Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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The golden-eyed man with his white hair tied high in a ponytail approached leisurely, smiling. "If not for Qingzhu reporting it, I wouldn't have known so many had gathered at the training grounds."

What could be more awkward than being caught slacking off by the general himself? The artisans from the Artisanship Commission felt somewhat embarrassed.

Jing Yuan greeted them with a hint of discomfort, but he returned their salutations with a warm smile.

Clearing his throat, Master Gongshu spoke uneasily, "Ahem, even I couldn't resist witnessing young Yanqing's match against Sir Su. So, I thought it'd be fitting to gather everyone here to cheer him on and broaden our horizons."

Jing Yuan chuckled softly, showing no sign of reproach. "No worries; work should indeed have its moments of relaxation."

Fu Xuan asked mildly, "Shouldn't the general be attending to official duties instead of joining this commotion?"

Jing Yuan ruffled Yanqing's hair, laughing heartily, "Had I not come, I might've missed seeing poor Yanqing getting thoroughly outmatched."

Yanqing shook free from Jing Yuan's hand, grumbling, "General, I'm not a child anymore."

Fu Xuan tilted her delicate face upward, a hint of smugness in her expression. "Perfect timing, General. Now there's no need for this venerable one to send a separate message introducing you."

"The individual beside me is named 'Su Jinyan,' and he is this venerable one's newly accepted disciple."

Confused, Su Jinyan glanced at her—since when had he become her new disciple?

Fu Xuan shot him a cold look, subtly warning him to refrain from speaking out of turn.

In a subdued tone, Su Jinyan said, "Fu Xuan—oh no, Shizun, you may call me A-Yan."

A hint of suppressed amusement played at Jing Yuan's lips, as if something had struck his fancy.

Fu Xuan glared at him. "General, what brings you such mirth?"

Jing Yuan smiled. "No wall can keep every secret hidden forever."

"The news of the new diviner pursuing Fu Xuan has likely spread throughout all six divisions; it's hardly surprising anymore."

"I just didn't expect Fu Xuan to take him on as a disciple."

A barely perceptible blush colored Fu Xuan's small face. How could word have traveled so quickly?

Jing Yuan commented, "Your unconventional declaration of affection was quite intriguing indeed."

"Regardless of its success, it would undoubtedly leave a deep impression on Fu Xuan."

Su Jinyan nodded lightly. "The general speaks truly; I imagine Lady Fu Xuan must be satisfied."

"Otherwise, why would she say that regardless of any future achievements, she will reward...ah, discipline me accordingly?"

"Pfft—" Just in time, Tingyun opened his folding fan, concealing the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Unable to resist, Jing Yuan stole a glance at Fu Xuan, his expression somewhat enigmatic.

Fu Xuan, embarrassed and furious, exclaimed, "You insolent disciple! When—when has this venerable one ever uttered such shameless words?! Hmph... General, do not believe his nonsense..."

"But General," she continued, her expression unchanging, "this venerable one's disciples surpass those under your tutelage."

Jing Yuan couldn't help but chuckle. "Oh? What does Lady Fu Xuan mean by that?"

Ignoring Yanqing's indignant glare, Fu Xuan asked impassively, "General, when will you step down to make way for more capable leadership?"

Smiling warmly, Jing Yuan replied, "Mm, Lady Fu Xuan raises a valid point. I shall give it careful consideration."

A hint of dissatisfaction crept into Fu Xuan's voice. "General, this is the 123rd time you've promised to recommend me as your successor."

Jing Yuan yawned, traces of drowsiness showing in his eyes. "Mm-hmm."

Of course, Jing Yuan understood Fu Xuan's intentions well.

By all accounts of sentiment and reason, Fu Xuan was indeed the most suitable candidate to succeed him as general.

However, the timing had yet to be right, so he could only ask her to wait a while longer.

"When, according to the general, may I finally assume command?" Fu Xuan pressed.

Jing Yuan seemed on the verge of falling asleep. "Mm."

Fu Xuan fell silent, exasperated.

"Zzzz..." Jing Yuan snored softly.

The atmosphere grew momentarily awkward.

Tingyun gently tugged at Su Jinyan's sleeve and whispered in his ear, "Benefactor, perhaps we should slip away now?"

Su Jinyan gently shook his head. His primary purpose for visiting the Artisanship Commission was to address Tingyun's security concerns. With that objective yet unmet, he couldn't simply leave so easily.

His proposal to compete against Yanqing had also aimed to establish a connection with General Jing Yuan and garner his favor. Since Jing Yuan happened to be present now, it would be remiss not to seize this opportunity.

Having made up his mind, Su Jinyan wore a friendly smile. "General, might I inquire if you have some spare time?"

"I recently came across an extraordinary mechanical blueprint, but its underlying principles remain unclear to me. Could I possibly request your guidance, General?"

Jing Yuan shook his head. "A mechanical blueprint? You've approached the wrong person; I'm no expert in machinery."

"For matters of expertise, you should consult someone from the Artisanship Commission."

Upon hearing this, Master Gongshu perked up with interest. "What kind of mechanical blueprint? Perhaps let an old man take a look?"

With utmost caution, Su Jinyan retrieved the blueprint and cautioned, "Feel free to examine it, but I hope Master Gongshu can assure me that the contents will not be disclosed to others."

Master Gongshu bristled indignantly. "Young man, what jest is this? Having dedicated many years to this field, everyone respectfully addresses me as 'Master Gongshu.'"

"An old man like myself adheres to professional ethics; why would I covet a mere child's blueprint, hmph!"

Despite his gruff response, Master Gongshu's curiosity was piqued by Su Jinyan's cautious demeanor. Accepting the blueprint, he squinted to study it closely.

"This..." Master Gongshu stroked his chin, utterly perplexed. "Isn't this just a blueprint for a disposable Power Arm?"

"The Interastral Peace Corporation has long made these blueprints public," Su Jinyan gently remarked. "Master Gongshu, it seems your technical expertise might be lacking."

"Perhaps we should find someone with better skills to take a look?" Su Jinyan suggested.

Master Gongshu bristled with anger, "Oh, my fiery temper! This is Luofu after all."

"Who doesn't know the renown of 'The First Ingenious Hand of Metalworking,' Gongshu Liang?" he exclaimed. "Do you think I could possibly misinterpret something like this?"

Su Jinyan's expression hovered between a smile and a smirk. "You're saying this is a blueprint for a disposable Power Arm?"

"And if I say it isn't, then it must indeed be precious—obtained at the cost of my life." Master Gongshu proudly crossed his arms. "Ah, feeling challenged? Even Emperor's Bow of Fate would deem it merely a disposable Power Arm."

Su Jinyan goaded him further, "Care to make a bet? Let's wager five thousand merit points."

"Not only will I forfeit five thousand merit points if I lose,"

"And I'll even bow and apologize while proclaiming throughout Luofu: 'Master Gongshu is the most skilled craftsman I've ever encountered'—with emphasis," Su Jinyan added dramatically.

As expected, Master Gongshu fell for it. "Do you think an old man like me would shy away from your challenge? Fine, let's bet... Wait, hold on—a mere novice diviner like you, where do you get merit points from?"

Tingyun reveled in the escalating drama.

"Master Gongshu, allow this humble maiden to cover Benefactor's merit points, shall we?" Tingyun interjected smoothly.

Just as Master Gongshu was about to agree, an apprentice rushed forward, clinging to his leg and wailing.

"Master, don't bet! You mustn't!"

"What are you doing, Ah Wei? How could my discernment possibly be wrong? Or are you questioning your teacher?" Master Gongshu bristled with anger.

"Think about it, Master. Earlier, everyone at the gold-smelting workshop misjudged the situation."

"They all bet on Yanqing and lost everything."

"Five thousand merit points is no small sum; wouldn't you be devastated if you lose, sir?"

"Each matter stands on its own merits. Weapon forging cannot be compared to martial contests." Master Gongshu shook his head firmly.

"Master, I don't want to doubt you either," Ah Wei continued, pointing at Su Jinyan, "but there's something eerie about this guy—he's clearly setting a trap for you, Master."

"He's also a diviner from the Grand Diviner's Commission; doesn't seem like someone up to any good, Master," Ah Wei added.

Su Jinyan glanced at him scornfully. "What do kids know? Watch your words or risk being accused of slander."

Tingyun interjected with a smile, trying to dissuade them both. "Master Gongshu, even I believe you may have misjudged this situation. Why not just admit it? There's no shame in conceding, and losing the bet would cost you five thousand merit points."

Breathing heavily, Master Gongshu growled, "Of course we'll wager! Why wouldn't we?"

"Even if the Emperor's Bow of Fate himself showed up today, I'd still place this bet against that boy."

Ah Wei's face was streaked with tears. "Master, small gambles can be fun, but high stakes bring harm, and reckless bets lead to utter ruin!"

Initially, Master Gongshu had been somewhat hesitant. However, after Ah Wei's attempts at persuasion, his stubbornness flared instead. Today, whether faced with the Emperor's Bow of Fate itself or not, he was determined to make this bet.