He changed Tiwat

The origins of the new monetary policy of the Liyue National Bank announced at this press conference, as well as the details of Zhiyi's defection, have long been shrouded in historical mystery. However, through interviews with relevant individuals and information provided by Ms. Youke, we have been able to unveil a corner of this historical fog. (Note: Youke is a pseudonym used by the interviewee from the relevant Liyue department.)

[Miss Youke reminded me of a small incident that occurred five days before the incident. On March 10th, Secretary-General Han hosted a private banquet for Ms. Shen He, who was then his secretary's assistant, at the 'Heyu Teahouse.' Two important figures were present at the banquet—Ms. Gan Yu and Xing Qiu, the second in line to inherit the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce.]

[The Flying Cloud Merchant Guild, the largest merchant guild in Liyue, operates across multiple industries and was not previously particularly affiliated with any particular power. However, after the Liyue National Bank announced its new monetary policy, the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild tied its flagship product, Liyue specialty silk, to Liyue currency for settlement, thus firmly aligning itself with Secretary-General Han's subsequent "new economic policies."]

Although later economists viewed this as a political opportunism by the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild, leveraging its keen political acumen, from a historical perspective, we have reason to believe that Xingqiu had already obtained relevant information and aligned the Flying Cloud Merchant Guild with the Moonlit Pavilion's cause long before the Liyue National Bank announced its new monetary policy.

[Miss Youke also emphasized that these two incidents were essentially a political adventure orchestrated by Secretary-General Han, driven by his personal ambitions, involving Yue Haiting and several of the Seven Stars—a high-risk gamble.]

Whether Secretary-General Han's actions were driven by personal ambition remains unknown. However, from an objective and historical perspective, both events undeniably propelled the progress of the "Tewat Community of Shared Destiny."

As is widely known, Secretary-General Han has many titles in the world, the most famous being "Creator of the Teyvat Community of Destiny." However, for the Fools of Winterborn, who once roamed the continent of Teyvat, he also had another title: "Ambassador of Darkness."

Regardless, for the Fools of Winterfell, darkness descended on March 15th, 37xx of the Liyue Calendar.

—Excerpt from the historical biography "He Changed Teyvat" published by Fontaine Steambird Publishing, by Shi Jun.

…………

March 14th was a good day for Andre, the manager of the Liyue branch of the "Northern Bank".

Ever since Lord Pantarone entrusted him with the task of "faking Mora," he has hardly had a peaceful day. After the Lantern Festival at the end of January, he traveled to all the major and minor merchants in Liyue Harbor, vigorously promoting the loan business of the Northern Bank.

In addition, the "Radiant Essence Fried Food" project, which was planned in collaboration with partners in Liyue, was also a great success, greatly accelerating the implementation of the plan.

For the past month and a half, he had devoted himself wholeheartedly to his work, even to the point of being moved by his own loyalty to the Empress and the Executor.

Thanks to his tireless efforts, counterfeit Mora has become fully circulated throughout Liyue Harbor.

Now, from the wealthy merchants of Feiyunpo to the street vendors of Chihuyan, everyone feels a sense of unease – no one can be sure whether the Mora in their hands is genuine or counterfeit.

The spread of various rumors, such as "Golden House has actually ceased production, and Ningguang is manufacturing counterfeit currency to pass it off as genuine," has spread within Liyue Harbor at an unexpected speed, which is practically a godsend for the Northern Bank!

With Mora untrustworthy, merchants in Liyue Harbor split into two factions. One faction believed that using Liyue Dollars for transactions would avoid receiving counterfeit Mora, so they followed the example of large shops like "Star Shop" and stipulated that goods be settled in Liyue Dollars. The other faction, however, believed that Liyue Dollars were not necessarily reliable either, and simply reduced or even stopped trading to observe the situation.

Under these circumstances, trading volume in Liyue Harbor has decreased significantly in recent days.

Merchants appealed to the General Affairs Department and the Liyue National Bank, hoping that the Liyue Sept would quickly come up with a plan to resolve the crisis caused by counterfeit currency.

What's even more encouraging is that the Liyue Septate is acting very slowly. Even after learning of the existence of the fake Mora, they have hesitated to take any action—after all, Liyue Harbor is a major commercial port!

The only mint in Teyvat has produced counterfeit coins, and Liyue, a nation built on commerce, is facing a crisis of credibility... What could be more devastating to Liyue, and more devastating to that arrogant Ningguang, than this?

Andrei sneered inwardly as he recalled that vile woman who led the Thousand Rock Army to search the Northern Bank.

Just as Mr. Pantalone said, this "bad money drives out good" plan will make Winter the "heart of money in the world".

And it's time for Liyue's "old heart" to reach the end of its life!

Just today, the contact he left on the "Pearl Boat" sent a message that the Liyue Septim have finally succumbed to the pressure and will hold a press conference tomorrow morning to announce their policy on countering the fake Mora.

For Andrei, this meant that the task given to him by the "rich man" had been successfully completed.

Admittedly, when the Liyue National Bank suddenly opened opposite the Northern Bank and when Liyue currency was first introduced, Andre was so nervous that he could hardly sleep. His intuition told him that this was Ningguang's conspiracy.

But he quickly calmed down, because Liyue Coins were a currency equivalent to Mora—essentially no different from a certificate of deposit at the Northern Bank. The certificate of deposit was worth the same amount of money deposited in the account.

Similarly, the amount of Mora in the Golden House determines the amount of Liyue Coins that the Liyue National Bank can issue.

If the information obtained by the "rich man" is true, and the Golden House in Liyue did indeed cease production following the death of the Geo Archon, then this paper currency would not pose much of a threat to the Northern Bank.

Even if Han Fulai managed to fool them for a while at the press conference—he can't fool them forever. This counterfeit currency crisis is the time for the Liyue National Bank to reveal its true colors.

Of course, there has been some unsettling news recently: Ningguang is reportedly ramping up the printing of more Liyue coins.

She must have discovered the existence of counterfeit currency and is determined to take administrative measures to replace the Mora, which contains "inferior currency," with Liyue coins.

However, this possibility was already within Andre's expectations. Even if Ningguang did that, she wouldn't be able to use Liyue Coins to save the market.

Because she couldn't possibly exchange Liyue coins, which were equivalent to Mora, for counterfeit money to save Liyue's currency circulation.

The Mora in the Golden House doesn't have a large enough reserve to consume.

—The Liyue National Bank is unable to withstand a bank run!

If Liyue Coins can't be exchanged for real Mora, they're just worthless pieces of paper!

Furthermore, he obtained the exact amount of Liyue National Bank's reserves from the "Pearl Pavilion." Even if Ningguang opens up large-scale lending operations to protect Liyue's assets, she absolutely cannot compete with the Northern Bank.

Because the Northern Bank is far more powerful than the Liyue National Bank's current inventory!

Ultimately, it all comes down to which bank has the larger reserves: the Northern Bank or the Liyue National Bank.

Whoever controls capital controls everything in Liyue Harbor.

Compared to the glamorous surface of the Seven Stars, the blood, tears, and cries of the merchants in Liyue Harbor who went bankrupt due to the impact of counterfeit money are the real and tangible things.

In recent days, following the instructions of Master Pantalone, he has been using various means to exchange fakes for real ones and has consumed a large amount of genuine Mora.

People often say that the Northern Bank is a place of blood, tears, and wailing. This time, the blood, tears, and wailing in Liyue Harbor were brought there by Andre himself.

Meanwhile, the Northern Bank, with its ample capital, will act as a savior, rescuing those wailing merchants and appropriating their assets.

The feeling of sowing despair while simultaneously becoming a savior is truly wonderful.

He will be one of the greatest contributors to the economic war between Winter and Liyue. When he returns home in glory, the Queen will surely receive him personally and pin a heavy medal on his chest—although this is just his imagination, the imagination is so tempting.

He couldn't wait for tomorrow to come.

…………

On March 15, Han Fulai's ten-day agreement with Ningguang officially expired. Ningguang had already sent someone to inform Han Fulai that the four trillion Liyue coins he requested to be printed were ready.

Just yesterday, the General Affairs Department staff under Keqing's command posted a notice signed by Yuehaiting, announcing that a press conference would be held this morning in the lobby of the Liyue National Bank to announce the new monetary policy.

The hall was set up according to the specifications of a press conference, with screens, a podium, tables, and temporary chairs for attendees. Qian Yanjun, who was in charge of maintaining order, was also ready.

At 9:40 a.m., the lobby of the Liyue National Bank was already packed with reporters from major newspapers and representatives from prominent business guilds. They were all waiting for the official Liyue spokesperson to appear.

Even more anxious than them were the civilians and small merchants who were blocking the Liyue National Bank from the Thousand Rock Army. These people were undoubtedly the biggest victims; they needed an explanation or adequate compensation.

Inside the administrative offices of the Liyue National Bank, Ningguang was monitoring every move in the hall through a small wind-sensing array.

Even she couldn't figure out how Han Fulai would fulfill that promise—to resolve the fake Mora's promise with a single sentence.

At 10 a.m., two people appeared behind a screen in the bank lobby.

The woman in the lead, with long, light blue hair and a refined, unassuming appearance, was none other than Gan Yu, the executive secretary of Yuehaiting, a rare sight for ordinary people.

Another one is dashing and has a signature purple double ponytail. Her charming appearance cannot hide her maturity and competence. Who else could it be but Yuheng Star Keqing?

Those familiar with the various halls and pavilions of the Moonlit Pavilion were already completely focused—this was Gan Yu's first appearance at a press conference in Liyue in hundreds of years.

It should be noted that this permanent secretary, who has ruled Moonsea Pavilion for three thousand years, has always remained behind the scenes and rarely shows her face. Even when the Vortex Demon God Oser invaded Liyue Harbor, she appeared as a combatant rather than an administrative staff member.

The last time she appeared at a press conference-like event was five hundred years ago when the Black Tide occurred in the Laminaria. At that time, the Geo Archon was not in Liyue, so Ganyu represented the Liyue Asgardians to calm people down.

—The matter that would get Gan Yu involved must be a major event, an extremely important one.

However, Gan Yu did not say a word after appearing on stage, and directly chose to sit down at the table behind the podium.

Keqing stepped onto the podium and began, "Gentlemen, regarding the recent rumors circulating in Liyue Harbor about counterfeit Mora, the Liyue Septate Council and the Moonlit Pavilion have reached a consensus and are preparing to issue a new monetary policy to resolve this matter."

Ningguang couldn't help but smile bitterly upon hearing this. What kind of Seven Stars Discussion was this?

Since her "date" with Han Fulai, the news that there was a traitor among the Seven Stars had been brought to Ke Qing, Uncle Tian, ​​and Gan Yu by Han Fulai.

Ten days have passed, and the Seven Stars have subtly divided into three factions: Ningguang in one faction, Rouran and the other two Seven Stars in another, and Keqing and Uncle Tian in yet another. Though outwardly there is no action, they are all secretly going their own way.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that this press conference was a solo event by Yue Haiting and Yuhengxing in the name of the Seven Stars Government.

She is now very curious about how Han Fulai convinced Gan Yu and Ke Qing to have the confidence to announce this "new monetary policy".

Ke Qing paused in the hall, then said, "Next, please welcome the spokesperson, Guan Hanfu, the executive deputy secretary-general of Yue Haiting, to the stage."

Another person emerged from behind the screen. Han Fulai, wearing the Fontaine-style swallowtail coat, walked onto the podium.

Andrei, sitting in the audience, had no idea that today would be his Good Friday.

Chapter 96 One Sentence, I Want It All [4k]

According to Han Fulai's previous plan, he would bury the suit that Ningguang gave him in the deepest part of his wardrobe.

But today he wore this suit.

Because he wanted Ningguang to see it. Because he knew Ningguang would see it.

Just like on Lantern Festival, Keqing wore an evening gown made by Ningguang's private tailor.

This is a silent statement.

Whether Ningguang had feelings for him or not is unimportant. What Ningguang truly regarded him as is also unimportant.

The important thing is to let Ningguang know that he still remembers "Sister Ningguang" in his heart, and that they are not enemies yet—at least, not enemies for the time being.

His conversation with Zhongli in the Salt God Ruins remains a secret. Even if Ningguang senses something, she cannot be certain of the Rock King Emperor's intentions, because Zhongli has not taken any action.

For Han Fulai, his greatest advantage now is that he is still hiding in the shadows—his opponents are unaware that he has accepted Zhongli's mandate and joined the struggle to seize the highest power in Liyue.

No one knows yet that Yue Haiting, the executive deputy director, who has always been a diligent and hardworking person, is planning to "turn the tables and become the master of his own destiny."

As per his previous agreement with Ningguang, Ningguang will continue to maintain the policies and economic support for Liyue's reforms, while he will join forces with the Moonlit Pavilion and the Celestial Pivot to investigate the Celestial Pivot's collusion with the Fatui, helping Ningguang to bring down her political enemies.

In addition, he promised Ningguang that he would resolve the fake Mora scandal himself and give her the Northern Bank's vault as a bonus.

In this sense, he and Ningguang are still allies.

For both Ningguang and Rouran, the other side is their biggest rival.

Although time was pressing, time was still on his side.

He still has time to help Ningguang, the tigress, devour the Rouran, the jackal. Even if Ningguang wins and absorbs the political capital of those three Seven Stars, she will inevitably pay a high price.

As Yelan said, "No one in the world can stay vigilant forever. Especially when she feels she's about to win."

That was Ningguang's weakest moment, and also the opportunity for Han Fulai to defeat her.

The Yun family's "driving away the tiger to devour the wolf" tactic has always been so effective.

The time he gained in this process was enough for him to build up his own power in Liyue's political arena. The scenario he then designed for Ningguang was an ancient story recorded in the Zuo Zhuan, called "Duke Zhuang of Zheng defeats Duan at Yan".

Han Fulai stood on the podium, glanced around at the reporters and chamber of commerce representatives in the hall, and said in a deep voice: "First of all, I would like to announce the Liyue National Bank's 'new monetary policy,' which is of utmost concern to everyone here. In view of the emergence of counterfeit currency, the 'Liyue Coin,' issued by the Liyue National Bank, will be used as the circulating currency throughout Liyue! Starting today, all Liyue government investment projects will be settled in Liyue Coin, and the announcement of the new monetary policy will be posted throughout Liyue Harbor starting today."

"All citizens of Liyue are requested to come to the Liyue National Bank to exchange their Mora. Bank staff will exchange Mora for Liyue Coins at a 1:1 ratio. Of course, please rest assured that Liyue Coins can also be exchanged for their equivalent value of Mora. Liyue Coins are a national policy left behind by the Geo Archon before his death. Implementing the Archon's last wishes will not only effectively prevent the circulation of counterfeit currency but also bring convenience to everyone's daily life. It is a matter of benefit to the country and its people."

"Please trust the Geo Archon and the Celestial Government, and work together to protect the prosperity and stability of Liyue Harbor! Thank you."

After Han Fu finished speaking, he bowed deeply to the audience.

A buzz of whispers immediately arose from the audience.

His "new monetary policy" is almost identical to Ningguang's previous plan, using the appearance of counterfeit coins as an opportunity to promote Liyue currency. Moreover, given the current market situation in Liyue, this is the best approach.

Of course, Ningguang could think of this method, he could think of it, Pantalone and even Andre could think of it, and the representatives of the merchant guilds in Liyue Harbor could also think of it. This policy can be described as very stable and sound. The only problem lies in the confidence of the people of Liyue and foreign merchants in Liyue currency.

In fact, many of the journalists present who were taking notes at the press conference had already prepared drafts of the relevant policies, just waiting for confirmation before releasing the news as soon as possible. For journalists, preparing drafts with several pre-set positions and then revising them according to the specific circumstances is simply routine practice.

As everyone knows, the transition period for currency will inevitably involve some growing pains, and there will always be those who distrust Liyue Coins. The economic development of Liyue Harbor will inevitably be affected. The Northern Bank also intends to seize this opportunity to make a fortune in Liyue Harbor. However, if they can weather this period and successfully roll out Liyue Coins, it will undoubtedly be a better choice for Liyue's economy in the long run.

However... this was Ningguang's original plan, not Han Fulai's plan.

Ningguang, observing through the magic array, frowned deeply—Han Fulai had told her before that a single sentence could resolve this counterfeit currency scandal. What was that sentence?

Han Fulai gestured for the reporters to be quiet before continuing, "Next, I will announce the results of the investigation into the counterfeit Mora. I believe you are all eager to know who should be held responsible for the existence of the counterfeit Mora."

This is also the highlight of today's press conference.

Even if Liyue coins replace Mora as the circulating currency, the issue of counterfeiting Mora still needs an explanation; it can't just be left unresolved. Liyue isn't Inazuma; they don't have the "spirit of a craftsman," so we can't just have them bow and call it a day.

"According to the investigation by the Liyue Seven Stars, the counterfeit Mora currently circulating in the market originated from outside Liyue. This is a premeditated act of sabotage against the currency circulation in Liyue Harbor by certain foreign forces!"

He paused deliberately at this point. His gaze, like a sharp sword, pierced directly at Andrei, the manager of the "Northern Bank" below the stage.

Everyone present clearly noticed the direction of his gaze, and for a moment, dozens of eyes turned to Andrei.

Andrei, after all, was a subordinate handpicked by Pantalone to carry out the mission, and remained unmoved, instead looking back at Han Fulai with his head held high.

Han Fulai continued, "According to our investigation, around the time of the Lantern Festival, the 'Northern Bank' received several times more Mora than its normal expenditures. This batch of counterfeit Mora was released into the Liyue market through the Northern Bank! Mr. Andre, what is your explanation for this?"

These words caused an uproar at the scene.

There were already rumors in Liyue Harbor that "the Fools had produced counterfeit money." Coupled with the constant friction between Winterfall and Liyue, the people had long regarded Winterfall as the "source of all evil." Han Fulai's current attempt to pin the blame on the Fools was actually in line with the expectations of a considerable number of people.

Even if Ningguang did indeed contribute to this matter and allowed the circulation of counterfeit Mora, Han Fulai wouldn't bring it up here, as it would affect the prestige of the Seven Stars government and the stability of the Liyue people's hearts. Therefore, the blame definitely falls on foreign forces, and all responsibility lies with Winterfell.

Moreover, both he and Andrei knew that what he said was exactly the truth.

Andre had already prepared a countermeasure against the possibility that the Liyue Sept would shift the blame to the Fatui.