He changed Tiwat

If you ask him to explain, he'll say he never intended to travel to the rebels' den—but justice will certainly not listen to his explanation.

Hmm... why did he end up in Liyue, the heart of the rebels? It seems he made a wish to come to Teyvat to keep Gan Yu company while he worked overtime, but is it really just a coincidence...?

Han Fulai was lost in thought when Ningguang's voice pulled him back to reality.

“After obtaining the Guizhong inheritance from the ‘Huaqing Guizang Secret Palace,’ I began to conduct the ‘Heaven and Earth Cage Test’ on my own. Qingyun Peak can become a simulation of ‘Heaven’ because it has the largest and purest ‘Floating Life Stone’ in Liyue…”

"...So all these years you've been expanding the Jade Pavilion, what you actually need is a 'larger Floating Life Stone'?"

“Well, if the quality isn’t good enough, then we can only make up for it with quantity, right? With Taishan Prefecture closed, I lacked ‘land’ and couldn’t obtain an immortal body, so I ended up only a half-immortal…” Ningguang smiled. “In any case, I successfully obtained the ‘Three-Eyed Five Manifestations Divine Power’, which allows me to fly on my own, manipulate elemental power, create things with words, and so on… For example, turning stone into gold.”

With a flick of her finger, Ningguang conjured a gleaming golden rock artifact in her hand—a shimmering golden glass lily with bare feet of pure gold.

“You know, making money is actually faster than robbing it. When I told you that night, ‘I’m willing to share the secret of Qingxu Pool with you,’ I wasn’t just talking about Qingxu Pool, but the secret of the richest man in Teyvat. Even if you hadn’t brought out your Liyue Coin plan, the ‘Golden House’ would still be able to resume operation after I successfully took power. Although I can’t compare to the Emperor, I am still a ruler who can inherit the Emperor’s divine authority.”

That's right. When the Emperor decided to stop production of "Golden House", Han Fulai hadn't transmigrated yet, so of course he couldn't have considered "Liyue Coins".

Even if the Emperor abdicates, the "Golden House" can still continue to operate. Ningguang, the Crown Prince of Liyue, is a ruthless person who smashed a demon god with a gem in the Jade Pavilion... She just needs the credit for ascending to the throne.

Dust God's final form is, of course, also known as the "Geo God".

People always evaluate a ruler based on his "civil and military achievements".

Defeating the demon is "martial arts," while creating Mora is "civil governance."

Han Fulai knew Ningguang was very rich, but he didn't expect her to be even richer than he thought, much richer.

Ningguang, like him, is also a demigod, except that he can make salt, while Ningguang can make money...

He sighed: "If you had told me that night, I really would have been tempted."

Chapter 419 The strange thing is that they accepted each other having their own paths to take.

When he and Ningguang were on their date by the Luhua Pond, Zhongli had not yet opened the Salt God Ruins for him.

Ningguang's desire to monopolize the secrets of Qingxu Puxia was tantamount to monopolizing Mora's production, which in other words meant taking control of the Liyue Central Bank's printing press.

At that time, Han Fulai thought Ningguang's actions were out of selfishness and greed, but if Ningguang already had the inheritance of the Geo Archon, then it was all a misunderstanding? She just wanted to reduce the burden of building Mora for the whole continent in the future? The money-printing machine was handed over to Ningguang, the "crown prince," from the very beginning?

Creating Mora requires "the flesh and blood of the Geo Archon." Of course, this "flesh and blood" is not actually bloody chunks of meat. Even if Ningguang is fat, how much flesh can she have? This "flesh and blood" is actually similar to the remnants of the Archon, representing the energy that is the essence of the Archon.

In other words, Ningguang will have to take on the "wear and tear" of manufacturing Mora in the future, instead of Zhongli.

With the remnants of the demon god beneath Qingxupu as a supplement, Ningguang naturally doesn't need to "wear down" too quickly.

He did see through Ningguang's attempt to monopolize the Qingxupu Ruins, but he misjudged her motives.

He thought the other person was greedy for money, but it turned out that the other person was actually "giving away money".

Because of the "wear and tear" that Ningguang has to inflict on itself, its capabilities are limited, which is why it cannot take care of the victims in the counterfeit currency incident.

If he did anything to benefit Ningguang, it was probably by halting her "wear and tear"? But conversely, he also blocked Ningguang's path...

Just as he wanted to resolve some "historical issues" left behind by Zhongli in order to rise to power, Ningguang did the same. Only in this way could she gain widespread prestige from the people and immortals.

Ningguang originally intended to take advantage of the counterfeit currency incident to secretly plan and eliminate the threat from the Northern Bank and the counterfeit currency problem in one fell swoop.

Ningguang could actually solve the counterfeit money problem with "one sentence," which is why she deliberately allowed the rumor that "Tianquan Star makes counterfeit money" to spread in Liyue Harbor.

Ningguang's initial goal of "debunking the rumors" was to force her to "come forward and clarify" after the rumors had spread, thus creating a genuine Mora in public: "Who said I, Ningguang, am making counterfeit money? I'm making the real thing!"

—In this way, Ningguang is the true "successor of the Emperor," and Liyue is "respected by the Heavenly Authority" in every sense.

So, Han Fulai actually prevented Ningguang from "ascending the throne" once again... No, if we add that he also changed Ningguang's plan to deal with Bazhe during the Battle of Bazhe, which is equivalent to making Ningguang give a lot of credit for saving Liyue Harbor to Shenhe... In fact, that was the third time at Luhua Pond.

Wow, he stopped the Queen of Liyue from her coronation ceremony three times in a row... and each time he went over and said with a righteous expression, "I'm doing this for your own good," and even demanded that she cooperate...

If he were Ningguang, this feud would probably have escalated to a point of no return... Is Ningguang truly capable of endurance, or... or is she truly devoted to herself...?

He couldn't help but recall that day by the Luhua Pond, when Ningguang held him and whispered in his ear, "Xiao Han, you are also one of the 'infinitesimals' I want to pursue."

She even said she wanted to have a child with him...

Sister, why didn't you explain this clearly? If you had told me these things earlier, I would have contributed my share to increasing the population of Liyue on the spot... cough.

Of course, he also knew that Ningguang couldn't have explained it clearly at the time; it was all because of Tianli, the "censor," who installed cameras everywhere in Teyvat...

—However, it must be because he rejected Ningguang that Zhongli believed he was qualified to participate in the competition for the highest power in Liyue, right?

If Ningguang is inheriting Zhongli's old path, then he is determined to forge a new one. Zhongli wants to see what kind of path he can forge.

Alas, everything in this world has two sides. Who can foresee the consequences of every choice beforehand?

"...I'm sorry, I misunderstood you before." Han Fulai sincerely bowed his head and apologized to Ningguang.

Ningguang smiled and turned her face away, seemingly a little shy: "I... am not as good as you think. I have still managed to secure some things for myself. For example, I have also passed laws prohibiting others from using rock-based materials to forge gemstones..."

Ningguang did indeed legislate against the sale of Geo Gems in Liyue, ostensibly to prevent alchemical creations and Vision holders from profiting improperly. However, the real reason was that Ningguang, the successor of the Dust Archon, was monopolizing the market… After all, she and Tianyi, the "alchemy master," had already made a fortune with the gems they created using "turning lead into gold," making them the richest people in Teyvat. Naturally, she needed to guard against others piracy…

However, considering the effort she needs to make, this amount of profit is actually quite acceptable. Besides, her rock artifacts are also divine creations, genuine gems. You can't say she's selling fakes—manufactured diamonds are still diamonds, right? It's all about paying for people's money; there's no reason why others can collect money from Ningguang but not others can.

Once things are out in the open, there's really nothing that's hard to understand.

Ningguang deliberately talked to him about these things, which was actually telling him that separation would harm both sides, while unity would benefit both.

If he insists on continuing to compete with Ningguang, then Ningguang may have no choice but to take action, and whoever dies will be a loss for Liyue. But if he is willing to take a step back, such as accepting a political structure in Liyue dominated by Ningguang, then there is indeed something to discuss—and there is actually a feeling between the two of them.

Han Fulai pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Given the current situation, it's actually quite difficult for both of us to back down now, isn't it?"

His "Liyue Radiance" and "Liyue Laborers' Association" are destined to clash with the big merchants represented by Ningguang... Just as he said to Keqing in his office before launching the "Liyue Radiance" project - "The wheel has already started turning."

The wheels of time are rolling forward, and he doesn't want to stop, much less turn back.

However, Ningguang seemed to have anticipated his question, and smiled: "What if I said that I would not hinder you, and was even willing to help you and ensure that all your reform plans are implemented in Liyue? From now on, everything will be discussed and decided by the two of us together?"

Han Fulai's eyes widened in surprise. What kind of approach was Ningguang taking?

It's like a beautiful and wealthy woman telling him that she not only doesn't want a dowry but also gives him almost all of her wealth as a dowry, and she doesn't want him to marry into her family, but simply supports all his career without reservation—this is like a pie falling from the sky and hitting him on the head.

If that's the case, whether he holds power or shares power with Ningguang doesn't seem to matter that much. He wasn't after power in the first place; power was merely a necessary condition for him to implement reforms.

But is this true?

He rarely felt dizzy.

While he was still dizzy, Ningguang went up to him and put her arms around his neck.

"I'll give myself to you, so you can trust me, right?"

She kissed his lips.

Chapter 420 But no one makes me cry in secret like you.

Their lips met, and it felt as if an electric current was coursing through their bodies, sending a tingling sensation through their entire being.

Both of them felt dizzy and disoriented, as if floating on clouds and unable to distinguish east from west or north from south. These two were usually the most clear-headed people in Liyue, but now they seemed to be drunk.

On the "Lock of the Mortal World," a girl who looked like she was about to die raised her coat sleeve and covered her face.

She kept muttering to herself, "These young people nowadays, they really have no shame. I never taught her anything like this... Wow, her tongue... Oh, where is her hand touching... Tsk, she's even biting..."

—Speaking of which, although Tianyi covered her face, she was originally a hologram, so she didn't seem to see things with her eyes...

It wasn't until several minutes later that the two separated slightly.

Ningguang's eyes were hazy, her hair disheveled, and she was panting heavily, while Han Fulai had two bloody teeth marks on his lips.

—Ningguang's pearly teeth left her mark on his lips.

But Han Fulai didn't care much about this minor injury; it should be considered a man's "medal."

Moreover, one of his hands was now stroking Ningguang's smooth and tender back, while the other was feeling Ningguang's heartbeat—well, it seemed like he couldn't feel it through her clothes.

So he quietly slipped his hand into the seam of Ningguang's clothes.

Countless men on the continent of Teyvat have dreamed of Ningguang and longed to have her, but only he has succeeded.

“Ningguang…Sister…”

Ningguang grasped his wrist, but couldn't hide the joy in her eyes and brows: "Now you've recognized a sister again?"

"I... this..." Han Fulai awkwardly withdrew his paw.

Ningguang glanced at him sideways: "Which good sister are you thinking of now? Sister He or Sister Qing?"

Uh… it seems like he was with Keqing not long ago… Ah, Keqing is sleeping right outside this outdoor space, only about a hundred meters away from them… Hmm, so he was sneaking off with Ningguang while Keqing was asleep?

His secretary had an affair with two seven-star bosses that went beyond normal limits, and the time interval between them was less than an hour... Why do I feel so awful?

Han Fulai was speechless for a moment.

Fortunately, Ningguang didn't dwell on the issue, shaking her head and saying, "Don't worry, I'm not the kind of mediocre woman who competes for favor in the inner quarters... Besides, I don't need to compete, because someone confessed to his sister Ahe that he almost couldn't control himself towards her that night..."

"You call me 'sister,' but you're probably just after me, aren't you? You've always liked me, haven't you?"

Han Fulai was speechless... How did she know about this? He was afraid he couldn't save face.

Well, when it comes to face, if you don't want it, you don't have to. Han Fulai steeled his heart and became tougher.

"Yes, I like you. Ever since the day the list of successful candidates was posted at the entrance of the General Affairs Department and you publicly honored me with my name on the honor roll, I have never forgotten you."

Ningguang blinked, seemingly not expecting him to be so direct.

Han Fu continued, seemingly to himself, "You were the first to recognize my abilities and lead me into the 'Reflections on the Seven Rulers of the Mortal World.' You have always guided and helped me, even willing to suffer losses and give up benefits for me... Looking back, you have been involved in everything I have done along the way. My life is already closely intertwined with yours..."

"Sometimes I dream about you, about that night we kissed by the Luhua Pond, about being with you in the Jade Pavilion, overlooking the landscape of Liyue..."

"If a person's soul is formed by their past, then you, who have occupied so much of my past, are already a part of my soul—I can't lose you, just as I can't lose my own soul. Even if I'm called a jerk, I've made up my mind... I won't let you go!"

Ningguang felt as if her heart had melted into a pool of water, flowing gently towards the man in front of her, while Han Fulai took the opportunity to hug Ningguang tightly again.

Ningguang realized that his toughness now extended beyond just his words.

"Are you telling the truth?" Ningguang leaned on his shoulder and asked softly.

Han Fulai nodded: "If you treat me sincerely, I will treat you sincerely, Ningguang."

"Hmm." Ningguang looked up, and there was also a trace of blood on her lips.

Actually, when the two of them were locked in a passionate kiss, she bit her lip until it bled.

“I told you, I’m willing to give myself to you, and I already did. When I bit you just now… I gave you my blood too. A part of me is already in your body, and I know where you go.”

Han Fulai chuckled. What do you mean by "giving you blood"? You've clearly installed a GPS tracker on him. He was talking about "not competing" earlier, but he leaves his mark the moment he gets his hands on someone. He's still the same old Ningguang.

He held Ningguang in his arms, slowly recalling the bits and pieces of their past.

Ningguang also held him, quietly feeling the warmth of his body.

Time seemed to stand still, and only a man and a woman remained embracing in the world.

Gradually, Ningguang suddenly felt the man in her arms stiffen.

She looked up curiously and met Han Fulai's eyes.

"Ningguang... there's something I want to ask you, and you... you absolutely mustn't lie to me." Han Fulai's voice trembled slightly.

Ningguang nodded silently.

"I recall the Battle of Oser, when a company of Fools stormed the Jade Pavilion..."

Ningguang's arms around him gradually loosened.

"When I went to the Abyss of Laminaria, I met a friend named Dainesreb. He was the last captain of the Kanria Royal Guard and the person in the world most familiar with the 'Abyss'. He told me that the 'Abyss Order' controlled the 'teleportation network,' and that they could set up teleportation nodes in the ley lines and manipulate the exits of portals at their will... So why is there a ley line network and portal nodes on the Jade Pavilion?"

"The Jade Pavilion has a defensive array. I remember when you dragged me up to the Jade Pavilion, we had to use a fixed wind field and the buoyancy of the floating stone to get up there... Moreover, the nodes of the teleportation network are fixed coordinates. Even if someone infiltrated the Jade Pavilion a long time ago and planted nodes to locate it, on the day of the Battle of Ausel, the Jade Pavilion was no longer in its original location, but had moved to the sea. The coordinates were different. So why would the teleportation portal appear at sea?"

"And I also remember that you had complete control of the Jade Pavilion at the time, and you set up a defensive array to guard against Oser's attack. What kind of portal could break through the defensive array on your Jade Pavilion? Didn't you... notice it beforehand?"

Han Fulai stared intently at Ningguang.

A sentence suddenly flashed through his mind.

—The third question Zhongli asked him in the ruins of the Salt God.

Zhongli asked him, "If you discover that Ningguang is a threat to Liyue, would you take action?"

He replied to Zhongli that he would.

Will he?

Would he still be able to do it now?

He really hoped Ningguang could explain things clearly, just like before, and that everything was a misunderstanding and nothing serious, right?

Ningguang was chosen by Zhongli beforehand. Zhongli even gave her the legacy of the End and designated her as the representative of Liyue's human rule. She had no reason to harm Liyue, let alone incite the Fools to attack the Jade Pavilion at a crucial moment, right?

So what is the answer?