He changed Tiwat

"You've got a clue?"

Ye Lan tugged at her sleeved robe, "This white silk flying robe is given to my old rival, the ninth seat of the Fools' Executive Officers—'The Rich Man'."

Chapter 41 So-called schemes, there's only one kind after all.

The carriage continued to speed along the road, and the lanterns floating above Liyue Harbor could be seen in the distance.

"What do you mean by 'sacrificing pawns for the sake of others'?" Ke Qing asked.

"Pengyi is a very valuable pawn. If your political enemies planted him by your side, he could ruin the fireworks festival or cause a security incident, which could damage your political career. If he is bribed by a powerful family or merchant, they can obtain a lot of valuable information from him. If he is a spy for the Fatui, he can create a huge disaster and cause chaos in Liyue."

"The mastermind behind the scenes was willing to abandon such a valuable pawn and plan a hasty breach of the dike and flooding of the fields because, regardless of the success or failure of this plan, it would mobilize the Qianyan Army's defense forces. If the plan succeeds, the Qianyan Army will have to send people to provide disaster relief; if the plan fails and is leaked, the Qianyan Army will still have to send more people to protect the river dike as a precaution."

"On the other hand, the mastermind behind the scenes created a chain of suspicion for us." Han Fulai held up one finger.

"Imagine if fireworks could cause explosions. Liyue is already full of security risks. How can we know where the enemy will attack? If fireworks are a security risk, what about the 'Mingxiao Lanterns'? We would then be horrified to discover that Liyue simply does not have enough manpower to hold both the Lantern Festival and the fireworks display at the same time. We have exposed too many weaknesses."

Ke Qing bit her lip.

"The enemy is in the dark, while we are in the light. Clearly, the enemy has the upper hand."

Han Fulai suddenly raised his voice, "But! The enemy was in the shadows from the very beginning, they had the initiative from the very beginning, they could have used this opportunity of holding a fireworks display to cause trouble from the very beginning! For example, they could have set off fireworks somewhere in Liyue, or attacked Qiaoying Manor, or even blown up the river embankment... Why didn't he do that?"

Ke Qing's eyes lit up. "Because the enemy's real target is not these things. His real target is far more valuable than Peng Yi's, far more valuable than the benefits of destroying the dikes and flooding the fields... Moreover, the enemy does not have enough manpower to attack the real target! That's why he planned to mobilize the Qianyan Army!"

“That’s right.” Han Fulai nodded and smiled. “Once you understand these things, you can predict the true goal of the mastermind behind the scenes.”

"That's a target that's usually heavily guarded, and its value might exceed that of the river embankment in Qingce Village, exceed that of Lady Keqing, and even exceed the overall stability of Liyue. There aren't many targets like that."

"The mastermind's plan is complete. In order to remain hidden, he did not hesitate to kill Peng Yi to cut off the clues and create a perfect opportunity to strike. Only now, the mobile forces in Liyue Harbor have been transferred to Qingce Village, and the patrol forces have been transferred to guard the 'Mingxiao Lantern'. Liyue Harbor has lost its rapid support for that important target. Now is the moment when the defense is at its weakest."

"But for us, the moment he made his move was the only moment he showed a weakness!"

Han Fulai raised a finger again, "The enemy has been planning and scheming for a long time, only to have one chance. We, on the other hand, turned the tables on them and followed their calculations to draw away the Qianyan Army, thus also gaining only one chance."

"So you're saying we have a chance to fight back!" Keqing's face lit up with eager anticipation, as if she couldn't wait to sprout wings and fly back to Liyue Harbor to personally participate in the counterattack against the mastermind behind the scenes.

“Since you, Lady Keqing, have already informed Lady Ningguang, I guess Lady Ningguang must have some countermeasures. Also…” Han Fulai lifted the curtain of the carriage and glanced out the window. The night was peaceful, with only the stars twinkling.

"...Besides the Thousand Rock Army, we have other helpers."

One hour ago.

Xiao carried Han Fulai's large luggage, "two wheels standing upright," all the way to the entrance of Wangshu Inn.

Xiao landed him with him, giving him no time to adjust to the dizziness, and immediately asked, "You can talk now. The second thing."

Han Fulai nodded. "The second thing is that I would like to ask Immortal Xiao to guard an important place tonight. If any enemies attack, please make sure to defeat them."

"Where?" Xiao asked.

Han Fulai slowly uttered three words.

"A golden house".

Inside the Bubu Pavilion, the game between the two was drawing to a close.

Although this ending is only the fourth step.

Pantalone ignored the threat from the black horse, lifted the white queen, and replaced the black soldier in position F7.

"H5 to F7. General."

White was utterly astonished. The white queen at F7 had cut off all of the black king's escape routes, and was also protected by the white bishop at C4, creating a perfect checkmate. He was now completely out of options.

Just four steps.

"I concede defeat. Mr. Pantalone's chess skills are indeed superb," ​​Bai Shu said with a wry smile.

“No. I cheated Mr. Bai.” Pantalone adjusted his glasses, his voice tinged with apology. “I told you at the beginning that I would use the Winter Opening pattern, but actually I deviated from the opening pattern from the third step when I used the Queen.”

“Not at all. The way of chess is like the way of business; it’s all about deception and cunning. Both on and off the board, it’s all about strategy. Mr. Pantalone’s comments on the way of chess just now have also benefited me greatly,” Bai Shu said sincerely.

“So-called ‘schemes’ are all the same, there’s only one kind of strategy,” Pantalone sighed. “Mr. White’s third move is also not within the standard opening pattern for Winter. If you can see the dark horse in G8, how can you not see the checkmate in F7? Concealing one’s strength is also a kind of deception.”

“Mr. Pantalone, you misunderstand. I am simply not good at chess,” Bai Shu shook his head and denied.

Pantalone smiled.

“Mr. Bai is too modest. If it weren’t for Mr. Bai’s help in relaying the message at Dihua Island, how would the other party have known my next move? How could my plan have proceeded so smoothly? When I return to China this time, I will ask the ‘Doctor’ for what you need.”

“Since Mr. Pantalone says so, then I’ll look forward to it.” Bai Shu smiled as well.

Pantalone pulled a sapphire blue pocket watch from his pocket.

The pocket watch has a four-leaf clover-shaped case with exquisite patterns, but the style is out of fashion, indicating that it is a historical artifact.

"It seems like the time is almost up," Pantalone murmured to herself.

Bai Shu noticed that Pantalone hadn't opened the pocket watch's case, but he could clearly hear the ticking of the hour hand. He had a feeling that even if the owner of the pocket watch never wound it, it would still tick steadily as time passed.

Just then, a loud "bang" rang out from outside, coming from afar in the direction of Feiyunpo.

"It's fireworks." Pantalone turned her head slightly to look in the direction from which the voice came.

"I heard that Lady Keqing will be using specially made fireworks for her fireworks display this time. You've come all the way from Zhidong, so don't miss this grand event," Baishu said with a smile.

“That’s…that’s really something to look forward to.” Pantalone smiled.

Chapter 42 "Happy Lantern Festival".

During the Lantern Festival, crowds are large, and the presence of the "Sky Market" makes the roads in Liyue Harbor quite congested. To prevent traffic accidents, horse-drawn carriages are prohibited from traveling in Liyue Harbor.

Keqing's car was parked outside the north gate of Liyue Harbor. Han Fulai and Keqing got out of the car and hurried towards Yujingtai.

The reason Han Fulai rushed back to Liyue Harbor with Keqing was to meet Ningguang.

In terms of intelligence, connections, and resources, Ningguang far surpasses Keqing; seeking her help is the best option.

Although Han Fulai had already asked Xiao to guard the Golden House, he still needed Ningguang's help with the follow-up matters. Although he didn't yet know the exact identity of the mastermind behind the scenes, the mastermind's faction was undoubtedly the Fools of the Winter Kingdom.

When he arrived in Liyue, the Fatui Enforcers in the Genshin Impact storyline had only appeared as Childe, Madam, and the Skirmishers. Han Fulai didn't know which unknown Enforcer he was facing, but it was clear that this person was a major enemy of Liyue. With Pengyi already silenced, Ningguang's intelligence would be the best breakthrough point.

Furthermore, the Northern Bank and the Fatui forces within Liyue are mostly under the surveillance of Ningguang's intelligence agencies. The reason why the mastermind went to great lengths to divert the Thousand Rock Army and could not readily utilize the Fatui's power was because of Ningguang's restraint.

With Zhongli in seclusion, Liyue's military strength relies on the protection of the Liyue Ascetics and the deterrent power of Ningguang's Jade Pavilion, while Liyue's economic status depends entirely on the support of the Golden House. No matter how the internal factions in Liyue fight, they would never dare to attack the Golden House, the very foundation of their nation.

Therefore, the moment it was determined that the mastermind's target was the Golden House, the enemy's identity became self-evident.

During the ritual to summon the immortals, "Young Master" D'Artagnan had forced his way into the Golden House. However, thanks to Ningguang's prior preparations, what D'Artagnan saw was a Golden House with an overflowing treasury that was still in production.

But an illusion is just an illusion. Since the Golden House has stopped production, Mora will only decrease with each use. Half a month has passed since D'Artagnan stormed into the Golden House. During this time, Ningguang has had to maintain her daily business operations, rebuild the Jade Pavilion damaged in the Battle of Ocel, and cover the expenses of the Lantern Festival, which has been very costly.

If Tartaglia were to storm the Golden House again at this moment, she would discover the secret that it had ceased production. Furthermore, if the Fatui were to launch a full-scale attack on the Golden House, or even plunder it, or cause serious damage, it would severely impact Liyue's finances. If the Fatui were to reveal the Golden House's cessation of production, Liyue, having lost its sole right to mint coins in Teyvat, would inevitably suffer a drastic decline in its economic standing.

Currently, the Kingdom of Winter is firmly established as the strongest nation in Teyvat, and even in terms of economy alone, it is second only to Liyue. If Liyue were to lose the right to mint coins through the Golden House, and Teyvat were to enter an era of privately minted currencies, then with Winter's strength, becoming the dominant power in Teyvat would not be out of the question.

Although Ningguang and Han Fulai have planned Liyue's currency reform and the "Liyue Currency - Mora" system, time has been short and the preliminary preparations for the currency reform are not yet complete. Moreover, the currency reform also greatly depends on the confidence of the people of Teyvat in the Liyue government.

As the saying goes, "confidence is more precious than gold." With the Geo Archon having retired, and Liyue no longer protected by this deity, it's foreseeable that the collapse of the Golden House would further exacerbate the situation, leading to widespread panic and a loss of faith in the Seven Stars government.

If the Kingdom of Winter takes this opportunity to provoke a war with Liyue, no matter what Zhongli's plans are after his retirement, he will likely have no choice but to reappear to protect his people. At that point, Liyue will no longer have any room for human rule.

According to Han Fulai, the opponent's move can be described as "cutting off the fuel supply from under the cauldron," precisely attacking the lifeline of Liyue's economic foundation.

If everything goes according to Han Fulai's prediction, the Fools will surely seize this best opportunity to attack the Golden House tonight.

With Xiao present, the Golden House should be safe, but capturing prisoners is uncertain; the enemy may also have contingency plans in case the plan fails. Han Fulai's purpose in coming here is to have Ningguang send men to cooperate with Xiao in surrounding the Golden House and capturing the attacking Fools in one fell swoop.

If this plan to lure the enemy out of their hole succeeds, it will not only thwart the Fatui's conspiracy but also provide them with leverage. With Ningguang's abilities, she could not only force Winterland to make significant diplomatic concessions, but it wouldn't be impossible to completely eradicate Winterland's financial influence, represented by the Northern Bank, in Liyue.

The night in Liyue Harbor was still brightly lit. Han Fulai and Keqing ran through the streets of Scarlet Cloud Slope and heard a commotion inside the General Affairs Office. Small groups of Liyue citizens were gathered at the entrance of the General Affairs Office, but they didn't know what had happened.

But they don't have time to watch the excitement right now.

After turning past the shops lining Feiyunpo Street, you'll see the long staircase leading to Yujingtai.

Ke Qing was slightly faster and had already taken the lead over Han Fulai. Han Fulai was about to catch up when his fatigue from the past few days caused him to slip, lean forward, and almost fall.

At that moment, a passerby who was brushing past him reached out and helped him up.

Han Fulai steadied himself, raised his head, and saw a handsome and refined man.

The man was slightly taller than Han Fulai by about half a head. He wore a luxurious white fur cloak over a well-tailored black suit, had medium-length black hair, and wore silver-rimmed glasses. His eyes and brows were always smiling. Judging from his attire and demeanor, he resembled a noble young master from the Jade Capital Terrace.

Han Fulai thanked the man and then prepared to follow Ke Qing.

Just as he stepped onto the stairs, he suddenly heard someone call his name from behind—

"Vice Minister Han, Happy Lantern Festival."

He turned around and saw the refined man with his hand on his chest, bowing slightly to him in greeting.

"Happy Lantern Festival." Han Fulai smiled and nodded, then turned to continue climbing the steps, a slight doubt lingering in his mind—was he already that famous?

The most important location in the southern suburbs of Liyue Harbor, and the only mint on the Teyvat continent, is the Golden House.

For thousands of years, the Mora used by the people of Teyvat has been forged from the Golden House.

If money is likened to circulating blood, then the Golden House is undoubtedly the heart of the continent of Teyvat.

With the Lantern Festival approaching, Liyue Harbor is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and even the usually heavily guarded Goldenrod House has gained a festive atmosphere.

Large red lanterns hung high above the main entrance of the Golden House, and colorful banners were attached to the eaves. Even the soldiers of the Thousand Rock Army Company who usually guarded this place were given a rare holiday during the Lantern Festival. Many soldiers had already returned to Liyue Harbor to reunite with their families, and only a minimal number of guards remained at the Golden House.

Gongming, the commissioner of Baishui Hall and director of the Golden House, is leading two soldiers of the Qianyan Army on their routine patrol for the night.

"Sister Gongming, when will it be our turn to have a holiday?" The tall and fat Zheyuan yawned and couldn't help but complain to Gongming, who was leading the way. In places like the Golden House, outsiders usually don't even approach, but this director of the Golden House always carried out night patrols in a very serious manner.

"Yes, yes, the Lantern Festival is almost here, and we want to go home to see our parents as soon as possible." The small and thin Xiao Zheng chimed in, though he wasn't thinking about his parents right now, but rather the girl he met in Liyue Harbor.

"No chatting during patrol!" Gongming warned irritably. The soldiers of Qianyan Army could take turns on leave, but as a civil servant, she had far fewer holidays than these soldiers.

"We've patrolled three times today, Sister Gongming, let's take a break..." Zheyuan pleaded.

Gongming pushed up his glasses, turned his head, and, hands on his hips, reprimanded the two: "This is a golden house! The source of wealth, the foundation of desire, the lifeline of the economy... As the director in charge of this place, I can't be too careful! You two better..."

Just then, Gongming suddenly heard two "snap" sounds, as if they came from above her head.

Gongming looked up suspiciously, only to see the golden house as always.

"Did you hear anything?" Gongming asked the two.

"Huh? What's that sound?" Xiao Zheng asked, bewildered.

Gongming shook her head, thinking she must have misheard. She secretly decided to rest after finishing this patrol.

Ye Lan's stealth speed far surpassed that of ordinary people. Enveloped by a water curtain formed by water elemental power, she transformed into a transparent shadow, seamlessly blending into the background of the night.

Feng Yan's Thousand Rock Army contingent lagged a few steps behind, but would soon reach their designated position near the Golden House and form an encirclement. She herself would remain at the Golden House, overseeing the entire operation. Her destination was the roof of the Golden House's vault, the highest point and the best vantage point. As an archer, occupying the high ground was the optimal choice.

However, just as Ye Lan invisiblely ascended to the rooftop, before she could even gain her footing, she heard the sound of wind breaking in her ears.

Someone got here first! And they even saw through her stealth!

Before she could think, Ye Lan's Divine Eye at her waist lit up, and the Ruoshui Bow was already in her hand. Using the bow as a weapon, she parried to the right, and her hand suddenly felt heavy, almost losing its grip. Ye Lan staggered back to dissipate the force, breaking two roof tiles with a soft thud.

Only then did she see her opponent clearly.

A long green spear pressed down on Ruoshui Bow, exuding a chilling aura. Yelan had no doubt about the threat this spear posed to her; it must have been stained with countless lives.

The owner of the spear stood proudly in front of her, his face indifferent.

"Who goes there?" the man asked, his voice as cold as his expression.

"Ye Lan, Special Commissioner of the General Affairs Department, has been ordered to guard the Golden House." Ye Lan announced her usual identity.

There was no response. The man vanished without a trace as the spear was retracted.

Ye Lan wiped the cold sweat from her forehead, wondering, "Why would the Great Sage Who Subdues Demons... appear in the Golden House?"

Chapter 43 Bad Money Drives Out Good Money

When Han Fulai and Ke Qing arrived at Yuehai Pavilion, they saw Ningguang walking out of the pavilion's gate.

"Lord Ningguang, the Golden House..."

Han Fulai was about to remind Ningguang to be careful of the Golden House's defenses when he saw Ningguang put a finger to her lips, signaling him to be quiet.

"Shh. This isn't the place to talk. Let's go inside and talk."

Ningguang only spoke after entering her temporary office at Moonsea Pavilion: "About three hours ago, after you, Keqing, mobilized the Thousand Rock Army's mobile forces to leave Liyue Harbor, I secretly dispatched the Thousand Rock Army stationed in the General Affairs Department to ambush the Golden House. If anyone tries to attack the Golden House tonight, they will inevitably fall into the Thousand Rock Army's encirclement."

Ke Qing nodded. "As expected, you were prepared."

Han Fulai also breathed a sigh of relief and sincerely praised, "Truly worthy of being Sister Ningguang."

“I believe you were prepared, Xiao Han, weren’t you?” Ningguang smiled faintly.