He changed Tiwat

Ningguang, Keqing, Moonsea Pavilion, and the Immortals—these factions have all reached an agreement. Liyue is likely about to undergo a truly earth-shattering transformation. Uncle Tian thought silently.

Kaiyang Star and Tianxuan Star, both reformers, couldn't hold back any longer. In truth, they were less "reformers" and more concerned with their own interests. Compared to the ancient Yun and Xing clans, and the mysterious Rouran clan with its apparent connection to the immortals, Liyue's complete human rule was more in line with the interests of the Jiang and Song families.

The possibility of immortals interfering in politics by cooperating with them is something they don't want to see, but more importantly, of course, is the issue of money.

“Miss Keqing, have you considered Liyue’s budget? The Liyue fleet proposed by Ningguang alone has already exhausted Liyue’s available budget for this year.” Kaiyang Xingziyuan said with displeasure.

"We can simply invest in the 'Liyue Academy of Arts' in the name of the Liyue National Bank." Keqing had anticipated the possible opposition.

In fact, she had already discussed these strategies with Ningguang. Using Liyue coins as investment in the Academy of Sciences would promote Liyue coins without actually using Liyue's Mora reserves—a risk-free and highly profitable business. Besides, as long as the research materials were available, a master like Liuyun Jiefeng wouldn't care about the funding.

Furthermore, the reserves of the Liyue National Bank are controlled by six of the Seven Stars through capital injection, but Ningguang is the chairperson, so her investment decisions naturally have the most significant weight. Investing in projects that benefit Liyue makes it difficult for others to object.

“Sigh, Brother Ziyuan is right, but the budget is a minor issue. It’s just… both the fleet and the so-called ‘air force’ need personnel, right? Where will the personnel come from?” Tianxuan Star Zu Tao tapped his folding fan, seemingly trying to smooth things over for the two, but in reality, he was indirectly opposing Keqing’s proposal.

“I’ve considered that too. I plan to implement a ‘citizen service’ policy and recruit young people from Liyue society to join the Thousand Rock Army!” Keqing replied.

“This…” Zu Tao was speechless for a moment. It wasn’t that the “conscription system” called “National Service” was so surprising, but that this policy was actually proposed by Ke Qing, which proved that Ke Qing was determined to carry out the reform of the Thousand Rock Army.

In other words, Keqing, who should have been on their side, had unknowingly sided with Ningguang. Now, he needed to calculate which position would bring the greatest benefit to his family.

Zu Tao paused for a moment, then changed his words: "As everyone here should know, the Rock Lord has only retired, not passed away. I believe he is still secretly protecting Liyue. Moreover, besides the Lord, the Liyue Asgardians also joined forces with the Seven Stars in the Battle of Ocel. Since the Lord and the Asgardians are protecting us, the expansion and addition of new troops to the Thousand Rock Army seems unnecessary. Besides, don't we still have Lady Ningguang's Jade Pavilion?"

Compared to reforms that could bring about various changes, maintaining the status quo is the most advantageous option for them. Zu Tao therefore brought up the existence of gods and immortals as a reason, and Ningguang's Jade Pavilion is now a well-known deterrent force.

"I disagree too." Ziyuan stood up and loudly retorted to Keqing, "Maintaining the existing Qianyan Army is already a huge expense. Even now, logistics funds are tight every year. How can you still want to expand the army? Soldiers' training, equipment maintenance, and weapon development—which of these doesn't require funding? If all the funds are used on the Qianyan Army, what about other projects? This is militarism. Where is the national economy and people's livelihood at stake?"

The Kaiyang family is in charge of the logistics of the Qianyan Army. Over the years, the Jiang family has profited a lot from the Qianyan Army's logistics procurement plan. However, what he said was all true. In fact, Keqing herself held the same view yesterday.

Of course, the person who changed Keqing's mindset is right here.

Keqing clapped her hands lightly. “Gentlemen, the reason I invited Mr. Han to this meeting today is to explain to you the necessity of reforming the Thousand Rock Army. Mr. Han has made great contributions to protecting Liyue Harbor, and I hope you will all listen to his words.”

Han Fulai stood up and bowed deeply to the Seven Stars present.

"Gentlemen, please hear me out."

Chapter Two: Having no sword in hand and having a sword but not using it are not the same thing.

All eyes were on Han Fulai. Although Han Fulai was not wearing a feather fan or a silk turban, his words, "I have something to say," effectively conveyed the message, "Please listen attentively."

Whether it was the Battle of Ocel or the Battle of Bazha, Han Fulai shone brightly and has become a living legend in the stories of Liyue Harbor's storytellers.

Even the other seven stars present, who were older than him, were either learning business under the protection of their parents or struggling to make a living at the same age as Han Fulai, while Han Fulai had already achieved something that amazed them.

Moreover, as members of the Seven Stars, they not only knew about Han Fulai's immortal background, but also knew exactly what Han Fulai had done at the Jade Pavilion the day before yesterday—others might not be able to tell what the Jade Shield covering the Jade Pavilion was all about, but the Seven Stars of Liyue knew it all.

Whether it's because of Han Fulai's immortal background or his imperial lineage, he deserves the attention of all the Seven Stars present.

Han Fulai took a few steps and came to the round table.

He said he wanted to ask everyone to listen to him, but he didn't speak. Instead, he drew a short sword from behind his back!

A flash of cold light, and the sword was already stopped in front of the table.

The seven stars present each displayed different behaviors.

Kaiyang Xingzi Yuan, who was closest to him, took a step back, his face showing anger.

Tianxuan Star Zu Tao snapped open his folding fan and held it up in front of him.

Tianjixing looked at him with a gentle smile, seemingly unconcerned.

Tian Shu Xing Yun Tian still looked listless, but his back had quietly straightened.

Ningguang remained expressionless, as if nothing had happened.

Ke Qing was utterly astonished—Han Fulai had never told her that he would be bringing a sword into the conference room.

Han Fulai bought this sword from Lao Zhang at "Hanfeng Ironware" this morning without consulting anyone beforehand.

For security reasons, weapons are not allowed in the meeting. Leaving aside those who possess the Eye of God, it's clearly a violation for Han Fulai to bring his sword tucked into his waistband. However, as the deputy head of Yuehaiting and having entered the meeting room with Gan Yu, no one checked his weaponry. Gan Yu saw it but didn't stop him.

Han Fulai held up the short sword in his hand, displaying it to everyone, and said loudly, "Please forgive me, esteemed Seven Stars, but I carry this 'Edgeless Sword' with no ill intentions. I only wish to illustrate a principle."

When everyone heard him say "sword without edge," they calmed down and examined it carefully, discovering that it was indeed an unsharpened short sword—a type of unsharpened sword commonly used by martial artists when practicing swordsmanship. As long as it doesn't pierce vital areas like the eyes, this kind of sword is essentially no different from a club, merely having the shape of a sword.

Teyvat is a world with elemental power and demon gods. Better weapons, such as the Thousand Rocks series, are usually imbued with spell or elemental effects. Compared to those weapons, the Unsharp Sword is simply a "toy".

"Say what you want to say now!" Ziyuan gripped the edge of the round table, his tone quite unfriendly. He had been startled by Han Fulai and had taken a step back, feeling he had lost face, yet he couldn't vent his anger, leaving him extremely frustrated.

"What I want to say is that not having a sword in your hand is not the same as having a sword but not using it," Han Fulai said seriously.

Ziyuan glanced at Han Fulai, then sat back down in his seat.

Zu Tao snapped his folding fan shut and remained silent.

"As you all know, I once fought against Báché. Although I was unable to defeat him, I believe you all understand that whether or not I have this bladeless sword, it will have no impact on my combat strength if I want to attack you here. So why are you only wary of me when I have a sword?"

Han Fulai smiled and said, "This is what I wanted to tell you all. If Liyue is the one who wields the sword, then the Thousand Rock Army is the sword in Liyue's hand. The sharper this sword is, the more frightening it is, and the less likely anyone will dare to provoke it. No matter how deep Liyue's foundation is, if it is not revealed, it will only be looked down upon."

Ziyuan snorted and said, "But has Secretary Han considered that this sword is also a source of trouble? If you don't carry a sword, I won't consider you a threat, but if you have a sword, I might have the guards ask you to leave."

Han Fulai tucked the sword back into his waistband and said in a deep voice, "Even if its existence brings doubts and debates, I believe it is a preparation for resisting aggression."

Zu Tao looked displeased. "Vice Minister Han's words are rather alarmist. Invasion? Who? Who dares?"

Han Fulai smiled and replied, "Who broke into the Golden House? Who attacked the Jade Pavilion? And who bombed the General Affairs Department? Do you really have to wait until the Fools one day storm the Jade Capital Terrace before you can see the sword in the enemy's hand? I want to remind you all that the Emperor and the Immortals have always been here, but the Fools don't seem to have any scruples."

"This shows that the Emperor also believes that the situation is not serious enough to lead to war. The Seven Stars will use diplomatic means to mediate... What does Tianquan Star think?" Zu Tao's meaning was clear: these matters were ultimately resolved by Ningguang through diplomatic means, so of course Ningguang was in charge.

Ningguang remained expressionless and did not answer.

Han Fulai then interjected, "Do you all still remember the esteemed scholar Maocai?"

Upon hearing this name, the three Seven Stars involved simultaneously looked at Han Fulai, smiled gently, and said, "Mao Cai Gong's crimes are irrefutable, and he has been sentenced to death. His family property has also been confiscated by Yue Haiting. Does Mr. Han have any dissatisfaction?"

He specifically mentioned the name Yuehaiting, which was obviously a veiled reference. They both knew about the scheme that Maocai Gong had been plotted against by Han Fulai and Ningguang.

“Tianji Star has misunderstood.” Han Fulai smiled back. “I mentioned Maocai Gong because I wanted to talk about a small matter, a very, very small matter.”

"There should still be a man named Lü Hu locked up in the General Affairs Department's cell. He was a servant of Maocai Gong and was brought to the General Affairs Department for fighting. Later, he was implicated in helping Maocai Gong oppress the people, so his punishment was increased. The person he wanted to beat up back then was me."

"To my shame, I am a member of the ancient Hua Sect, but my sect has fallen so low that even the servants of Master Maocai look down on me. Of course, as a servant, he naturally bullies others by relying on his power, but the power he relies on is not Master Maocai."

“I still remember what he threatened me like this: ‘Offending Lord Maocai is the same as offending the Fools!’ ‘With the Fools’ leaders backing me up today, even dozens of Guhua factions combined can’t afford to offend me!’”

He spoke these two sentences slowly and calmly, but anyone could tell the anger and resentment behind them.

"I was very curious at the time. Why do the people of Liyue have to be subservient to the people of Winterfell on the land of Liyue? Why can the people of Winterfell travel thousands of miles to support the bully of Liyue? My esteemed septuagenarians, could you answer this small question of mine?"

Han Fulai's gaze swept across the faces of the Seven Stars present, and none of the six Seven Stars present spoke.

If you don't break through the barriers, you can continue playing music and dancing. But once you do break through, the truth behind it is more than just heartwarming.

As a transmigrator, Han Fulai encountered several characters in Liyue: Zhiruo, who had learned martial arts and was now working as a waitress in a tavern; Boss Degui, who had to water off his drinks to keep costs down; the dockworkers who lived for the moment; Master Chang, who had pawned his entire fortune to invest in Shiboro and was nearly driven to his death; Duke De'an, whose estate was seized by the Northern Bank; and Zhao Hande, who sold secrets to buy a house…

He had also witnessed the decadent and extravagant lives of wealthy and powerful families, the wealthy scholar and his son who took pleasure in humiliating others, and the arrogant and domineering servants and guards...

He never imagined that after time-traveling, he would encounter the ubiquitous foreign dignitaries! The foreign dignitaries of the Winter Kingdom!

This is Liyue? This is Liyue!

Some things can be changed slowly, because you can't rush them, but there are some things that Han Fulai doesn't want to wait a moment longer.

"I have some questions for Lord Tianxuan."

Han Fulai's dark pupils stared directly at Tianxuan Star Song Zutao, who unconsciously tightened his grip on the folding fan in his hand.

"Lady Tianxuan just mentioned that the Emperor would secretly protect Liyue. I would like to ask, when the Whirlpool Demon God Oser attacked Liyue Harbor, did Lady Tianxuan know where the Emperor was? When the lingering power of the Whirlpool stirred up a tsunami, did Lady Tianxuan manage to find the Geo Archon for help?"

"This……"

Zu Tao was speechless again. Whether it was the Geo Archon or the Liyue Seraphs, they always acted according to their own will. Even if they were a sword, that sword was not held in the hands of the Liyue Sept. He had always been very clear about this principle.

"My lord just mentioned Lady Ningguang's Jade Pavilion. I have another question—the Jade Pavilion seems to be Lady Ningguang's private property. To protect Liyue Harbor, Lady Ningguang twice wanted to destroy her own property to relieve the crisis, but from what I see, you gentlemen seem to take this for granted?"

Not only Tianxuan Star, but even Keqing from Yuheng Star couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Admittedly, she knew that Ningguang had always regarded Qunyu Pavilion as a bargaining chip, and that destroying Qunyu Pavilion could bring Ningguang great political benefits. However, this bargaining chip was, after all, Ningguang's private property, and as outsiders, they actually had no right to demand that Ningguang do so.

Ningguang coughed lightly, trying to smooth things over for her colleagues: "I believe that's not what you gentlemen meant. Little Han, don't feel sorry for me regarding the Jade Pavilion. For the sake of Liyue Harbor, I'm willing to do it."

Han Fulai and Ningguang exchanged a glance, and the latter nodded slightly.

Han Fulai bowed slightly and greeted the Seven Stars present: "I apologize for my harsh words just now. Please forgive me."

Then he turned to Jiang Ziyuan, the Kaiyang Star, whose face was gloomy, and said, "Lord Kaiyang, I also have a few questions to ask you."

“…Ask.” Ziyuan’s voice sounded like it was coming from his nose.

"I've heard that Lord Kaiyang is in charge of Liyue's military supplies, but there's one thing I don't understand: why are the weapons of the Thousand Rock Army never being updated?"

Ziyuan snorted impatiently and replied, "The supplies for the Thousand Rock Army are screened at every level, and the materials used are selected from the best of the best. This is a set pattern that has been passed down for thousands of years. How can it be changed at will?"

"I've recently heard some historical evolution of the Liyue forging families," Han Fulai smiled. "The Thousand Rocks series originated 3,700 years ago. When Liyue was founded, the Thousand Rocks army was already equipped with the Thousand Rocks Ancient Sword and the Thousand Rocks Spear. However, it seems that there haven't been any new works in the Thousand Rocks series in the past 3,700 years?"

"The Thousand Rocks Sword was forged from the bedrock of the Divine Forge in Liyue Harbor, while the Thousand Rocks Spear was made from rock fragments from the Rock Spear in Lonely Cloud Pavilion. The materials are rare, so how could they be made just like that?" Ziyuan had an expression that said, "You laymen don't understand."

"So that means the Thousand Rocks series is difficult to equip widely, right?"

Han Fulai smiled; what Ziyuan said was exactly what he wanted to hear.

"Why can't the Thousand Rock Army use other standard equipment? As everyone knows, the descendants of the three great blacksmithing families of Liyue—the Yun, Han, and Kun—are still alive!"

"What do you want to say?" Ziyuan frowned.

“A thousand years ago, the Kun family’s master craftsman Kunwu forged the Box Series weapons, which were said to be able to slay dragons and demons. I remember that Lady Keqing had a ‘Box Dragon’s Roar’ weapon. May I ask if the Kun family’s craftsmanship is not up to the standards of the Thousand Rock Army?”

"Five hundred years ago, Han Wu, a renowned craftsman of the Han clan, and Yun Hui, the head of the Yun clan, joined forces to create the 'Prototype' series of weapons. The Prototype series became famous throughout the world, and the weapon blueprints are still circulating among craftsmen in various countries. Why is the Thousand Rock Army indifferent to this?"

"Four hundred years ago, Han Ce, a descendant of the Han family, and Yun Huang, the head of the Yun family, developed the 'Black Rock' series under the name of Black Rock Factory. Could it not be considered a high-quality product?"

"Is it that Liyue lacks master craftsmen, or that the Thousand Rock Army is unworthy of weapons forged by master craftsmen?"

"The Thousand Rock Army's equipment is carefully selected, choosing the best of the best. Why did they choose the cheapest white-tasseled spear? When did the Thousand Rock Army's white-tasseled spears subdue the Fools' Thunderhammer Firearms?"

Han Fulai asked one question after another, like waves crashing one after another, until Kaiyangxing was speechless.

"There's something I've always wanted to say, and I'm afraid I'll have to offend you all today."

"I really envy the Winter Solstice people, because they have a powerful motherland behind them!"

"How I wish I could have said to Lü Hu a month ago: 'With the Thousand Rock Army backing me up, even dozens of fools combined can't afford to offend me!'"

He glanced around at the seven stars present and sighed softly.

"Liyue is located in the center of the Teyvat continent, bordered by Winter to the north, Mondstadt to the east, Inazuma to the south, and Sumeru to the west. The desert of Thunata and the azure waters of Fontaine connect it to the north and south, making it a place of constant warfare. We hold the only mint in Teyvat and possess the most prosperous trading port in Teyvat, yet we do not have a strong army to protect our people!"

"What did you all do after the Emperor retired? You all gambled."

Han Fulai smiled.

"In a world where a nation is in decline, surrounded by powerful nations, where the winds of change are blowing and the world is undergoing tremendous upheaval, where fools are eyeing the country covetously and those with ulterior motives are jumping around in a desperate gamble! Betting that the other party will be intimidated by the lingering power of the previous generation of heroes and will not be able to cut off your head with a sword when you are at your weakest and most isolated?"

Han Fulai used his palm as a knife, pretending to slash at his own neck.

The room was completely silent.

Han Fulai clasped his hands in a fist salute to the Seven Stars present.

"Honoring all the gamblers present. I only know one thing: 'In the long run, you will lose.'"

All eyes were on Han Fulai, who met the gazes of the Seven Stars without flinching or avoiding them.

He drew his blunt sword again, flicked it with his finger, and recited a poem on the spot. The poem disregarded tonal patterns and rhyme schemes, yet possessed a captivating and awe-inspiring power:

"The Sea of ​​Death yields jade nectar, the Tianshan Mountains serve as a screen, and Kunlun stands as a barrier. Stretching ten thousand miles from north to south, I dare ask, when will the thunderous roar resound!"

—That was the cry of the nameless heroes from the vast Gobi Desert of China.

Everyone present remained silent.

Only Ningguang gazed at Han Fulai and let out a barely perceptible sigh.

“I think you have all made your decisions,” Ningguang addressed her colleagues.

"The Liyue Yun Clan fully supports Liyue's military strengthening plan." Tian Shu Xing was the first to express his support.

“A prosperous country and a strong military are only natural requirements,” Rouran replied with a light laugh.

Kaiyang Star and Tianxuan Star exchanged a glance and nodded.

"Xiao Han, the work of liaising between the 'Liyue Academy of Celestial Arts' and the Celestials will be entirely in your hands," Ningguang said.

Han Fulai placed his hand on his chest and bowed to everyone present.

"Yes, Seven Stars."

Chapter Three: Returning to My Mother's Home and Preparatory School in Liuxian