A Joyous Occasion

Su Qing’s sudden return caught Liu Xixi by surprise, though she didn't let it show on her face.

She maintained her usual calm and indifferent expression.

"With the Sovereign away, the entire burden of managing this domain fell onto my shoulders. Since you’ve been gone for so many days, things have naturally been quite busy," Liu Xixi said, setting down the document in her hand. "However, to say I couldn't handle it would be an exaggeration... it’s just been significantly busier than usual."

Liu Xixi’s workload was already heavy; even when Su Qing was present, the majority of the tasks fell to her. Therefore, Su Qing’s absence didn't add an overwhelming amount of work, it just made her daily routine more intense. At most, it simply required more of her time.

Su Qing gave an awkward smile. She felt quite comfortable being an absentee manager, but it was hard on a workaholic like Liu Xixi.

However, while Su Qing felt a bit guilty, she had no intention of taking over the management entirely. Over the years, Liu Xixi had handled more and more matters, processing countless documents until everything was second nature to her. Su Qing, on the other hand, was now inferior to her in these administrative tasks. If Su Qing were to suddenly take over, not only might she fail to do things correctly, but the speed of processing would also slow down significantly.

The best she could do was try her best to help out and lighten the load, ensuring the poor girl didn't work herself to exhaustion.

"Is that so? I suppose I underestimated you. But since I'm back, I must help you. I am the acting manager of this domain, after all; I can't just be a complete absentee manager."

"Even if the Sovereign wished to be an absentee manager, I would not allow it. After all, you must at least help me with the seals. Some matters cannot be delegated without the Sovereign’s official seal," Liu Xixi shook her head and spoke truthfully.

Liu Xixi valued rules above all else. She never overstepped her authority and never used her position for personal gain. Even though the jade seal was kept right there, and she could have used it whenever she pleased, she always waited for Su Qing to return so that Su Qing could personally apply it. To her, it wasn't about being inflexible; it was about maintaining proper order.

Su Qing smiled helplessly. Who wouldn't feel at ease with such an assistant? She suspected that even a futuristic AI wouldn't be as loyal as this girl.

"Fine, fine, fine. I'll leave the stamping to me then!" Su Qing said, spreading her hands.

"Mhm. I shall trouble the Sovereign then." Liu Xixi nodded, preparing to lower her head and return to work.

However, Su Qing was in no hurry. She asked, "Aren't you curious about what I've been doing these past few days?"

Liu Xixi looked up again at Su Qing. After a moment of silence, she nodded. "Naturally, I am curious. But whether the Sovereign chooses to speak of it is the Sovereign’s business; I cannot force you."

Su Qing rubbed her chin, feeling a bit frustrated. She actually really wanted to share the news, but the girl wouldn't ask. In the end, Su Qing had to be the one to bring it up herself.

Su Qing shook her head and said, "Actually, my trip was for nothing other than the fact that my wife was about to give birth. I had to go and accompany her."

When Liu Xixi heard this, the hand holding the document trembled slightly, nearly dropping it. She had considered many possibilities, but she had never expected this.

After a moment of silence, Liu Xixi asked, "Was it Sister Ao Ying or Sister Leng Xiang?"

"Neither. It was Bai Suzhen," Su Qing said with a smile.

"So it was that sister..." Liu Xixi sighed and nodded.

She didn't know why, but hearing that Su Qing’s wife had given birth made her heart feel heavy and stifled. Although it was a joyous occasion, she felt a strange sense of displeasure. 'Could it be... that I have become a petty, jealous person?'

'But what am I jealous of?' Liu Xixi felt helpless. She couldn't figure it out, truly couldn't.

After pondering for a long time, she simply gave up. Thinking about things she couldn't understand only added to her frustration.

"By the way, since that sister was giving birth, why didn't the Sovereign stay to accompany her longer?" Liu Xixi exhaled a breath of turbid air and asked.

Seeing her question, Su Qing said cheerfully, "There are still things to attend to here in the Northern Continent. I couldn't stay there forever, so I simply brought her here..."

Su Qing’s answer seemed slightly indirect, but she had answered the question while mentioning that she had brought Bai Suzhen back with her.

Liu Xixi nodded. She naturally had no objection to Su Qing bringing someone to the domain. Su Qing was the master of this place now; she could do as she pleased. As long as she didn't want to blow the place up, anything was fine.

"So the Sovereign has brought that sister here!" Liu Xixi nodded. "The Sovereign is indeed thoughtful."

"It’s not about being thoughtful; it’s just doing what I can."

Su Qing shook her head and added, "By the way, the baby's full moon banquet is coming up soon. I plan to hold it here. I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you to help me arrange it. Also, you must come and have a few drinks. As for work, it’s fine to set it aside for a while; I’ll help you process everything afterward."

Hearing this, Liu Xixi finally understood why Su Qing had suddenly taken the initiative to mention these things. She found it somewhat amusing.

Su Qing was clearly the master of this domain—even if only temporarily—yet she still felt the need to consult her. No matter what Su Qing wanted to do, the people in the domain wouldn't object; they would simply obey and help.

Therefore, there was no need for Su Qing to discuss it with her. She could have just given the order. No one in the domain would say anything, nor would they dare to.

Yet, she still loved to consult her.

Although Su Qing often said Liu Xixi was too rigid and cared too much about rules, Liu Xixi often felt that Su Qing lacked the mindset of a ruler and didn't act like a proper master.

However, even though Liu Xixi found it amusing, she couldn't help but feel a bit happy. She didn't intend to interfere with the decisions and simply nodded.

"I shall follow your arrangements. I am the Sovereign’s subordinate; I will do whatever the Sovereign says." Liu Xixi’s smile was as calm as ever.

Liu Xixi’s mindset was very simple: she would do whatever Su Qing told her to do. There was nothing to overthink or hesitate about. After all, Su Qing was the master of the domain, and she was merely an assistant official. She could help Su Qing, but she could not make decisions for her. To do so would be to overstep her bounds and break the rules.

Su Qing was a bit speechless after hearing this. "I’m asking you to help me arrange it, but you say you’ll follow my arrangements? How will that work? Oh well, regardless, I’ll leave the arrangements to you when the time comes. I’ll feel more at ease with you handling it."

Liu Xixi could only nod, indicating she understood. "I understand. The Sovereign can rest assured; I will handle everything properly."

Su Qing smiled and nodded. She had absolute trust in Liu Xixi. Leaving these matters to her was the most reassuring choice. The girl was far more reliable than Su Qing herself when it came to getting things done.

"Alright, we’ve chatted enough. I should finish the work that’s piled up recently."

Su Qing stretched her neck and picked up some of the documents Liu Xixi had left, beginning the repetitive task of processing them.

Seeing this, Liu Xixi said no more. She suppressed her inner thoughts and began handling the documents as well.

Time flowed by, and the day was soon nearly over.

By evening, Su Qing, having finished most of the work, returned to her bedchamber.

Inside, Bai Suzhen was playing with Su Tingtong—a cozy scene. The other maids were also performing their respective duties. By the time Su Qing returned, dinner had already been prepared.

Everything was the same as usual; the presence of an extra person in the bedchamber didn't cause any major disruption. Su Qing was satisfied with this. Such normalcy was a good thing.

Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, another eight or nine days had gone by.

During these days, Su Qing was quite busy every day. Aside from helping Bai Suzhen with the baby, she worked with Liu Xixi to process documents. Although Su Qing mostly just applied the seals, she didn't ignore the actual content of the documents. After all, there was only one Liu Xixi; she couldn't truly leave everything to her. It was one thing when she wasn't there, but since she was, she naturally had to help out when she was free.

And so, the days passed without incident. Having finished the backlog of work and arranged the affairs of the domain, Su Qing was ready for the next step.

She spoke with Liu Xixi, mentioning that she needed to head out for a day or two.

"The Sovereign is going out again for a day or two?" Liu Xixi asked, puzzled.

Su Qing nodded and explained, "Mhm. I need to go fetch Ao Ying and Leng Xiang. Also, I need to notify my friends about the full moon banquet... so I’ll be gone for a couple of days."

Liu Xixi realized what was happening and quickly nodded. "I see... but why doesn't the Sovereign just send someone to notify them? Why go personally?"

Su Qing laughed and shook her head. "Firstly, I’m faster. Secondly, it shows more sincerity. Thirdly, since I’m heading out anyway, I might as well get everything done at once to save myself from having to arrange it all later."

Whenever Su Qing went out, she liked to accomplish multiple things; otherwise, it felt like a wasted trip.

Liu Xixi opened her mouth to speak but found herself momentarily speechless. After a long pause, she simply nodded. "I understand. Since the Sovereign wishes to go, then please go. I will handle the affairs of the domain."

She had done this so many times that it had become a habit.

Su Qing smiled and nodded. "I’m making things hard for you again. But don't worry, I’ll only be gone for a day or two this time."

Liu Xixi said nothing, only nodding.

Seeing this, Su Qing gave an awkward smile and stopped talking. She performed a hand seal and departed.

Once Su Qing was gone, Liu Xixi didn't stand outside for long. She turned back to continue her work. Whether Su Qing was there or not, her workload didn't change much. However, working without Su Qing by her side made her feel a bit empty, though she didn't know why.

'I suppose I’ve just grown used to her being here,' Liu Xixi thought, then settled her mind to focus on her work. With Su Qing away, she had to work even harder.

After leaving the domain, Su Qing traveled all the way to the small city where Leng Xiang was located.

Leng Xiang had moved to a new city to develop her Incense Power. This city was small and not as prosperous as the previous one, but the people here were simple and enthusiastic, making them easy to trick—no, rather, they were more inclined to believe in immortals. In just a few short months, she had brought in a large amount of Incense Power for Su Qing.

Su Qing lowered her cloud and landed in the temple.

The temple was crowded, and the Incense Power was flourishing. The blue smoke in the courtyard looked from a distance like someone was cooking a massive feast—a testament to how much incense was being burned.

Su Qing didn't linger in the courtyard. She slipped into the inner room to find Leng Xiang.

Finding Leng Xiang was easy for Su Qing; she located her quickly. However, even though she found her, she didn't go up to greet her immediately. Leng Xiang was currently busy granting someone’s prayer, so it wasn't a good time to disturb her.

Fortunately, it didn't take long. In a few moments, the task was done.

After finishing, Leng Xiang let out a long breath. Clearly, she had consumed a significant amount of magic power.

"Leng Xiang, you’re still directly granting their wishes as always. You really don't have to be so blunt about it. A little nudge would suffice; why do it so directly?" Su Qing said with a smile.

At the sound of her voice, Leng Xiang opened her eyes. Seeing it was Su Qing, she broke into a smile. "Leng Xiang is foolish and cannot think of complex ways, so I simply used the most direct method."

"You aren't foolish," Su Qing shook her head. "Doing it this way is indeed the fastest way to harvest Incense Power, but it’s much more exhausting for you."

"I am not tired. I am a sword spirit; how could I be tired?" Leng Xiang shook her head. "As long as I can help Master, it is enough."

Su Qing felt helpless. Leng Xiang was wonderful in every way, but she could be quite stubborn at times. However, Su Qing hadn't come to scold her. She said, "Alright, regardless, come back with me for now."

"Go back? Why?" Leng Xiang was startled. "Is it no longer necessary to collect Incense Power?"

Su Qing shook her head. "Of course not... Leng Xiang, do you remember what I told you before? Bai Suzhen was about to give birth! Well, she has given birth now, and the full moon banquet is only a few days away."