Keqing, with her resolute and straightforward nature, naturally couldn't stand Ningguang's aggressive and imposing demeanor. She spoke bluntly, "Ningguang, you need to understand that this is a place for the Qixing to deliberate together, not your Jade Chamber to flaunt your authority!"
Ningguang, familiar with Keqing's personality, paid her no mind, letting the words go in one ear and out the other.
Maintaining a calm tone, she continued to lead the meeting. "Since no one has any objections, let's move on to the next item on the agenda: the collaboration between the West Factory and the Feiyun Trading Company."
Uncle Tian, sitting beside Ningguang, was the first to speak. "After announcing their partnership with the Furina Foundation, the Feiyun Trading Company hasn't made any major commercial moves. Instead, they've gone into the grain business. While that trade is stable, the profit margins are thin; it's all hard-earned money. Personally, I don't believe they warrant much of our attention."
"Uncle Tian, you might be oversimplifying things," came the voice of a middle-aged woman with a gentle and graceful disposition. She was Yaoguang of the Qixing. She said softly, "If you look closely at Liyue's recent grain import data, you'll see that exports from other nations to Liyue are gradually declining. And yet, Liyue's own grain exports haven't decreased."
Upon hearing this, everyone present immediately understood the West Factory's intention: to control Liyue through its food supply.
Uncle Tian drew a sharp breath, exclaiming, "The West Factory's scheme is that cunning! If we're not careful, a food shortage could force Liyue to yield to their demands."
Kaiyang said coldly, "In that case, we should strike them like lightning and seize the Feiyun Trading Company's assets directly."
The words had barely left his mouth when he was met with opposition from everyone present. After all, all of the Feiyun Trading Company's activities were legal business practices and violated no laws in Liyue. To raid them without cause would be a flagrant violation of the rule of law in Liyue, and it would have a profoundly negative impact on the nation's commercial environment.
At this point, Yaoguang spoke calmly. "There is no need for excessive worry. Years ago, to guard against famine, the Lord Geo specifically established a massive reserve granary. The grain stockpiled there is enough to feed the entire population of Liyue for half a year."
Hearing this news, the members of the Qixing were overjoyed. With these grain reserves alone, Liyue had more than enough leverage to face any kind of food-based economic warfare.
Kaiyang eagerly proposed, "Yaoguang, if you put that grain under my control, I guarantee I can deal a heavy blow to the Feiyun Trading Company and the West Factory."
Yaoguang heard his words and objected firmly. "The grain in that granary is only to be used in times of dire crisis."
"We can just replenish it after we use it," Kaiyang retorted dismissively.
But Yaoguang wouldn't budge. "That's impossible."
Kaiyang said, displeased, "Everything we're doing is for the good of Liyue. Why must you be so stubborn and inflexible?"
Yaoguang gave a cold laugh, her eyes filled with scorn and disdain for Kaiyang. "You just want to use this as an opportunity for your own private gain."
Her words hitting their mark, Kaiyang's face flushed crimson. He pointed a trembling, angry finger at her. "You... you woman! How dare you slander me!"
Seeing the conflict between the two escalating, Ningguang interjected with a cold command. "That's enough, Kaiyang. We are all leaders of commerce here." Her unspoken meaning was clear.
Though still resentful, Kaiyang dared not say another word and could only glare furiously at Yaoguang.
Then, Ningguang turned to Yaoguang and made a solemn proposal. "Yaoguang, let me handle this. All profits will go directly into Liyue's public treasury."
Yaoguang gently shook her head, explaining in a soft voice, "This isn't about who gets the profits. It's a matter of principle. In the event of a disaster or war, this grain reserve will be what saves our people."
Hearing this, Ningguang's brow furrowed in deep thought. After carefully weighing the pros and cons, she finally came to a decision. "Yaoguang, I understand your concerns. But the potential threat the West Factory poses to Liyue is simply too great."
At that moment, Yaoguang was filled with regret. Her intention had been to reassure the Qixing that they need not fear a food shortage and that the West Factory's plot would fail. But now, Ningguang wanted to use the reserves to strike at the agency and its partner, the Feiyun Trading Company.
Yaoguang stated with firm resolve, "I will never agree to this."
Ningguang didn't argue back directly, instead suggesting calmly, "In that case, let's put it to a vote."
One by one, the members of the Qixing gave their opinions. The results of the vote showed that with the exception of Yaoguang and Keqing, who were opposed, everyone else was in favor.
After the vote, Yaoguang rose to her feet in a fury, her voice laced with anger as she accused them, "You only support this decision because you want to ride Ningguang's coattails and make a fortune!" With that, she turned and stormed out without a backward glance, making her intense displeasure known.
But what good would it do?
Keqing glanced coldly around at the remaining members of the Qixing, her eyes filled with deep disappointment. The Qixing had amassed their wealth so quickly precisely because they were adept at using policies for their own private gain. Now, their priorities in decision-making had shifted entirely, with their own potential profit being the primary consideration.
Mora corrupts the heart!
…
Inside the "Dove" coffee shop, the atmosphere was as tranquil as ever. The shop was empty, feeling somewhat desolate.
Lin Yide stood at the counter, playing Gomoku with Lynette to pass the idle time.
Lynette's skill at the game was far inferior to his. They had played nearly ten rounds, and she hadn't won a single one; in fact, she lost every game quite quickly.
"Father, can't you go a little easy on me?" Lynette pouted, looking like a dejected kitten.
Lin Yide replied with a smile, "Then go play with Lyney. He'll let you have a two-move head start."
At the mention of this, Lynette grew even more morose. Even when Lyney gave her a two-move advantage, she still struggled to win.
"Forget it, I'm done playing," Lynette decided, abandoning the game. "I'm going to go find Mother Furin... I mean, Teacher, to play with."
Lin Yide remarked, "The two of you are perfectly matched—a worthy opponent for a skilled general."