RNP Page 60
Page 60
"Hey, are you kidding me? Do you understand the Emperor better than I do? Look around, how many people in this shop agree with you?"
Everyone laughed, and the teahouse was instantly filled with a joyful atmosphere.
Zhongli shook his head helplessly. If the plan was executed perfectly, when faced with the dragon-shaped corpse he had created, even if no one believed it, they would have to accept the fact that the Rock King Emperor had been assassinated and ignore all the inconsistencies.
After all, there's a saying that goes, "Facts speak louder than words."
But then that little girl appeared, and her appearance perfectly matched the image she had always presented.
"Never mind... I believe that once my old friends arrive, they will recognize the difference between that child and me."
Zhongli thought to himself.
As for whether these immortal friends would recognize him as his reincarnation, he felt that it was unlikely.
After all, the Rock Demon God is not only characterized by its appearance, but also by its inner solidity, which cannot be imitated by others.
Just as Zhongli was thinking this, the surroundings suddenly became lively, with people shouting:
"The Emperor is coming to inspect! Everyone get ready and give the reborn Emperor a good show!"
"Oh dear, the Emperor is coming to inspect us. I'd better prepare properly. Look at me, are my clothes neat enough? But I heard that the Emperor lost his memory after his rebirth. I really want to know what happened."
Tian Tiezui hurriedly started tidying up his clothes and fixing his hair, afraid that he might not be polite enough.
"That little girl, she's going on an inspection? Could it be that she's really lost her memory and is thinking of herself as the Rock God...?"
Zhongli's eyes flickered slightly. Combining what he had seen at the scene with his own thoughts, he instantly found a reason in his mind.
"If people find out she's not the Geo Archon, the people of Liyue might be unable to contain their anger and ridicule. Could she develop emotional problems and endanger the people of Liyue?"
Zhongli's thoughts kept turning. Judging from the dragon horns on Bai Zhi's head, he knew that the other party's essence was not simple. She was probably a demon god-level being. Her current state of losing her memory was likely due to the wear and tear caused by being a demon god.
"However, on the land of Liyue, there is a dragon-attribute... the Dragon King Ruoduo? No, it's not him, I'm too familiar with Ruoduo's aura."
Zhongli's mind flashed through many beings he knew, but he eliminated them one by one because their characteristics were too different from Bai Zhi's.
"Alright, let's see how this girl develops first. If things really get out of control..."
Looking at Liyue Harbor, a resolute glint flashed in Zhongli's eyes.
Although he had already resolved to bring Liyue under human control, he would intervene again if he encountered a situation that was truly beyond his control.
After all, children can endure hardship, which can be seen as preparing for their future. However, when children are in danger, parents cannot simply ignore them.
"How is it, Your Majesty? Isn't the scenery in Liyue beautiful?"
On the main road of Liyue, Keqing proudly pointed to the surrounding buildings, "Someone once suggested that the buildings in Liyue are too complicated and that they could be simplified to improve construction efficiency, but I rejected that proposal outright."
"Because in my opinion, this may improve efficiency, but it loses the essence of Liyue. These beautiful decorations and patterns are the soul of Liyue's architecture."
"If it is just a simple pile of stones and cement, it will be devoid of soul and humanistic spirit."
"Sister Keqing, you did a great job. I think so too. Efficiency is important, but we also need to think about human factors. Although I don't know how I used to evaluate you, I think you are a very responsible and qualified Yuheng Star."
“You can do things very well even without my guidance.”
Bai Zhi tilted her head and said in strong agreement.
“Eh…” Ke Qing looked at Bai Zhi with great surprise. She did not expect Bai Zhi to praise her so directly.
123 Mr. Zhongli, please become my advisor.
"Sister Keqing looks very surprised~"
Bai Zhi smiled. "Do you find my praise incredible?"
Ke Qing hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I thought you were a strict servant."
Bai Zhi shrugged. "I am indeed a strict person, but no one is born knowing how to do things. It's impossible to use the strictest standards to demand things of others. My standards are my personal ideas and may not be suitable for the general public."
"Humans and gods have different perspectives and abilities. It's impossible to expect humans to meet the requirements of gods. Although I don't know what I thought before, I now feel that it might be a better choice for Liyue to be managed by humans."
Ke Qing was truly shocked; her mouth gaped open and her eyes widened.
It took her a while to come back to her senses.
"Aren't you afraid of all sorts of problems arising from letting people manage Liyue themselves? Even with you here, Liyue often experiences various man-made disasters. If we really let people manage it..."
Although she often says that the time for change has come, the more she works on Yuheng Star, the more she understands the greatness of the Emperor, who manages so many affairs in Liyue so well.
The proposed ideas may not be perfect, but they are definitely the best approach at this stage.
Moreover, compared to human rule, the greatest advantage of divine rule is that it is without desires or wants. The money and fame that mortals love are worthless to the gods. In addition, as immortal beings, the gods have endless knowledge and experience, which can help the entire country to the greatest extent.
Even so, various man-made disasters often occur.
If Liyue were truly governed by people, would there really be no problems? Wouldn't various issues arise?
She even felt a little afraid of that kind of scene.
“I understand your thoughts, but it’s like a child leaving their parents. Although parents’ experience is a very good example for children, children always have their own ideas and want to explore on their own.”
"I believe Keqing feels the same way, wanting Liyue to develop its own path~"
Keqing was stunned. Yes, this was indeed what she had always been pursuing: to let Liyue be governed by the people of Liyue, not by gods.
However, such a thought is actually very disrespectful to the whole of Liyue, because under the leadership of the Emperor, Liyue is prosperous and thriving. Humans are all selfish, and how many people are willing to break away from the rule of the perfect Holy King and let the country be governed by imperfect people?
"clap clap"
A burst of applause caught their attention. Looking up, they saw a young man in a dark long robe clapping on the red stairs.
"You are... that guest elder of the Hall of Rebirth?"
Distracted from her complicated thoughts, Ke Qing glanced at Zhong Li with some concern. She had heard of this person before; he was said to be knowledgeable and calm, and although he looked young, he gave the impression of a wise old man who had seen through the ways of life.
But that's all there is to it. In such a vast place as Liyue, there are countless extraordinary people and events.
"Yes, I am Zhongli, Lord Keqing of Yuheng Star. It is an honor to meet you."
Zhongli walked down the stairs and spoke in a humble yet assertive manner, before turning his gaze to Baizhi.
Previously, due to the distance, he could not clearly perceive everything, but now that they were face to face, he could feel the special qualities of Bai Zhi.
First of all, the solidity and protectiveness emanating from the other person is so palpable that it gives one a sense of inexplicable peace of mind.
Then there are the beautiful dragon horns and the unique pupils, which anyone can see make it different from ordinary people.
Given these two factors, it's not surprising that the people of Liyue believe the other is their transformed form.
If Zhongli weren't certain that her memory hadn't deteriorated to such an extent, she would have seriously wondered if she had left behind a daughter somewhere.
"Is this... the Emperor after his rebirth?"
Looking at Zhongli, Bai Zhi blinked. "I don't know either. Anyway, I was there when I woke up. As for whether I am the Emperor or not, everyone says I am, so I'll just pretend to be one."
"Sir, when you clapped just now, did you agree with what I said?"
"I'll reluctantly take on the role..." Zhongli was both amused and exasperated by Bai Zhi's answer, as if the Rock King Emperor were some kind of group leader in a school.
But out of a desire to educate, he still spoke up:
"I do agree with some of the ideas the Emperor has expressed. I also think that Liyue should indeed be governed by people. Under the Emperor's rule, although Liyue is peaceful and prosperous, the situation where everything depends on one person is still too dangerous."
"If the Emperor makes all the important decisions, what if something happens to him, or even if he says something disrespectful and dies? What will become of Li Yue then?"
"Moreover, Liyue's Seven Stars system is already perfect. Everyone is responsible for their own area of affairs, each performs their duties, and they influence each other."
After speaking, Zhongli looked at Baizhi. His words actually implied that he hoped Baizhi would not interfere excessively with the operation of the Seven Stars of Liyue.
After all, the other party is now the Geo Archon and has lost his memory. If he acts childishly, the entire Liyue region will probably be turned upside down.
"Hmm...that seems to be the case, but Mr. Zhongli, it seems you have a lot of insight into these matters."
Bai Zhi nodded in agreement.
"I dare not presume to offer my views; they are merely some superficial understandings from a person from the mountains and countryside."
Zhongli replied with considerable humility.
"Mr. Zhongli is no ordinary man from the mountains. I have read his information before. He is very knowledgeable and has a great understanding of etiquette and knowledge. Every matter that is handled by him receives excellent feedback. I imagine that his family must be quite wealthy."
At this moment, Qing chimed in with a comment.
"I have a superficial understanding, which is only enough to fool ordinary people. In front of real professionals, I am nothing but an ignorant person."
For some reason, Zhong Li felt that Bai Zhi's eyes seemed to have become somewhat malicious.
A bad feeling quietly crept into his heart.
Looking at Zhongli, Bai Zhi suddenly blurted out with a mischievous grin: "Mr. Zhongli, I feel that you have your own unique insights into politics and various affairs. As for me, you know, I have lost my memory and forgotten many, many things."
"According to the original practice of the Summoning Ceremony, I should guide the future direction of the entire Liyue, but I clearly do not have that ability right now. However, I think Mr. Zhongli may be able to provide many interesting and constructive suggestions."
"So... I'd like to invite Mr. Zhongli to temporarily serve as my advisor, offering suggestions and contributing to the entire Liyue region. What do you think?"
"Ok??"
Bai Zhi's smile grew even brighter.
Old Deng, stop thinking about retiring and get up and work for me!
124. Prince Yan, a man of little talent and shallow learning
"Well, I am not very knowledgeable and my knowledge is mostly theoretical. I am not qualified to be Your Majesty's advisor. Your Majesty should find someone more capable."
Zhongli, who was almost choked by Bai Zhi's sudden idea, finally gave a speechless reply after a long while.
I finally retired, and you little rascal want me to go back to work.
They have ulterior motives.
"Ah, that's not quite right. It's always better to talk about things on paper than to know nothing at all. You know, many people can't even do that. Since Mr. Zhongli has knowledge, he only needs a little practice to grow even more."
Bai Zhi smiled. Although it wasn't impossible for her to govern Liyue, after all, she came from the Star Iron Universe, where the network was all-encompassing, and many things about governing the country were public, even far more advanced than on Earth.
Even if she doesn't understand many of the detailed procedures, she has no problem pointing out the right general direction.
The remaining specific execution can be left to Qixing.
“That’s right. Although Zhongli is very modest, he is actually a very capable person. Otherwise, our Rebirth Hall would not have hired him as our guest minister. Your Majesty, I must say, you really have good taste.”
From the corner, a head popped out and energetically gave Zhongli a critique.
"Master Hu..." Upon seeing the person speaking, Zhong Li helplessly closed his eyes.
"Hey, hey, what's with that expression? Guest, I'm doing this for your own good. Look at you, you're so knowledgeable, but you just spend your time drinking tea and walking your birds. Isn't that a waste of your great talent? The Emperor values talent so much, you should just go and help her."
"By the way... could you talk to the Emperor for me about becoming the spokesperson for the Hall of Rebirth, and also give that dragon body to the Hall of Rebirth to handle?"
The last sentence was whispered in Zhongli's ear.
However, everyone present was sharp-eyed and sharp-eared, so they naturally heard this sentence clearly.
Ke Qing twitched the corners of her mouth. Although she had heard that the new head of the Rebirth Hall had an unconventional personality, she was still incredibly surprised when she actually met him.
"As Mr. Zhong's contact, Director Hu must know him very well. Since she has said so, Mr. Zhong must be very good at hiding his talents. I don't remember the past, but I know that people should be used to their fullest potential and resources should be used to their fullest potential. Mr. Zhong, please help me out."
"After all, Mr. Zhong is also from Liyue. Doesn't he want Liyue to become a better place?"
Bai Zhi's words shut down Zhong Li's attempt to refuse. With Hu Tao, the mole, around, he couldn't very well insist that he was just a theorist, let alone expel himself from Liyue.
If it were anyone else, including Qixing, who invited him, he could make up all sorts of excuses.
However, Bai Zhi's current identity is "Emperor Yan Wang," while he is just a lowly mortal named Zhong Li.
In the vast city of Liyue, who would refuse the Emperor's invitation?
Even if he forcefully refuses, his reputation outside will probably be so bad that it's unspeakable.
Others might see him and say, "Look, that's the guy who rejected the Emperor. He's gotten arrogant just because he has a little talent."
This was something he didn't want to see. He had cultivated the identity of Zhongli for a long time, and he couldn't just abandon it like that.
"...Since it is the Emperor who has invited me, I am naturally willing to give it a try."
Zhongli shook his head helplessly and had no choice but to agree.