After parting with Lingsha, Fu Xuan returned to Herta and Ruan Mei.
"Madam Herta, Madam Ruan Mei, I've persuaded Cauldron Chief Lingsha to agree to your request. She will move out soon."
Herta, who had been helping Ruan Mei choose eyebrow powder and makeup, nodded slightly. Yet Fu Xuan lingered, unwilling to leave.
She took a deep breath and gathered her courage. "Madam Herta, I helped you with this big favor today. Could you perhaps put in a good word for me with that person?"
Herta was not entirely unreasonable. After all, Fu Xuan had stepped into the mess between her and Lingsha and had clearly paid a price for it.
"Wait over there. After I finish helping Ruan Mei with her eyebrow makeup, we'll talk privately."
Fu Xuan breathed a small sigh of relief. Having worked for years on both the Yuque and the Luofu, she had reached her current position through three things: first, her diligent work; second, her status as a noble of the Yuque; and third, her deep understanding of Xianzhou social dynamics. She could be strict with subordinates, but never harsh—merciful when possible. With superiors, she was neither obsequious nor negligent, ensuring her work was efficient and her contributions visible to those above.
"Ruan Mei, I'll go with this green-pink shade. Later, I'll do your brows myself."
Ruan Mei nodded and sat quietly by the stone table, closing her eyes as she sipped her tea.
Herta took Fu Xuan aside to discuss how she could help.
"Tell me. How do you want me to help? Let me be clear—I, Madam Herta, have principles. I won't assist with anything too absurd or morally questionable."
Fu Xuan nodded in understanding. "Madam Herta, rest assured. I only ask that you write me a letter of recommendation."
Herta crossed her arms, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Oh? A letter of recommendation? Recommending you as the new General of the Xianzhou Luofu?"
"Yes. Written by your own hand, addressed to Marshal Hua."
Herta thought for a moment, then took the brush Fu Xuan offered and wrote: "Old Hua, Fu Xuan wants to be Luofu General."
Fu Xuan blinked and quickly waved her hands. "Madam Herta, this is no time for jokes. It needs to be formal, written, and convey a legitimate succession."
Herta let out a soft, mocking laugh. "Hmm? Fu Xuan's ambition is known to all on the Xianzhou. Once Jing Yuan retires, there's no one else vying for that position. Why are you so anxious?"
Fu Xuan gritted her teeth. She was truly afraid—afraid of ending up like the Grand Diviner of the Yaoqing, who had served diligently for over three hundred years, only to have Feixiao—someone who had escaped from the borisin—appear out of nowhere and take the position. That Grand Diviner might toil for centuries more and still never inherit the Yaoqing's General seat.
"Sigh, Madam Herta, I'm genuinely afraid. Afraid that after Jing Yuan steps down, Xuling will appoint a new Luofu General from above. Or that before his retirement, he will inexplicably recommend someone else. I just want to be the Luofu General too much."
Herta studied her thoughtfully. This Grand Diviner reminds her of Herta Ninety-Nine.
"Don't you have Qingque? Didn't she vow to help you inherit the Lightning Lord?"
Fu Xuan sighed again. "Don't mention it. Before our wedding, she made all kinds of solemn promises. Within three days of our honeymoon, her true colors showed. She lies around at home all day, won't do any chores, and occasionally slips out to play jade tiles—carefree and even more lazy than before, more indulgent than ever."
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Translator's Note
New fanfic with Dottore as MC dropped:
Genshin Impact: The Fool's Delusion