabbing his sleeve before dashing into an upscale boutique.

Her eyes sparkled as she gazed at a dress displayed on a mannequin. Black with elegant white embroidery, at first glance, it resembled a maid outfit. But upon closer inspection, the placement of the embroidery was entirely different—

The patterns were ornate, almost regal, like embellishments on an emperor’s robes.

Rather than a maid’s uniform, it looked more like… a royal’s leisurewear.

On the mannequin, it lacked presence, but on a real person, it would exude both refinement and authority.

Gu Sanqiu glanced at Hu Tao, then back at the dress.

“…It might not suit you.”

“Huh?! Why not?”

Hu Tao looked utterly scandalized. “Since when did you develop a fashion sense? Be honest—who have you been secretly training with?”

“…Do I need training for this?”

Gu Sanqiu deadpanned. “You and the others all have wildly different styles. Just seeing that every day naturally sharpens my judgment.”

Simply put, being surrounded by high-quality female friends had force-leveled his sense of aesthetics, even as a dense, battle-crazed straight man.

On Hu Tao, this dress would be like a mischievous kitten suddenly sitting down to recite classical poetry in perfect form. The contrast would be too jarring.

“I don’t care! I’m wearing it!”

Hu Tao grabbed his collar and shook him. “Buy it for me, you emotionless Qiuqiu!”

If not for their height difference, his hair would probably be a bird’s nest by now.

Gu Sanqiu glanced around the shop and spotted a display of accessories. Good—now he wouldn’t have to hunt elsewhere.

“Fine. Go try it on. And take these matching accessories with you.”

He handed her a carefully selected set. “They’ll complement the dress.”

At the end of the day, it wasn’t about money. If she liked it, he’d go along with it.

After all, scraping some powder off Azhdaha’s scales would be worth a thousand of these boutiques. (crossed out)

“Sir,” the store clerk approached with a bright smile. “This dress actually has a matching gemstone accessory set. It’s quite valuable, so we usually sell it separately. Would you like to see it?”

Wow. They’ve really mastered the art of bundled sales.

Gu Sanqiu’s eyes flashed with disdain. Gemstone accessories? Please. If he casually flicked out a few raw gems and carved them himself, they’d be leagues ahead in quality.

But then, glancing at Hu Tao, he let out a small smirk and nodded at the clerk.

“Let’s see it.”

Unlike gaudy, over-the-top jewelry, these pieces subtly complemented the dress’s design, enhancing its charm.

For something from a clothing store, they were fairly sophisticated—low-key yet luxurious.

Hu Tao hardly lacked high-end, master-tailored garments. Given her sister’s extravagant taste, she had no shortage of exquisite dresses.

The same went for Beidou—who once scoffed at a gift from Hu Tao’s sister, claiming “There’s no way she gave me this without ulterior motives. How the hell am I supposed to wear something this delicate while sailing?”

But it wasn’t about having expensive clothes.

For Hu Tao—or any girl, really—it was about discovering something new, the excitement of finding a piece they loved.

Gu Sanqiu understood that. At least, when his wallet was prepared, he understood.

Otherwise, he would have just blown up the entire shopping district.

Seeing Hu Tao now dressed in “The Emperor’s Grand Robes,” he had to admit—these damned designers really nailed the difference between a regular edition and a collector’s edition.

This outfit practically reeks of Mora.

After paying—politely declining the store’s enthusiastic VIP membership offer—he turned just as Hu Tao emerged from the fitting room.

“Ta-da! The grand debut of Her Majesty, the Funeral Queen!”

The black skirt swayed lightly. Though its colors were dark, the contrast against Hu Tao’s warm, jade-like skin softened its tone, blending into an elegant harmony of black and white.

With her playful smile, the regal aura of the dress took on a different charm—like a mischievous young princess sneaking into her mother’s royal attire. The mix of cuteness and dignity blended seamlessly, neither overshadowing the other.

Not bad.

Gu Sanqiu nodded in approval. Maybe coming out today wasn’t such a bad idea. I’ll be merciful and spare Childe for now. Can’t be bothered to hunt him down today.

Watching cute girls really did put people in a good mood. The elders weren’t wrong about that.

“Oh my, you lowly little servant.”

Hu Tao’s expression shifted instantly. She elegantly donned the sheer gloves he had picked for her, lifting a small black folding fan.

“Still standing there gawking at me, your Empress? Have you been completely bewitched by my unparalleled beauty?”

“…Heh. What a laughable man.”

With a disdainful look, she snapped the fan shut, tilting her chin upward and eyeing Gu Sanqiu as if he were an insignificant insect.

In a matter of seconds, she had transformed from a playful little princess into a haughty queen.

She tapped the edge of the fan against her lips before extending it outward, pressing it lightly under Gu Sanqiu’s chin.

“You foolish and insignificant man, this is a reward from your Empress. Now, go forth and dedicate everything to my glory!”

You seriously aren’t doing theater with Yun Jin as a side hobby? What a waste of talent.

Gu Sanqiu’s face was devoid of emotion.

At this moment, he felt like he could apply for a Cryo Vision from the Tsaritsa herself.

I take back what I said.

Once I’m done here, I’m still going after Tartaglia.

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This is a fan translation of 原神之璃月奉香人 by 淡白蛋清. All rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!