As Ningguang's special intelligence officer, Yelan was not actually on the Liyue Ministry of Civil Affairs' personnel roster. In other words, like Kuki Shinobu, she had started out working part-time. However, she had found herself a good boss, and her outstanding personal abilities, combined with Ningguang's position, had allowed her to rise into the ranks of Liyue's unseen upper echelon.
Originally, Yelan's status had not qualified her to attend this banquet. But when her investigation revealed that Kuki Shinobu, one of Inazuma's deputy envoys, seemed to be in much the same situation as her, she had decisively come along as well.
Mostly, she was also very curious about how Yucheng had become Inazuma's regent and wanted to learn more about him.
Thus, Yelan had kept her attention on Yucheng throughout the banquet, observing and recording his every expression and movement to determine which of his statements were true, which were false, and which were platitudes. This would help Ningguang with her future arrangements.
While he was talking with Uncle Tian, Yelan keenly noticed that Yucheng paused slightly midway through, and his expression underwent a subtle change, as though he had discovered something but felt awkward saying it outright.
Uncle Tian said, "Ah, I thought these old bones of mine could keep working for Liyue for a few more years. Now it seems I need to find a suitable person to take over as soon as possible."
Ningguang said, "Uncle Tian, you command great respect. There is no need to rush the handover. You can take your time assessing suitable candidates. I have no objections to anyone you recommend."
Keqing said, "Neither do I."
Uncle Tian said, "Then you have my thanks, Tianquan and Yuheng. Ah, what I want most now is to go fishing at Liyue's docks every day. Only