Work Text:
1.
Zhongli was sick.
It never occurred to Hu Tao that there would be a time when she would use such words to describe Zhongli's state. In Hu Tao's eyes, Zhongli was a figure untouched by ordinary human problems such as aging and illness. Therefore, when the war ended and Zhongli came to the Wangsheng hall with a face so pale yet seemingly enduring pain, for a moment Hu Tao lost her mind.
What happened to her beloved consultant? Who would dare to injure her guest like this?
Even so, Hu Tao immediately carried the consultant to his room and ordered the other staffs to help her prepare warm water and find medicine. Painstakingly, Hu Tao and the others tended to the already unconscious Zhongli. Throughout that night, the Wangsheng hall was so quiet. People seemed to hold their breath and wait for Zhongli to wake up. However, a day had already passed and Zhongli never woke up.
Night turned to day. The sun that was originally shining with its golden light, has now been replaced again by the silvery light of the moon. Hu Tao looked at Zhongli's pale face and sighed softly. Was his dream so beautiful that he refused to wake up? She had even prepared her consultant's favorite meal in the hope that he could eat it once he woke up, but it seemed that Zhongli insisted on sleeping longer.
The girl then turned her gaze out the window. The air in Liyue Harbor had become colder, signaling that snow would soon fall. Looking back, it was around the same time that she met Zhongli a few years ago. The first snowflake that fell on her tiny nose and the warm hand that guided her back into the warmth of her home. Hu Tao still remembers everything clearly.
It's been a long time, she thought fondly.
A knock on the door broke her nostalgic reverie. With a low voice, Hu Tao let the figure behind the door know that she was welcome to enter. A moment later, the mahogany door opened and the Ferrylady walked over to Hu Tao. "Director, it's getting late. You'd better get some rest. I'm sure that Mr. Zhongli won't be happy to see you sleeping so late either." Hu Tao was silent for a long time and then chuckled softly as if remembering something funny. Slowly, she rose from her sitting position beside Zhongli's bed and raised the man's blanket so that it was at chest level. After extinguishing the candles on the nightstand, the girl was seen pushing the Ferrylady out of the room. "Alright, alright. This director will obey you. Aren’t I a good boss for being so obedient to her subordinates?"
"That's not it, Director-"
Laughing softly, Hu Tao appeared to pat the girl's shoulder. "Yes, I know." Once again turning her head towards the figure of a man within the room, Hu Tao simply smiled a little and whispered, "Get well soon, Zhongli. Lantern Rite will be here soon." The Ferrylady in front of her also gave a small smile and replied. "I'm sure Mr. Zhongli will be back to health soon." Then, she closed the door, letting the darkness finally engulf the room.
2.
That night, Hu Tao had a dream. She returned to the time where she first met Zhongli. It was right after his grandfather's death. She always remembered that time as the coldest winter she had ever lived through. She remembered that as soon as the news of her grandfather's passing reached her ears, the first thing she did was run away... (Perhaps she was trying to escape the claustrophobic feeling of her grandfather's memory filling their now-too-big home. Perhaps, she was trying to escape the fact that her grandfather was already gone) Honestly, she didn’t know either. Hu Tao didn't really understand her feelings well at the time. It was all a jumbled mess.
They say that people with unstable emotions are more likely to do things out of the norm. Perhaps, she did. She still remembers how her heartbeat raced with the rough rhythm of her breathing. Every gust of wind hit her face like a flash of memories that seemed to chase her, reminding her of a presence that was now gone. The winding road to Wuwang Hill reflected her chaotic feelings, portraying the tightness in her chest that kept beating in time with her hurried steps. Although her legs kept moving, the loss she felt made her feel as if her time was frozen, entangled in an unparalleled stalemate. The tightness of the loss felt like an endless run, constantly running in search of something that was no longer coming back.
At that point, it just hit her… the realization that her grandfather would never come back. At that time, little Hu Tao kept running towards Wuwang Hill, the place where her grandfather had first taught her about funeral rites. She didn't know how many times she had fallen during her run. But the pain in her elbows and knees was definitely not comparable to the hurt in her heart. She sat on the edge of the small lake on the hill and cried her heart out. Time continued to pass until Hu Tao stopped crying, leaving a sad sense of emptiness. Her mind was blank until he felt a cold sensation touch the tip of his nose. For a brief moment of realization, she knew she had to get back home before the snow got heavier.
Yet, her feet felt heavy.
But before the girl could get up from where she sat, an umbrella covered her small body. A pair of warm hands helped her stand up and put a warm coat on her body. In the midst of her confusion, Hu Tao only remembered a pair of solemn golden eyes, as well as a soft voice that seemed to be able to warm her frozen body. "Miss Hu, are you feeling better now?" Hu Tao did not answer and only brought her body closer to the said man. The distinctive scent of silk flowers delicately greeted her sense of smell. She remembered that this man was the guest that her grandfather brought to help with the affairs in the hall a few days ago. So the girl didn't have to worry about being kidnapped or anything like that.
Seeing that his question was only met with silence, Zhongli simply smiled and patted the small of the young girl's back lightly. "Let's go home. I've prepared some warm bamboo shoot soup for you to eat."
"I don’t want to-"
"Miss Hu, don’t worry about it. Let me prepare your grandfather's funeral for the time being. When you feel better, you can join me. But now, you have to go back home first, lest you are frozen alone in this place."
Slowly, he led the girl down the hill. For a while, they walked in a rather comfortable silence. Hu Tao seemed like she didn’t want to talk much. But seeing her sad look, made Zhongli worried. He must find a topic to lighten up her mood. "Your grandfather always told me good things about you. Even though, he said you were naughty-"
"Hey!"
Hearing a weak exclamation from the girl, no doubt made Zhongli chuckle slightly. "-he always told me that you were a serious person when studying funeral rites. He believed that you would be an excellent successor and even a more outstanding person." With a gentle smile, Zhongli seemed to take something out from behind his body. A familiar hat made little Hu Tao widen her eyes. "Therefore, Miss Hu-ehem… forgive me for my mistake. I mean Director Hu…”
“.... As you know, nothing in this world is eternal. Everything that has a beginning will definitely meet its end."
For a moment, silence enveloped the two. Hu Tao's small voice then broke the silence between them. "I know. But it’s not make it easier to deal with it.” Zhongli gave a small nod and smiled, “That is indeed true.Therefore, it's okay to feel sad because of Mr. Hu's departure. That is only natural for you to be sad. After all, he is your most beloved person…”
Hu Tao smiled sadly, yet her eyes bore an understanding glint that made Zhongli smile a little. So, he continued. “...However, please always remember that Mr. Hu will always live on in your memories. Our job, as funeral attendants, is to ensure that anyone who leaves this world does so in an honorable manner. Your grandfather is no exception." Zhongli stopped his steps followed by Hu Tao. "Let's prepare your grandfather's funeral ceremony as best as we can, Director Hu. From now on, I will be by your side and help you lead the Wangsheng Hall."
With a solemn demeanor, Zhongli put the hat in his hand earlier onto Hu Tao's head. Hu Tao knew that it’s nothing formal. But, the way Zhongli did the little ceremony for her really helped her to realize that she is, in fact, not alone.
Not anymore.
"Do you think I can do it? What if grandpa is disappointed in me?"
"How can that be? Without a doubt, Director Hu can definitely do it." The man said softly, yet with conviction. "Whether he will be disappointed or not, all you need to do is do your best. How could your grandfather be disappointed?"
Without prompting, Hu Tao hugged the man's slender waist tightly. Although once again, tears flowed down her cheeks, a small laugh now seemed to adorn the girl's face. "Let's arrange the funeral ceremony impeccably!"
Hearing that, Zhongli only smiled gently and patted the girl's back lightly. "I can't make any promises, Director. But naturally, I will be together with you for as long as it’s permitted."
Hu Tao should have realized back then, that the consultant never made promises he could not keep.
3.
The last thing he remembered was the excruciating pain. He limped towards the Wangsheng Hall while enduring such an unimaginable pain. He sought brief respite, leaning on buildings, waiting for the torment to ease, even if only slightly. Zhongli also felt like his body was slowly losing its normal temperature. The chill that penetrated his bones made his consciousness seem to be torn apart. Zhongli knew this was not the effect of a mere loss of strength. Other than the injuries he received from the battle, the pain should not have been this severe.
This is the curse of the Heavenly Principle, he thought bitterly.
He could hear the wail of hatred echoing inside his head, bringing waves of pain to his soul. He tried to distract his mind from the pain, but nothing seems to work. Short breath mixed with a buzzing sound in his ears made him realize that his consciousness would not last long. Cold sweat drenched his entire body, making the cold feeling due to the drop in body temperature even more pronounced. His pair of golden eyes no longer radiated the usual warmth and tenderness, there was only pain and confusion there.
After a journey that felt so slow, Zhongli finally arrived in front of the Wangsheng building. The only thing he remembered before he completely lost consciousness were Hu Tao's panicked screams and the anxious faces of the Wangsheng workers who were there.
4.
When Zhongli woke up, the pain in his body was still there. He even felt that his body was getting weaker. His breathing felt short and intermittent accompanied by an intense headache. Nausea and pain invaded his stomach, adding to his discomfort. A chill ran through his entire body down to his bones, making him unconsciously shrink into the blanket. Although, it didn't seem to be very successful to evade the cold.
"Zhongli, you wake up. Get some rest, it's still too early. Let someone prepare breakfast for you first."
It was Hu Tao's voice. The voice did not sound as cheerful as usual. However, there was no mistaking that it was indeed the director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Upon recognising the girl's voice, Zhongli felt the tension in his body ease. His mind became more relaxed and his two dull eyes just looked at the ceiling of the room in a daze. Zhongli felt that his vision was blurred. He was unable to see his surroundings as clearly as usual. That fact made him feel a little sad, though he quickly reorganized his feelings.
It seemed like the curse of the Heavenly Principle plus the contamination of the abyss power in his body was getting worse. He knew that this was just the beginning. Over time, all of his senses would decline in function until he was completely unable to feel anything anymore. He was not saddened by the loss of his senses. He was only sad that he could not help in the slightest for Liyue's recovery under these circumstances and would only trouble Hu Tao and others. Zhongli wanted to speak up, but his voice didn’t come out. This effort caused him to cough loudly instead, making Hu Tao swiftly help him to sit up by leaning on a pile of soft pillows while stroking his back. Zhongli slightly heard the girl ordering something to the person outside the room and soon he was helped by the girl to take a sip of warm water to clear his throat.
"Don't think too much for now, Zhongli. Liyue is currently recovering. Qixing has instructed each of us to help with certain tasks based on our capability." The girl seemed to pause for a moment before continuing, "Our hall is no exception. The past few days we have been busy organizing funerals for those who have fallen on the battlefield."
A heavy silence fell over the two people. "However, don't worry too much..." Hu Tao seemed to seat herself back beside Zhongli after placing the glass on the nightstand. "...Thanks to Qixing's early warning, civilian casualties were minimized. Most of the casualties were vision holders and Milleliths who went into battle. We already held funeral processions for them yesterday according to the instructions you left."
"Director..."
Zhongli's voice was heard calling out to the girl. The voice that usually sounded full of confidence now sounded so weak and low. It was as if speaking just a little had exhausted his energy.
"Yes?"
"Thanks for your hard work and all."
Hu Tao smiled slightly when she heard him said it. Her smile got wider as she found a gentle smile warmly etched on her consultant's face. With a wave of her hand, she talked as if she was boasting. "This is already our job. You don't need to worry. We have this great director as the boss. And under your guidance, the undertakers here are more than capable to complete task at hands.”
Zhongli nodded slowly at the girl's satisfactory answer. "It turns out that the Director has all grown up. I'm sorry that I've caused so much trouble to you and the others in the past few days-"
"Zhongli!"
He was somewhat rather surprised to hear the girl's loud scowl. Hu Tao in his memory was a nosy but a really cheerful child. It was rare to hear her raising her voice in anger. Hence, he was somewhat surprised. Staring at the girl's unique pair of eyes, he could feel a very sharp disapproving look. This made him sigh softly while trying to calm the girl down by gently patting her arm.
"Alright, i was wrong. Director said there's a lot to do, right?" He spoke in a soft and soothing tone, as if coaxing a child. "Go and complete your tasks. I will continue my rest as you wish earlier."
Hu Tao once again just squinted her eyes as if saying ‘I am not a child’ at the consultant and stood up to help the man lie back down. After fixing the position of the blanket, the girl lightly patted Zhongli's cheek, making both of them wince slightly due to the difference in body temperature between the two. Seeing that, Hu Tao just let out a long sigh and got up from there. "Bubu Pharmacy is very busy these days. So, we can only request medicine for you in the meantime. Someone will prepare it for you after you eat your breakfast. Promise me to take all the medicines, otherwise don't expect to be able to buy your favorite antique again!"
Hearing Hu Tao's nagging, Zhongli just nodded quietly, unwilling to keep the girl there any longer. After making sure the man rested obediently, Hu Tao left the room with a slightly calmer heart. At least her beloved consultant was awake.
5.
Zhongli felt he had fallen into a very long dream. The great war between human civilization against Celestia had finally broken out. Seven nations united under the leadership of the other six gods to fight against the Heavenly Principle and its army. The war was short, but the damage caused was enormous. He himself did not remember much about the process. Unlike the other six gods who chose to fight against Celestia, Zhongli secretly chose to go to the border of the world to guard against attacks from the outside world. He understood very well when the false sky collapsed, then everything that would destroy this world would arrive at their door. To prevent the worst scenario from happening, Zhongli chose to guard the border and leave the safety of his people to the adepti as well as the Cryo Archon based on the last contract they made.
Although he was able to defend the world's borders in the end, it was not without a price. From the beginning, the power of the abyss had the risk of contaminating everything from Teyvat, and the gods were no exception. Zhongli, who had fought alone against the invasion of monsters from the abyss, was also tainted by the power that did not come from that world. When he returned to Teyvat, the law of the world began to reject his existence. Although the Heavenly Principle had been defeated, the power of its laws still remained in that world and did not completely disappear until a new law was established.
With that remaining law, Heavenly Principle imposed a curse on him that had been tainted by the otherworldly power. That curse, coupled with the contamination of the abyss's power, was something that was completely beyond his control. Dark webs began to creep across the god's body that became more overwhelming day by day. Excruciating pain struck him from morning to night. Hu Tao could only watch the consultant's struggle against the pain helplessly. The girl had already tried going to Bubu Pharmacy. But as the harbor's only clinic, it was really busy and even overwhelmed by the number of patients coming in recently.
In the end, Baizhu could only administer some medicines based on the consultant's symptoms and told her to come if his condition did not improve. Hu Tao had also tried to contact the only adeptus she knew, the vigilant yaksha. However, they said the yaksha was injured in the war and is currently recuperating in Jueyun Karst. That’s why it’s rather difficult to meet him in the meantime, unless Hu Tao went by herself to the adepti realm. This naturally frustrated Hu Tao. She knew that Zhongli was not an ordinary mortal and her only hope of getting a fast adepti treatment was not in his usual post. Hu Tao really wanted to run to Jueyun Karst right then and there. However, her obligations as the director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor did not allow her to leave for too long. After all, Zhongli also couldn't be left alone for too long and someone had to take care of him.
Let's wait for a few more days. If his condition doesn't improve, I'll go find another adeptus.
With that in mind, Hu Tao returned to helping the consultant prepare the medicine. At least, that was the only thing that could alleviate his suffering for now. Although Zhongli's forehead always frowned when he had to take the medicine, in the end he obediently took the medicine that the girl had painstakingly prepared in his behalf.
6.
It was already late when she came back. Hu Tao had just finished with the other funeral ceremony preparations. With light steps, the girl walked down the still bustling harbor road. Liyue harbor never seems to sleep. Moreover, now people were busy with the city's reconstruction and the Lantern Rite celebrations that were just around the corner. The harbor, which was usually bustling, became even busier.
As soon as she approached the Wangsheng building, she quickened her pace. Her body moved instinctively, as if she knew that someone had been waiting there for a long time. Honestly, everything went smoothly for the girl all day. However, for some reason, Hu Tao always had this nagging feeling that she had forgotten something very important. No matter how many times she tried to remember it, the memory in question seemed to get further and further away, making her give up in the end.
After telling the other staff to rest well, the girl walked casually to her room. However, before she arrived, her body froze. Her eyes widened with a mix of surprise and fear as she looked at a room at the end of the hall. As if remembering something, the girl frantically ran towards the room. When she entered, Zhongli's figure seemed to be leaning comfortably on a pile of pillows. He seemed to have his eyes closed, either asleep or just resting. The man who used to always look healthy and fit now looked so thin and sickly. His face was pale with an expression of obvious pain.
“Zhongli…” Hu Tao called softly. “Zhongli, sorry… I-”
A huge feeling of guilt closed in her throat, stopping whatever she wanted to say. How, how could she forget the consultant? The girl knew this wasn't normal, how could she forget-
"Director Hu..."
Zhongli's soft call brought the girl out of her frantic thoughts. Hu Tao looked at the man with a blank expression on her face which was met with a knowing look from him. He knows, Hu Tao thought bitterly. He actually knew what was going on. The girl walked absentmindedly towards the man. As soon as she arrived beside Zhongli, Hu Tao fell on her knees beside the man's bed. Her two cold hands tightly gripped the consultant's thin hand, as if she never wanted to let go. “I know you would definitely refuse to tell the truth to me…”
Zhongli can hear bitterness from her tone alone. But, Zhongli is anything but stubborn. He rarely changes his mind when he sets out to do something. It’s one of many traits of him that never really changes for thousands years and clearly he is not gonna start now. “Then, just you wait a little bit more. I will look for an adeptus tomorrow to heal you, dear consultant.”
Zhongli looked sadly at the girl who was mumbling slowly with unfocused eyes beside him. He wanted to say that this was not the girl's fault at all. But his tongue felt numb, unable to offer reassuring words perhaps for a moment. So, the man could only reply with a low voice. “Alright, I will wait for you.”
"I do not want to know! You should get well and celebrate the festival with me!”
“As you wish, Director.”
“You are not allowed to leave first! Anyway, you have to be with me until I grow old and have so many wrinkles on my face!"
“Okay, I understand.”
Silence enveloped the room for a moment before the sound of sobbing could be heard.
“Zhongli, Zhongli… how could I forget you?”
The man was just silent while rubbing the top of the girl's head. His eyes were closed, hiding his pain from the world's view.
7.
The next morning, the girl rushed to Jueyun Karst, leaving all the work to the other staff. But that night, the girl returned again with a dazed expression to his room.
"Director Hu?"
“Zhongli, tell me… is there any way to truly save you?” Hu Tao just stood beside the bed and stared at the man blankly. “I can't even remember you the moment I don't see your face.”
8.
Since then, Hu Tao seemed to refuse to leave his side. All businesses that did not require her direct intervention were handed over to several subordinates she trusted. Zhongli repeatedly persuaded the girl to leave his room for a moment to continue her work or just get some fresh air. However, this persuasion was only met with a stubborn expression and a long nagging from the girl that gave him a headache. So, Zhongli just let her be. He was well aware that the pain inflicted on him was more than the pain caused by abyss contamination, but also a curse to be forgotten. Perhaps this was also the reason why the other adeptus had not visited him until now.
It’s better that way, he thought.
It’s better that they forget me until the end. Hu Tao also has tried various ways to reduce the pain. However, he wasn't mortal, how could the medicine the girl brought work against his pain. Even when Baizhu finally can visit to examine him, he is also confused about what’s going on with his body. The man let out a helpless sigh and coughed softly. It felt like the last few days had become increasingly difficult for him to stay awake for too long. The power of the abyss that polluted his body seemed to have penetrated his entire body up to his neck.
Has it reached this point? Is the time coming soon?
It seems that the contamination was accelerated by the curse he received. The pollution caused excruciating pain in his body, while the curse tormented his soul to the point that he often almost lost his mind. Like now, intense pain invaded his body many times more than usual and evil whispers sounded in his ears, as if forcing him to submit to the endless suffering of the curse.
The Liyue people you loved so much have forgotten you.
It's okay if they forget, I will be the one who remembers them.
They don't care about you and hated you because you didn't protect them in the last war.
They will understand. Even if they don't understand, it's okay. Let me bear the burden alone.
You fail, Morax.
I know.
Stupid god, you will die soon. What good are you-
“Zhongli…?”
In the midst of his chaotic thoughts, Zhongli still heard Hu Tao's voice. It seemed like the girl realized that his condition was getting worse by the sound of his irregular breathing. Pain spread throughout his body, so he could only ask the girl to help him lie down in a more comfortable position. The girl seemed to obey him and helped him fix his position. “Do you need me to brew more medicine? Or is there something I can help you with?"
Zhongli seemed to close his eyes, as if this could relieve the pain. Hu Tao herself was only able to help him lift the blanket and lightly massage his legs. After a while, Zhongli spoke up. “Director Hu, may I ask a favor?”
"Yes of course! Say it and this Director will fulfill it for you!” Hearing the girl's enthusiastic tone, Zhongli just smiled gently. “Soon the plum blossoms will bloom, can Director Hu look for them tomorrow?”
The girl seemed to smile and nodded quickly, “Of course! I'll get someone to-”
“No, Director Hu…” The girl seemed to look at him confused. “I want Director Hu to find it for me herself tomorrow. Do you still remember the place where we first met?”
Hu Tao seemed to want to express her disagreement with his unreasonable request. However, she seemed to hold herself to do that. “Yeah, what's with that location?”
The man seemed to be smiling even though his eyes were still closed. “I remember there was a plum tree there. I hope Director Hu can pick some flowers for me. It would be great if you could take some seedlings for us to plant here too.” For a moment silence filled the room. Seeing the girl's hesitant expression, Zhongli reassured her to the point his voice was starting to get hoarse. “I know Director Hu is afraid that she will forget me once she leaves this room. Therefore, let the Ferrylady or Meng take care of me here so that you can leave with peace of mind.”
After some convincing from the man, Hu Tao finally decided to leave the next morning. The girl left after writing a few things on her palm.
'Went to pick plum blossoms and look for seedlings for someone very important. Even if you forget, you must still look for it and return home immediately!'
9.
These days, Zhongli's world is limited to the small space that is his bedroom. Hu Tao had left this morning, leaving Zhongli alone in his room. Several Wangsheng officers who did not have work that day were directed to look after him, so that his room, which was usually quiet, now seemed busy with the officers passing by. It seems they are also worried about the strange phenomenon that has recently surrounded the consultant, which makes them seem to forget about this man. Hence, the disturbance. Even so, Zhongli didn't feel disturbed.
Surprisingly, that morning Zhongli woke up in a better condition. The pain was still there, but it didn't bother him enough when he moved a bit. He decided to sort some of the antique collections in his room with the help of Ferrylady and Meng. The man plans to give his entire collection to his friends and several close acquaintances.
Consider it a final gift from him, he sighed lightly.
He painstakingly sorted the items and handed them over to the other two figures to arrange delivery. “Mr. Zhongli, are you really going to give all this up for free?” Meng asked uncertainly. The consultant just smiled a little and said, “My collection has accumulated too much. You two can take whatever you like too."
With a little coaxing, the two obediently chose the items they liked. The activity was completed in just a few hours. After that, Meng was seen helping Zhongli back to rest on the bed, leaning against a pile of pillows. Meanwhile, Ferrylady seemed to be leaving to prepare her medicine and dinner.
“Meng! Where are you?!"
Meng himself seemed to have just finished fixing Zhongli's position and immediately answered the call. “I'm here, Director!”
It didn't take long for Hu Tao to arrive in the room. Both of her hands seemed to be busy carrying a parcel which seemed to contain the things he had previously asked for. The girl's unique pair of beads seemed to inspect around the room before stopping at the thin figure on the bed. Her originally cheerful face became unreadable. Seeing this behavior again, Zhongli told Meng to leave the room and invited the girl to walk closer to him. After Meng came out and Hu Tao moved to his side, he looked at her patiently and called softly,
“Director Hu?”
“I seem to have forgotten you…”
The man just looked at the girl with an understanding look and patted her head lightly. “It's okay, the most important thing is that you come back safely-”
"That's not the case!"
The girl's interruption surprised Zhongli a little. He could hear a hint of fear in her tone. “What do you mean, Director?”
"Your name! I can't even remember your name!”
Zhongli was silent while the girl seemed increasingly panicked trying to remember the name of the man in front of her. She knew that figure was very important to her. However, she couldn't remember his name at all. Various memories flashed through her mind, but the name of the man in front of him was like a forbidden word that she couldn't find no matter how hard she tried. Meanwhile, Zhongli himself seemed silent. He didn't expect everything to happen so quickly. It seemed he had to move quickly.
“Don’t worry about it. The director can call me Zhongli. Have you got what I asked for?”
Hu Tao seemed to be trying to calm herself down. After calming down, the girl sat next to Zhongli and handed him the parcel in her hand. "I read the writing on my hand and tried to return as soon as possible."
The girl seemed silent and looked at him with visible concern. In the past, the girl was very attached to him, but now it seems like there is a distance separating the two, as if they are merely strangers and connected only by a single thin thread that's ready to snap at any moment. “This is not normal, right?”
Zhongli himself was seen examining the parcel. Some fresh plum blossoms and a few bags of seedlings, all neatly wrapped there. The man seemed to be showing a satisfied smile. “What's unnatural, Director?”
"I am clearly familiar with you. But it seems that I keep forgetting you..." Hu Tao looked at the writing in black ink that was starting to fade in her hand. “Seeing how I have to write this in my arm, it doesn't seem like this is the first time.”
"It's not normal indeed." The man said followed by a long sigh.
For the first time, Zhongli actually showed signs of tiredness on his face. However, the man immediately smiled reassuringly and got up from his bed. "But that is not for you to worry about. Since the flowers are already here, let's help me put these flowers in a vase and plant the seedlings you've worked so hard to find."
The girl seemed to follow Zhongli's steps with a complicated expression on her face. “Where do you want to plant it?”
“In the garden of course, Director.” It didn't take long for the two figures to arrive at the small garden located next to the Wangsheng building. Zhongli appeared to be walking towards an empty patch of land located at the very corner of the garden and then squatted down to dig into the soil there. But before he could do so, Hu Tao had already squatted down and dug into the ground there. “Here, right?”
“En, thank you, Director.”
“Give me the seedlings, quick!”
Seeing the girl's hasty attitude, Zhongli chuckled softly and said, “Why so hasty?”
Hu Tao seemed to chuckle softly as she took the plum tree seedling from Zhongli's hand and planted it. "Aren't you sick? The weather tonight is so cold. Come in immediately so your condition doesn't get worse!"
The man just watched the girl finish her work without heeding her advice. This of course made Hu Tao even more annoyed and accelerated her planting activities. "It's finished. Let's go back in!”
The girl immediately grabbed the man's arm and pulled him inside the building. “Why do you suddenly want to plant plum trees there?”
Hearing this question, Zhongli just smiled with hazy eyes, as if he was looking at a future he couldn't reach with his own two hands. “That is my prayer for you...”
Unbeknownst to the girl, the man injected a bit of his divine power into the seedling.
As a god, he was used to listening to the prayers of his people.
As Zhongli, let him give his prayers to the girl and his people this time around.
Hope everyone is always healthy and happy...
So that this country will always be filled with laughter and joy from its people...
Hopefully you can bloom like this plum...
Who is able to find beauty in the midst of adversity...
10.
That morning Hu Tao woke up as usual. After tidying up her room and getting ready for a while, the girl seemed ready to continue her routine as Director of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Walking along the still quiet corridor, she occasionally hummed a little tune. But, for some reason, her two feet walked towards the garden in the side yard. Her pair of eyes accidentally caught an object that looked new there. An inconspicuous little seedling somehow attracted Hu Tao's entire focus. She couldn't remember whether she was the one who planted anything there or not in the past few days. She also didn't remember if she ordered anyone to plant anything there instead.
When she tried to recall the memory of the previous night, she could only remember the distinctive scent of silk flowers and the warmth that accompanied it. After thinking for a long time but still not getting the answer she was looking for, the girl just shrugged her shoulders and left the place. Maybe it was just a dream, she thought.
Hmmm, but I'm curious, what will the seedlings grow into?
11.
The battle against Celestia was indeed a short but very difficult battle. The damage caused was also very large, although the number of victims was able to be reduced thanks to mitigation planned by the archons and assisted by vision holders and soldiers throughout the world. Despite all the preparation, the power of Heavenly Principle is simply beyond their reach. Fear and terror always arise when people remember that terrible battle. However, thanks to everyone's efforts, the war was won.
Indeed, there are still casualties. In fact, the archons were also seriously injured and are currently being treated in their respective countries. Everyone competed to give their best offerings, whether in the form of medicine, delicious food and drink, comfortable resting places, and whatever could please their gods. Also, since a part of god’s power came from people’s faith, they started to pray more religiously to strengthen their faith to speed up the recovery of the six gods.
Yes, six gods.
The god of Liyue has long abandoned his people. When the other six gods fought desperately against Celestia, only the Liyue god disappeared somewhere unknown.
Maybe this god doesn't care about his people anymore. Maybe he was fed up after leading for thousands of years. The people of Liyue already know the fact that Geo Archons didn’t really die. This was revealed when Qixing confronted the adepti nearing the final battle against Celestia. So, only one answer remains regarding the absence of the rock god... He has abandoned his people. He no longer cares about their fate, whether dead or alive.
So let them forget that god.
Let them deny his existence.
Why care about a god who doesn't even think about them?
It is unknown since when such thoughts have grown among the people of Liyue. It spreads like wildfire in no time. While the people of other countries rejoiced at the return of their gods, the people of Liyue simply continued to rebuild their country in an orderly manner while helping several neighboring countries.
That's right, Liyue is a country without God and that's how it should be.
12.
In the last few weeks, Qingce Village has been busier than usual. Apart from the hustle and bustle of parents and children working together to rebuild the village, the place was also lively with visits from relatives from the port city. This also applies to Chongyun who was sent to help with development in the area. Actually, he came here with Xingqiu. However, his friend seemed busy with the logistics that had just arrived. While waiting for Xingqiu to rest together, he decided to stop by one of the sales stands owned by one of the residents there. He really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the village, occasionally asking about the flowers in front of him, until a warm and gentle voice greeted him.
"Excuse me…"
Chongyun turned to the source of the sound. Standing not far behind him was a man with a graceful appearance. The man looked thin and pale, but these two things could not hide the man's extraordinary appearance. And one of the things that attracted his attention the most was the pair of golden eyes that shone so brightly under the sunlight. This was his first time meeting this man. But for some reason, he felt so familiar with that man. Whether it was his warm gaze, his gentle smile, his deep but calming voice, or the faint scent of silk flowers that he could smell even though they weren't that close. Chongyun felt like he had met the man somewhere, but he couldn't remember.
“This man… if you can't afford it, just leave! You're dirtying up the view at my stall!”
The man in question seemed to want to say something, but stopped when he heard the stall owner's curt response. With a slightly embarrassed expression, the man just smiled politely and left, feeling that his presence there was completely unwanted. Chongyun, who witnessed this, somehow felt a little bitter in his heart. In a low tone, he asked why the stall owner had thrown him out like that.
“He has been in this village for several days. There is not a single person here who recognizes him as a relative or knows him. The first time the man came here, he said he wanted to buy a bouquet of these plum blossoms. However, because this flower only blooms in winter, it is much sought after and expensive. The man obviously didn't have the money to buy it. But he still came yesterday every day. Really annoying.”
The old man seemed gave out a long sigh. "But strangely, the man seemed blind and couldn't hear well. However, he was able to walk around this village as easily as the flip of his hand, never tripping or bumping into anything. He seems to know every inch of the land here very well.”
After hearing the story from the stall owner, Chongyun decided to buy a bouquet of plum blossoms and tried to chase after the man. He shouldn't have gone far, he thought. And sure enough, the man was seen walking slowly along the path by the river. The young man quickened his steps and managed to catch up with him.
“Hello, Sir. Sorry for suddenly approaching you like this."
Chongyun's voice was loud enough to stop the man in his tracks.
"I heard from that sir that you wanted to buy these flowers, but for one reason or another you haven't been able to afford them. Therefore, I would be happy if you would accept the flowers I gave you." Hearing this sincere but nervous explanation, the man in front of him seemed to stare at him for a long time, to the point that Chongyun felt embarrassed due to the intensity of that gaze.
After a few moments, a sweet smile appeared on the man’s beautiful face. A pair of unfocused gold eyes seemed to be filled with warmth which also made Chongyun feel happy. The young man took the man's thin and cold hand, then handed the flower into the man's arms. “Accept it, Sir. I hope this is useful for you.” The man looked at the young man with a gentle expression, then plucked a plum blossom and handed it to the young man.
“Thank you, child. I'm going to visit some old friends to say goodbye. However, I was confused about what to bring them. Then I remembered that winter was coming, it would be great if I could bring these flowers to them.” For a moment silence fell over both of them. Chongyun himself was still dazed by the soft smile that was directed to him. “Now, I have these flowers to hand them. Thank you very much.”
When they finally separated, Chongyun was only able to watch the narrow back recede and disappear from his sight. For some reason, a single tear fell down on his cheek. At the same time, he also heard soft whispers carried by the wind...
May your resilience, like its bloom in winter, child..
Defy cold winds with your quiet strength and grace the ever white season with your bright hue…
May you always bloom amidst the harsh winter…
Just like this plum blossom…
13.
With the remaining strength he had, Zhongli climbed Mt. Tianheng to see the harbor that was built by his own hand once again. This was the last day of the year, as well as his birthday. To be honest, Zhongli doesn't know exactly what date he was born. He had just started celebrating his birthday when his old friends asked him about it. Because he also didn't know when he was born, he used the date when he came into the world as a reminder of his birthday. Since then, he always celebrates the end of the year in this way.
The people by his side came and went one after another. In the passing of thousands of years, many of those who once made merry together became foes. While those who betrayed and fought one another would come to his side and share a drink, as if their hatred was dispelled. Zhongli knows that nothing is permanent in this world. For every being in the universe, the end must come. Noble or evil, rich or poor, divine or human, the creator shows favor to no one. Thus he also long accepts that his end may come some day. He only hopes that if the day has come, his end may have a meaning for those who he cares about.
Now after the war to obtain independence ended and humanity gained their victory over the divine, everything returns to where they belong.
As it should be.
To a life that each of us can handle, human and divine alike.
To live our lives to the fullest without any fear of being controlled by things called fate.
What a really long life, he mused.
Without calling out the names of those who he holds dear to his heart, he must depart from this world…
From the beginning until the end, the only thing that Zhongli will ever regret is that distance. For as long as he remembers, Morax is always seen as this mighty and aloof God who sits at the top of a high mountain.
He is unreachable.
Even his disciples keep a certain distance with him. That is why he became 'Zhongli', hoping that he could become closer to them. But it seems that this method still doesn't work well, he sighed helplessly.
Once upon a time, there was a friend who always walked beside him, following him to war everywhere in Liyue. On rare days, he would sit on his back and they would wander among the mountains while talking about unimportant things. Unfortunately, those fun days are long gone. How he missed him. The friend said that if fate permitted they would meet again. But it seems fate doesn't allow this small wish to come true.
Indeed, he came to this world empty-handed...
However, for several thousand years later, these two hands were filled with so many precious things. Unfortunately, he was unable to look after all these precious things. It's like trying to hold sand with your hand, it will slip away like sand through one's fingers. In the end, this hand became empty again.
But, that is fine, since he is so happy to get the chance seeing this beautiful world.
From the moment he decided to help those helpless but surprisingly resilient humans, he became enamored. Humanity is indeed beautiful. As long as he lived in this world, he had to abandon and surrender the things that he loved to pursue the path that he chose, and that path was to protect his people. He lost too much, yet the only thing that he gained from the long period of war was only karma.
Actually, he has been waiting for a long time to pay his debts to those who he failed throughout his long life. For 7 days and 7 nights, Zhongli walked around Liyue. He injected his remaining divine power into various locations on the leyline that were experiencing blockages and pollution, hoping that it would not interfere with ongoing construction. He also did this to avoid an explosion of power when the god died.
Now, this body was just a fragile shell of his damaged soul, without the slightest remaining strength.
With this, he paid his karma until there is nothing left.
All his senses had stopped functioning a few days ago. He was able to walk this far because of his familiarity with this land. He has walked this land for thousands of years. He knew every inch of this land by heart, from the mountains, valleys, he even knew where the holes and rocks on the road were.
But even so, even though his vision had disappeared and left behind an endless black pitch of darkness, somehow he could still vaguely see golden dots from a distance.
Ah, how dazzling and warm that light is...
A gentle smile was etched on his face. His expression showed rare contentment and peace. The two golden eyes that were previously dull and seemed unfocused, now glowed so brightly again, reflecting the light of the thousands of lanterns that decorated Liyue.
After this Liyue will definitely change even more, he thought proudly.
Even though he was the god who built the harbor, the development of the place carried out by humans in the city was much more amazing. He remembered several times he got lost while walking around the city, marveling in the beauty of the bustling harbor. Indeed, these memories of him wandering across the streets will forever etched in his mind. Thousands of memories are now spinning in his brain. Joy, sorrow, hatred, anger, confusion, satisfaction… he had felt it all.
Now, let me give you my last prayer...
The two golden eyes slowly closed as the cracks on his body grew bigger. Slowly, the body broke down into golden light particles. A gentle and happy smile remained etched on his face until the end... until those eyes as bright as the sun completely closed and the man completely disappeared into the night, leaving behind a golden flower on the top of the mountain and a soft whisper carried by the wind.
Fair winds and gentle rains, please bless this land with peace and prosperity until the end of time.
- End