He changed Tiwat

Ke Qing felt a lump in her throat. She touched her small nose, trying to soothe the feeling of grievance.

“I admit that many people around me can’t keep up with me, so I assign them some relatively easy tasks. Maybe you think this is not making good use of my subordinates, but I think it’s the most efficient way. Are you trying to say that valuing work efficiency is wrong?” Ke Qing’s voice carried a hint of anger.

"I wonder what kind of efficiency Lady Keqing desires?" Han Fulai asked in return.

"Of course, I can complete the work objectives meticulously according to the plan," Ke Qing replied without hesitation.

"So when you make the plan, do you really consider whether your subordinates are capable of completing it?" Han Fulai continued to ask.

"Of course I do! Before assigning tasks, I always rigorously examine the professional skills and past performance of the staff to ensure they are suited for the job." Ke Qing's voice rose slightly; she was very confident about this matter.

“I believe that.” Han Fulai nodded. “When I first met Lady Keqing, she was still Miss Aqing from ‘Qingce Farmhouse Cuisine’. This shows that Lady Keqing understands the importance of investigation and research and always goes to the scene to obtain first-hand information—including when I was seconded, you also conducted an on-site investigation of me, which I know.”

"However," Han Fulai changed the subject, "there are two concepts: subordinates having the ability to complete a task and subordinates being able to complete a task."

"What's the difference?" Ke Qing asked, puzzled.

"The difference is that someone who is capable of completing a task cannot complete it if they lack the resources needed to do so," Han Fulai replied.

"Do you still remember the mechanical firework tube you gave to True Lord Liuyun? Your plan is like a sophisticated machine, and you treat everyone as a part of that machine. Each part is placed in a certain position and should perform the function of that position. In your plan, everyone is just a part, not a living person."

“But humans aren’t parts,” Han Fulai said seriously. “You can’t just put a person in a position and expect them to automatically complete the tasks appropriate for that position.”

"If you assign a task to your subordinates but only give them the responsibility to complete it without granting them the corresponding authority, where will they get the resources to complete the task?"

"No! I clearly gave them the appropriate permissions!" Ke Qing retorted.

"Let's take an example. You just mentioned that Pengyi is in charge of the research and development and setup of fireworks. Lady Keqing, what is Pengyi's position? And what kind of authority have you granted him?"

"He is the fireworks master I recruited to prepare for this fireworks display. He can mobilize the staff of the General Affairs Department to help him make, transport, and set up the fireworks, and the corresponding expenses will be paid by the General Affairs Department."

“Then I can foretell to Lord Keqing that this person will absolutely be unable to complete the task you entrusted to him.” Han Fulai’s tone was firm, as if he were stating a historical fact rather than making a prophecy.

"...Why?" Although Ke Qing wanted to deny it, she had to admit that Peng Yi's efficiency was indeed much lower than she had anticipated, and he had been reprimanded by her before for budget issues. However, after re-planning the budget, she believed that Peng Yi could complete the task with more funds, so she wanted to know Han Fulai's reasons for making such a judgment.

Han Fulai was well-prepared and spoke eloquently.

"First, Pengyi's position is awkward."

“Pengyi’s true identity is that of a fireworks craftsman, a craftsman and a fireworks merchant. The General Affairs Department is a government department in Liyue responsible for managing daily affairs, and its staff are all civil servants. In other words, Pengyi is usually under the command of the General Affairs Department, and he is only temporarily able to command the General Affairs Department’s staff because of the preparations for the fireworks festival. After the Lantern Festival, Pengyi will still be under the command of the General Affairs Department.”

"Do you think I am above you just because I temporarily commanded you in the Battle of Osel? Similarly, the civil servants of the General Affairs Department are actually above Peng Yi in rank, so how can they properly follow Peng Yi's orders? It is already a great favor to you if they do not hold him back or trip him up."

"Secondly, Pengyi is not familiar with manpower."

“Pengyi is a fireworks craftsman, but he is not familiar with the staff of the General Affairs Department. How can he assign tasks appropriately? Does he know who in the General Affairs Department can help him make fireworks, who can help him move materials, and who can help him set up the venue? He has to figure out all these personnel relationships from scratch.”

"Just the fact that he can find suitable people and assign them tasks in a short period of time is enough to praise Pengyi for his management talent."

"Third, the responsibilities and powers of Peng Yi are unclear."

"Pengyi said he was in charge of the research and development and arrangement of fireworks, but what exactly does research and development and arrangement mean? What is the extent of his authority and what are his responsibilities? For example, the task of arranging fireworks includes 'inspecting the fireworks launch site,' 'arranging manpower to maintain the fireworks,' and 'organizing manpower to ensure safety,' etc. However, Pengyi's understanding of the arrangement task may only extend to inspecting the fireworks launch site."

"Judging from your conversation with Pengyi at Qingcezhuang, Pengyi doesn't even know whether adding a budget is within his authority. Obviously, he doesn't know how far the authority you gave him can go."

"So in the end, no matter how capable or talented Pengyi is, he can only ask for your approval step by step. Because you are the person in charge of the fireworks festival. You are actually responsible for everything at the fireworks festival, and all the power is actually in your hands. He has to go through you to do anything he wants, so how can his efficiency be improved?"

“In this case, you can either grant Pengyi the authority of the person in charge of the fireworks festival, allowing him to decide all matters related to the festival, while you only need to use your power and resources to help him; or you can simply let Pengyi be a fireworks consultant, focusing on researching and making fireworks, while you are directly in charge of all matters related to the festival.”

"Right now, Pengyi is nothing more than a mouthpiece between you and the General Affairs Director. He has to rely on your orders for everything. The communication between you and the General Affairs Director has to go through Pengyi's procedures, so how can the preparations for the fireworks festival be done quickly?"

Ke Qing's face darkened, and she remained silent.

But Han Fulai had no intention of stopping here.

"Lord Keqing, forgive my bluntness," Han Fulai said seriously, "you are simply unconsciously imitating the Rock King Emperor."

Ke Qing was startled, and the simple hairpin in her hand fell to the ground with a thud.

"Your approach to things is just like how the Geo Archon manages Liyue."

"The Geo Archon went deep into the people, measuring the land of Liyue with his footsteps; you also went deep into the people, observing all walks of life."

"The Rock King Emperor always does the right thing; you also demand of yourself to be efficient and perfect in everything you do."

"The Geo Archon descends once a year, and the future direction of Liyue is decided by his word; therefore, everything you handle, big or small, is also decided by your word."

Han Fulai bent down, picked up the hairpin for Keqing, and handed it back to her.

"I have one last question—the Rock King has six thousand years of experience to understand the ways of the world and people's hearts. May I ask how old Lady Keqing is?"

Chapter 19: To create Liyue's future, humanity must rely on itself.

Although Han Fulai's voice was not loud, it sounded like thunder to Ke Qing.

Han Fulai's last words, "The Rock King Emperor has six thousand years of experience to understand the ways of the world and people's hearts. May I ask how old Lady Keqing is?" kept echoing in her ears.

Yes, the Rock King Emperor has accumulated over six thousand years of life experience, and possesses power and wisdom that are beyond the reach of ordinary people. How could I possibly bridge the six thousand-year gap between myself and the Emperor in such a short time?

Ke Qing stared intently at Han Fulai, her gaze already unfocused. She was internally questioning herself—was it too arrogant to believe she could replace the gods?

She felt she was trying to be a role model for the people, but to others, was she just imitating the emperor?

“You are just unconsciously imitating the Rock King.” — No one had ever said this to her, and no one even dared to say it to her.

Because in Liyue, everyone knows that Keqing of Yuheng is the person who has the least respect for the Geo Archon, without exception.

The Geo Archon brought prosperity to Liyue Harbor, and his reign is celebrated in historical novels. However, Keqing, one of the Seven Stars of Liyue and one of the closest beings to the gods, has never shown any respect for them. Since becoming the Yuheng Star of Liyue, Keqing has frequently expressed opinions that differ from those of the Geo Archon and has been the first to put them into practice.

Two years ago, when Yujingtai renovated Yiyan Palace, Keqing's fire and lightning protection standards for high-rise buildings were much higher than the standards given by the Rock King Emperor at the Immortal Invocation Ceremony. When her subordinates from the General Affairs Department came to inquire, Keqing replied, "Hmph, to put it bluntly, does Morax really know everything?"

In Liyue, the Geo Archon is generally referred to simply as "Emperor" or "Geo Lord," and very few people would address him by his given name, as this would be considered disrespectful to a god. Furthermore, it is absolutely unheard of in Liyue for someone like Keqing to question the authority of a deity in such a tone.

From then on, rumors spread that Yuheng Star harbored rebellious intentions towards the Geo Archon, and people often gossiped privately about how someone like Keqing could become one of the Seven Stars of Liyue. Whenever she heard such rumors, Keqing's expression would usually turn sour. Therefore, unless absolutely necessary, her subordinates rarely mentioned the Archon in front of Keqing.

Last year, during the Ascension Ceremony presided over by Keqing, she asked the Geo Archon a question that later became widely known in Liyue, causing Keqing considerable controversy:

"The Emperor has protected Liyue for a thousand years, but will it be the same for the next thousand years, ten thousand years, a hundred thousand years?"

Upon hearing this, the Emperor did not reply, but instead let out a meaningful laugh. As for the true meaning behind that laugh, only the Emperor himself likely knew.

But in any case, after hearing about "the few things that Yuheng Star did to the Lord of Geo", perhaps no one in Liyue except Han Fulai would think that Keqing would imitate the Lord of Geo.

Only Keqing herself knew that her "disrespect" towards the Geo Archon was not out of dissatisfaction with him, but out of concern for the future of Liyue.

Keqing comes from a prestigious family. Her understanding of the Geo Archon's influence on the people of Liyue is deeper than most.

Like a cycle, every few years, the Liyue business world experiences a major upheaval after the Ascension Ceremony. The Geo Archon's newly announced decisions always bring joy to some and sorrow to others. The poor hope to make a fortune, while the wealthy pray the shift in fortunes won't affect their businesses. Whether rich or poor, people place their hopes for a better future on the Geo Archon.

In Liyue at present, this choice is perfectly reasonable. The Emperor's divine authority is powerful, and relying on him ensures a life of comfort and security.

Accustomed to living under the protection of the gods, the people of Liyue do not actively consider the future of humanity.

Keqing, however, harbored concerns: what would become of Liyue if the Emperor ceased to fulfill this duty one day? The current prosperity of Liyue Harbor was like a magnificent sandcastle on the beach. But it was not humanity itself that determined whether the tide rose or fell.

As the star responsible for the land development of Liyue, Keqing knows better than anyone how the newly added buildings in Liyue Harbor are drawn up from blueprints by designers and how they are built brick by brick by craftsmen.

Ke Qing recalled what Han Fulai had said earlier—"Those who execute the plan are people."

Although the Geo Archon announces Liyue's development plans for the new year at the annual Summoning Ceremony, these plans cannot be realized simply by the Geo Archon's words.

The Geo Archon does not have the power to make his wishes come true; it is the labor of countless people in Liyue that turns plans into reality!

There is no such thing as wish fulfillment, nor is it done by gods or emperors. To create the future of Liyue, humanity must rely entirely on itself.

Matters concerning the fate of humanity should be handled by humanity itself. And humanity can certainly do them better.

There must always be someone at the forefront of the times, pioneering new paths. Yuheng Star, naturally, is that person.

— Everything Keqing does embodies this philosophy.

To forge a new path, one must first understand what the old path looks like. Since Keqing's goal is to surpass the Rock King, she must understand him to know where she falls short and where she can excel.

Therefore, Keqing always uses the Rock King as a reference point, and no matter what she does, she will subconsciously compare herself to the Rock King.

It wasn't until she heard Han Fulai's words that Ke Qing realized that in the process of "confronting" that emperor, she had unknowingly imitated, or rather learned, many of the emperor's ways of doing things, and even turned them into her own style.

To outsiders, what she did was “fulfilling the duties of a deity with the body of an ordinary person.”

She not only held herself to the standards of the gods, but also applied the same standards to her colleagues and subordinates.

Therefore, none of her assistants had ever lasted more than three months. She had always thought this was because those people had been spoiled by the Emperor, this god, for too long, leading to their weakness and laziness. But now it seemed, could it be that she herself was moving too fast?

Ke Qing's expression shifted constantly, and Han Fulai noticed all of this. He knew the time was right.

Han Fulai said, "Lord Keqing just asked me what it means to trust a subordinate. I think you have already begun to trust me as your subordinate. Because you are communicating with me and establishing a foundation of mutual trust."

“This kind of trust, bit by bit, will bring you huge rewards. For example, I can tell you now that I do have a way to help you successfully organize this ‘fireworks show,’ but the condition is that you must truly trust me.”

"What does Mr. Han mean by 'true trust'?" Ke Qing asked.

Han Fulai smiled and said, "To you, I am just someone who helps you connect with the immortals. Whether I have this title of personal secretary or not is not important. Even if I am just helping you introduce the immortals as a friend of Lady Keqing, it makes no difference."

"Now, I need you to truly treat me as your personal secretary and give me the power and responsibility of a personal secretary of Yuheng Star."

As Han Fulai said, trust is based on communication. All his previous communications with Ke Qing were to establish the foundation for Ke Qing's trust in him, as a prelude to this moment.

When Keqing seconded him, she gave the reason that she wanted him to help improve the efficiency of the fireworks festival preparations. He also promised Ningguang that he would assist Keqing in organizing the festival. This indirectly helped Ningguang, the chief planner of the Lantern Festival, to successfully organize this first Lantern Festival in Liyue after the loss of the Geo Archon.

In other words, organizing this fireworks display is Han Fulai's most important task at present. Whether it's assisting Keqing with her inspection, accompanying her to deliver gifts, or supervising her to get enough rest, everything ultimately serves the purpose of making the fireworks display a success.

However, Han Fulai's current position is just as awkward as Peng Yi's, who was suddenly thrown into the position of being in charge of the research and development and setup of the fireworks display.

Ke Qing was quite polite to him and didn't treat him like a subordinate at all. But this also meant that he didn't actually have the real power of being Yuheng Star's personal secretary.

Chapter Twenty: Lady Keqing, Please Do a Quiz

Ke Qing wouldn't even let him arrange her work schedule as a secretary, let alone give her a gift list in advance. She wouldn't even let him touch anything like the overall planning of the fireworks festival. To Ke Qing, he was just a tool to run errands.

Of course, less power means less responsibility. Han Fulai could simply go back and shrug at Ningguang, indicating that Keqing didn't consider him one of her own, and that he couldn't do anything anyway. Whether the fireworks display succeeded or failed, the responsibility wouldn't fall on his shoulders.

But Han Fulai's principle was that he had to keep his promises to others.

Therefore, he needs to gain Keqing's trust and truly become her personal secretary. Only in this way can he help Keqing organize this year's fireworks festival successfully.

The position of personal secretary to Yuheng Star is one that others would avoid at all costs, because Keqing's work pace is difficult for ordinary people to keep up with, and several personal secretaries have not lasted more than two months. Therefore, when Keqing seconded Han Fulai, she did not intend to actually give him a real position.

Han Fulai's offer to take the position was completely unexpected by Ke Qing.

But Ke Qing didn't hesitate much. She put the simple hairpin back on her head, straightened her collar, and then extended her hand to Han Fulai.

"Being my personal secretary might be a bit tough, so please bear with me, Mr. Han."

"It's alright, I'm the kind of man who's accompanied Gan Yu to work overtime."

Han Fulai grasped Ke Qing's hand.

The two looked at each other and smiled.

"Now, please tell me the detailed plans for the fireworks display," Han Fulai said.

Ke Qing took out a scroll and, using the light provided by the campfire, explained it to Han Fulai in detail.

Han Fulai rested his chin on his right hand, once again adopting the "thinker" pose, pondered for a long time, and then shook his head.

"Your plan itself is not the problem, but with the current staffing, it will not be able to keep up with the schedule."

"The Lantern Festival is a complicated affair, and the General Affairs Department can't possibly spare any more manpower to assist with the fireworks display. Could it be... that Mr. Han has no way to solve this either?" Ke Qing asked hesitantly. She knew this problem was difficult to solve. In her opinion, the only way to achieve the established goals without changing the fireworks display plan was to increase manpower.

Han Fulai has connections with immortals; perhaps when he said he had a solution, he meant asking immortals for help. For example, asking the Cloud-Leaving Wind True Lord, who is skilled in mechanical arts, to help make fireworks.

However, Keqing did not want to use the power of the immortals unless absolutely necessary. In the first place, she had organized this fireworks display to showcase human capabilities.

"Lord Keqing, don't forget, I am now your personal secretary. Assisting you in your work and realizing your ideals is my duty. However, if you take too big a step, you might accidentally pull your...pants." Han Fulai said with a smile.

Ke Qing looked puzzled. "Then what is Mr. Han's method?"

"Actually, the existing manpower is enough. The key is not the number of people, but the 'configuration'," Han Fulai said. "The main reason for the current progress problem is that fireworks are a new thing and are unfamiliar to everyone."

Ke Qing nodded with a slightly heavy expression.

The Lantern Festival is a traditional festival that Liyue has inherited for thousands of years, and the Geo Archon is present in all of Liyue's traditions.

The "Fireworks Festival" that Keqing specially organized this year is still a completely new thing for the people of Liyue.

This innovation is precisely Keqing's effort to break free from the influence of tradition.

Traditionally, the Lantern Festival celebrations consist of a few main activities: "strolling through the lantern market," "releasing lanterns," and "building lanterns together." For millennia, the people of Liyue have followed this established procedure, so the Lantern Festival activities in previous years never required the Liyue Septim to personally oversee them.

For example, Ms. Jiang Zhou, who is currently in charge of the construction progress of the 'Mingxiao Lanterns', was actually the main person in charge of the preparation work for the Lantern Festival in previous years. She has accumulated a lot of experience in the preparation work for the Lantern Festival in the General Affairs Department and is very familiar with all kinds of procedures.

But this year's "fireworks display" is a completely new design by Keqing, and neither the civil servants of the General Affairs Department nor Keqing herself have any existing experience to draw upon.

This has resulted in the current situation where Keqing is almost unavailable.

Ke Qing hired professionals like fireworks master Peng Yi to handle the preparations for the fireworks festival, but the results were not ideal.

"I would like to ask Lady Keqing to solve a problem," Han Fulai said.