He changed Tiwat

But Han Fulai doesn't see it that way.

—Because Zhongli didn't retire on a whim.

Before stepping down, he had already paved the way for his successor.

The achievements of the Geo Archon are unparalleled. He founded Liyue, protected all living beings, and led Liyue to prosperity. His successors, if they wish to gain the respect of the people, must also make corresponding contributions.

So, in Liyue, who are the "masses" to be served? And who are the "majority of life in Liyue"?

They are workers, farmers, and laborers.

Compared to the merchants who wield wealth and power, these laborers are the foundation of Liyue.

—Just like Gan Yu said, "Gather all the troublesome things together and then solve them all at once."

Gan Yu is perhaps the person in all of Liyue who understands Zhong Li's thoughts the most.

For the successor to the Geo Archon, this is the condition for becoming the new generation of Geo Archon.

— Represents "the will of the people".

To embody the aspirations of most of Liyue's inhabitants and then fulfill those aspirations is, of course, what everyone hopes for.

To gain the will of millions of people in Liyue, one must naturally be a new god.

In a godless world, those who win the hearts of the people win the world.

In a world with God, those who have the power of their will will rule the world.

In some ways, Teyvat seems to be quite materialistic.

Han Fulai even considered the possibility that if the successor to the Rock King was the Salt King, it would be a unique path for Liyue. —Perhaps this is Zhongli's unique sense of humor, despite his seemingly very old-fashioned appearance?

To fulfill the wishes of the majority of life in Liyue and to give them "justice," the first step is to have the ability to give them justice.

The "Liyue Labor Association" is the path Han Fulai has chosen.

In a way, doing this well can be considered Han Fulai's "succession ceremony".

"Brother Han, how do you plan to deal with the united businessmen?"

This is the question Xingqiu asked, and it is also the most important question.

Xingqiu could see the threat that the "Liyue Labor Association" posed to the merchants, and naturally, the wealthy merchants on Jade Capital Terrace and the nobles in the Seven Stars could see it too.

How can such a "non-governmental organization" possibly withstand the combined attack of businessmen?

As Xingqiu said, the merchants of Liyue have been united for three thousand years.

In response, Han Fulai raised his hand and pointed at Xingqiu.

"you."

"Me?" Xingqiu pointed to her delicate nose in surprise.

He never imagined that Han Fulai's answer would be to him.

Is this a joke?

Han Fulai shook his head. "I'm not joking. It's you. In my heart, you have the power to change Liyue."

Seeing that Han Fulai spoke with great seriousness, Xingqiu also straightened his posture and looked like he was listening attentively.

“Do you remember I just told you that the situation faced by Liyue workers is ‘involution’?” Han Fulai asked.

Xingqiu nodded.

The current state of Liyue is characterized by an unequal relationship between a large number of scattered, unorganized laborers and a small number of organized, increasingly monopolistic employers.

In such a relationship, workers are readily replaceable and therefore have no bargaining power.

As a result, the wages of laborers like Lao Meng, that is, the price of labor, were compressed to a minimum. At the same time, the intensity of labor was also raised to a maximum limit—a limit where, apart from eating, commuting, and minimal sleep, almost all of the laborer's time and energy were devoted to work.

Of course, the maximum limit of this theory has not yet been reached, but as long as no one stops this trend, the limit will inevitably come in the near future. This is what Han Fulai told him before, falling into the "Ilyich Trap".

Han Fulai proposed that the laborers of Liyue should have their own organization for this reason.

But what justifies the existence of such an organization? And what makes He Xingqiu so important?

Even if he is the second young master of the "Flying Cloud Merchant Guild" and has the backing of the Liyue Yun Clan, he cannot possibly stand against the alliance of the Liyue business community.

Han Fulai smiled and said, "Don't forget, I just talked to you about the concert. Let's call it the 'concert effect.' I need you to create a 'concert effect' among businessmen. To put it bluntly... I need you to help me become a 'merchant traitor' as opposed to a 'scab of laborers,' and to wipe out those wealthy merchants."

“Hmm…” Xingqiu frowned.

Even if he wanted to take advantage, others would have to follow suit. Even if he was willing to raise the wages of the workers under the Chamber of Commerce... others would only laugh at him for being a sucker, and in the end, it would only make the "Feiyun Chamber of Commerce" lose money.

Han Fulai had anticipated Xingqiu's questions, smiled, and continued, "My bargaining chip is 'Gui Li New District'."

"Ah! I see!" Xingqiu slammed his fist down, instantly understanding Han Fulai's intention and the reason why Han Fulai had spoken to him today.

Today they witnessed the competition between Bolai and Dongsheng. In the business world, such competition is not surprising; it is just the norm.

As Bolai said, "Seeing that kid make money is more painful than losing money myself."

Even among merchants, there is "involution." It's just that, compared to laborers, the merchants' involution is hidden beneath the surface; they still maintain a united front when dealing with laborers. The dispute between Bolai and Dongsheng over the exclusive rights to the Sunset Fruit is the best illustration of this "involution" among merchants.

The "Return to the New District" is a giant pancake, and also the most powerful bargaining chip in the hands of the "Liyue Labor Association" when negotiating with merchants.

The development of the "Guili New District" has already been put on the agenda by Keqing of Yuheng Star and has been publicized in Liyue Harbor as an infrastructure project. Keqing is currently recruiting workers in Liyue Harbor to participate in the construction. As an infrastructure project initiated by the Seven Stars government, the construction of the "Guili New District" naturally has priority - from the perspective of the Seven Stars government, this is a political achievement that benefits the people, a virtuous policy that is widely expected, and no one would dare to obstruct it.

As a project invested in by the Chamber of Commerce and located in Liyue Harbor, it was naturally "serving the people," offering both prestige and practical benefits. For well-informed merchants in Liyue Harbor, this was a highly coveted "new pancake." Merchants weren't afraid of investing more; they were just afraid that Keqing wouldn't include their investments and would keep them all for herself.

This is undoubtedly great news for unemployed workers.

Han Fulai's plan was precisely based on this matter.

Once the laborers are organized, they can simply say, "If working in Liyue Harbor doesn't make money, I'll go to Guili Plains."

This is not a simple protest, but a choice made by the market, and a perfectly natural thing that is in line with the business logic of Liyue.

Even if the Layered Rock Abyss reopens and the "Black Rock Factory" resumes operations, without miners to mine, all the ore in the Layered Rock Abyss will be worthless—without workers to produce it, all the raw materials will just be taking up space in the warehouse.

Whether it's Huishan Hall, Shenglu Hall, "Heiyan Factory," or "Feiyun Chamber of Commerce," they all know what's going on in this matter.

However, if the development of Guili Plains continues as it is in Liyue, the laborers will simply be moving from the mines in Mingyun Town to the mines in Guili Plains, and nothing will change.

However, if a labor association were to exist as a collective organization of workers, responsible for providing labor for the construction of the "Guili New District," then businessmen who wanted to profit from this area would have to pay the corresponding labor costs. If they didn't want to pay these costs, then they would have no share of the Guili Plain market.

Merchants have only two ways to disrupt this labor-dominated market position.

One method is for the merchants to unite and not invest in the "Guili New District." They still have this tacit understanding regarding matters affecting the overall interests of the merchants. If they can't reach an agreement with the laborers, the merchants can simply not invest. Without wages, Keqing's family alone can't support so many workers.

But Guiliyuan is, in any case, a "new pancake," and if you don't share it, plenty of others will. Anyone who invests more in labor costs can seize this new market, while those who don't will get a share—this intensifies the competition among businessmen.

At this point, Xingqiu, representing the "Feiyun Chamber of Commerce," was undoubtedly acting as a "merchant thief" by being the first to try something new.

But businessmen are driven by profit. The fact that the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce had already secured the exclusive rights to the stone amber was already enviable. If the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce were to monopolize the development market of Guili Plain, countless businessmen would be green with envy and unable to sleep at night.

The "concert effect" that Han Fulai wanted will appear. With Xingqiu being the first person to stand up at the concert, others can only follow suit, and the alliance of businessmen will collapse on its own.

The purpose of Han Fulai establishing the trade union and forming an alliance with Xingqiu was to unite the workers and divide the capital.

However, the merchants had another way to thwart this.

"...Brother Han, have you figured out how to deal with the internal divisions among the laborers?" Xingqiu asked another crucial question.

Yes, if businessmen want to reduce costs, they have another way – to buy off laborers and sow discord among labor associations.

This is a challenge that Han Fulai will inevitably have to face.

Xingqiu can be considered an "individual who betrays the class," and of course, there will also be "individuals who betray the class" among the workers; this is unavoidable.

Fortunately, Han Fulai was a time traveler from China and a liberal arts student. He hadn't forgotten the "organizational skills" he learned during his nine years of compulsory education.

"Publicity," Han Fu replied with two words.

The "that gentleman" in China started his career as the Minister of Propaganda—unfortunately, that government couldn't even pay the Minister of Propaganda's salary, forcing him to resort to armed protest to demand his unpaid wages.

"Xingqiu, do you think a laborer like Lao Meng would prefer reading the official documents and gazettes in our Yuehaiting, or the newspapers sold in 'Wanwenjishe'?"

"...They'll probably just listen to some Liyue opera, right?" As soon as the words left his mouth, Xingqiu immediately realized, "Oh, Brother Han, you've got your eye on my cousin!"

"Hey, don't talk nonsense..." Han Fulai denied awkwardly. Xingqiu's words made it sound like he had ulterior motives for approaching Yun Jin. "I just wanted to ask Mr. Yun to write a few operas that the people of Liyue would enjoy."

Liyue Opera is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Liyue. From high-ranking officials and nobles to ordinary people, everyone can hum a few lines. Is there a more suitable form of promotion than Liyue Opera?

"And then there's Miss Xin Yan's rock music," Han Fulai added. "I think rock music has a bright future in Liyue. Why doesn't the 'Flying Cloud Merchant Guild' try investing in it in advance? I guarantee it's a sure-fire way to make money."

This is an art form even the Rock King Emperor appreciates. Han Fulai silently added in his mind. Could this be considered a business investment with "Emperor's approval"?

Han Fulai could not have foreseen that Yun Jin would invite him to a concert, nor could he have anticipated Bai Shu's request, and naturally, he could not have planned ahead in the cultural field.

He went to "Heyu Teahouse" simply to help Guoba, the "Stove Demon God," gain some faith and restore some power.

But isn't this what they call "fate"?

As the old man said, "People are simply unaware; they cannot predict the future."

"I have one last question," Xingqiu said.

"What?" Han Fulai asked.

"Can I touch it?"

Xingqiu was pointing to the back of Han Fulai's hand, where the contract was located.

Han Fulai nodded, revealing the contract mark once again.

Xingqiu reached out a hand and stroked the back of Han Fulai's hand.

The golden trefoil knot is a pattern engraved on Mora and is also a symbol of the Rock King.

Xingqiu chuckled softly.

"So, in that case, I'm practically a sworn brother of the 'Emperor's Successor.' Surely the Emperor, this 'God of Commerce,' will bless me?"

In Liyue, most merchants place a statue of the Emperor in their shops for worship. After all, worshipping the Emperor, this "God of Wealth," is believed to bring them good fortune. As the son of a merchant, Xingqiu has naturally worshipped the Emperor's statues many times. Although he has never seen the real Emperor, this time he has finally touched the Emperor's divine power imprint.

—For businessmen, this is a very auspicious sign.

Especially when faced with a "big deal" that could potentially influence the entire course of Liyue's history.

Han Fulai smiled and said, "I had prepared a lot of things to say to persuade you, but it seems unnecessary now."

Xingqiu's expression was somewhat sly: "Brother Han, don't forget that I am, after all, the heir of the 'Feiyun Chamber of Commerce.' I made this investment on behalf of the 'Feiyun Chamber of Commerce.'"

Han Fulai became curious: "Don't you need to reconsider? Such a big matter can't be decided by you alone, can it?"

Xingqiu patted Han Fulai's hand and said, "Before seeing this, if I helped you, it would be 'speculation'; but after seeing this, what I'm doing is 'investment'. Someone even the Emperor approves of is giving me a big business deal, how could I turn down such an opportunity?"

The main difference between "investment" and "speculation" lies in the pursuit of "long-term capital appreciation" versus "short-term excess profits," but the most crucial distinction lies in risk. Simply put, investment is a business activity; generally, one only invests after confirming the market outlook. Speculation, on the other hand, is more like gambling; once the bet is placed, life or death hangs in the balance.

Xingqiu said he was investing rather than speculating, meaning he believed this deal was a sure thing in the long run, and it also indicated that the Feiyun Chamber of Commerce would increase its support for Han Fulai.

If this is related to the contract Han Fulai bears, it is naturally because the "god of commerce" has never been wrong in his judgment.

"Then it seems I still benefited from the Emperor's favor," Han Fulai said with a smile.

Xingqiu laughed, "Who living in Liyue doesn't benefit from the Emperor's influence?"

“However, I still have to remind you, Xingqiu. The Emperor has never said he would support me in this matter.” Han Fulai said to Xingqiu very seriously. “I also cannot guarantee that the ‘Liyue Labor Association’ will really succeed, nor can I promise the ‘Flying Cloud Merchant Guild’ any profits.”

Xingqiu's beautiful amber eyes flickered: "I have confidence in my judgment. You are the Brother Han I have my eye on."

Even though Xingqiu provided support in the name of the "Feiyun Chamber of Commerce," Han Fulai knew that Xingqiu's acceptance of the investment still contained a lot of brotherly affection, and that he was extending a helping hand to him when he needed support the most.

He couldn't help but feel a surge of warmth in his heart, and he grasped Xingqiu's hand in return: "Consider it a favor I owe you."

Xingqiu chuckled: "Then I'll have to cherish this favor. Hmm, come with me tonight to listen to Mr. Liu Su's special storytelling performance. This time I'm going to listen to the whole 'The Sound of Rain'."

"How dare I disobey?" Han Fulai replied with a smile.

That night, Han Fulai accompanied Xingqiu to the Heyu Teahouse and listened to the sound of rain all night long.

For the people of Liyue, "rock and roll" is a completely new concept; the ancient Liyue region previously lacked the fertile ground for the development of this art form.

However, on May 1st of Liyue Calendar 37xx, at a gathering in Guili Plains, Miss Xinyan performed her new song in front of thousands of Liyue workers.

This is the first song ever written for workers in Liyue's history, and also the first time rock music has spread so widely in Liyue.

[This was also the debut concert of Ms. Xin Yan, the internationally renowned rock musician and later the head of the publicity department of the "Liyue Laborers' Association," who debuted under the band name "Red Strings."]

[When I interviewed Ms. Xin Yan directly and asked about the origin of "Red Strings," a rock band composed of Liyue workers, this is how she replied:]

"Initially, I just wanted to give my guitar a name."

Ms. Xin Yan showed the reporter her uniquely shaped musical instrument.