In Fudè Port, at the Director's Office of the West Factory.
Lyney's face showed a solemn expression. He said in a deep voice, "Recently, our relationship with Liyue has begun to gradually deteriorate. Not only has trade between Fudè Port and Liyue been maliciously obstructed, leading to a significant drop in transaction volume, but Fontaine's products have also suffered unfair suppression in the Liyue market."
Lin Yide frowned slightly, but he wasn't particularly surprised by this development. After all, among Liyue's three neighboring countries, two have effectively become "vassal states" of Fontaine. Such a geopolitical landscape would undoubtedly unnerve Liyue. No matter how slow the Liyue high-ranking officials might be, they must have realized the necessity of increasing their vigilance against the West Factory by now. In the foreseeable future, the relationship between Liyue and Fontaine will continue to worsen. This was clearly not a situation he wished to see.
After a long silence, he looked at Lyney and asked, "Lyney, what are your thoughts on Liyue as a nation?"
Lyney's heart tensed, understanding that this was Lin Yide's assessment of him. After careful consideration, he slowly began, "Liyue is one of the most prosperous and stable nations among the Seven Nations. It is rich in resources, vast in territory, and its trade flourishes. The current Tianquan Star, Ningguang, has swept away the mediocrity of the previous Liyue Qixing, restoring Liyue to its former glory."
He paused briefly, then continued, "However, at the same time, the wealth of the Liyue Qixing is rapidly growing at an extraordinary pace, and Ningguang's personal fortune is now almost comparable to that of a nation. The dividends brought by Liyue's trade prosperity have not evenly benefited the common people. The distribution of wealth in society is becoming increasingly unequal, reaching an extremely unfair level."
Lin Yide looked at Lyney, a look of approval in his eyes. "Your analysis is quite insightful. So, how has the wealth of the Liyue Qixing accumulated so rapidly?"
Lyney fell into thought again, then provided an answer: "This is mainly because they wield great power, giving them an overwhelming advantage in commercial competition."
Lin Yide nodded. "That's not deep enough. Power is the most efficient means of acquiring wealth, and wealth is the best tool for maintaining power. When these two are excessively intertwined, they can give birth to an uncontrollable monster. Power and wealth, there should be a checks and balances relationship between them."
Lyney listened to this profound insight, feeling genuine admiration for Lin Yide's wisdom. At the same time, he finally understood why Lin Yide insisted on separating the West Factory and the Furina Foundation, making them operate independently, and mutually auditing and supervising each other.
Lin Yide continued his analysis: "In the era blessed by the Archons, the Liyue Qixing were still able to uphold their principles and bottom lines. But when the Archons withdraw, the Liyue Qixing will gradually evolve into seven major financial conglomerates that control various sectors of Liyue."
Lyney looked puzzled. "Father, I've always wondered why Rex Lapis initially chose merchants to serve as the Liyue Qixing?"
Lin Yide answered softly, "Perhaps Rex Lapis believed that successful merchants possess extraordinary talent and ability."
Lyney pressed on, "Father, what should our next move be?"
Lin Yide smiled slightly. "Excessive commercial prosperity is not always beneficial. It can lead to industrial hollowing out, making a nation overly reliant on external resources." He paused briefly, then changed the subject, saying meaningfully, "Every year, Liyue imports large quantities of grain from Mondstadt and Sumeru."
Lyney immediately grasped Lin Yide's hint, but still had some doubts. "However, Father, to my knowledge, Liyue is actually self-sufficient. Most of the imported grain from Mondstadt and Sumeru is used for reserves."
Lin Yide did not reply further, but instead said, "Lyney, think about it carefully. If you can understand my next move, you will be a qualified Director of the West Factory."
...
Liyue, the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang sat formally at her desk, her brows gently furrowed, revealing her inner worries. Although she had gained the absolute upper hand in her negotiations with Lynette, it was not an honorable thing to deal with an underage girl. Furthermore, she would soon have to face such a formidable presence as Lin Yide. Her journey from a merchandise seller to the Tianquan Star was nothing short of legendary. Yet, Lin Yide's life was even more legendary than hers. He was once a disgraced noble's illegitimate son, yet he ultimately rose to become the Director of the West Factory, controlling the lifelines of three nations in the mortal realm. He not only led Fontaine to become a superpower on par with Snezhnaya, but also showed signs of surpassing it. If possible, Ningguang did not wish to make an enemy of such an opponent. However, with Mondstadt and Inazuma having already become de facto vassal states of Fontaine, Liyue had no choice but to prevent Fontaine's further expansion and infiltration.
As she pondered her worries, a tall young woman entered. She was dressed in a sleek, dark blue leather suit that perfectly accentuated her graceful figure. Her demeanor was elegant and reserved, like a tranquil orchid blooming silently in a secluded valley, exuding a unique charm.
"It seems our Tianquan Star has encountered some troubles?" the woman asked in a teasing tone.
Seeing her arrival, Ningguang's mood immediately lightened significantly. "Yelan, I indeed have some difficulties, but if you can bring me good news, I'm sure I'll cheer up."
Yelan chuckled in response, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you this time. Yide has already returned to Fudè Port aboard Dvalin, the Anemo Dragon."
Hearing this, Ningguang's mood worsened. "That indeed isn't good news."
"Ningguang, I have another piece of not-so-good news for you: Tartaglia, the Eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers, has arrived in Liyue Harbor," Yelan continued.
Ningguang felt an immediate headache. She gently massaged her temples with her slender hand and said, "For now, arrange for personnel to monitor him. Focus on determining the purpose of his visit to Liyue."
Yelan nodded, then turned and quickly departed.
Ningguang gazed blankly at her retreating figure, her eyes gradually becoming distant and complex.