He changed Tiwat

As a transmigrator from the modern era, Han Fulai possesses the knowledge that transmigrators have innately acquired, surpassing the Teyvat era. He also has the modern education experience of a top student from China and a certain amount of social experience. Many of the events that happen in Liyue are historical stories that China's ancestors have been playing with for thousands of years, to Han Fulai, a modern person living in the information explosion age.

Even so, after arriving in Liyue, he spent a long time learning from Gan Yu, the permanent secretary who had ruled the Moonsea for three thousand years, before he could truly be competent for his position as the deputy head of the Moonsea. His insight and knowledge also improved to this level through his interactions with Ningguang, Zhongli, and others.

Zhiyi's vision, insight, and even thinking ability, as demonstrated in this planning document, are in no way inferior to Han Fulai's. Han Fulai believes that in addition to Uncle Tian's teachings to his disciples, Zhiyi's own talent is absolutely top-notch. After all, they were all taught by Uncle Tian. Whether it's Qianwei, Mingbo, or even Uncle Tian's biological daughter Huixin, their abilities are simply not on the same level as Zhiyi's.

Han Fulai had only one comment on this: "He should be recruited into Yuehaiting as a civil servant."

Without a doubt, as the second-in-command of the Moonlit Pavilion civil servants, this is the highest praise Han Fulai can give to someone else's abilities. He had previously only given such high praise to Xingqiu, the recognized business genius of Liyue.

What's even more surprising is that Zhiyi's planning document even mentions monitoring the other seven stars and major families!

Both Qianwei and Mingbo only produced plans that were either biased towards the economy or the administration, without touching upon the core responsibilities of the Tian Shu Star position. Even though these two newly appointed Tian Shu Stars probably still have a lot to learn, Zhiyi is quite clear about the boundaries of the Tian Shu Star's authority and responsibilities, as if he had actually sat in that position before.

To use a term familiar to Han Fulai, Zhiyi's performance against the other two candidates was a "lower-dimensional attack".

Han Fulai was certain that the successor Tian Shu had chosen was Zhiyi!

Seeing Han Fulai close the planning document, Ye Lan asked with interest, "You finished reading it so quickly? What are your thoughts?"

“Liyue truly is a land of outstanding talents. These three planning documents are all exceptionally well-written,” Han Fulai replied earnestly.

Ye Lan smiled. "After all, it involves the selection of Tian Shu Star, and everyone is doing their best to show themselves. Once they are on stage, they will have to follow the plan to handle matters, and no one wants to leave any regrets."

As she spoke, she nodded to the secretary and assistant waiting in the conference room, "You can bring the candidates over now, one by one. Let's start with Qianwei."

Chapter Twelve: The Seven Stars Selection (Part Seven)

Following Ye Lan's instructions, Secretary Assistant Li An led Qian Wei into the interview room.

Qian Wei still maintained that arrogant and haughty demeanor.

"Oh, are you two the examiners for this event? I thought that for such an important event, even if it wasn't Uncle Tian himself who was the examiner, it should have been someone like Lord Ningguang, a Seven Star Examiner... I didn't expect to see people I don't recognize."

Judging from his tone, he probably felt that the interviewer's level was not high enough to show that he was taken seriously.

Of course, in terms of administrative rank alone, Yelan and Han Fulai are indeed inferior to the Seven Stars of Liyue.

The two simply introduced themselves casually.

"General Affairs Department, Ye Lan."

"Yuehai Pavilion, Han Fulai."

Qian Wei didn't react much when he heard Ye Lan's name, but he was surprised when Han Fu introduced himself—"Oh, you're that Vice Minister Han..."

This was the first time he had ever looked at someone properly.

Han Fulai smiled and glanced at Ye Lan, who shrugged slightly.

"Then let's begin the interview," Han Fulai said.

Qian Wei realized his earlier lapse in composure, coughed lightly, crossed his arms, and resumed his arrogant demeanor: "You should have seen my plan, right? If there's anything you don't understand, you can ask me to explain it."

Ye Lan narrowed her eyes, and Han Fulai raised an eyebrow, glancing at Qian Wei at the same time. Qian Wei looked away somewhat awkwardly: "...Sorry, I wasn't targeting anyone in particular, I was just stating a fact."

"His conversational skills are probably learned from the True Lord Liuyun Jiefeng," Han Fulai couldn't help but mutter to Ye Lan. Ye Lan, who clearly knew something about that immortal, nodded emphatically.

“Since you’ve asked us to ask questions, I’ll ask them,” Han Fulai said to Qian Wei.

A hint of nervousness finally showed on Qian Wei's face. Han Fulai was a well-known figure, and Qian Wei was actually quite apprehensive about facing him. Of course, his pride wouldn't allow him to show any fear in front of others.

"I noticed a very interesting proposal in your plan. You hope to leverage the influence of the Liyue Yun Clan to unite various industries and sell Liyue goods in overseas markets at prices lower than those in the domestic market. Once you monopolize the overseas market, you can gain pricing power and reap huge profits... Do you plan to realize this idea after you take office?"

“Exactly. I know you’ll say I’m not following international trade rules, but I believe this is a legitimate way to use the rules to gain benefits,” Qian Wei said arrogantly.

"Have you been to every country on the continent of Teyvat?" Han Fulai asked.

“No…” Qian Wei shook his head.

"Then how do you think that the international traders of Liyue wouldn't have thought of your 'genius' idea?" Han Fulai smiled. "I just heard you mention Lady Ningguang's name. Have you ever met Lady Ningguang?"

“Of course.” Qian Wei raised his chin. He had once been invited to dine with Ningguang at Qunyu Pavilion, which was a great honor for a merchant in Liyue Harbor.

“Then you must know that Lady Ningguang invented a board game called ‘Liyue Millennium’,” Han Fulai said.

"I've played chess with Lady Ningguang, and she even praised my chess skills." Qian Wei flicked his bangs, struck what he considered a handsome pose, and said proudly.

"So, you defeated Lady Ningguang?" Han Fulai continued to ask.

“…No.” Qian Wei was slightly embarrassed.

"Have you ever thought about why you can't beat Lady Ningguang?" Han Fulai continued to ask.

“Naturally, it’s because Lady Ningguang is more skilled.” Qian Wei frowned.

"It's because Lady Ningguang is the rule setter, and she can modify the rules of 'Liyue Millennium' at any time. The final interpretation of the rules always remains in Lady Ningguang's hands."

Han Fulai laughed and said, "You have ideas and ambition, and you can think of using the rules, but you didn't think that others can make the rules. For example, you use low-price 'dumping' to try to monopolize the Fontainebleau market. The Fontainebleau government counters by enacting an 'anti-dumping law' to protect its domestic market, while simultaneously launching an 'anti-dumping investigation' to seize your goods, and finally raising taxes. How will you deal with that?"

As a time traveler from China, Han Fu has witnessed how China has used low-cost industrial products to sell various goods abroad at rock-bottom prices over the past thirty years, resulting in more anti-dumping investigations from Western countries than all other countries combined. He's seen so many news reports that he's practically numb to it all. How could he not know what consequences Qian Wei's strategy would bring?

Back when foreign goods were being dumped on Chinese soil, they came with the most advanced cannons and ironclad warships. Liyue's current national strength is not even comparable to that of China back then.

"I..." Qianwei gritted his teeth, trying hard to think of a rebuttal, but couldn't think of a good solution for the moment.

Han Fulai didn't wait for him and said directly, "Mr. Qianwei, I admire your idea, but it may take more preparation to turn your idea from paper to reality. Now, please help me call Mingbo over."

This was perhaps the first setback in Qian Wei's otherwise smooth-sailing life, and the Vice Minister Yue Haiting before him was clearly not someone he could vent his anger on at will. Qian Wei gritted his teeth again and, as instructed, turned and left.

Not long after, Mingbo walked into the conference room, his face even showing a hint of confusion.

Facing two interviewers, Mingbo scratched the back of his head before realizing, "Ah... is it my turn?"

In fact, Qianwei hadn't conveyed the message to invite Mingbo for an interview at all. He simply gave Mingbo a vague snort and then left. Mingbo could only enter the interview room, completely bewildered, to see what was going on.

Seeing Mingbo's expression, Yelan already knew what was going on. She nodded and spoke to ease Mingbo's tension: "Well, could you briefly introduce yourself?"

"I am Mingbo..."

After Mingbo finished saying his name, he paused for a long time before remembering that he should add something else.

"I belong to the General Affairs Department."

“I worked in the General Affairs Department for nine years… five months… and three days.” Mingbo would look at Yelan’s reaction after every few words, but Yelan just looked at him expressionlessly, which made Mingbo even more nervous.

"I have handled... 2,347 cases. There are still 12 cases being handled... It is estimated that they will all be resolved in about... 16 days."

Even Han Fulai couldn't help but stare at him—Mingbo reminded him of those students at a thesis defense who were just trying to make conversation...

Seeing that both examiners were staring at him, Mingbo became even more flustered.

"My current work is related to urban planning, and I'm also responsible for account acceptance and verification. To be precise, it involves three parts of accounts, namely..."

Seeing that Mingbo was about to start reciting the General Affairs Department's accounts, Yelan quickly stopped him: "Never mind, stop with the self-introductions for now, I'll just ask you questions."

Han Fulai's thought was: Fortunately, Mingbo wasn't Keqing's subordinate, otherwise he would have gone to Bubulu to prepare medicine for Keqing's high blood pressure...

Chapter Thirteen: The Seven Stars Selection (Final)

Both Ye Lan and Han Fulai had to admit that the interview with Mingbo was a torment.

Mingbo does have extensive frontline experience and pays great attention to detail, and he is very thoughtful—so he always talks on and on about details, which is fine, but the key is that he speaks very haltingly, and even a simple sentence is broken into several pauses.

Therefore, Ye Lan wisely decided to end the interview with Ming Bo early, otherwise it might have been dark by the time Ming Bo finished speaking.

After Zhiyi entered, he first thanked his secretary, Ms. Li'an, who opened the door for him, and then bowed to the two examiners, saying, "Greetings, examiners."

He straightened up, smiled, and let out a soft sigh of relief: "Phew... To be honest, I was actually a little nervous. What would you two like to ask? Since this is an assessment, I will answer to the best of my ability."

In a short time, Zhiyi eased the tension of the interview with a few actions and words, naturally displaying her poise and confidence. Even knowing that this might be a facade, Han Fulai had to admit that Zhiyi gave a significantly better impression than the previous two.

Ye Lan was clearly also paying close attention to Zhi Yi. She looked Zhi Yi over with great interest and asked, "I see that your plans cover various fields, but you don't seem to be involved in many professions. Can you guarantee that your plans are feasible?"

This is actually a rather pointed question, and the implied meaning is the same as when Han Fulai asked Qian Wei before – the plans are all very good, but can they be implemented in reality?

Of course, just as Han Fulai felt in Zhiyi's planning document before, this problem is not a problem for Zhiyi.

“I think it’s perfectly normal for you two to have such questions.” Zhiyi’s eyes were quite sincere. Even when answering Yelan’s question, he was careful not to ignore the feelings of the other examiner in his words.

“However, I am very confident about the planning. I have traveled to many places to investigate and communicate with more professional people in the local area, and finally came to a conclusion. Of course, different problems are intertwined, and the corresponding conclusions may conflict. So what I want is ‘balance’, that is, to find an ‘optimal solution’ for all the problems.”

Just as I thought! Han Fulai's eyes narrowed. No wonder he saw such detailed data and mature plans in Zhiyi's planning documents. Zhiyi's plans were all based on on-site investigations and research, combined with the experience of frontline personnel. Just like Zhongli's advice during the Lantern Festival to get in touch with the people of Liyue and conduct on-site research, Zhiyi was practically putting into practice the principle of "no investigation, no right to speak" and "coming from the masses and going back to the masses."

"Then how do you determine whether your 'optimal solution' is true or false?" Ye Lan once again posed a question that hit the nail on the head.

No matter how perfect a plan is, it's still just theory. When it comes to actual execution, all sorts of unforeseen problems will inevitably arise. Han Fulai had long understood this. Just like his planning in the Battle of Ba Che, although he had done his best in terms of planning, the problems that arose during the execution were enough to kill him twice over.

Moreover, Ye Lan's question was actually quite unfair. Instead of directly denying the feasibility of the plan, she asked if the plan could be guaranteed to succeed—it was like asking someone to predict the future and not allowing them to make a mistake.

However, if Han Fulai were to answer this question himself, he would definitely not make grand promises to Ye Lan, saying that his plan would definitely be implemented, because he knew what Ye Lan's purpose was in asking this question.

Zhiyi's answer was practically a textbook example: "Before the plan was implemented, my colleagues and Yuehaiting's secretaries conducted an evaluation; after the plan was implemented, everything was based on the final result. If it was truly a misjudgment on my part, I will take the corresponding responsibility."

Before implementing the plan, thorough discussions were held to leverage collective wisdom; after implementation, the plan was undertaken with a willingness to bear the consequences and never shirk responsibility. In just two short sentences, Zhiyi has already demonstrated the sense of responsibility that Tian Shu Xing will shoulder in the future.

Not only that, Zhiyi also mentioned that "the secretaries of Yuehaiting will conduct the evaluation." Han Fulai is now thinking of asking Uncle Tian if he had taught Zhiyi the lines in advance, because if it wasn't Uncle Tian who taught him the lines to memorize, then Zhiyi's talent would even make Han Fulai feel "terrified".

Zhiyi's words were clearly an attempt to win over the Moonsea Pavilion's forces! It was an implication that Han Fulai, the Moonsea Pavilion's deputy head, held a stake in Tian Shu Star's oversight power! This was not something a political novice could say with the ability and courage. Just as Ningguang led Han Fulai into the "Reflection Zone of the Seven Rulers of the Mortal Realm," Han Fulai guessed that Uncle Tian had probably led Zhiyi into the "Reflection Zone of the Seven Stars of Liyue."

Even Yelan couldn't find fault with Zhiyi's answer, because it was entirely from the perspective of the Liyue Seven Stars. She could only nod and change the subject: "Good answer. Let's move on to the next question..."

Although Ye Lan's questions were not without their sharp and difficult points, Zhi Yi skillfully countered each one, defusing her attacks. Han Fulai finally understood the source of Uncle Tian's confidence earlier—regardless of background, in terms of ability alone, Zhi Yi was probably no less capable than him and Ye Lan.

After the interview, Han Fulai and Ye Lan exchanged a glance.

“Now we can summarize,” Ye Lan said.

"Qianwei has exceptional insight. Many of his strategies in the planning are to the point, and he is quite ambitious and imaginative," Han Fulai said, starting with Qianwei, the first person he interviewed.

"But he is very arrogant and stubborn, and he is not very considerate of the feelings of those around him. In addition, his flamboyant behavior is also a disadvantage for the position of Tian Shu Star," Ye Lan added.

"Mingbo's planning is more grounded, he has rich work experience, and his style is steady. He also has a very meticulous personality and excels in handling details." Han Fulai also gave Mingbo a good evaluation.

“But Mingbo and Qianwei seem to be two extremes. If Qianwei is too assertive, then he is too weak. This is also a disadvantage for the position of Tian Shu Star,” Ye Lan added.

"It even makes you unconsciously want to mold them into one person, which would achieve a perfect balance," Han Fulai said with a smile.

"Finally, there's Zhiyi. His plans are detailed, his solutions reliable, and they cover a wide range of fields, which is quite rare. This isn't something that can be done superficially; it requires hard work. Moreover, he's humble and has no problems dealing with people." Yelan rarely gave a candidate a positive evaluation. "However, what really interests me is that many of his views coincide with Uncle Tian's. If Zhiyi successfully takes over, Uncle Tian should be able to rest assured."

"So, the third candidate that Uncle Tian truly prefers..."

"It's easy to understand." The two of them said this at the same time.

Han Fulai nodded and said, "So this selection is actually..."

"'The Magician's Choice'."

"'The civil servant's card trick'."

The magician in the rock-top teahouse and the civil servant in the moon-sea pavilion exchanged another smile.

Chapter Fourteen: Knowing a Person's Face (Part One)

As night fell, Han Fulai and Ye Lan returned to the second floor of the Yanshang Tea House.

Uncle Tian had obviously been waiting for a long time. Upon seeing the two arrive, he immediately inquired about the progress of the assessment.

The three took their seats, and Ye Lan gave Uncle Tian a detailed report on the entire assessment process, while Uncle Tian listened attentively without saying a word.

Only after Ye Lan finished speaking did he cough twice, "...Hmm, it's about what I expected. So, have you decided on the candidate?"

Han Fulai smiled, took out three stacks of planning documents from his bag, and placed them face down in front of Uncle Tian.

The three stacks of planning documents were made of the same paper and were almost the same thickness, making it difficult to distinguish each stack from the other two by the naked eye.

"Uncle Tian, ​​I'd like to play a little game with you, just to test my luck. These three stacks of planning documents contain the planning documents of the candidate who passed the assessment. There are three stacks: left, middle, and right. Which stack would you like to choose?"

Uncle Tian glanced at Han Fulai and suddenly laughed. With lightning speed, he grabbed the middle stack of items.

"Sister Gan Yu's card trick, right?" Uncle Tian laughed, flipping open the stack of planning documents in his hand.

The name Zhiyi was prominently displayed on that stack of planning documents.

Han Fulai smiled and flipped over the planning documents on both sides as well—these two stacks of planning documents also bore the name Zhiyi.

Han Fulai stacked the two stacks of planning documents together, and then took out Qianwei and Mingbo's planning documents from his bag and put them aside.

"Miss Yelan notified the three candidates to prepare their plans at the same time, and gave them the same amount of preparation time. In order to avoid any regrets after taking office, I believe that all three candidates put their best efforts into writing these plans. All three candidates strive to demonstrate their abilities in these plans as much as possible, and their plans are meticulously crafted, and must have been revised again and again to achieve perfection."

Han Fulai pointed to the three people's planning documents, and then to the one in Uncle Tian's hand.

"Under the same conditions and with the same preparation time, Zhiyi managed to write a planning document that was three times more substantial than others. Moreover, the data in Zhiyi's planning document was so detailed and the scheme so comprehensive that it was truly astonishing. Tian Shuxing's position includes the responsibility of supervision. To do Tian Shuxing's job well, it is obviously not enough to be merely an expert in a certain field. The more you know and the wider your knowledge is, the less likely you are to be deceived by others."

"What is surprising is that in his planning document, Zhiyi demonstrated a level of familiarity with the responsibilities of Tian Shu Star that far exceeded that of his peers. As a student studying abroad, his study abroad experience was as if he had been accumulating experience for the next Tian Shu Star, extensively contacting people from all walks of life and investigating all kinds of places."

Han Fulai smiled and said softly, "Zhiyi's talent is outstanding, no problem; his accumulated knowledge and experience are also no problem; but to write three times the amount of material as others in the same amount of time, and to do so in such detail, is very problematic—unless he started preparing this plan a long time ago. He has been groomed by you as the next Tian Shu Star, right? I remember that before you came to me today, you had communicated with Miss Ye Lan in advance, so you must be familiar with Miss Ye Lan's assessment methods, right?"

Ye Lan then spoke up, "I'll just ask directly, Uncle Tian. Compared to Zhi Yi, Qian Wei and Ming Bo are practically just green leaves to set off the red flower... Have you already decided to choose Zhi Yi as your successor?"