It was noon in early summer. The scorching sun blazed like a fire on Tianquan's back, and sweat trickled down his cheeks like a small stream.
Under the shade of a nearby tree, Yide stood beneath a large, verdant tree and chuckled at Zhongli beside him. "This Kaiyang is truly a disgrace. He acted like a real man when he was criticizing Ningguang and Keqing, but how did he end up in this pathetic state?"
Zhongli's expression was calm, as if the turmoil of the world could not stir his emotions, yet his slightly furrowed brow revealed a hint of inner disappointment.
Yide continued, "Not only is this fellow weak, but he's also foolish. If he had truly stood his ground against Ningguang, you certainly would have intervened to protect him."
"In terms of universal reason, it is not a good thing for you that Ningguang controls the Qixing with absolute authority," Zhongli stated calmly.
Yide nodded, frankly admitting, "Yes, I had originally intended to stir up internal conflict within the Qixing. However, even so, Ningguang would still be no match for me."
Zhongli's eyebrows raised slightly. "Are you that confident?"
Yide responded with a smile. "If Ningguang could let go of her business and invest her endless wealth into a duel with me, then the outcome would be uncertain. It's a pity she is too obsessed with making a fortune."
Zhongli pondered for a moment and said, "But I believe that in a time of crisis, Ningguang would surely abandon her wealth to protect the people of Liyue."
In the original game's storyline, Ningguang did indeed, as Zhongli said, resolutely smash the Jade Chamber into Osial at the critical moment, thus resolving the disaster. It was this act that earned his approval. Liyue transitioned from the rule of a god to the rule of the people.
Yide said faintly, "After the Liyue Reformation, she can choose to continue being a merchant, or she can choose to become the leader of Liyue. Power and wealth cannot be intertwined, otherwise they will combine to form a twisted monster called a plutocracy."
Zhongli did not refute him, tacitly approving Yide's decision.
At this moment, Kaiyang, who had been kneeling for a long time, was showing signs of collapse. His strength was nearly exhausted, and he could barely hold on any longer.
Just as he was sinking into despair, Ningguang's secretary, Baishi, walked up to him and asked sarcastically, "Kaiyang, what kind of scene are you making? You've only lost your family fortune, but Lady Ningguang has lost her reputation. Isn't this making Lady Ningguang out to be a criminal whose evil deeds are too numerous to record?"
Kaiyang struggled to raise his head, looking up at this minor figure he had never given a second glance to before. In a near-pleading tone, he said, "Please tell Lady Ningguang that I know I was wrong. From now on, I will absolutely obey all of Lady Ningguang's decisions."
A trace of contempt flashed in Baishi's eyes. Kaiyang had truly disgraced the Qixing. Although her heart was filled with disdain, she did not continue to make things difficult for him, merely saying coldly, "Lady Ningguang asks you to go back for now. In the future, you'd better think before you speak."
Hearing this, Kaiyang was greatly relieved and repeatedly expressed his thanks, "Thank you, Lady Ningguang, thank you, Lady Ningguang..."
Then, he struggled to his feet. His legs were numb from kneeling for so long, and he limped as he walked. Seeing this, his servants immediately rushed forward to support him and carefully placed him in a sedan chair that had been prepared in advance. They lifted the sedan chair and quickly left.
Yide witnessed this somewhat comical scene and couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Zhongli's expression, however, was not pleasant. In his youth, Kaiyang had been resolute, unyielding, and enterprising, and his election had received his personal approval. He never expected that after so many years, the man would turn into such a character.
"The show is over. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be on my way," Zhongli said, waving goodbye to Yide.
Yide hurriedly stopped him, "Consultant Zhongli, please wait a moment. How have you considered the matter I mentioned to you last time? As long as you give me exclusive official authorization, I will give you a 5% commission."
Zhongli rested his chin in his hand and replied in a serious tone, "In terms of universal reason, a 5% commission is too little. After all, the Geo Archon enjoys extremely high prestige and adoration among the people of Liyue."
Yide was somewhat surprised that this old fellow would say such a thing. He pressed, "Then, Consultant Zhongli, what do you think is appropriate?"
"Half," Zhongli said without hesitation, increasing the commission tenfold. He had intended to make a suitable compromise from this starting point.
However, to his surprise, Yide readily agreed, "Alright, it's a deal."
A look of confusion appeared on Zhongli's face. "Head Yide, I don't quite understand. You clearly had the opportunity to fight for more benefits."
Yide smiled and explained, "To be honest, even if you asked for ninety percent of the profits, I would have agreed without hesitation. Because for Fontaine, your friendship cannot be measured in Mora."
Zhongli stared at Yide for a long time before saying solemnly, "Yide, you are the most outstanding human I have seen in these thousands of years."
Yide's face was wreathed in smiles. "Thank you for the compliment, Lord Archon."
Zhongli cleared his throat. "Ahem, in that case, give me a ninety percent commission... I will always be a friend of Fontaine."
At this moment, Yide just wanted to give himself a big slap in the face for showing off.
…
Ningguang's swift and decisive actions shook all of Liyue.
People looked up at the Jade Chamber in the sky with a newfound reverence in their eyes.
The Tianquan, Ningguang, shines over Liyue!
A day later, the Qixing meeting was held again.
At the beginning of the meeting, Kaiyang eagerly stated his position: "I firmly support the resolution proposed by Ningguang at the last meeting, that is, when there is a difference of opinion, Ningguang will make the final decision."
After speaking, he looked fawningly at Ningguang on the main seat.
Ningguang was inwardly displeased with Kaiyang's sycophantic attitude, but she did not show it on the surface, merely nodding slightly in response.
Keqing, on the other hand, frowned deeply. Although she agreed with the proposal, she was deeply dissatisfied with Ningguang's use of power and wealth to suppress others. This move would undoubtedly turn the Qixing meeting into her personal platform.
After Kaiyang made his position clear, the other members of the Qixing also expressed their approval one after another.
A faint, satisfied smile touched the corners of Ningguang's lips. "Since we have all reached a consensus, I will not shirk this important responsibility."
She paused for a moment and continued, "Today, we will discuss two issues. The first is the suspension of work at the Chasm, and the second is the matter of the West Factory and the Feiyun Commerce Guild. Now, please express your views on the first issue."
Subsequently, the Qixing present once again stated their views, and the result was the same as last time, with an equal number of voices for and against.
Everyone turned their gaze to Ningguang, waiting for her decision.
Ningguang enjoyed such gazes and said in a clear voice, "Every miner is the pillar of their family. We must not put them in danger for the sake of economic benefits. I will send more personnel deep into the Chasm to investigate the root of the problem. At the same time, for the families affected by the work stoppage, the Liyue General Affairs Office will provide basic living allowances."
After she finished speaking, she looked at the Qixing present. "Do you have any different opinions?"