But the "teachings" Prince Zhi Dong gave [Rich Man] Pantalone just now almost shattered all his pride and beliefs, and then reshaped his worldview in a very short period of time. Pantalone simply It's like dying once and being resurrected. Su Yu said calmly: "Didn't I say, let your subordinates give you a good start? If you have anything you want to ask, want to say, or want to know, please speak freely. This should be the first time you get along with me for a while. Most enjoyable evening.” Everyone originally had a lot to say, but after seeing how harshly the prince treated his subordinates, they did not dare to speak at will. Even if you do speak, do so carefully. The meaning of Prince Winter's words could not be more obvious. Everyone only has this chance to communicate with him on an equal and friendly basis tonight. "Yuheng Xingqing, let's start with you." Keqing was slightly surprised. The prince who came to Zhidong for the first time was able to accurately address his position and name. Her beautiful eyes sparkled with beauty. After thinking for a moment, she asked seriously: "Your Highness, the Emperor does not mind your identity as Prince Zhidong and has sent a message to us to appoint you as the Regent. I believe that the Emperor believes that you have nothing but the title of Prince Regent." If you can manage Zhidong well, you can also manage Liyue well." "Since His Highness has not made it clear that he wants to take up the position of regent, I would like to ask Your Highness today whether Liyue's 'human rule' can eventually replace 'divine rule'?"
The reason why Yuheng Xing Keqing can firmly sit as one of the Seven Stars is inseparable from the concept of "rule by man" she pursues. This is what Zhongli values. But Keqing also had a bad relationship with several other colleagues because of this. Except for Ningguang, who could understand her, several other people in Liyue Qixing were inclined to "divine rule." In their eyes, Liyue cannot leave the emperor. The emperor is the ballast stone that stabilizes Liyue. They simply couldn't imagine Liyue without the emperor. Over this issue, Liyue Qixing had many internal quarrels. Later, Keqing was gradually labeled as "disrespectful to the emperor." However, Keqing had a straightforward personality. At first, she defended herself a few times, but later she simply let them ridicule her. Well, I usually don’t pay much attention to it. But today the Prince of Zhidong was present, and she raised this controversial topic among the top management in Liyue. If she could get the approval of the Prince of Zhidong, she would be able to prove who was right and who was wrong. "Before answering this question, Miss Keqing, please answer me a question first." "Your Highness, please speak." "How did you get to sit on the 'Seven Stars' position?" Keqing replied without thinking: "There is a complete campaign system for promotion to Seven Stars, and anyone who meets the conditions can sign up." "I'm afraid not just anyone can sign up. As far as I know, the first condition for signing up is that the personal wealth of the person signing up must be among the top fifty on the Liyue rich list." Keqing frowned. She was born into a prominent family in Liyue since she was a child. It can be said that she was born with a golden key. In order to run for the position of Yuhengxing, her family directly gave her a large amount of real estate in the prosperous area of Liyue Port, allowing her to directly enter the Liyue Rich List. of the top fifty. So for her, this rule seems to be no problem. "Is there any problem with this? Your Highness. Liyue Qixing's election standards have been this way since ancient times, and no one has ever raised any objections." "While you rich businessmen from Liyue are sitting here drinking with me, there are still countless people in the poor areas of Liyue, like the small fishing villages where Captain Beidou took me, who are eager for your help." Su Yu looked at Ke Qing, his eyes as sharp as an eagle. "How can Liyue, managed by a group of wealthy businessmen and gentry, know the needs and sufferings of the poor people at the bottom? The so-called 'rule of man' is just a cover-up!" Chapter 74 Divine Rule
Ke Qing was shocked. She is in charge of Liyue's infrastructure and real estate. She rarely leaves Liyue Port to go to poor and remote places. She can only be found in places where real estate construction profits are high. Having been well-fed and well-fed since she was a child, she really has no idea about the life of the poor. The strapless dress and black pantyhose she currently wears for work are already the cheapest version. She usually wears gold and silver when she lives in her big villa. "You have a rather impatient temper. However, you seem to be busy every day, but you are not thinking about the people of Liyue. You are just trying to monopolize the land and real estate construction in Liyue." After saying that, Su Yu cast his majestic gaze on Ning Guang and several other people one after another. "Ningguang, although you are not born rich like Keqing and started from scratch, you only ascended to the position of Tianquan Star after becoming a big businessman and a rich man. You use laws and intelligence to exchange interests with merchants all over the world. .” "The big boss of Kaiyangxing Feiyun Chamber of Commerce has a monopoly on Liyue's fabric and clothing industry." "Tianxuanxing Atractylodes monopolizes the pharmaceutical industry." "General Manager Tianji Xingxiao has a monopoly on shipbuilding and maritime transportation." "The head of the Kun Family of Yaoguang Star holds the exclusive production and sales rights of the arsenal." "Uncle Tianshu Xing has a monopoly on Liyue's catering industry." The essence of the Liyue Seven Stars is actually a management organization formed by seven big businessmen in Liyue's business community, representing the interests of various industries, mainly to balance and resolve conflicts of interest between industries. "From the perspective of your respective big businessmen, it is certainly right to safeguard your own interests. But who of you can speak for the interests of the lower-class people who make up the majority of Liyue's population?" Liyue Qixing each lowered his head and remained silent, not daring to meet Su Yu's narrow eyes. Although it is not as exaggerated as what Su Yu said, it is basically true. This group of people almost covers the sky with one hand, monopolizing all aspects of Liyue's food, clothing, housing and transportation, and controlling Liyue's economic lifeline. "Big cities are the illusion of this country, while small counties are the reality of this country." Su Yu further explained to them. "The scene of the peaceful and prosperous Liyue Port, with its blazing fire and prosperity, is just a small microcosm of Liyue. The real face of Liyue is not in Liyue Port, but in those small fishing villages and mountain villages. " There was a huge wave in Keqing's heart. The "rule of man" that she has always considered is simply to abandon the immortals and gods. However, is this the true "era of man"? The answer is: no. Prince Zhidong's answer today made her realize for the first time that if she didn't care about the ordinary people in Liyue and didn't consider the interests of the poor people at the bottom, then her so-called "rule by man" would appear superficial and naive. After waking up, Ke Qing was still a little disappointed and asked: "Your Highness, do you support 'divine rule'?" Su Yu did not answer her question directly, but asked others: "Tell me, what are the benefits of 'divine rule'." In fact, the other seven stars present at this time were very happy to see that Prince Zhidong did not agree with Keqing's concept of "human rule". The debate between "rule by God" and "rule by man" that has lasted for many years has finally come to an end, and all debates can be put to rest. Uncle Tianshu Xing, who has the most seniority, was the first to say: "'God's rule' is conducive to our internal unity. As His Highness just said, the seven of us actually represent the interests of seven industries. Over time, everyone will We don’t agree with anyone, but as long as the emperor is here, we will unite and help each other."
Yaoguangxing followed up Tianshuxing and said: "Our family manages the Black Rock Factory all year round, specializing in the production of various weapons and equipment. It is also responsible for commanding the Qianyan Army in Liyue. Whenever there is a foreign enemy causing trouble in Liyue or monsters invading, the Qianyan Army It is the backbone of the defense of the country. But as long as the emperor is alone, no enemy dares to really attack Liyue. The emperor is the guardian of Liyue." Tianjixing said: "The shipping bureau in my hands manages all the transportation fleets in Liyue. The desperate pirates were intimidated by the emperor's reputation. Although they also robbed our fleet, they never dared to harm us. Liyue’s crew.” Kaiyangxing said gratefully: "Thanks to the emperor's blessing, the sales of fabrics and clothing sold by the clothing industry under my name have been rising year by year. By the way, Your Highness, this year our Liyue fabrics have been sold to you again. Dong bought a lot." Finally, Ningguang said: "The existence of the emperor provided a guarantee for Mora. After the Solstice Kingdom became the most economically developed country, Liyue Port was still the most prosperous port, thanks to the coinage rights of the Golden House. Also There are those group of immortals who have been secretly helping and protecting Liyue and eliminating the demons and monsters that threaten us humans." Except for Bai Shu, the remaining five Liyue Seven Stars expressed their opinions one after another. To sum it up in one sentence, Liyue cannot live without Yan Wang Dijun or the Immortal. Keqing stood up and accused them angrily. "All the commodities circulating in the market are obviously the result of the hard work of us humans, without any help from the emperor's divine power. You are so nice to say that all the credit goes to the emperor. The efforts of those workers and laborers are nothing. ?The emperor is not here today, so you don’t need to act." "The emperor can protect us for a while, but what about 100 years, 500 years, or a thousand years later?" Keqing and a few people started arguing again. Having been "educated" by Su Yu just now, her ideological concept of supporting "rule by man" is different from before—— Today, Keqing sees the hard work of ordinary workers. Seeing that they were getting more and more noisy, Ningguang tried to dissuade them: "Everyone, don't you want to hear His Highness the Prince's opinion?" The Seven Stars of Liyue were headed by the Tianquan Star. Since Ningguang spoke, they each shut their mouths. Of course, it was not all the effect of Ningguang's words. The identity of Prince Zhidong is currently second only to the emperor, and they must give due dues. respect. What's more, judging from the short time we get together, Prince Solstice often has true insights. However, what was waiting for him was an indifferent comment from Su Yu. "You are all lying!" "In Liyue, a country where the rich and the poor are severely polarized, supporting 'theocratic rule' is just to use the influence of King Yan to divert the hatred of the people at the bottom from you, and to use the name of the gods to stifle the spirit of resistance of the people at the bottom. .” Su Yu looked at Wanwen Collection House in the distance. Judging from the figure on the tea room window, Zhongli was still sitting there without leaving, obviously watching the dinner. "In your eyes, it doesn't matter whether the public supports Liyue Seven Stars or not, as long as it doesn't affect making money. Because you know that as long as Morax is still there, no one will dare to rebel." "Whether you are willing to admit it or not, the gods and immortals in Liyue are just tools for your use." Chapter 75 Qianyan Army The people of Liyue are sometimes dissatisfied with the work and certain policies of Liyue Qixing, and even complain about it. But under the influence of Emperor Yan, they dare not speak out in anger. Because the people all know that Liyue Qixing exercises the will of the emperor. Coupled with the years of deliberate publicity by Liyue Qixing, Liyue’s atmosphere began to gradually go astray—— Criticizing Liyue Qixing is equivalent to criticizing Emperor Yanwang.
Opposing the Seven Stars of Liyue is equivalent to opposing the Emperor Yanwang. The opposition voices among the people gradually decreased. Who dared to go against the emperor? To a certain extent, the emperor and the immortals became the talismans of the Seven Stars of Liyue. "Today I refused to serve as regent. In fact, you are all quite disappointed. You could have used me as your shield, standing at the front to protect you from the wind and rain, just like the immortal god who used Liyue." The Prince of Winter today pulled off this fig leaf at the wine table in front of all of them, embarrassing them. For a moment, all the seven stars in Liyue fell into silence, each with their eyes slightly closed, as if they were reflecting, but also worried. They originally thought that Prince Zhidong supported "divine rule", but they did not expect that the problem was also pointed out, and it was more serious than the problem of Yuheng Xingqing. As for the senior staff of the eight departments under the General Affairs Department, as the audience accompanying the drinks today, they were even more afraid to speak. They were even a little frightened, worried that they would be silenced. This was Prince Zhi Dong. If anyone else had spoken to Liyue Qixing like this, he would have been regarded as a heretic and thrown into prison and beheaded, even if what he said was almost true. Perhaps the only one among the Seven Stars who is in a lighter mood is Ke Qing. Prince Zhidong not only pointed out the shortcomings of her "human rule", but also pointed out others' hypocritical "divine rule" ideas mercilessly. There is no winner in today's ideological battle related to Liyue's future destiny. Keqing has a straightforward personality and immediately asked respectfully: "Your Highness, what should we do next?" "Whether Liyue's future should adopt 'human rule' or 'divine rule' is the shared responsibility of Liyue Seven Stars and Morax. In other words, this is the meaning of your Liyue Seven Stars' existence." "You are in a high position. How to design the future of Liyue, how to make the people of Liyue live a happier life, and how to find the future path that is most suitable for the development of Liyue are what you should focus on." "The Seven Stars of Liyue have been hiding behind the gods for too long. They should stand at the front and face everything. Just to earn Moura, I suggest that we take the initiative to withdraw from the position of the Seven Stars and let those who care about the country and the people take the position. " Su Yu had pointed out all Liyue's problems and crux. He naturally had a solution to the problem, but he did not agree to Morax's appointment as regent, so there was no need to tell them explicitly. Liyue is not Zhidong, so he has no obligation to govern. In fact, during this trip as an envoy to six countries, from Daozhu to Mondstadt to Liyue, he almost communicated with the rulers about some of the problems that existed in each country. Whether they are willing to correct it or not, and how they want to correct it, is their business. If he gets too involved, he will be seen as interfering in the internal affairs of other countries. Let Ray, Barbatos, and Zhongli worry about it. Especially Zhongli who hid in Wanwenjishe and eavesdropped on everything. Zhongli has countless ways to replace Liyue Qixing, but after all, these people are his trusted confidants. Even if they make mistakes, they must always be given a chance to change their ways. This is a good time to show the emperor's benevolence. Each of the seven stars in Liyue is a human spirit, so they will naturally understand the kindness of the emperor and be grateful. While enjoying wealth, the Seven Stars of Liyue also carry the expectations of the people of Liyue. They must assume unprecedented and huge social responsibilities to solve the problems raised by Prince Zhidong, to think about the future and destiny of Liyue, and to design the future of Liyue. development direction, leading the country to move forward. And he himself can take the opportunity to step down from his position as emperor and retreat behind the scenes.
It can be said to kill two birds with one stone. Ningguang picked up the wine glass and said with admiration: "Your Highness is right. In the past, Liyue's development direction relied on the emperor's oral instructions conveyed at the annual invitation ceremony, and Liyue Qixing was only responsible for execution and implementation. From now on, we must learn to think about these issues independently. Let’s raise a toast together, to the teachings of His Highness the Prince!” After toasting, Uncle Tianshu Xingtian said: "Your Highness, Sister Gan Yu once said that Molla is the mark of Liyue's life, and I deeply believe it. So I want to ask, do you really plan to imitate Molla on a large scale? , engraved with the image of the executive [rich man]?” "Oh... I forgot to introduce you, Your Highness. Gan Yu is the secretary of our Liyue Qixing. She is an immortal. I originally invited her to come to the banquet, but she refused because she was busy with official duties and asked me to tell His Highness. , I hope you won’t be angry about it.” Ningguang on the side smiled and said: "Uncle Tian, you are really drunk. Engraving the portrait on the mola is just a joke used by His Highness to entertain his subordinates."