He changed Tiwat

Normally, fluctuations in fiscal spending are a common occurrence, but when combined with rumors of the "Golden House" ceasing production, it's hard not to consider the possibility of its closure.

Liyue's newspapers, both large and small, also kept up with the times, starting to write various eye-catching columns and articles, such as "Breaking News: Golden House has ceased production!", "Liyue Septitas are sorry to the people of Liyue!", and "The public's right to know is sacred and inviolable!" These articles were produced one after another, causing quite a stir in Liyue Harbor.

Gradually, people began arriving at the Liyue National Bank, demanding to exchange Liyue Coins for Mora. Initially, it was an individual effort, but after a few days, the number of people exchanging Mora exceeded the number exchanging banknotes. A few days later, the crowds forming large groups began to disrupt the normal operations of the Liyue National Bank.

The Mora reserves at the Liyue National Bank appear to be running low, requiring time to replenish them. This has made it increasingly difficult to promptly redeem Mora, forcing the bank to issue a daily redemption limit. This has heightened public anxiety, with even those initially unconcerned flocking to the Liyue National Bank to demand Mora. Fueled by media coverage and organized by individuals, hundreds of people gathered outside the bank, leading to the Liyue National Bank experiencing its first-ever bank run since its opening!

In response, the Liyue National Bank decided to close for one day.

The General Affairs Department dispatched the Thousand Rock Army to maintain order at the bank entrance and posted a notice: "The Seven Star Government will hold a press conference in front of the Golden House regarding the issuance of Liyue Coins. The public and media reporters are requested to wait in the plaza in front of the Golden House at 10:00 AM tomorrow. Residents who need to exchange Mora should also bring Liyue Coins, which will be exchanged on the spot by the staff."

In an instant, all eyes in Liyue Harbor were focused on the Golden House.

As the mastermind behind all of this, Han Fulai knew that the time had come.

The following day at breakfast, Han Fulai put on a neat Yuehaiting uniform, boarded a special car marked with the Jade Balance Star emblem, and headed to the Golden House.

When they arrived at the Golden House, the venue was already packed with people. Media outlets and worried citizens surrounded the press conference area. Qian Yanjun was struggling to maintain order, while hundreds of eyes were fixed on the podium.

If he were still the overworked office worker who had just transmigrated, he would probably be trembling with fear at the sight. But now, he was someone who slept in the Moon Sea Pavilion, danced in the Jade Pavilion, commanded the Thousand Rock Army, and fooled the Fools. To say he was "battle-hardened and knowledgeable" would not be an understatement. The scene before him couldn't even cause him the slightest emotional fluctuation.

Han Fulai strolled casually onto the stage, cleared his throat, and began his first-ever press conference. He had a strange premonition—perhaps he would be standing on the stage of press conferences frequently in the future.

"I am Han Fulai, Deputy Director of the Office of the Moonlit Pavilion, Executive Deputy Secretary-General, and concurrently the exclusive secretary of Yuheng Star. I am holding this press conference on behalf of the Liyue Seven Stars Government to answer questions from all sectors of Liyue regarding the Liyue National Bank and Liyue Currency."

"First of all, I want to say that the Golden House can still produce Mora—the claim that the Golden House has stopped production is a rumor! As the saying goes, 'rumors stop with the wise,' I urge the media friends present to record this press conference truthfully and stop spreading the rumors that have been circulating in Liyue Harbor recently."

Han Fulai's expression turned stern. He lightly slapped the table and said loudly, "If the rumors continue to spread and there are any deviations in the propaganda in the future, everyone here will be held responsible! The Liyue Seven Stars government reserves the right to pursue those who spread rumors! Please remember: do not believe or spread rumors!"

A commotion immediately broke out among the media in the audience. In addition to writing furiously, many reporters raised their Fontainebleau-made photo cameras and began taking pictures of Han Fulai.

Some even showed eager expressions on their faces, as if they couldn't wait to ask questions.

Han Fulai ignored the actions of his subordinates and continued, "The establishment of the Liyue National Bank and the issuance of Liyue coins are all new things for everyone, and it's normal to have some doubts. But I want to tell you all that this is Liyue's established national policy going forward—a national policy left behind by the Geo Archon! The Seven Stars are merely following the Archon's last wishes to implement this national policy!"

Chapter Sixty-Seven: Han Fulai Answers Reporters' Questions (Part Two)

Liyue coins are a national policy left behind by the Geo Archon!

These words shocked everyone present. Amidst their surprise, many of the people who had previously looked worried and indignant now appeared calm, silently awaiting Han Fulai's next words.

Han Fulai observed the expressions and sighed inwardly: as long as the great banner of the Rock King is continued to be raised high and the Rock King is worshipped as a harmless deity, the people of Liyue will inevitably follow the general direction of the Seven Stars government in a ingrained habit.

After all, for the people of Liyue who have been protected by the Emperor for 3,700 years, following the Emperor is never a mistake.

This is the political legacy that the Emperor left for the Seven Stars of Liyue—reputation. The purpose of Han Fulai holding this press conference is precisely to overlap the Emperor's reputation with that of the Seven Stars of Liyue, so that people will transfer their confidence in the Emperor to the Seven Stars government.

"As we all know, the Geo Archon was diligent in his duties and loved his people. How could he suddenly abandon his subjects? Before he passed away at the Ascension Ceremony, he had a premonition and had already arranged the follow-up work for the Liyue Constellation. Establishing the Liyue National Bank and promoting Liyue currency were among the national policies that the Archon originally planned to implement."

"The Emperor has always loved to travel among the people and observe their lives. In recent years, he has noticed that as Liyue Harbor's economy has become increasingly prosperous, the amount of money involved in goods has also increased. Mora is inconvenient to carry, and when conducting large-scale commodity transactions, merchants often need to sign a contract guaranteeing payment and then transport Mora in bulk from other places to complete the transaction. It is for this reason that the Emperor formulated the national policy of issuing Liyue currency."

"For example, a merchant from Mondstadt wants to buy a box of jewelry in Liyue. He needs to carry millions of Mora. Of course, he can't carry all of that Mora on his person. He can only sign a trade contract first and then transport the Mora from Mondstadt to Liyue."

"Such transactions are not only time-consuming and laborious, but Mora also often needs to hire bodyguards to escort her during transportation to prevent robbery by bandits or other powerful figures. This is obviously an unnecessary expense and far less cost-effective than cash on delivery."

As Han Fulai spoke, he picked up a bulging Mora bag from under the podium, then took out a small stack of banknotes from his pocket and held them up so that the audience could see the difference in size between the two.

"In this situation, the advantages of paper money become obvious. Paper money is convenient to carry and convenient for transactions. Imagine you have a batch of goods to sell. One buyer will only be able to pay you several months later, while another buyer can pay in cash on the spot. Who would you prefer to sell to? Shortening the transaction cycle increases the turnover rate of goods, which means more opportunities to make money!"

Han Fulai's speech was logical and persuasive, supported by evidence, and the audience nodded in agreement. Liyue, a nation founded on commerce, naturally prioritizes business. The positive impact of paper money on commerce is obvious, and given that it's "the established national policy of the Geo Archon," public acceptance is even higher.

While the Liyue Sept might be able to prioritize personal matters over public duty and deceive the people, the national policies formulated by the Geo Archon are a completely different matter—what evil intentions could the Geo Archon possibly have?

"Before the Emperor departed, his greatest concern was the preparation for the issuance of Liyue coins. Today, we can finally proudly tell the Emperor that we have fulfilled his last wish! Please believe in the Geo Emperor's love for his people, believe in the Liyue Sept's sincere dedication to the country, and let us all support the national policy!"

Han Fulai spoke these words without any psychological pressure—he had indeed told the Emperor about the Liyue coins during the Lantern Festival and received the Emperor's approval. After all, he was just a secretary; since Zhongli had given his approval, he naturally had to take leadership responsibility. It wouldn't be wrong to say that it was a national policy formulated by the Emperor!

A murmur arose from the audience, and some elderly people, moved by the kindness of the Rock King Emperor, even shed tears.

Han Fulai smiled; he had achieved his goal.

First, they labeled the cessation of production at the Golden House as a rumor, seizing the initiative and threatening to hold those responsible for spreading it accountable. Then, they presented the implementation of Liyue currency as the Emperor's dying wish, gaining the highest level of political correctness in Liyue. Finally, they appealed to the feelings of the Liyue people towards the Emperor, elevating these matters to the level of his last wishes.

Once these things are spread through the media, the circulation of Liyue coins will be a done deal.

Of course, the press conference didn't end there; he had prepared far more methods than just that.

Everyone knows that the Emperor passed away during the summoning ceremony last month. Liyue is now the only one of the seven kingdoms of Teyvat without a god in charge.

As a nation that has walked alongside the gods for 3,700 years, the people of Liyue initially felt as if the heavens and earth were collapsing. But the people of Liyue didn't even have time to be bewildered or grieve, because so much had happened that January.

Shortly after the summoning ceremony, the demon god Oser suddenly appeared and attacked Liyue Harbor. All the residents of Liyue Harbor received a broadcast warning from Ningguang and prepared to evacuate under the escort of the Thousand Rock Army. Ultimately, through the combined efforts of the Liyue Septim and the Liyue Ascetics, the demon god Oser was successfully sealed away.

Soon after, news spread that the Fatui had designs on the Golden House, Ningguang arrested Winterborn spies, and Keqing forcefully expelled seventy-six Fatui diplomats. The people of Liyue were outraged by the Winterborn's opportunistic actions.

Shortly afterward came the lively Lantern Festival and fireworks display, the festive atmosphere completely overshadowing the sorrow of losing a deity.

So much so that even though the Emperor had just passed away, everything in Liyue seemed to remain unchanged. Logically speaking, this should have been a major event that would have caused turmoil within Liyue, but the Seven Stars of Liyue were able to handle it so calmly because recent events had been perfectly timed to divert the attention of the people of Liyue.

For Han Fulai, who was involved in all of these events and possessed advanced historical experience, the "Battle of Osel" was called "showing off our strength first to satisfy the Liyue people's sense of security"; "expelling the Fools" was called "shifting internal conflicts into external conflicts and reducing distrust of the Seven Stars government"; and "holding a fireworks display" was called "showcasing the achievements of Liyue's economic development and satisfying the Liyue people's yearning for a better life".

This combination of measures is enough to cover up the instability within Liyue in the short term.

In the long run, however, the impact of losing the Emperor will inevitably become more and more apparent, and the public's trust in the Seven Stars of Liyue is far less than that of the Emperor. After all, the Seven Stars are all human, and Liyue is not lacking in powerful families; the position of the Seven Stars is merely something that "rotates like emperors, this year it's my turn." Various internal conflicts are merely being concealed, but they do not disappear.

As the saying goes, it's better to guide than to suppress public opinion. Rather than waiting for the flood to overflow, it's better to release the floodwaters first. What Han Fulai is doing now is like opening the floodgates of a river during the flood season, allowing the water that the people of Liyue have accumulated over the past few days to flow in a planned direction. Controlled flood release is naturally better than uncontrollable dam breaches.

This is what Han Fulai learned about "agenda setting" in his elective course in communication studies at university: choosing topics and letting public opinion spread within a self-defined scope. By setting your own targets and attacking them yourself, everything is naturally under control.

Next, it was time for target practice.

Chapter Sixty-Eight: Han Fulai Answers Reporters' Questions (Part Two)

Han Fulai put down the banknotes and Mora in his hand and straightened his clothes.

"Now, please feel free to ask questions, friends from the media. Reporters who have questions, please raise your hands."

Immediately, many hands went up. Han Fulai called on a male reporter in the front row to speak.

"I'm a reporter from the Liyue Daily. I'd like to ask Mr. Han, is the Liyue currency truly a national policy established by the Geo Archon? Is there any evidence to prove that the Archon supports this?"

It's perfectly natural for reporters to have these questions. After all, the continent of Teyvat has used Mora for over three thousand years and has never heard of paper money. Liyue also had no news of issuing paper money before the Lantern Festival; it was all just Han Fulai's empty talk without any evidence.

Although he was speaking on behalf of the Seven Stars government, the reason for this press conference was precisely due to distrust of the Seven Stars government.

Han Fulai's response was to lean back tactically.

"My dear reporter, why would you ask such a strange question? You're asking whether the Emperor supports Liyue currency. Of course he does! I can tell you that clearly. It's a national policy he himself formulated; how could he not support it?"

"What I mean is, did the Emperor leave behind any written documents or anything like that..." the reporter quickly explained.

Han Fulai shook his head. "The Emperor always announces the policies for the new year verbally, and then the Seven Stars of Liyue implement them. This is a tradition of Liyue. My friend, have you never attended the previous Summoning Ceremony? In the past, the Emperor would give instructions to the Seven Stars who presided over the ceremony in person. Have you ever seen the Emperor writing documents on the spot? Or do you have evidence to prove that the Emperor did not formulate this national policy?"

"This..." The reporter was speechless for a moment. He had participated in the ritual of inviting immortals before, but he had only ever watched from afar.

The Emperor usually appears in the air in the form of a dragon, and then transforms into human form to talk with the seven stars who preside over the ceremony.

Those who could get close to the Emperor at Yujingtai Square were all high-ranking officials and nobles; it was simply not his turn as a mere reporter. Of course, he didn't know how the Emperor announced the policies or what he said during the ceremony of inviting immortals. Han Fulai insisted that the Emperor verbally explained the national policies to the Seven Stars, which he, of course, couldn't refute.

Seeing this, Han Fulai pressed his advantage: "But you keep asking me if I have any evidence? I am the evidence! I was present at the National Policy Meeting! I just told you all about the benefits of paper money, and those were all said by the Emperor himself. Lady Ningguang, Lady Keqing, and Lady Ganyu can all testify to that! Do you reporters doubt my identity? Or do you doubt the Emperor's wisdom?"

"I...I didn't...I didn't..." The reporter from the Liyue Daily was completely deflated.

Han Fulai is now somewhat of a celebrity in Liyue Harbor. A month has passed since the Battle of Osael, and his story of commanding the battle is widely known in Liyue Harbor. Many people now know that Han Fulai is "the Emperor's man." He said he was present at the National Policy Meeting, and since no other "person present" objected, naturally whatever he said goes.

Han Fulai sighed, looking disappointed in Han Fulai.

"Alas, the Emperor's vision is far-reaching, and the national policies he formulates are certainly beyond your prediction. He is the Rock King Emperor, far superior to you all. I can chat and laugh with him! You media people still need to improve your standards!"

He pointed to a female reporter in front of him, "Next."

The female reporter hurriedly asked, "I'm a reporter for the Liyue Youth Daily. Our publication previously featured a scholar's column that said the Whitewater Hall's quarterly financial report showed a significant decrease in Liyue's fiscal expenditure, and that Mora has always been forged by the Emperor himself... Does this mean that with the Emperor's passing, the Golden House has also ceased production?"

Han Fulai chuckled inwardly. This financial report was leaked by Huixin, his subordinate, at his behest, and obvious flaws had been left beforehand.

"Oh? This reporter, I'd like to ask you a question in return: do scholars understand the value of wealth, or do we government officials understand it? You said that Mora was personally forged by the Emperor, and that Mora production ceased after the Emperor's death... Did you see that?"

"This...of course I didn't..."

“That’s it. The forging process of the Golden House’s Mora is a secret. In Liyue, only the Emperor, the Seven Stars, some high-ranking officials, and some of our Moonsea Pavilion secretaries know about it. Due to the confidentiality agreement, I can only say ‘no comment.’” Han Fulai replied righteously.

"However, the people of Liyue are very worried about whether the Golden House has stopped production and are eager to know..."

Han Fulai nodded, looking as if he understood.

"Sigh, I know you're not happy with what I'm saying... There's an old saying in Liyue, 'Silence is golden,' but since you're all so enthusiastic, it wouldn't be good if I didn't say anything. So I'll just point out the logical flaws in that scholar's argument."

"The Emperor passed away in January of this year, and the financial report for the last quarter covers the period from October to December of last year, when the Emperor was still in power! According to you, Mora stopped production after the Emperor's death, but there was no such problem when the Emperor was alive, right? So the decline in the financial report figures is just a normal fluctuation, and the claim that Golden House stopped production is complete nonsense!"

The female reporter was speechless.

Han Fulai shook his head.

"Oh dear, I'm really worried for you guys. You have one advantage: you travel to all seven countries of Teyvat faster than the reporters from Fontainebleau, gathering as soon as there's news. But then again, after asking around, it's all just rumors. Like I said before, don't believe or spread rumors!"

He glanced at the remaining reporters, who immediately fell silent and put their hands down.

At this moment, a middle-aged man wearing glasses tugged at the sleeve of the girl next to him and whispered, "Go ask the question."

The middle-aged man was named Boyi, an editor at a third-rate magazine in Liyue. The girl beside him was named Shiyun, a freelance writer with dreams of becoming a journalist. They had only come to the press conference to watch the excitement and had no intention of asking any questions.

Shiyun was bewildered by Boyi's sudden move: "Huh? But even those big newspapers can't come up with any questions. What are we supposed to ask now? Besides, we're a drama magazine. The Golden House incident has nothing to do with us."

“Idiot! Didn’t he just mention the reporter from Fontaine? Just say you’re a reporter from Fontaine’s Steambird newspaper, and you came to interview them after hearing that Golden House had stopped production. They don’t know who you are! Just ask him if he can provide evidence that Golden House has not stopped production!” Boyi scolded.

"This... I don't think it's a good idea..." Shiyun objected softly.

"Don't forget our contract!" Boyi said viciously.

Shiyun had no choice but to raise her hand.

Han Fulai smiled and gestured for him to proceed.

Shiyun stammered, "I'm... I'm a reporter from the Steambird newspaper. I heard that the Golden House in Liyue has stopped production... well, anyway, I want to ask, do you have any evidence to prove that the Golden House has not stopped production?"

"Oh? There really are reporters from Fontainebleau?" Han Fulai smiled. "Fontainebleau takes the law very seriously. Haven't you heard of the Fontaineble legal proverb, 'He who raises the issue must provide the evidence'? You say that Golden House has stopped production, so of course you have to provide the evidence."

"Then open the Golden House and let us see if it has actually stopped production!" Boyi clamored.

His suggestion clearly garnered approval from some, with others immediately chiming in, "The Fontaine reporter is right!", "Let's see!", "It won't hurt to see!"

Han Fulai's eyes sharpened, he slammed his hand on the podium, pointed at Boyi, and shouted loudly:

"I've already said that the Mora Foundry is a Liyue secret. Are you here on behalf of Fontaine to spy on Liyue's secrets?! What is your purpose in asking these questions? Who instructed you? What are your motives? Did you obtain permission from the relevant authorities? Who is behind you? What do you want to achieve by asking these questions? What do you want to subvert? What do you want to destroy?"

Boyi was surprised that Han Fulai, who had seemed so easy to talk to before, suddenly became serious and was caught off guard by a barrage of questions. Moreover, he had indeed been paid by the anonymous person to ask these questions, so he immediately stammered and dared not answer.

Seeing this, Han Fulai's expression became even more stern: "Can't answer? Then go to the General Affairs Department and find out where the Thousand Rock Army is. Arrest everyone around him and gather evidence! Don't say we're arresting you for no reason. You've violated Liyue's laws by spying on Liyue's secrets, and there's solid evidence for it."

When Shiyun heard that someone was going to be arrested, she was so frightened that she waved her hands wildly, trying to run away on the spot, but with hundreds of eyes watching her, she had no way to escape.

Since that was the case, Shiyun decided to go all in; she had always dreamed of becoming a journalist. In her belief, a journalist's job was to seek the truth for the people!

Shiyun, neck stiff and back straight, defiantly challenged Han Fulai: "I'm asking a question that concerns the entire Liyue and even the entire Teyvat continent! What if your Seven Stars government issues Liyue currency, and the Golden House stops production, and you don't have enough Mora to redeem it? The reason for this press conference is precisely because the Liyue National Bank can't provide Mora!"

Her words were forceful and addressed the question on everyone's mind. Although Han Fulai had forcefully suppressed her question earlier, this doubt remained unresolved. Many people were filled with renewed suspicion, their eyes fixed on Han Fulai, waiting to see how he would answer.

A smile appeared on Han Fulai's face.

Because the person who anonymously paid the editor of Boyi, a third-rate magazine, to ask questions was himself.

He waved his hand.

“You reporters always want to create breaking news, saying that the Golden House has stopped production, and then criticize the Seven Star Government.”

“You guys are still ‘Trop jeune, trop simple, parfois na?f’! Do you understand?” Han Fulai asked the reporter from the “Steambird” newspaper in fluent Fontainebleau.

Shiyun, the fake Fontainebleau native, naturally heard but did not understand.

"Why bother going into the Golden House if you want to see the Liyue National Bank's repayment capacity? Everyone, the reason I invited you to hold this press conference in the Golden House Plaza is because it's the most convenient place to transport Mora. The General Affairs Department's notice should have already stated that anyone who wants to exchange Liyue Coins for Mora can do so on the spot today."

"As Keqing's personal secretary, I have some news to share: the construction of the Golden House was officially completed yesterday. Keqing is currently in the Golden House, forging Mora for the Liyue National Bank."

Han Fulai pointed to the golden house behind him.

"Let's see for ourselves!"

Chapter Sixty-Nine: Keqing, you still need to learn one...

As soon as Han Fulai finished speaking, the door of the Golden House slowly opened, as if the timing had been precisely calculated.

Today, Keqing wore a striking deep purple outfit, a sword at her waist, and walked out of the Golden House with a heroic air. Behind her followed a squad of Thousand Rock Army soldiers.

Normally, Keqing doesn't carry a sword, doesn't make a fuss when she travels, and doesn't ask the Thousand Rocks for an escort. But no one would object to Keqing's grand entrance today—because behind her were carts full of Mora, gleaming gold and yellow, almost dazzling to the eye.

The Mora lay there on the cart, exposed and unobstructed, like small hills scattered along the roadside. No one doubted anymore whether the Liyue National Bank had the capacity to exchange paper money.

These little mounds of Mora seemed to be showing off to everyone present—it's just Mora, we can have as much as we want!