He changed Tiwat

Let's start by thinking about the connection between the industries of these three Seven Stars and the Radiant Essence.

Among these three Seven Stars, Jiang Ziyuan of Kaiyang Star is in charge of logistics for the Thousand Rock Army. This monopolistic industry where one can make money effortlessly doesn't seem to need to engage in such low-end things as luminous marrow frying... However, he also has close ties with the military and mining industries. If there really is a "new technology of Fontaine", and this technology is related to the military and mining industries, then it makes sense for him to get involved.

Song Zutao of Tianxuan Star is a wealthy merchant in agriculture and forestry, owning numerous farmlands and estates. He could also be considered a major landowner in Liyue. Luminescent marrow, the bioluminescent organ of fireflies, is a type of agricultural byproduct and also has medicinal uses. If anything is suspicious, Tianxuan Star has the strongest connection to luminescent marrow and is the most likely to collect this type of goods.

The Rouran of Tianji Star wield considerable influence in the jewelry and luxury goods industry. His pleasure boat, the "Pearl Pavilion," is even more famous than Beidou's "Death Star." The "Pearl Pavilion" is practically Liyue's equivalent of a "heavenly paradise" or a "feast for the senses," and merchants from all over consider it an honor to visit it. Luminous marrow isn't exactly a luxury item, and it seems to have the least connection to him... right?

Han Fulai was suddenly startled when he realized the special nature of the matter of the luminous marrow.

The story of the luminous marrow being sold began with a new technology from Fontaine; the word that Fontaine merchants wanted to buy luminous marrow came from Landa, a merchant from Mondstadt; the merchant who had stockpiled luminous marrow beforehand and was now selling it was Guan Hong, a merchant from Liyue; and there was also the Northern Bank of Winterland, which provided the loans... This whole affair actually involved people from four different countries!

Assuming the mole is one of these seven stars, which of them could naturally contact merchants from multiple countries, connect the entire incident involving the Radiant Essence, and avoid suspicion? Keep in mind that their target is Ningguang, who possesses the intelligence network of Liyue!

Thinking about it this way, there's only one answer.

"Is it the Rouran of Tianji Star?" Han Fulai asked.

Ningguang raised an eyebrow: "What's the reason? Just a guess?"

"The Rouran's 'Pearl-Inlaid Boat' can accommodate wealthy merchants from all over the world. From the big merchant from Fontaine who acquired Luminous Essence, to Landa, the wine merchant from Mondstadt, to Guan Hong, the rich man from Liyue, and the bankers from the Fools' Bank in the Northern Kingdoms... sitting on the pleasure boat drinking and chatting, no one would suspect anything. The Rouran are best positioned to network with merchants from multiple countries. Moreover, Luminous Essence is unrelated to their main business, so it's difficult for people to connect the Rouran with Luminous Essence."

"Furthermore, I recall that Tianji Star has very close ties with Kaiyang Star and Tianxuan Star. If one of the three of them has obtained the information, the other two will likely know as well. That's why you said earlier that these seven stars should not know the secret of Qingxupu."

“Not bad. But for you, it’s only natural that you could think of these things.” Ningguang nodded perfunctorily.

You're being so strict with me now... Han Fulai's lips twitched.

"So I suggest you keep the matter of the Qingxupu Ruins a secret for now, is that alright?"

Ningguang stared at him expressionlessly.

"...There's a problem."

Han Fulai gave Ningguang an unexpected answer.

"Oh? What's the problem?" Ningguang asked, frowning.

“The ‘willing to take the bait’ plan that I had Zhiyi carry out has not yet officially started, and I can terminate it at any time. If Lord Rouran is the mole, then it would be more credible for him to pass on information to Pantalone. Moreover, Lord Ningguang, you have no reason to protect Zhiyi’s life… So I think that sending Zhiyi undercover would have other benefits for you, which is why you reminded me about the mole.”

A smile appeared on Han Fulai's face, the same smug smile he often gave Ke Qing, the one that said, "I'm stronger now."

"While Ningguang's claim of being a traitor is quite convincing, it still lacks decisive evidence. I hope that you will openly and honestly share the evidence you possess. If I am not mistaken, you already knew about the matter of the Radiant Essence, and you have prepared to use it as a backup plan. Even if your plan to recruit me fails, you can still use this to bargain with me, right?"

As he spoke, he bent his index finger and tapped his forehead.

"By the way, please don't try to lie to me, Lady Ningguang. Just as you said, it's only natural that I could think of these things."

Chapter Sixty-Six: Because He Hates Me

Han Fulai's two sentences were somewhat provocative.

Ningguang, however, remained calm and composed. Having weathered countless storms in the business world and the political arena, why would she care about Han Fulai's minor provocation? If Ningguang could easily reveal all the information with a simple provocation, how could she have remained standing in Liyue?

Ningguang raised her head slightly, revealing a playful smile: "Deputy Minister Han, you should have evidence for your words. This whole thing was clearly caused by those two ungrateful people, Lao Ke and Lao Xu, bullying my informant, which led to the subsequent investigation. It was just a coincidence. If it weren't for this, I would only think that someone was using the Radiant Marrow to create a scam. What bargaining power do I have with you over the Radiant Marrow?"

Han Fulai smiled at Ningguang as well.

"Let's put aside the price for now and talk about why I think Lady Ningguang has evidence that Lady Rouran is manipulating this matter."

Two reasons.

Han Fulai said, holding up two fingers.

"One reason is that Landa, a merchant from Mondstadt, is a regular at Wangshu Inn, so he must have been under your watchful eye. When Keqing and I visited the Great Sage of Exorcism, we also learned that Wangshu Inn is an intelligence agency of Liyue, and the owner, Felgrass, is one of your subordinates."

"Wangshu Inn is a major thoroughfare on the route from Liyue Harbor to Mondstadt, with a large flow of people and a high turnover of merchants. A merchant from out of town in Mondstadt is lingering at Wangshu Inn, not doing business, but instead spending his days loitering around the inn, chatting and spreading news about Radiant Essence. Even if your subordinates are negligent, they should be able to tell that this Landa is suspicious, right?"

"And the second reason is that the person you found was in charge of bringing us together... cough."

Han Fulai paused here, then remembered that he had just rejected Ningguang, and coughed lightly, somewhat embarrassed. "I mean, there's a slight contradiction between what that businesswoman named Luo Qiao said and the facts."

"According to Luo Qiao, the market for Luminous Marrow is currently very hot, so she is tempted to invest and came to you for advice. But in fact, we learned from Lao Ke and Lao Xu that the market for Luminous Marrow has already fallen, and many people, such as Guan Hong, have begun to sell their Luminous Marrow and leave the market. Moreover, the downward trend has driven them to take risks and even try to cheat children in order to use your influence to make the market for Luminous Marrow rise."

"Luo Qiao is in cahoots with you. Her so-called investment intentions amidst the booming market are just empty talk. She's even incredibly unprofessional, rushing into cross-industry investments without carefully investigating industry data. Meanwhile, Lao Ke and Lao Xu are genuinely taking risks to avoid bankruptcy. Which side do you think I should believe?"

“Sigh…” Ningguang sighed. “I thought this appearance was attractive enough, but how come in your eyes, my good intentions are less important than the radiance of my essence? To be honest… I’m a little sad right now. Am I too old? Does Vice Minister Han look down on me?”

"I didn't... I didn't... I... that..." Han Fulai was immediately embarrassed and secretly regretted mentioning Luo Qiao's attempt to matchmake them.

“Okay, I was just kidding,” Ningguang said, but there was no smile on her face.

“I have indeed been paying attention to the matter of the luminous marrow for a long time, and I have done some investigation. I have discovered the connection between the matter of the luminous marrow and the Rouran of Tianji Star. If you want evidence, I will give you evidence—the evidence is Guan Hong, whom you just mentioned.”

"You might not be familiar with the name Guan Hong. He came from an ordinary family and lost his parents early, so he was all alone in Liyue Harbor. But Guan Hong had a great talent for business and was very enterprising. He was once one of the most successful speculators in Liyue Harbor. Through various high-risk investments, he made a fortune and owned a house on Jade Peak when he was only in his thirties. However, not long after the Lantern Festival, he suddenly sold his property and left Liyue Harbor."

Han Fulai raised his hand and touched his chin.

Owning a residence on Jade Peak is the ultimate goal for almost every Liyue merchant. In modern Chinese society, it's roughly equivalent to owning a large apartment within the third ring road of Beijing. As for the established aristocratic families on Jade Peak, they own several courtyard houses, a level that newcomers like Guan Hong can't yet reach.

Regardless, Guan Hong is undoubtedly a successful figure in the eyes of most Liyue merchants. Why would such a successful person sell his assets? Did he lose a fortune due to failed speculation? Or does he have a questionable background and is preparing to flee Liyue with the money? Or perhaps...?

Recalling what Lao Ke said about "earning money but not living to spend it," Han Fulai already had a guess: "What misfortune has this Guan Hong encountered, such as illness?"

“Yes.” Ningguang nodded and said, “He has a terminal illness, and even if we spend a lot of money to invite Doctor Bai from Bubulu to treat him, he is still helpless.”

"Even that Dr. Bai Shu couldn't cure this disease..." Han Fulai recalled how Bai Shu had so casually detoxified Uncle Tian. What kind of terrible illness must it be?

"Someone has seen Guan Hong's diagnosis. Dr. Bai Shu named his illness 'Yan (rock) syndrome'. Guan Hong's irregular work and rest and diet over the years have caused many tumor-like masses to grow in his abdomen, resembling rock caves, hanging down one after another, with deep-seated poisonous roots that can penetrate deep inside."

“Cancer…” Han Fulai sighed. It was indeed a terminal illness. The technological development of the Teyvat continent was not as advanced as that of modern society, and medicine was no exception. Diseases that modern medicine could not cure were even more incurable for the people of Teyvat.

Even though Bai Zhu has an educational background from the Xumi Academy and is a renowned physician, she still does not yet have the ability to conquer cancer.

Guan Hong, a wealthy man, is suddenly told he has little time left to live. He has no relatives or children in Liyue Harbor. What will he do...?

"Did he go to the 'Pearl-Inlaid Boat' to drink and be merry for the moment?"

“That’s right. Guan Hong is now residing at the ‘Pearl Pavilion’.” Ningguang smiled. “Is this evidence enough? If not, you can go to the ‘Pearl Pavilion’ to verify it yourself. If you need it, I can give you an invitation.”

"An invitation?" Han Fulai blinked.

"'The Pearl Pavilion' is considered the most prestigious entertainment venue in Liyue. It has very high requirements for its guests and has a rule that has been in place for more than ten years—anyone who wants to board the ship must have an invitation from a 'Pearl Pavilion' member or a special permission from the ship owner, Rouran. And coincidentally, I am one of the members."

"Membership by invitation only..."

This does fit the positioning of a high-end club like "Zhudianfang," and it also makes "Zhudianfang" a very suitable place for secret meetings, which makes Rouran seem even more suspicious.

Han Fulai lowered his head and thought for a moment. Accusing the Liyue Seven Stars of colluding with foreign powers was a serious matter, and it was necessary to investigate thoroughly. He did indeed need to verify it personally. Keqing and Uncle Tian did not seem like the type to go to a pleasure boat for entertainment, and getting them to help obtain invitations would probably be quite troublesome. It would be better to accept Ningguang's kindness.

"Then thank you very much for your help, Lady Ningguang."

"It's nothing. Come to Qunyu Pavilion the day after tomorrow, and I'll write you an invitation. As for how you want to investigate, I won't interfere." Ningguang's tone was indifferent.

"I also want to ask, why would Lord Rouran collude with the Zhidong Kingdom? And why would there be actions targeting Lord Ningguang?"

Since he didn't know much about Tianji Star, whom he had only met once, Han Fulai found it hard to imagine why a Liyue Star member would collude with the Winter Kingdom. Just like the Winter Kingdom ambassador Yusupov's attitude towards Zhiyi, the successor of Tianji Star, if you side with the Fools, even if you are a Liyue Star member, they will only treat you like a dog.

The luminous marrow was just the beginning; this so-called "speculative hoarding scam" defrauded far more than just a few Liyue speculators.

What good would it do to business if Liyue were destroyed? Given the power and status of the Liyue Seven Stars in Liyue, what reason would they have to give up their privileged positions to become lackeys of Winterfell? Han Fulai couldn't fathom this motive.

"If I said it was because he hates me, would you believe me?" Ningguang crossed her arms and spoke coldly.

Chapter Sixty-Seven: One sentence caused Pantalone to lose both Mora and his army.

Ningguang is hated...that's normal. But to hate her to the point of being willing to abandon one's status and position among the Seven Stars to betray the country and bring her down is not normal.

So Ningguang, what exactly did you do to her?

Han Fu looked at Ningguang with a gaze full of doubt.

Ningguang's lips curved into a mocking smile.

Did you know that Tianji Star has another name?

After a moment's thought, Han Fulai understood Ningguang's meaning.

"...Tianji Star is also known as 'Lucun,' which symbolizes wealth."

"That's right, so Tianji Star has always been headed by the richest man in Liyue Harbor. Before I took over Tianquan Star, the Rouran family was the richest family in Liyue Harbor."

Ningguang looked at Han Fulai and curled the corners of her lips. "Deputy Minister Han, do you still remember that Miss Huixin of the Yun family had a little unpleasantness with you back then?"

Han Fulai nodded silently.

When Liyue took the civil service exam, Huixin ranked second.

"People who come in second are easily jealous of those who come in first. They might think, 'If only the person who came in first didn't exist—especially the person who was once first but was overtaken and fell to second.' If jealousy goes on for too long, it can turn into hatred."

Ningguang's tone was calm, but Han Fulai could hear the turmoil hidden within. Ningguang probably became the richest person in Liyue by stepping on this Tianji Star's face.

"Alright, you've learned enough, right?"

As Ningguang spoke, she waved her hand and summoned her personal pipe from the Eye of God.

When she was thinking, she would always be fiddling with the pipe in her hand, which was also a habitual action she took during negotiations.

Ningguang then stood up and looked Han Fulai straight in the eye.

"Now, can we start negotiating?"

“Alright.” Han Fulai nodded calmly. “Please name your price, Lady Ningguang.”

This is the most important thing they need to resolve tonight. It's a negotiation that determines whether the two are enemies, friends, or allies.

Ningguang's attempt to win over Han Fulai as "one of her own" has failed, but that doesn't mean the two sides can't cooperate—cooperation is contingent on not violating each other's bottom lines.

Han Fulai's bottom line is very clear: he cannot do anything that goes against the interests of Liyue.

Ningguang's goal is also clear: she wants to fulfill her pursuit of "infinity".

Liyue's prosperity and military strength require Ningguang's support, while resolving Liyue's internal and external troubles requires Han Fu's assistance. Both of them understand that cooperation is the best outcome for both sides.

How to maintain their own position while maximizing their gains in this negotiation was a shared consideration for both of them.

Although the two stood facing each other less than a meter apart, it was as if a card table lay between them. On the surface, Han Fulai seemed to be in the lead, but whether Ningguang could overtake Han Fulai after revealing her hidden cards remained to be seen.

Ningguang tapped her fingers lightly on her ornate, gold-inlaid pipe as she laid out her price: "First, Liyue's established national policy will remain unchanged. Second, I will resolve the issue of the fake Mora. Third, I will send Yelan to support your undercover operation. In return, you will agree to three things for me."

Which three items?

"First, I will lead the redevelopment plan of the Qingxupu Ruins. Second, after obtaining the treasures within the ruins, I will also lead the production of Mora in the Golden House. Third, assist me in bringing down those three Seven Stars."

In short, Ningguang is willing to relinquish her plan to monopolize the Qingxu Pool ruins and agree to make this "oil field" public property of Liyue, but she wants priority development rights over it. She also wants to use Han Fulai to bring down potential political enemies who might threaten her. And nominally, agreeing to these things wouldn't violate Han Fulai's principles.

"Does Lord Ningguang consider this a fair trade?" Han Fulai asked.

"Isn't that unfair?" Ningguang retorted.

Han Fulai shook his head. "It's not fair. I'm being taken advantage of."

Ningguang gently turned the pipe in her hand.

So what's your asking price?

“Just one.” Han Fulai extended his right index finger. “I will investigate. If those three Seven Stars are indeed guilty, I promise to assist you in bringing them down. In return, you will continue to uphold Liyue’s established national policy. After all, the Liyue currency, the Thousand Rock Army, and the Academy of Celestial Arts still require Lady Ningguang’s attention.”

“Pfft…” Ningguang couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “So you’re the kind of person who haggles down to 100 Mora when someone asks for 10,000 Mora? This isn’t like buying something at Tiger Rock.”

"Ahem." Han Fulai coughed lightly. "Actually, my bargaining record is that I can reduce something that costs three million Mora to two million nine hundred thousand Mora. Generally speaking, I am not the kind of person you are talking about."

This was his glorious achievement when he emptied D'Artagnan's wallet.

"Then where does your confidence come from that you think I will agree to your terms?" Ningguang's phoenix eyes shifted slightly, as if trying to discern the source of Han Fulai's confidence from his face.

“It’s very simple, because I can fulfill the other two conditions you set myself.”

"You can do it yourself?" Ningguang looked doubtful. Blustering was common in negotiations, but Han Fulai's stance dictated that he wouldn't bluff in the face of Liyue's interests. Leaving aside Zhiyi's undercover plan, how could he possibly handle the forged Mora situation?

“Zhiyi is, after all, Uncle Tian’s personal disciple, and I have high hopes for his abilities. Furthermore, if I can resolve the issue of counterfeiting Mora before Zhiyi escapes to the Winter Kingdom, then for Pantarone, who orchestrated the circulation of counterfeit currency, Zhiyi’s ‘defection’ will not be icing on the cake, but rather a lifeline. I think he will gladly accept the intelligence that Zhiyi brings.”

Ningguang frowned and asked tentatively, "But that's on the condition that you can deal with those counterfeit coins. Do you have a special method to identify them? And do you have enough time?"

Han Fulai is connected to both the immortals and the emperor, so Ningguang can't be sure if he has any special methods hidden, or if he can ask the immortals to develop some mechanisms to identify Mora. Even if he can do that, according to his plan, he has only a little over ten days left to have Zhiyi defect before Pantalone finds out the truth about Ambassador Yusupov's death.

"I don't have any special methods of identification, but we still have plenty of time," Han Fulai answered honestly.

This only piqued Ningguang's curiosity: "How long will it take you to deal with all these counterfeit coins scattered throughout Liyue Harbor?"

Han Fulai shook the index finger he had just raised.

"A week?"

Han Fulai shook his head.

"……one day?"

Han Fulai continued to shake his head.