He changed Tiwat

"But I clearly formed an alliance with Miss Gan Yu, and we even recommended Han Fulai's strategy at the meeting the day before yesterday, and passed a motion to appoint him as the Executive Vice Minister of Yuehaiting. There is absolutely no need for me to recruit him now. Is that what you're trying to say?"

Ningguang smiled. "That's why I'm recruiting him now. Sometimes, failure is inevitable, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try. You can deceive people by telling the most honest things."

“As you all know, I was very poor when I was a child.” Ningguang looked up at the sky.

“I was born in a small fishing village and made a living selling fish from a young age. Every morning before dawn, I would get up, carry a fish basket, and walk barefoot all the way from Yaoguang Beach to Liyue Harbor. After selling all the fish, I would carry an empty basket and walk barefoot all the way back from Liyue Harbor to Yaoguang Beach.”

“What lesson did you learn from this story?” Ningguang asked Baixiao.

“Even Lady Ningguang started from scratch and accumulated her achievements bit by bit to reach where she is today,” Bai Xiao said.

Ningguang shook her head.

“What you should hear is that I always manage to sell out of fish, and immediately think of the reason I went barefoot in the first place—it was to sell fish.” Ningguang smiled. “With the same information, you can only collect and organize it, while I can find wealth in it. That’s the difference.”

Bai Xiao was taken aback. Suddenly, he felt that he had figured out a lot of things, but he also realized that he seemed to be even further away from Lord Ningguang.

“If there are two people selling fish in the market, one a strong fisherman and the other a frail little girl, people will always tend to buy the little girl’s fish. This is because it is human nature to sympathize with the weak and to identify with the self that helps the weak. A little girl who can’t even afford shoes fits the image of a poor fishing girl in people’s minds, which further deepens this sense of identification. When they buy fish from me, they are actually buying this self-affirmation.”

“I didn’t understand this principle when I was a child, but I knew that doing this would allow me to sell the fish. So I always left my shoes at home. Even if I made money selling fish, I would just save it and not use it to buy clothes and shoes until I had enough capital to start a business,” Ningguang said. “My poverty is a fact, and my weakness is a fact. I just honestly presented these facts to people. Sometimes, honesty is also a weapon.”

"While there is deceit and treachery in the business world, people always believe in their hearts that the way a businessman stands is based on honesty. Who in the world would not want to do business with an honest businessman? That is why I must recruit Han Fulai today—because today is the most suitable day, the best day to show my sincerity, and the most suitable day for investment."

"Invest?" Bai Xiao was bewildered.

"Yes. It's an investment. I've just placed a bet on Han, betting he'll grow into a big shot in Liyue. And this investment won't cost me a single Mora, but it will yield a huge return. Do you think I could miss such an investment opportunity?"

Ningguang's lips curled up, forming a bright smile.

"Bai Xiao, do you know what's the most expensive thing in the world?"

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Human Favors Are the Most Valuable

After a moment's thought, Bai Xiao replied, "It must be Lord Ningguang's Jade Pavilion. The Floating Life Stones that support this Jade Pavilion alone are worth no less than 50 billion Mora."

Ningguang smiled and shook her head, saying, "But do you know how these jade pavilions were built?"

"Naturally, it's thanks to Lady Ningguang's immense wealth in Liyue," Bai Xiao replied without hesitation.

"Can Mora be turned into a house directly?" Ningguang took out a Mora from her body and casually played with it.

"Of course not." Bai Xiao shook his head.

“Yes. The houses in this Jade Pavilion were built brick by brick by the craftsmen. The floating stones that support the Jade Pavilion were mined piece by piece from the ground by the miners. The food we eat every day comes from the land cultivated by the farmers of Qingce Village. Without people, with just Mora, nothing can be done,” Ningguang said.

“I’m a businesswoman. Do you know what businessmen fear most?” Ningguang asked.

Bai Xiao remained silent.

"Merchants do business, also known as buying and selling. The so-called buying and selling is to buy goods at a low price and sell them at a high price. Merchants make profits by earning the difference between the price and the price. Bai Xiao, have you ever thought about what I would do if one day no one was willing to sell me goods and no one was willing to buy the goods I sold?" Ning Guang smiled. "At that time, I would have no choice but to go back to Yao Guang Beach and fill my stomach by fishing."

"How could that be? Lady Ningguang is one of the Seven Stars of Liyue. Many people have to bid and compete to participate in Lady Ningguang's business. Even the opportunity to have lunch with Lady Ningguang can sell for tens of millions of Mora!" Bai Xiao couldn't understand why Ningguang would have such a thought.

Ningguang stroked the Mora in her hand and said, "If one day, even the Mora I've touched is considered dirty and smelly, then naturally no one will be willing to do anything for me or do business with me. What use will I be if I have mountains of Mora then? Once Mora can no longer be used for exchange, it loses almost all its value."

"Mora can't buy people's hearts. Human relationships are the most precious thing."

“As I just said, I was very poor when I was a child. People pitied me, sympathized with me, and bought my goods. That’s human kindness. Over the years, I’ve accumulated not only Mora, but also countless human kindnesses. In the end, I got to where I am today because of every little bit of kindness I’ve received.” Ningguang sighed, “Some favors I’ve repaid, some I’m repaying, and some I’ll never have the chance to repay in my lifetime.”

"Actually, the more money Mora makes, the more I realize that I've lost some of my humanity. Some people say I look like an immortal, but I'm not an immortal, I'm just becoming less and less human. I like walking around in the city, playing with children, tasting desserts, and making chess games, because these things make me feel like I'm still a human being."

“What I just said about an investment that yields a substantial return without costing a single Mora is a favor.” Ningguang smiled, her wine-red eyes narrowing as she gazed at the vast Liyue Harbor below.

"Han Fulai is a man who can make a pact with Gan Yu, who is willing to forge his records to get him into the Moon Sea Pavilion; he can drink with the Emperor, who is willing to summon the Three-Eyed Five Manifestations Immortal to listen to his storytelling; and Yan Fei can dine and sleep with him, guaranteeing his character with her reputation. Don't you think such a person is worth my investment?"

"The most expensive thing in the world is a favor, and the cheapest thing is a favor done casually." Ningguang turned to face Baixiao, who noticed the triumphant look on Ningguang's face. It was the same expression she usually wore when she dominated the business world, manipulating ingenious strategies to force her opponents to relinquish huge profits.

"Only the scores of the Liyue Civil Service Examination are publicly available. Miss Gan Yu knows that I am the chief examiner for this year's Liyue Civil Service Examination. Since she traded with me for Xiao Han's chance to enter Moonsea Pavilion, she naturally knows that I can manipulate the exam results. By doing her this favor, I can ensure that this deal is completed."

"But Xiao Han himself achieved a score that even I had to admire. I could even use his exam paper as a template for the standard answers, so why shouldn't I go with the flow and announce his talent to the world? Not only would I be doing Miss Gan Yu and Xiao Han a favor as the chief examiner, but it would also show how much I value this. This is the first favor I've given."

"Xiao Han has made many acquaintances in Liyue in just a few days. It's only a matter of time before he stands out in Liyue Harbor. His first-place score in the Liyue Civil Service Exam alone will make him famous throughout Liyue Harbor. It can be said that the period before the results are released is his last moment of humiliation. I'm using my nominal title of Tianquan to pave the way for him, in exchange for the spotlight he deserves. This is the second favor I'm doing for him."

"His becoming the Executive Vice Minister of Yuehai Pavilion is a done deal, but he himself is unaware of it. While he is still uncertain about the future, I took the opportunity to recruit him before Miss Gan Yu met him, and he will naturally be grateful for my appreciation. Whether he agrees to my recruitment or not, at least he knows that I have been waiting for him to take the position. This is the third favor I have done for him."

"After I announce Xiao Han's achievements to the world, I will invite him to Qunyu Pavilion for a chat. Miss Gan Yu will naturally hear the news and come to Qunyu Pavilion. Regardless of whether Xiao Han has accepted my offer, as long as Miss Gan Yu comes, I can reluctantly part with him and return him to her. This is the fourth favor I have done for her."

"Tell me, I used the cheapest favor to exchange for the most expensive one. Isn't this investment extremely worthwhile?" Ningguang smiled and flicked the Mora in her hand with her fingertip, making a pleasant sound.

"Truly worthy of being called Lady Ningguang!" Bai Xiao exclaimed sincerely. "I just don't know why this Han Fulai is so highly regarded by Miss Gan Yu. If we're talking about talent, all the top scorers in the civil service exams have shown remarkable abilities. Why do Miss Gan Yu and the other immortals only show him special favor?"

Ningguang pondered for a moment and said, "There are some things that are not the time to say now. I can only tell you that he may be a key figure in Liyue's future."

"Actually, in my investigation of Xiao Han, what I cared about most was not where he came from, nor his background or abilities, but his attitude."

"Over the years, I have seen young people like Yuheng Star who can question the Emperor to his face, and I have also seen the reformers among the Liyue Seven Stars who want to promote the concept of rule by man. But I am more aware of Keqing's respect for the Emperor in private, and I am also aware that the reformers are just a check on the conservatives. Xiao Han is the only person I have ever met who regards immortals and even the Emperor as human beings."

“He’s not a native of Liyue, so perhaps this is just due to his ignorance?” Bai Xiao guessed.

Ningguang shook her head. "Absolutely not. He has a considerable understanding of the local customs and culture of Liyue and even Teyvat. He is not so ignorant as to be fearless. I think he is more like someone who genuinely approves of the era of rule by men."

"Therefore, my planning today is more about preparing for a future day when it will be useful."

"From now on...?" Bai Xiao was bewildered.

There's an old saying in Liyue, 'Only Mora and Moonsea are eternal,' which I'm sure you've heard before.

"Yes." Bai Xiao nodded.

Ningguang smiled, flicked her finger and sent the Mora flying into the sky, watching it tumble and tumble in the air.

"Moonsea Pavilion has already begun to change. How long can Mora last forever?"

That afternoon, Ningguang stood at the edge of the Jade Pavilion overlooking Liyue Harbor until dusk.

Chapter 40: Living with Gan Yu

The method of leaving Qunyu Pavilion was far more terrifying than Han Fulai had imagined; in short, it was to jump off the building.

Of course, you can't just jump off any random spot on the edge of the Jade Pavilion; you'd really fall to your death.

The Jade Pavilion's magic array creates a circular wind field. Jumping towards the center of this wind field will quickly take you to the ground, and just before landing, a reverse wind field will be generated to slow you down. This technology of controlling wind elements to create wind fields for transportation is actually quite expensive, and currently only the Jade Pavilion in Liyue uses it.

Han Fulai knew, of course, that this was a unique technology of Teyvat and that he had to try it. But to actually jump down like that, it was impossible not to be afraid. At such a height, even just looking down made Han Fulai dizzy. Even though the Thousand Rock Army soldiers guarding the wind farm repeatedly emphasized that the wind farm had undergone strict daily safety inspections and had a 0% accident rate in ten years of operation, his legs were still trembling.

Ningguang had pulled him up to the Jade Pavilion, so could he expect Ganyu to pull him down? Thinking this, Han Fulai stole a glance at Ganyu, who remained expressionless beside him—Ganyu had also glanced at Han Fulai, and their eyes met. Having confirmed their connection, Ganyu nodded!

Han Fulai was overjoyed. Just as he was about to approach Gan Yu, he saw Gan Yu take a few steps forward and jump down...

No, Miss Gan Yu! My look just now wasn't a gesture asking you to go first!

Han Fulai was on the verge of tears. He silently repeated "you jump, I jump" in his mind, imagining himself as Jack jumping off the Titanic with Rose. He took a few steps forward, closed his eyes, and leaped!

The wind was howling loudly in his ears. Han Fulai instinctively raised his hands and flailed a few times, only to find that the descent speed was not as fast as he had expected. Clearly, the wind force had been adjusted to maintain a safe descent speed. Soon, he felt a gust of wind lifting his body from beneath his feet; it seemed he was almost at the ground.

It doesn't seem so scary after all! He opened his eyes and saw Gan Yu standing on the ground, looking at him. Han Fulai realized that his current landing posture with his hands above his head looked rather ungraceful, so he immediately straightened his back, put his hands behind his back, and landed lightly in the posture of a martial arts hero performing light-footed skills. Combined with his flowing Liyue robes, it actually gave him a somewhat dashing air.

Gan Yu seemed to have no intention of commenting on his appearance, and turned to walk towards Yujingtai. Han Fulai quickly followed. He hadn't been able to explain himself at Qunyu Pavilion due to pressure, but now he had to make things clear with Gan Yu.

“Miss Gan Yu, Lady Ningguang just invited me to be her personal secretary, but I have already declined.”

"Oh." Gan Yu simply nodded to indicate that she understood, her expression revealing nothing of joy or anger.

This attitude left Han Fulai completely at a loss. He couldn't utter a whole bunch of words of loyalty he had prepared. Did Gan Yu care or not? Or did she simply not want to hear his explanation?

Embarrassed, Han Fulai could only make small talk: "I have passed the civil service exam for Yuehaiting as promised. I wonder what my job duties will be like next?"

Gan Yu remained aloof and replied, "I will explain when we arrive at Yuehai Pavilion."

The two walked along the winding corridor of Yujing Terrace. The creaking cedar wood floorboards spoke of the terrace's long and eventful history. A gentle breeze rippled the surface of the pond, causing lotus pods to sway softly. Golden perch appeared and disappeared beneath the lotus leaves, occasionally leaping up and splashing water with their tails. The pond was shallow, and the layers of pebbles on the bottom were clearly visible.

The soldiers of the Thousand Rock Army guarding the route and the staff passing by all bowed their heads and saluted when they saw Gan Yu. Some called her Lord Gan Yu, some called her Senior Gan Yu, and some of the staff of Yuehai Pavilion directly called her Sister Gan Yu.

Following Gan Yu, Han Fulai traveled smoothly through Yujingtai and soon saw Yuehai Pavilion.

Moonsea Pavilion is not a pavilion, but a complex of buildings. It is the place where the Seven Stars of Liyue on Jade Capital Terrace hold their meetings, the workplace of the Eight Gates Chiefs, and of course, the place where Han Fulai will soon be working.

Nestled against Tianheng Mountain, with flowing water, lush trees, and cascading waterfalls, it exudes an ancient and ethereal charm. The main building's roof is arched, resembling the spout of a gourd, and decorated with dark gold patterns of intertwined moon and sea motifs. Han Fulai, who studied ancient literary history in university, had some knowledge of the architecture recorded by literary figures and knew that this should be the architectural style commonly known as "humen".

The so-called "humen" is actually a Buddhist niche commonly used in Buddhism. The image of the niche is removed and engraved to create a humen, typically found on the base of a pagoda. Why does Liyue's architecture have this characteristic? Is it related to the Sumeru Kingdom? Or does it suggest that the Moonlit Pavilion is the location of Liyue's strategists, symbolizing the wisdom of Liyue?

Gan Yu led Han Fulai not to the main building of Moonsea Pavilion, but to a small building next to it. It had an arched roof without a ridge, similar to the roof style of the You Dingfu Ancestral Hall in China. Liyue's diverse architectural styles are likely related to its status as a trading nation, blending architectural styles from various countries. Han Fulai thought for a moment and offered his own answer.

Although it's called a small building, the interior area is actually about the size of a manor villa, only slightly smaller compared to the main building complex of Yuehai Pavilion.

Upon entering the room, Gan Yu stopped. The staff on duty bowed to Gan Yu in greeting, and Gan Yu returned the bows one by one. Then, she introduced Han Fulai to the staff in the lobby: "This is Han Fulai, the top scorer in the Liyue Civil Service Examination. He will be working with you as the Deputy Secretary-General of the Moonlit Pavilion and my personal chief private secretary."

The staff present all stood up to shake hands with Han Fulai, but their gazes toward him were tinged with hostility.

"I've met Vice Minister Han. I came in second in last year's unified examination." The man at the front desk shook hands with Han Fulai with noticeably firmer pressure.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Vice Minister Han. I was the top scorer in the unified examination two years ago." The clerk next to him shook hands with Han Fulai with great force.

"Hello, Vice Minister Han. I came in third in last year's unified examination." The tea server also greeted Han Fulai.

"Hello." The woman filling out the employment form at the front desk also looked up and greeted Han Fulai coldly. Han Fulai recognized her; she was Miss Huixin from the Yun family of Tian Shu, who ranked second in this year's civil service exam.

After shaking hands with each of the staff members, Han Fulai discreetly rubbed his hands behind his back. He knew that his future career at Yuehaiting was likely to be fraught with difficulties.

Gan Yu led Han Fulai upstairs to the top floor and into Gan Yu's office.

Gan Yu's office is a suite, and it is quite large.

The outermost room was a small room with potted plants, a bookshelf, and a few calligraphy and paintings. There was also a newly added ebony desk, with nothing on it except the Four Treasures of the Study. This was clearly Han Fulai's office.

Pushing open a door, one enters Gan Yu's main office. A huge desk is piled high with documents, yet they are arranged neatly and orderly. Further inside is another door, presumably leading to Gan Yu's lounge.

"From now on, this will be your office," Gan Yu said, pointing to the small room in front of her.

"Yes, Lord Gan Yu." Han Fulai quickly got into the zone.

Gan Yu then pointed to the lounge inside, "You'll be living here from now on."

“Yes, Gan Yu… Ah?” Han Fulai was stunned.

Han Fulai, 24 years old, is Gan Yu's secretary and lives with Gan Yu.

Chapter 41 The most crucial quality of a civil servant is reliability.

Although Gan Yu noticed Han Fulai's surprise, she did not explain, but simply led Han Fulai into her office.

She took out a copy of the "Wolhae-teung Civil Servant Employment Agreement" and a copy of the "Wolhae-teung Secretary Official Confidentiality Regulations" from the drawer and gave them to Han Fulai to sign.

After Han Fulai signed the document, Gan Yu handed him a pass stamped with the official seals of the General Affairs Department and Moonsea Pavilion. Han Fulai accepted the pass, knowing that from this moment on, he had officially become a member of Moonsea Pavilion, the political center of Liyue.

Without giving Han Fulai time to sigh, Gan Yu quickly began to introduce the organization of Yuehaiting to him:

"Yuehaiting currently has 318 staff members, including you and me."

"I am the Chief Executive Secretary of Yuehaiting, and also the Executive Director of Yuehaiting."

“You are my chief private secretary and also the executive vice president of Yue Haiting.”

"I have 10 executive deputy secretaries-general, 87 deputy secretaries-general, and 219 secretarial assistants directly under my jurisdiction. When I am not at Yuehaiting, you will take over the jurisdiction of Yuehaiting in my place."

"This...so many people?" Han Fulai couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. He was a low-level office worker who couldn't even become a team leader of 10 people in the company. He had never even been a class monitor in school. The greatest power he had ever had was as the class monitor in middle school, responsible for collecting homework for the teacher every day and carrying it to the teacher's office. It was no different from being a free laborer.

"Don't worry, generally nothing will happen," Gan Yu said casually. "The civil servants of Moonsea Pavilion have a set amount of work to do every day. The secretaries and assistants are usually responsible for cleaning Moonsea Pavilion, pouring tea for the deputy secretary-general, delivering the Liyue Daily and Liyue News Reference, moving documents sent from all over the world, and receiving guests."

"The deputy secretary-general is generally responsible for organizing documents, having tea and reading newspapers with the executive deputy secretary-general, and submitting documents to the executive secretary-general, which is me, for review."

"The executive secretary-general is usually a relative of the Seven Stars or the executive deputy head of the Eight Gates. Their main job is to accompany the Seven Stars and Eight Gates leaders in their daily work. Of course, they will occasionally write documents, and at that time they will submit the first draft of the documents to me for review. When I am not around, you will be responsible for reviewing these documents."

"Wait...wait a minute, why are all the documents given to you for review? Aren't any of the more than 300 secretaries under Yue Haiting responsible for reading and writing documents?" Beads of sweat the size of soybeans appeared on Han Fulai's forehead.

Gan Yu looked surprised, staring at Han Fulai with astonishment, as if she had seen some rare animal she had never seen before: "How can you let them read and write documents?"

"Huh?" Han Fulai was completely bewildered. Wasn't it said that everyone who entered Moonsea Pavilion was an elite civil servant of Liyue? Could it be that they couldn't even read a document?

"If your family were wealthy salt merchants, and you happened to be a secretary at Yuehaiting, and you received a document from Yinyuanting proposing a salt price increase for Yuehaiting, could you be sure you wouldn't tell your family to stockpile salt in preparation for making a fortune?"

"That... is indeed hard to say."

“Most of the civil servants at Moonsea Pavilion are heirs of wealthy merchants or scions of prominent families from Jade Capital, as well as high-ranking members of the Seven Stars and Eight Gates. If you let them read documents, their contents will spread throughout Liyue Harbor. If you let them write documents, they will fight with others to include clauses that favor their own side. This is an experience I summarized a thousand years ago,” Gan Yu explained calmly.

"Wait, isn't everyone at Moonsea Pavilion required to sign the 'Moonsea Pavilion Secretary Official Confidentiality Regulations'? Shouldn't they be protecting Liyue's secrets?" Han Fulai recalled the confidentiality regulations he had just signed, which were over ten pages long.

"Huh, don't you have an 'Official Secrecy Regulations' in your own world?" Gan Yu asked Han Fulai with a look of surprise. "The 'Official Secrecy Regulations' are not used to protect secrets, but to protect the government."

"..." Han Fulai thought Gan Yu's words made a lot of sense, and he was speechless.

"So for the past three thousand years, you've been handling all the paperwork in Liyue by yourself?" Han Fulai asked, pointing to a table full of documents.

Gan Yu nodded.

"So that's why you have to work overtime every day...?" Han Fulai finally realized something.

Gan Yu nodded again, then added after a moment's thought, "I'll still have you in the future."