Didn't you go to Teyvat to earn money to support me?

But Shen Liang really didn't have the time or inclination to deal with this group of witches. He looked at Ishtar, shielding himself from his surroundings, and asked with suspicion, "You know about my plan? Why aren't you stopping me?"

"Time Ruler is one of the few deities who transcend the World Tree, so of course I can view your leap from that perspective, Little Emperor."

Shen Liang sneered, "Then why didn't you stop me from killing the Kanriyans? If you really can see everything and are an observer beyond the World Tree, then you should know that I can't kill for revenge. I'm just deceiving myself into thinking I'm taking revenge... I'm unilaterally slaughtering for my own plan."

“But they are always going to die,” Ishtar said calmly. “There’s no need for the young emperor to test me. To me, no matter how history unfolds, Kanria needs to be destroyed. Whether it’s the death of Lightning and its subsequent destruction, or the sinking of the land, or the uncontrollable abyssal calamity, or the descent of the Heavenly Nails… anything goes. But no matter what, no one as arrogant as the young emperor has ever found a single possibility for Kanria to deceive history. So just as I believe that Lightning truly died by fate rather than the Witches’ Society, I also believe that Kanria was destroyed by fate, not by the young emperor.”

"Ridiculous! I killed them because I killed them. I don't care about fate." Shen Liang laughed, but his tone turned ruthless. "If anyone seeks revenge against me, I will accept it all, just as I seek revenge myself. Don't say I killed them. Even if I altered Kanria's fate so that he was killed by some Heavenly Abyss, wasn't it still me who did it? I won't run away!"

“Young Emperor, you are from another world. You come from a higher civilization. Higher civilizations follow procedural justice, but this is not procedural justice.”

"I follow the justice in my heart!"

"No, Your Majesty, in your logic, whoever has the bigger fist is the one who believes in justice."

"That's fine, as long as I maintain the advantage." Shen Liang sneered. "Anyway, I'm a jackal and a beast. Good people, laws, and justice have nothing to do with me. Istaru, I need your help now."

Ishtar smiled knowingly. "I knew you would come sooner or later with the true power of time. Don't worry, I came for this very reason."

"It's good to know."

Shen Liang turned his head to look at the witches who were staring at him with resentful and twisted eyes, and shook his head helplessly.

“You don’t need to look at me like that, ladies. Maybe it’s immoral to say this, but Teyvat is ultimately a world where might makes right, and I don’t want to hide anything.” Shen Liang patted Andersdot’s head, and the petite married woman glared at him with teary eyes. “So since everyone has already submitted to me, I’ve thought about it and decided that we should make money peacefully.”

"What do you want to do?" As the one with the clearest mind, Skirk could only ask on behalf of everyone in a humiliating manner.

“Then of course you should join my castle and embrace the Inazuma life.” Shen Liang snapped his fingers. “From now on, the Witch Association will open an Inazuma branch, I will be the president, and you will stay by my side and serve me at any time, with a monthly salary of 10,000 Mora.”

"Wakahiru no Kami! You must stop..."

"My specific job is to research how to open a portal to Earth for me."

"think????"

Chapter Thirty: A Man's Wardrobe, Heilan Home!

Inazuma has no emperor.

Throughout history, people have perceived Inazuma's ruling institution as the bureaucracy of the shogunate. Regardless of how the shogunate system changed, its ultimate leader remained a shogun who ruled from behind the curtain.

The Shogun is the deity of Inazuma, the leader of Inazuma, and the strongest military force in Inazuma. The Shogun usually does not concern herself with court affairs; governing the country is the responsibility of the Shogunate. She only needs to sit eternally in the court and serve as a symbol of the nation.

She is powerful, transcendent, and supremely noble. She is unchanging for thousands of generations, so she has no need to compete with the world for profit or fame.

Yet, in some tales passed down for centuries, the figure of that young emperor still lingers in the shadows. So many unofficial histories and tales told with unwavering conviction that in that era of rebuilding, a boy renowned for his beauty across seven kingdoms ascended the throne, only to swiftly overthrow the shogunate, dismiss officials, quell powerful clans, establish three governors, and rebuild half of Inazuma's kingdom. His divine power even surpassed that of his mother, for while the lightning of Mitake Narukami showed mercy to his subjects, Wakamura Narukami arrived with swords and iron cavalry, and anyone who dared to stand against him would be splattered with blood.

Therefore, he did not call himself a general, but was respectfully and lovingly addressed as the emperor by everyone.

Historians have debated this extensively. Many believe that Emperor Wakahito's actions stemmed from his aversion to the corruption inherent in a shogunate governed by humans. Others argue that he simply sought to establish a completely authoritative shogunate, appointing his own people and having his women occupy nearly half of the positions in the court and among the common people. However, one thing is generally agreed upon: unlike his mother, the emperor undoubtedly ruled personally for a considerable period. If unofficial historical records are accurate, his era was actually one of the most religiously devoted times for the people of Inazuma, characterized by the lowest taxes, the most prosperous economy and trade, and even a period free from religious conflicts.

He had no friends, no powerful ministers, and even the position of general in charge of the Heavenly Territory could only be filled by his favorite concubine. In the century of chaos following the War of Kanria, the emperor single-handedly suppressed the powerful families and insisted on his own policies and laws, thus allowing the people to recuperate and thrive.

Sensitive scholars envision a possible era where a young deity sits atop a high throne, governing the entire nation solely through his own power. He has no friends; an emperor needs no friends.

------------------

In the 139th year of the reign of Emperor Ruo Ri, the capital of the Northern Plains was established in the winter.

According to the winter solstice calendar, this year is marked by northerly winds, also known as the "bitterly killing winds." Northerly winds occur every five years; in the other four years, the winds move from south to north. Mondstadt's warm sea breezes bring forth flourishing southerly winds, causing vegetation to grow, many plains to shed their white coats, and animals to fatten up. However, in the year of the biting killing winds, herders and villagers on the northern plains would flee to the cities with their livestock. Everyone would then slaughter cattle and sheep and sell their furs in the hope of finding a place to live.

When the north wind blows, blizzards follow, and the sky remains a gloomy, iron-black for months on end. The plains are uninhabitable; the snow is deep enough to bury horses. During these months, aside from a few exceptionally skilled caravans that can continue trading with the outside world, most residents of Beidu City will not leave the city. They can only receive news from the outside world via telegraph or from foreigners who are equally capable of traversing the blizzard-swept plains to reach Beidu City.

However, this was also a bumper year. Typically, people in the northern capital could buy large quantities of beef and mutton from herders at low prices, since there was nowhere to raise cattle and sheep in the city. They had no choice but to slaughter them, which was essentially a form of "taxation" to attract herders seeking refuge. So for the past two months, fat and old sheep were as cheap as dirt. Every tavern had its fireplace open and was selling roasted meat. The city was warm and filled with the aroma of roasted meat. Banners thanking the Queen of Winter were posted on the streets, and every citizen's face was filled with joy and happiness.

Compared to other countries, Zhi Dong, from this frigid region, feels that his life is quite comfortable.

Information from abroad is never good. I heard that after the young emperor of Inazuma observed a hundred years of mourning for his mother, he promulgated a tax law that angered both heaven and man, called "Fire Loss Returned to the Public." Previously, when their shogunates collected taxes, they only checked whether the final amount entering the national treasury was correct; as long as the amount in the national treasury was correct, that was enough. Therefore, when local officials collected taxes from the people, they would charge extra silver under the pretext of losses during transportation and casting, which was called "fire loss."

The naive young emperor actually abolished the fire loss tax, saying that the tax should be levied as much as it should be. For example, if the tax was 10,000 moras, only local officials were allowed to collect 10,000 moras. If there were any losses during transportation and casting, those losses would be charged to the national treasury.

From the perspective of the bankers in the Winter Solstice Kingdom, this was a lose-lose situation. The so-called "fire loss" system, simply put, allowed local officials to pocket some extra money when collecting taxes, as long as the national treasury wasn't depleted. Now, abolishing the fire loss system meant that local officials would still incur some losses after collecting taxes, ultimately resulting in lower tax revenue than before.

Most importantly, this way, local officials wouldn't dare to be overly greedy. They can't possibly give only 5,000 mora to the national treasury, can they? So their income would be lower, and as your subjects, they'd be even more resentful. Essentially, neither the local officials nor you, the emperor, would benefit; the only ones who would benefit are the peasants who should be paying taxes… What are you after? Would you be happy if the entire shogunate were filled with resentment?

"Now Inazuma is making it difficult for us business people to do business."

"Yes, it's certainly a good thing that the young emperor is opening up maritime trade, but what's with his demands for... a seven-nation trade agreement? That's ridiculous! He actually says that for every trade there must be a buyer and a seller, and that we must import a certain amount back for every export we make?"

"It's utterly ridiculous. How can an agricultural country like Inazuma compare itself to an industrial country like us? What do we want from it? Inazuma's tricolor dumplings or shrine maiden skirts?"

"You know what, the clothing brand that the young emperor is running is actually pretty good. They've even put up ads outside the Winter Palace. It's just a bit weird though, something like 'Men's Wardrobe, Witch's House.' I don't know why they would name a brand that also sells men's clothing 'Witch's House.' I even saw women's clothing at the men's section last time!"

"Is it the one on Saffron Street? I think I know what you're looking at. That's not women's clothing, it's the same gothic nun-style, abstinent, sweet and cool loose-fitting preppy trench coat that Little Emperor wears—although it's true that it's mostly girls who buy it."

"Isn't the 'Little Emperor's style' just women's clothing? Or maybe children's clothing?"

A knowing laugh rippled through the tavern.

Then the door was pushed open, and a gust of cold wind swirled in, carrying snowflakes. The men eating roasted meat were startled and blinked briefly, then rubbed their eyes and looked over. A tall, white-haired girl pulled the heavy curtain aside and led her slightly smaller sister, also with hip-length white hair, into the tavern.

In this kind of weather, women are rarely seen on the streets, let alone in a rough and boisterous place like a tavern. The two white-haired sisters are extremely beautiful; the elder one is aloof and considerate, while the younger one is a cold and indifferent little girl. One look at them and you can tell they have extraordinary temperament.

However, this is the capital of the Winter Solstice Kingdom, and the men in the taverns here are quite knowledgeable. They also know that those with such an aura must be powerful figures not to be trifled with. Therefore, despite the stunning beauty, not many people harbored any ill intentions.

"Two servings of mutton, lamb, with two bottles of kerosene, one lemon, and one volcanic salt."

Unexpectedly, it wasn't the older woman who spoke to the bartender first, but a little girl who was no more than 1.5 meters tall. She casually sat on a high stool, tapped the counter, and skillfully ordered her food. Her voice was clear and pleasant, but it wasn't childish like a girl her age; instead, it had a rather heroic quality.

To be honest, everyone assumed she was a foreign heiress, but her practiced way of ordering food was just too...unladylike. The patrons even mistook her for an adventurer or mercenary; her behavior and appearance were strikingly different.

The bartender glanced at the young girl in surprise, and, still finding it hard to believe, finally spoke up: "Huoshui? At your age..."

"Just bring it up." Shen Liang said calmly.

The bartender paused for a moment, but the phrase "bring it here" made him realize that the "young girl" in front of him was an important person. He shrugged and went to call the kitchen.

Misteline sat down beside him, took off her wool cloak and placed it on her lap, revealing her slender thighs covered in white woolen stockings.

"My dear, the Fools have discovered us. Are you still drinking here?"

"Don't rush, Sister Yu Tu. Let's wait until Zhi Dong is ready for the ceremony to welcome us. I... also have some things to think about." Shen Liang easily popped the cap off the glass bottle. Instead of pouring the kerosene into the cup to mix with the lemon, she picked up some salt, sprinkled it on the cross-section of a lemon, then took a bite of the lemon without changing her expression, and suddenly tilted her head back and gulped down a large mouthful of kerosene from the bottle opening!

"Ha!" Shen Liang smashed the wine bottle. "That was awesome!"

"The little princess is amazing!"

"Whoosh~" Someone whistled.

All the patrons watching applauded, and the tavern erupted in exclamations. This was kerosene, a spirit with an alcohol content of 70%! Anyone who could down it in one gulp was a true hero in the tavern, and for this delicate, flawless young man to do it without batting an eye was nothing short of a feat—truly a hero!

Shen Liang turned his head with a smile, scrutinizing the worried-looking Misterin. Misterin couldn't drink; unlike Shen Liang, she wasn't the type to get drunk and act crazy over just a little. According to her, it had nothing to do with her; it was simply that her body was too sensitive to alcohol. But Shen Liang enjoyed seeing her both hesitant and eager to try.

However, Shen Liang wasn't sure why he could drink so much. Even 70-degree hot water would be diluted before drinking for someone from Zhidong, but Shen Liang only found it slightly spicy. He could easily drink three to five ounces without using any special abilities.

“My darling, will your…Queen sister come alone as promised? I don’t want to say this, but your women are all crazy. That Flower Goddess is more cunning than a fox, and Thunder is more treacherous than a wolf…” Mistelin said, noticing her darling’s cold gaze. She wasn’t afraid and just shrugged. “You’re the universally acknowledged little wolf, so who do you think is more treacherous, you or your mother?”

Shen Liang was too lazy to argue. What could she do? Clever women were always cunning.

“I think she’ll bring a bunch of fools to deal with you, maybe even cripple you and leave you behind. After all, in her eyes you’re just a heartless man.” Mistelin shook her head. “Besides, what’s your status now? You’re in power, you’re the emperor of another country, no longer the sweet and affectionate boyfriend you used to bully her. Your relationship is no longer a simple romantic one. You don’t really think she’ll remember the cooperation agreement with you, do you?”

Mistelin knew about the friendly alliance between Zhidong Kingdom and Shen Liang in the past. It was Shen Liang who made the contact as the Crown Prince of Daoqi, relying on the relationship between Lei Dianzhen and Lei Yingdian.

But now he only represents himself, at most a heartless person who hasn't exchanged a single telegram with anyone in the past century... Now that he's finally come all this way, it's for such a wicked person and such a wicked thing... Mistelin put herself in his shoes and thought about it, and she felt like cutting off her precious treasure.

“No need,” Shen Liang waved his hand gently. “Given the Empress’s personality, even if she’s angry, she wouldn’t want to kill someone… She’s very gentle.”

No one would believe that in this frigid land, the Winter Queen is a gentle deity.

Komistelin knew he was right. This was also the source of Shen Liang's confidence to come to the capital alone, without relying on force or the army to intimidate others.

But that's not necessarily true to some extent, because Shen Liang himself is Inazuma's greatest source of confidence in his military strength. Even if the Winter Queen really doesn't intend to negotiate with him, Mistelin finds it hard to imagine that the Winter Kingdom can stand against Shen Liang... He is already powerful enough to intimidate the entire continent.

Shen Liang lowered his head and slowly drank his wine, but he had already noticed the corner of the tavern. He sensed a familiar scent.

He didn't speak, and neither did the familiar person. They remained silent for a long time until Shen Liang finished drinking the entire bottle of kerosene.

A young man wrapped in a heavy cloak stood behind Shen Liang. He reached out from under the cloak and revealed what was tied around Shen Liang's waist: a tattered folding fan and a long, sharp dagger with a red knot hanging from it.

"Get out of the way." The young man's voice was low, yet carried an unusual air of authority.

The patrons were stunned, somewhat puzzled. This was clearly someone looking for trouble, but why pick on such a beautiful young woman? Especially someone who looked so extraordinary.

Some men frowned, even standing up to offer a warning or stop the commotion. But the young man suddenly drew a dagger from his waist, its silver blade flashing like a viper's tongue, striking without warning, piercing straight into Shen Liang's back!

"Crack!"

The sound of something hitting metal.

Shen Liang didn't even resist. The knife tip pierced through his clothes and struck his back, but couldn't cut through his skin. The seven-inch blade was blocked just outside his skin, which gleamed with a golden light. The young man gritted his teeth, and seemingly to vent his anger, he made several more cuts, tearing Shen Liang's clothes to shreds!

Unfortunately, after the fluttering strips of cloth dispersed, the expectant patrons discovered that there was no bra inside, and the extremely flat chest and back made them want to pound their chests in frustration.

Shen Liang's red eyes flickered slightly. Without turning around, he simply sighed, "I never expected that I would treat you like a brother, yet you would try to take advantage of me."

Chapter Thirty-One: The Aloof Emperor and the Rebel Minister Who Sworn an Enmity

The torn clothes begin to automatically extend fine nanowires from the gaps, automatically mending them.

Similar clothing was not uncommon in the pre-civilization era. From its appearance in the life support pods until now, a century later, Shen Liang still only wore this one casual outfit. However, long ago, this was a restrictive and conservative garment imbued with the true hope of lightning, but now the style has changed drastically. The original one-piece jumpsuit has been transformed into a pure white, sharp military dress uniform, long and well-fitting. From behind, her long hair flows freely outside the trench coat, which, when flared out, resembles the hem of a skirt, combining the nobility of a princess with the steadfastness of a soldier.

"Lightning Cold!" The soldier sheathed his dagger and stared coldly at the boy who had turned around.

“I knew you would come to see me before the Empress.” Shen Liang said with a smile. “You attacked me without any mercy the moment we met. After all these years, you should know the difference between us.”