Ha, forever is too absolute. When she first ascended to the position of Tianquan Star, she also thought that she could forever control the power and wealth of this position. Who would have known that she would be in such a predicament now?
Yes, he certainly had some ability when he ascended to the throne, but it was mostly due to the covert support of the late Emperor Morax.
Just like now, falling from the clouds to the mortal realm was due to the decree and order of that young emperor.
Fine, I'll accept my loss.
"Don't talk nonsense, he's coming up."
After saying something inexplicable, Ningguang suddenly stood up and slowly walked to the vast viewing platform in front of the Qunyu Pavilion, gracefully bowing her head: "Good afternoon, Your Majesty."
Holding an oil-paper umbrella, Ji Ming glanced sideways at Ning Guang and grinned: "Judging by the time, it should be evening now, Lord Tianquan Star."
Ningguang straightened up again and said softly with a smile, "I am no longer Tianquan Star, Your Majesty."
Ji Ming shrugged, stopped chatting, put away his umbrella and entered the Qunyu Pavilion area. Ignoring Bai Shi's gaze, he turned around, sat down in the armchair, crossed his legs, and pointed to an empty seat.
“Hey you over there, give Ningguang a seat.”
Bai Shi's face turned pale. He blankly moved a chair over and stood behind Ning Guang, bowing his head to await orders.
The seemingly carefree man before me is no longer the street thug of yesteryear, but a valiant and capable ruler.
He is the young emperor, the new leader in the hearts of all Liyue people, and the lord to whom all Guili people would fight to the death.
Its momentum and prestige are greater than tomorrow's, far surpassing yesterday's, and even greater than before.
A virtuous person should possess the ability to transform from a snake into a dragon in an instant.
The nightlight on the small table flickered, its light dimly illuminating Ji Ming's profile. Beneath the shadow lay a terrifying killing intent and hatred, while the other half of his face clearly bore a cynical smile.
Bai Shi felt a pang of sympathy and dared not raise his head.
Ningguang sat down gracefully, seemingly lost in thought. She quickly guessed what was going on and, without further formalities, asked, "Your Majesty, will I die today?"
“It depends on your answer,” Ji Ming said without any hesitation, pointing to the desolate mountains outside the Qunyu Pavilion, where faint firelight could be seen. “If your answer does not satisfy me, I will execute you immediately without my soldiers having to lift a finger.”
Bai Shi panicked and anxiously stood in front of Ning Guang, only to meet Ji Ming's murderous gaze. He almost couldn't utter a complete sentence.
"Your Majesty...Your Majesty, please spare Lady Ningguang! I am willing...willing to die in Lady Ningguang's place!"
Bai Xiao and Bai Wen ran over and stood in front of Ning Guang, their bodies unconsciously kneeling down.
Ji Ming frowned and scolded, "Let me tell you, there's no need to rush to die. If I am not satisfied with your master's answer, you will naturally be buried with him."
Ningguang reached out and pushed the three people aside, saying calmly, "Your Majesty, I obey your decree."
Ji Ming didn't waste any words and held up one finger: "First, before becoming Tianquan Star, what exactly did you seek?"
"Wealth, Mora, will not be bullied."
"How many people were bullied during your time in office? I don't believe you didn't use a single dirty trick during the election campaign, especially since you were just recently condoning tax evasion by businessmen, right or wrong?"
"Yes, I admit it."
Ji Ming's smile faded slightly: "That's one offense. Second, I ask you, can you name any contributions you made to Liyue during your time as the ruler of Tianquan Star?"
Sweat appeared, slowly sliding down the back of her neck, down her snow-white neck and back, disappearing without a trace.
Ningguang replied, "I deserve some credit for Liyue Harbor becoming a port of a thousand sails."
Ji Ming gave a forced smile: "Huh? So-called merit refers to your rampant embezzlement, privatizing the official docks, and using the geographical advantage to increase paper wealth and fill your own pockets?"
"Your Majesty, my income is compliant and legal."
“Fine, then I’ll assume you’re acting legally and legitimately,” Ji Ming’s smile grew even more indifferent. “Then let me ask you, have the wallets of the people of Liyue gotten any fatter?”
His palms gradually became damp, and he began to rub the corner of his clothes in an attempt to forcefully divert his attention.
"Perhaps not, but someone will always become rich."
At this point, Ji Ming's smile vanished completely.
Immediately, murderous intent surged forth, and the three secretaries were so frightened that their legs went weak, and they slowly collapsed to the ground, barely able to support themselves with the strength of their arms to avoid looking too pathetic.
Staring intently into Ningguang's eyes, Ji Ming's tone gradually lowered, even becoming a growl: "Tell me, in your heart, is Liyue more important or the people?"
Her heart began to pound, and Ningguang slumped backward, leaning against the back of the chair. She managed to maintain her composure for the moment, swallowed hard, and said truthfully, "Liyue."
Ji Ming pressed further, "If I weren't forcing you to choose between the two, which do you think is more important?"
Ningguang took a deep breath: "None of that matters."
The atmosphere fell silent. Suddenly, Ji Ming chuckled and said sarcastically, "You really are a selfish person. But why can't you be like me?"
"You possess the bearing of a dragon and a phoenix, and cannot be compared to me."
"I don't want to hear flattery. I just want to know, if I let you go today, will the people of Liyue curse my ancestors?"
"The power of life and death is in your hands."
"So you're accepting your loss?" Ji Ming grinned. "Let me tell you, in this world, what goes around comes around."
As he spoke, Ji Ming pulled out a pipe from his pocket and casually tossed it onto the small table. The clinking sound was cold and impersonal, just like when it was given to him as a gift, merely to find someone to use as a tool.
Ningguang looked over, mustered her courage, reached out and pinched it, gently stroking it in her palm, feeling a mix of emotions.
"Today, I want to kill you."
"Your Majesty, could it be that..."
Ji Ming waved his hand impatiently and said, "No, I am also an egoist. I will not suddenly give up my murderous intent just because you gave me a little trinket."
He then pulled out a small wad of paper and tossed it into Ningguang's arms, gesturing for her to open it and read it herself.
The note was unfolded, revealing two neatly written characters.
[Do not kill]
Ningguang recognized the two characters as the handwriting of her former colleague and supervisor, written by Gan Yu, the secretary of the Seven Stars.
Would Gan Yu plead for him?
I'm afraid not. Gan Yu is not as weak and gentle as she appears, and she does occasionally seem a little sleepy. She is a genuine demigod, and her longbow is filled with many souls.
Ji Ming spoke up: "You were supported by the late emperor. If I kill you, wouldn't that prove that the late emperor's policies were wrong? Besides, I asked my sworn brothers, and they also said they wouldn't kill you, but actually they really want to kill you."
Ningguang closed her eyes slightly: "So, you've decided not to kill them?"
"Death penalty can be avoided, but living crime cannot be avoided!"
Ji Ming's expression was somewhat violent as he said, word by word, "Buy your life. I've heard you're the richest person in all of Liyue. Hand over all your assets, including the entire Qunyu Pavilion."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Ningguang felt relieved; now that she had survived, Mora was not someone she couldn't abandon.
Ji Ming sneered: "Alright, you don't have to die for now, but I will take you to a nice place, no larger than a courtyard, enough for you to live out your days."
"Ningguang wouldn't ask for more?"
"You still have the nerve to ask for more?"
Ji Ming continued to sneer: "Don't worry, you'll have someone to keep you company. Recently, the Liyue authorities were clearing out pirates and happened to capture a prisoner who was seriously injured and will be confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life."
Ningguang opened her eyes: "The Big Dipper?"
"We're old acquaintances, aren't we?"
"She survived thanks to Lord Zhao's kindness."
Yes, if it weren't for the fact that Beidou is just a knife, she would have perished at sea with Death Star.
As for the crew of the Death Star, the unlucky ones died on the spot when the two main ships clashed, while the somewhat lucky ones were rescued afterward and tried in court based on their actions.
Some people die, some people live; it all depends on themselves.
Beidou and Ningguang will be under house arrest for life. Both of them have divine eyes, but judging from their spirits and demeanor, they probably have no intention of leaving.
Moreover, the place of confinement is far from human habitation, and apart from Ningguang's three secretaries, no other humans will appear.
Too lazy to say anything more, Ji Ming waved his hand, and a large group of soldiers rushed out from outside the Qunyu Pavilion. They were responsible for taking Ningguang and her three secretaries to the place of house arrest.
Leaving Qunyu Pavilion, Ji Ming took one last look back at the floating courtyard, which would be dismantled into pieces, sold on the market, and become an inconspicuous stepping stone for countless ordinary people.
With this, the era of the Seven Stars came to a complete end.
The era of Tianquan Star is naturally gone forever.
Ji Ming opened the umbrella again and slowly walked down the mountain, a strange feeling suddenly settling in his heart.
When did he become accustomed to solving problems without killing people?
Well, he will still kill those who deserve it, such as publicly trying corrupt officials when he became governor, and destroying the Cui family after returning to Liyue Harbor after ascending the throne. However, he pays more attention to having a legitimate reason for his actions.
He seems to have become more mellow compared to his gang days?
Hehe, how interesting. You originally thought you would make a big splash after becoming the emperor, but due to political reasons, you had to abandon your passionate and impulsive emotions?
If he could go back in time and see his former self, he would probably be very proud.
See? I've become a thoughtful adult.
Shaking his head, he continued down the mountain path. The path was narrow, only wide enough for two people to walk side by side, but it was enough for Ji Ming.
"Junior brother, is the matter settled?"
"Hmm, what's Senior Sister Gan Yu doing here?"
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