Ningguang looked at the silent scene, and an unshakable trace of anxiety welled up in her heart.
She drew in a deep breath, striving to remain calm while pondering how to face what was coming next.
She wiped the rain from her wrist, feeling the coolness of the droplets, letting it clear her mind a little.
Then she tidied her damp hair. Afterward, she placed her right hand over her chest, soothing the unease within.
"Honored Adepti, could you give Ningguang a clear answer? Even if you intend to take over Liyue and strip me of my position as Tianquan, I ask you to say it. Such indifference leaves Ningguang unsettled."
Ganyu stood at Ningguang's side. Looking at the deer and crane before her, she felt the pressing tension in the air.
Unable to hold back, she said, "Adepti, must you be so cold?"
Moon Carver gazed at Ganyu with calm eyes, speaking in a flat tone. "Ganyu, we will talk again after Cloud Retainer and the Conqueror of Demons return. For now, both Mountain Shaper and I do not wish to say more."
…
Amid the rain, Ningguang and the three Adepti had been sparring with words, sharp and unyielding.
Her arguments were incisive, laying out her vision and ideals for the future of human rule in Liyue, attempting to convince the Adepti to accept her stance.
Yet, the Adepti always held reservations about Ningguang's decisions.
At last, Zhongli could no longer watch. Constant arguing was nothing but wasted time, so he suggested they vote.
He knew such disputes would only fall into deadlock, never reaching consensus.
But since the numbers of "mortals" and "Adepti" were so unequal, the vote might be swayed.
Moreover, without a neutral third party to participate, the result could not be seen as fair.
Thus, at Zhongli's suggestion, Cloud Retainer and Xiao went to invite Shao Yun and Madame Ping.
…
Zhongli stood quietly between the two sides, though in truth, his position leaned more toward Ningguang.
The heated clash of words between Ningguang and the Adepti did not escape his notice.
At this moment, he carefully observed the situation, but said nothing.
Now was not the time for "Zhongli" to speak.
Just then, Cloud Retainer descended upon the Jade Chamber with Shao Yun.
As soon as she landed, she conveyed the stance of Songdust True Monarch.
"I have returned. Let me first pass on Madame Ping's words—she supports Liyue ruled by its people."
Upon hearing this, Ningguang, though still tense, allowed herself to breathe a little easier.
Ganyu's reaction, however, was far greater. Her entire body visibly relaxed.
The current situation stood three to three, evenly matched.
But immediately the atmosphere grew tense once more. Everyone present, including Zhongli, turned their eyes toward Shao Yun.
Shao Yun froze. 'Wait, wasn't I here just to listen? Why are you all looking at me? Talk among yourselves!'
So, he asked in confusion, "Why are you all staring at me?"
Cloud Retainer glanced at Ningguang, then turned her expectant gaze to Shao Yun, speaking bluntly.
"Enough words. Shao Yun, the final vote rests in your hand! You decide whether Liyue's future belongs to the Adepti or to mankind."
At these words, Shao Yun's body jolted. His eyes widened in shock. "What the hell? What final vote? Wasn't I just here to sit in?"
At that moment, Xiao appeared with a flash, bowing his head slightly in apology. "Forgive me, Shao Yun. If I had not used this reason, you would never have come."
Shao Yun stared at Xiao, then swept his gaze across the gathering before erupting angrily. "You're all out of your damned minds!"
"To hand over such an important decision to me? Are you Liyue people and Adepti brainless, or what?"
Cloud Retainer tried to reason with him earnestly. "Shao Yun, no matter how you scold or resent us… the future of Liyue now rests upon your judgment."
Finally, the long-silent Zhongli spoke.
"Indeed, Shao Yun. You, Lumine, and Paimon all witnessed the passage from the Adepti's era of rule to the dawn of mankind's governance."
"You are the most objective, the ones most entitled to speak. I hope you will choose for Liyue a path toward the future."
Shao Yun was stunned by his words.
He roared, "I have no desire to be dragged into your Liyue politics! Can't you understand me? With such big heads, you all look like living baubles!"
Though Shao Yun vented in fury, Zhongli only replied calmly. "You cannot escape politics. None can."
Shao Yun felt his mind fall into chaos, like bees buzzing in his skull.
'Damn it, Zhongli, you sound just like Sean!'
He muttered under his breath, 'I hate everyone equally.'
Yet, seeing every eye still locked on him, Shao Yun threw up his hands in frustration, spitting out, "Fine, don't come crying later!"
Zhongli, relieved, said, "I believe the Adepti and the Liyue Qixing will have no regrets. Please, make your choice."
Shao Yun inhaled deeply. He knew there was no way out now. Since that was the case, he might as well enjoy himself.
He cleared his throat and shouted his decision.
"Whoever offers the most Mora, I'll side with them!"
The words struck like thunder! Everyone present—Adepti and Ningguang alike—was dumbfounded.
What nonsense?
The future of Liyue, treated like some auction?
Even Xiao, ever cold, widened his eyes in rare astonishment.
Cloud Retainer was first to react, her voice filled with shock. "What! Shao Yun, are you mad? How could you measure such a matter with money?"
But Shao Yun only smirked, lips curling with mockery.
"It was you who went mad first, handing such power to me! It was Zhongli who said you trusted me!"
Then, standing tall, he declared proudly, "Besides, is not Liyue the land of wealth? Here, everything can be measured in Mora. What I do only reflects your tradition!"
His reasoning left Cloud Retainer speechless.
Ningguang, however, could barely conceal her delight.
After all, in terms of wealth, none in Liyue Harbor—or Teyvat—could rival her, the queen of commerce.
Smiling, she told Shao Yun, "Naturally, no problem. I'll have my secretaries gather funds at once. I promise you a satisfying number."
Her decisiveness and formidable mind shone through.
But Cloud Retainer, unwilling to be outdone, quickly spoke. "Though I do not carry much Mora at hand… Shao Yun, if you grant me time, I can sell many Adepti inventions. That would yield you a satisfying sum as well!"
Ningguang's eyes gleamed sharply, lips curving into a playful smile. "Oh? Cloud Retainer, do you wish to challenge Ningguang in wealth?"
"Haha, interesting. If so, then I shall gladly accept."
Cloud Retainer scoffed coldly, eyes flashing with disdain. "Hmph! Then I wish to see what strength you, a mere Tianquan, possess to challenge me!"
Inside, Ningguang rejoiced. 'To challenge me in my best field—such folly.'
Confidently, she answered, "Very well. We set three days. At noon, on the Jade Chamber, we decide the victor."
Cloud Retainer retorted, "Agreed. Break this oath and—"
Before she could finish, Shao Yun suddenly drew his Schofield revolver and fired a shot into the sky.
"Shut the hell up! No damned waiting, no wasting my days. I want the Mora now!"
Both Ningguang and Cloud Retainer froze. Where would they find Mora this instant?
Ningguang, though the queen of commerce, didn't carry fortunes sewn to her waist!
As for Cloud Retainer, her carefree life barely touched Mora at all.
She pleaded softly, "Shao Yun, isn't this forcing the impossible? We have no Mora on us now."
Even Ningguang aligned, somewhat, with the Adepti. "Indeed, I agree with this point. Just half an hour, and I'll have a number to satisfy you."
At this, Cloud Retainer bristled. "Half an hour? Impossible! I must gather and sell. At least a full day is needed!"
Shao Yun cut her off with another gunshot. His second revolver snapped up, barrels aimed at both sides.
"Now! Even one Mora decides Liyue's future! Whoever produces it, I side with them!"
Cloud Retainer panicked, hastily producing a large, cauldron-like contraption. "Shao Yun, will this do? My automaton kitchen, it cooks by itself—"
"Bah!" Shao Yun spat. "I said Mora!"
He shoved the contraption aside, then pulled from his bag a gleaming coin. "Open your bird eyes! Round, golden—Mora! Not some trinket trade!"
Pocketing it again, he leveled both guns.
Cloud Retainer stared, stricken. "Shao Yun, you…"
But he only licked his lips, brow arched wildly. "One Mora decides Liyue's fate. Begin!"
Desperate, Cloud Retainer turned to Xiao. "Conqueror of Demons, didn't Shao Yun give you Mora once? Do you have any left?"
Xiao blinked awkwardly, replying coolly, "All of it went to the shopkeeper. Why would you think I'd keep it?"
Cloud Retainer, shaken, turned to her disciple. "Ganyu! You then, do you have Mora?"
Flustered, Ganyu stammered, "M-my wages… but I didn't bring any…"
Meanwhile, Ningguang searched herself frantically. 'Why didn't I still sew coins into my clothes, like as a child…'
Suddenly her eyes lit up. She reached into the hidden pocket inside her qipao, near her chest, and pulled something free.
Her lips curled into a radiant smile. "Found it. I have Mora!"
She raised it high, voice brimming with joy. "This is the very first Mora I ever earned!"
Her eyes softened as she explained. "Though the world thought I spent it, I never did. I kept it close, always, as a charm. And today—it proves its worth!"
Beaming, she stepped forward and placed it in Shao Yun's hand.
He felt the warmth lingering on its surface, even a faint fragrance. But to him, it was only a coin.
The system chimed.
[The first Mora earned by Ningguang. Carried always within her cleavage, faintly perfumed with her mature grace. But to you, it is only a coin.]
[Your wealth has increased: 1 Mora]
Shao Yun inspected it carefully. It was real.
Nodding, he tucked it into his Legend of the East satchel.
Then, drawing a breath, he declared the verdict.
"Good. I support Liyue ruled by its people!"