Chapter 38

"Master Zhongli, why are you suddenly asking this question?" Jiang Ning was puzzled.

Zhongli replied, "Just curious. If it's inconvenient to discuss, that's fine."

After pondering for a moment, Jiang Ning said, "There's nothing I can't talk about... I just feel that Keqing is a bit too radical. Her words and views aren't entirely right, but they can't be called wrong either..."

"Oh? Please elaborate," Zhongli said.

Jiang Ning continued, "Well, although Keqing is independent-minded and focuses on efficiency, wanting Liyue to soar, she's overlooking one thing."

"That is, while she's taking big steps forward and worrying about what might happen if Rex Lapis isn't around one day, she hasn't looked back at the people around her. Not everyone has such forward-thinking vision."

"Continue," Zhongli said concisely.

"That's why I say she's radical," Jiang Ning explained. "Only by slowing down and leading those around you to progress together, fostering this sense of crisis awareness together, can everyone's efforts be united. Look at Keqing now, she's all alone."

Zhongli asked, "Then, what do you think about Keqing's words? Will Morax lead the people into the next millennium, the next ten, hundred, or thousand millennia?"

Jiang Ning replied, "That's impossible. I've read from Master's texts that both adepti and gods have something called erosion, right? This means they're not eternal beings. Liyue will eventually have to move forward without Morax - it's just a matter of time."

"But at least, not now," Jiang Ning added.

"Regarding your 'not now,' I'm curious, but I think someone else might be even more curious. Come in," Zhongli finally removed his spell, hoping perhaps these two young people could have a proper conversation.

Zhongli contemplated how to proceed from here.

"...Huh?" Jiang Ning was startled, then sensed someone familiar outside the door.

"I apologize for interrupting. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I was just bringing tea for you both... But I found your discussion extremely interesting."

Keqing opened the door. Though dressed as a tea servant, with her disguise removed, she was still a stunningly beautiful young woman.

"Keqing?" Jiang Ning was surprised.

Keqing entered, placed the tea on the table, and sat down:

"Tell me more, I'm very interested."

Keqing looked at Jiang Ning expectantly. Indeed, since their encounter at the Wangshu Inn, she had felt this young man would get along well with her.

Moreover, slowing down to lead everyone forward together, fostering a shared sense of crisis awareness - it was excellent advice.

"As you're both of the same generation, you should have many common topics to discuss. I'll take my leave now," Zhongli stood up, preparing to leave.

Keqing gratefully said, "As expected of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's Mr. Zhongli, so knowledgeable in both ancient and modern matters. Thank you for today, I'll cover today's expenses."

Today's meeting felt somewhat guided, and the only possible orchestrator was Mr. Zhongli.

Moreover, since Jiang Ning called him Master, perhaps this Mr. Zhongli was a retired adeptus?

No wonder he was so knowledgeable and appeared to transcend worldly matters.

Zhongli smiled and said, "The Yuheng Star need not be so polite. You two should talk more. Farewell."

He left the room, thoughtfully closing the door behind them.

After Zhongli left, the atmosphere became awkward and strange.

One was the Yuheng who wanted to ask questions but felt uncomfortable about eavesdropping at the door.

The other was a disciple of an adeptus who had been caught discussing someone behind their back...

"Ahem..." Finally, the Yuheng broke the awkward silence, "Jiang Ning, you said my words weren't entirely right. Why?"

Jiang Ning explained, "Well, regarding this point, I discussed it with Mr. Zhongli. If other nations have their gods but your country doesn't, you'll unconsciously feel inferior in diplomatic matters because you lack equivalent power."

Keqing frowned. Although she still preferred human governance, she thoroughly acknowledged Rex Lapis's power.

It was like having a business negotiation where the other side has absolute trump cards and you don't - you naturally become cautious.

That's the confidence that having such trump cards gives the other side.

Moreover, regarding Liyue's ability to handle magical beasts, although Keqing was confident, she wasn't arrogant. Without practical experience, this remained questionable.

Besides, even if you could handle magical beasts, and the Millelith plus the adepti formed a powerful force, the other side had more than just magical beasts.

"Also, while you can guarantee yourself, and even this generation of the Qixing being wise, what about the next few generations? Dozens of generations? Unlike gods, who love humanity, humans have selfish desires."

Keqing frowned: "Couldn't we use good supervision and extremely strict laws to restrict public officials?"

"That's impossible. What use are strict laws? In my original homeland, there were no gods, only humans. The result was that no nation could last for thousands of generations. Some even fell after two generations, all because humans have selfish desires."

"With selfish desires come factionalism and corruption, and then a good nation will fall apart, even leading to years of warfare."

"Moreover, at the Qixing's position, they can even directly modify laws. When Rex Lapis is present, they need his approval, but what about when he's not?"

Jiang Ning briefly educated Keqing about the history of various dynasties, including stories of ignoring laws, modifying laws, various outrageous taxes, and ultimately how official oppression led to civilian rebellion.

Keqing's expression became serious as she fell into deep thought.

After taking a breath and sipping some water, Jiang Ning continued:

"So, wait a bit for those around you. Besides, your advocacy for human governance doesn't actually conflict with whether Rex Lapis protects Liyue."

Keqing looked at Jiang Ning.

"Look at the history of neighboring Mondstadt," Jiang Ning said. "The Anemo Archon Barbatos has always stayed out of affairs, but when the Lawrence clan turned the nation dark, didn't the Anemo Archon step in to restore order?"

"So, human governance is possible, but when things reach a certain point, Rex Lapis can step in as a safety net. As for what I said about Rex Lapis not being eternal... that's like a natural law, a natural cycle that can't be stopped."