Yelan looked at Ningguang and said earnestly, "Ningguang, in my opinion, there's absolutely no need for us to oppose the West Factory. Many matters can be resolved through negotiation."
"Negotiation?" Ningguang's lips curled slightly, a hint of mockery in her smile. "Negotiation requires both parties to be willing to yield, to compromise, to find a common solution. But from the West Factory's side, I see no intention of them giving an inch."
Yelan put down the dice she was fiddling with, her expression turning serious: "The West Factory insists on the principles of justice and fairness. If they were to accept your proposed tax rate, wouldn't that be unfair to Mondstadt and Inazuma?"
"What absolute fairness and justice are there in this world?" Ningguang retorted dismissively. "Everything is a contest of strength. Liyue's strength far surpasses that of Mondstadt and Inazuma, so naturally, we should impose higher taxes on Fontaine's products."
Yelan still maintained her point of view, "I still believe this is the wiser choice. Accepting the tax rate proposed by the West Factory would actually have limited impact on Liyue. We merely need to support our local industries, helping them develop by lowering tax rates or even providing subsidies."
"But where would the money come from?" Ningguang said with a hint of sarcasm. "Aside from the Yuheng, who can still consider the bigger picture, everyone else only cares about the interests of their own industries."
Yelan was momentarily speechless and fell silent.
In the past, when Rex Lapis was still active, his word alone could decide matters, and no one dared to object. But now, whenever they convene for discussions, the Qixing constantly argue, with no one willing to yield an inch.
After a long silence, Yelan spoke: "Rex Lapis's gradual withdrawal has made the Qixing system increasingly ill-suited to Liyue's current situation."
Ningguang nodded in agreement, "Indeed, Liyue needs change. The Qixing have too many noisy voices; there should only be one."
Yelan looked at Ningguang in astonishment, "Are you saying...?"
Ningguang slowly rose, an irresistible aura of majesty and power radiating from her. "I, Tianquan Ningguang, will lead Liyue to a new era of glory!"
To restore Liyue's glory is our inescapable duty!
…
Days later, news that shocked Liyue quickly spread: The Furina Foundation successfully acquired half of the shares of the Feiyun Commerce Guild, and the two major business giants officially joined forces.
This significant news stirred up considerable waves in Liyue's business world. The Feiyun Commerce Guild was already a leader in Liyue's commercial sector, and now, with its powerful alliance with the Furina Foundation, its financial and political influence was expected to quickly rise to a level capable of competing with the commerce guilds behind the Qixing.
However, what followed was an unexpected turn of events.
The Feiyun Commerce Guild did not, as people had expected, swiftly expand its reach in the commercial sector. Instead, it pivoted to the grain trade. They began to heavily acquire Liyue's grain and export it to Furina Port and Inazuma, earning only meager profits in the process.
This move caused merchants who had initially been worried to breathe a sigh of relief, and some even began to scoff at the Feiyun Commerce Guild's strategy. However, few noticed that Mondstadt and Fontaine had already quietly begun reducing their grain exports, while grain exported from Sumeru was also being secretly acquired by a mysterious merchant group.
…
On the streets of Liyue, an elegant tea pavilion stood quietly.
After several days of silence, Tian Tiezui once again stood before the elaborately decorated screen, captivating his audience with his unique passion and style as he narrated enthralling tales.
"Last time, I spoke of Liyue in those days, when its seas were plagued by great demons, and its mountains harbored wicked geovishaps. It is said that before the Geo Archon set out on his campaign, he once proclaimed..."
His voice echoed within the tea pavilion, drawing passersby to stop and listen.
In a corner of the tea pavilion, Lin Yide and Zhongli sat opposite each other, leisurely sipping tea and enjoying exquisite tea snacks, as if detached from the bustling world outside.
As Tian Tiezui's narration concluded, the tea pavilion erupted in warm applause, the audience cheering for his brilliant storytelling.
Zhongli gently put down his teacup and said in his characteristically calm voice, "From a universally rational perspective, starting with grain is not a wise choice. Although Liyue is not a major grain producer, it has no problem being self-sufficient."
Lin Yide picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and the fresh aroma of the tea spread in his mouth, bringing a refreshing sensation. He set down the teacup, a smile playing on his lips, "Rex Lapis, have you ever heard the idiom 'Three Men Make a Tiger'?"
Zhongli pondered for a long time, then gently shook his head, "I have not."
After a brief moment of bewilderment, Lin Yide remembered that this was Liyue, not his previous life's China, and this idiom didn't exist here. He adjusted his thoughts and explained: "If someone told you that a tiger was roaming the streets in broad daylight, you naturally wouldn't believe it. If a second person said the same thing, you might become unsettled and suspicious. However, when a third person also says it, you would very likely believe it to be true. This is the meaning of 'Three Men Make a Tiger.' A lie, repeated many times, can come to be regarded as truth."
Zhongli nodded thoughtfully, "That is indeed a profound truth. However, what does this have to do with your plan?"
Lin Yide smiled slightly but did not answer directly. Zhongli did not press further, as he had already vaguely guessed Lin Yide's general plan.
Just then, an angry voice came from ahead, "You two scoundrels, so you do know each other!"
The chestnut-haired youth approached them, his face filled with rage.