In the Moon Sea Pavilion on the Yujing Terrace, a pivotal Qixing meeting was in session.
Ningguang sat composed at the head of the long, mahogany conference table, with the other six members of the Qixing seated on either side of her.
Behind Ningguang, a young woman with blue hair stood elegantly, her brush dancing swiftly across the paper as she recorded every detail of the meeting.
Ningguang's gaze swept across the seated Qixing members before she began, "The first item on our agenda today is whether to resume operations at the Chasm. The conflict on this matter between the Huishan and Shenglu Ministries has become as irreconcilable as fire and water."
As soon as she finished speaking, the Yuheng, Keqing, stated bluntly, "This issue requires no further discussion. I firmly support the Huishan Ministry's position. To allow the miners to return to the pits before the safety hazards in the Chasm are completely resolved would be a flagrant disregard for their lives."
Across from Ningguang, Kaiyang, a stern-faced middle-aged man, let out a cold laugh. "Miss Keqing, you were born into nobility and have never wanted for anything. It's easy for you to speak so loftily. But I ask you, how are the unemployed miners and the artisans and merchants who rely on these minerals for their porcelain to make a living?"
Keqing's brow furrowed at his words, and she retorted with a firm tone, "Life may become more difficult, but that is far better than losing it."
"You say that so lightly," Kaiyang continued, his words laced with sarcasm. "Why don't you go and experience this so-called 'difficult life' for yourself?"
Facing his aggressive attack, Keqing shot back sharply, "I would gladly experience such a life. But you, for the sake of your porcelain business, disregard the lives of others. How cold-hearted can you be!"
"Insolence!" Kaiyang slammed his hand on the table in anger, shouting, "What right do you, who rose to the Qixing on your family's coattails, have to judge my actions!"
Seeing the conflict between Keqing and Kaiyang escalating, Ningguang interjected from her seat at the head of the table, her voice cold and authoritative. "Enough. Both of you, be silent!" Her tone held an undeniable authority.
Though reluctant, Keqing and Kaiyang ceased their argument.
Ningguang looked around at the other Qixing. "Now, I would like to hear your opinions."
Subsequently, the remaining four members of the Qixing stated their positions; two agreed with Keqing, while the other two sided with Kaiyang.
The situation had reached a stalemate.
According to the Qixing's rules of procedure, a four-to-three vote would be handed over to the Qixing's secretary, Ganyu, to be presented to the Lord for a final ruling. However, in recent years, the Lord had all but withdrawn from political affairs, only intervening in matters of grave importance to Liyue. In such cases, Ningguang would typically mediate between the different interests to seek consensus and change the outcome of the vote.
But today, Ningguang had no intention of following past practices.
She said in a low voice, "Everyone, since the Lord's retirement, the pursuit of individual interests has intensified, greatly reducing the efficiency of our Qixing deliberations. Therefore, we must reform the Qixing's system of governance."
The Tianshu, Uncle Tian, asked, "And what do you propose?"
Ningguang looked around the room. "When the Qixing cannot reach a consensus, I will have the final say."
The moment she spoke, Kaiyang voiced his strong opposition, "Ningguang, the final say is the Lord's authority. You must not overstep your bounds!"
Keqing, however, staunchly sided with Ningguang. "Matters concerning the fate of the people of Liyue should be decided by the people of Liyue themselves, and the people of Liyue can make better decisions."
"How incredibly arrogant!" Kaiyang berated her furiously. "Do you truly believe you can govern Liyue better than the Lord?"
Keqing responded earnestly, "I may not be his equal now, but I am constantly striving to improve myself."
Kaiyang shot up from his seat and strode over to Ganyu. "Adepti Ganyu, I implore you to report everything that has transpired here to the Lord. Ningguang and Keqing have shown disrespect to their superior; this is an act of insubordination!"
Ganyu was taken aback. In all her centuries, she had never faced such a situation and did not know how to respond.
"Kaiyang, I suggest you reconsider your actions," Ningguang's cold voice came from behind him, carrying a clear warning.
Kaiyang turned to face Ningguang's expressionless face, her eyes glinting with an icy chill.
His heart trembled. "Ningguang, what are you planning to do?"
Ningguang answered calmly, "You will find out soon enough."
With that, she slowly rose to her feet. "That concludes today's Qixing meeting."
Then, ignoring the reactions of those present, she walked straight out of the conference room.
The remaining members of the Qixing wore varied expressions, each lost in their own thoughts.
...
Three days later, the people of Liyue Harbor witnessed a scene they would never forget.
The once proud and arrogant Kaiyang was kneeling in the shadow of the Jade Chamber, begging for the Tianquan, Ningguang's, forgiveness.
He had never imagined that Ningguang's retaliation would be so swift and brutal.
Within a mere two or three days, all the partners who had worked with his family's guild announced the termination of their cooperation. His goods in transit were plundered by unidentified thieves. All of his shops were forced to close due to complaints about product quality. The banks he had been on good terms with all came to demand early repayment of their loans.
At this rate, in a matter of days, he would be reduced from a prominent member of the Qixing to a penniless beggar.