bookbashuk Chapter 1037 Temple Fair Plan
Chapter 1037 Temple Fair Plan
Keqing saw that she already had a general idea, and the most crucial thing now was how to make this "temple fair" a reality.
She secretly thought that in terms of specifications, it might be a good idea to refer to the Sea Lantern Festival for preparation. Although it might not be exactly the same, it would at least give a rough idea of the style.
If you encounter difficulties during the process and it really doesn't work, you can look through the ancient books that record Liyue's past to see how the ancestors held such events. You can always find some reference from them.
Keqing decided to take it one step at a time and build the framework first.
She immediately stood up and said to Barbara and Zhongli, "I already have a rough idea in mind. I'll excuse myself for now and start preparing!" As soon as she finished speaking, she turned around and left.
Seeing Keqing so anxious, Zhongli quickly called out to her, "Miss Keqing, please stay."
In Zhongli's opinion, this temple fair is not something that can be held easily, especially since it is an event with high participation of the whole nation. Keqing's strength alone is obviously not enough. Ningguang's role is crucial and she must be involved.
"By the way, Miss Keqing, should we discuss this matter with Ningguang?"
When Keqing heard the word "Ningguang", obvious resistance immediately appeared on her face.
"Ningguang? Why would we want her to participate? She's probably happily counting the Mora she earned today."
Then, her expression became even more unhappy, and she made no secret of her opinion of Ningguang.
"If someone like her gets involved, it will probably only taint the theme of the temple fair with all sorts of commercial activities, making it reek of money and completely losing its fundamental meaning!"
Zhongli listened to Keqing's complaints about Ningguang, but he didn't think so.
In his opinion, if Ningguang and Keqing could take the lead in participating in this temple fair together and set an example for the people of Liyue, the effect would be much better.
Moreover, it is not enough to restrain Keqing alone, Ningguang also needs to be restrained!
However, Zhongli’s current identity is a guest official of the Wangsheng Hall, so it is not convenient for him to interfere too much in Liyue’s political affairs.
He paused for a moment, then suggested, "As a guest official of the Rebirth Hall, I shouldn't interfere in Liyue's political affairs."
After a pause, he changed the subject and said sincerely, "But I believe that only a united Seven Stars can better promote our Liyue's excellent traditional culture."
After hearing what Zhongli said, Keqing said pessimistically, "Mr. Zhongli, you don't know, Ningguang is completely obsessed with money. She always negotiates prices and deals for everything she does!
"Letting her get involved will only turn this solemn temple fair into a mess like a vegetable market, filled with the stench of money!"
Zhongli shook his head slightly. He didn't think so.
In his opinion, although temple fairs have the meaning of worshiping gods and commemorating ancestors, they also include elements of entertainment and commercial exchanges. There is really no need to be too serious about this.
If the temple fair is really turned into a rigid and lifeless "sacrificial" activity, then I'm afraid not many people will be willing to participate and the effect will be greatly reduced.
What's more, organizing a grand temple fair with the participation of the whole nation is not something Keqing can do alone.
Not to mention anything else, the funds required for preparation alone are a considerable amount.
Although Keqing's family is a prominent family in Liyue, her family may not agree to let her spend a large sum of money to hold such an unprofitable sacrificial temple fair.
Zhongli's gaze fell on Keqing. He spoke slowly, choosing the most practical reason, "But hosting such a large-scale temple fair requires a huge amount of money. Does Yuhengxing want to pay for it out of pocket?"
Barbara saw that Keqing was so strongly resistant to Ningguang, and Zhongli's words were just to the point, so she took the initiative to speak and said exactly what Zhongli was thinking.
"Ms. Keqing, I think if Miss Ningguang could also participate, she might be able to play a good leading role."
"Think about it, Miss Ningguang holds a very important position in Liyue. If even she were to take the lead in participating in the worship of the gods, how great would the impact be?"
"When the people see how much importance the Seven Stars attach to this, they will surely become more actively involved."
Hearing this, Zhongli calmly cast an admiring look at Barbara.
Some words, coming from the mouth of a guest official of the Rebirth Hall, would inevitably make people feel that they were crossing the line.
But when it was said by Barbara, an outsider friend who had gained a certain degree of Keqing's trust, the effect was completely different and it was easier for people to listen to. This unexpected impact was exactly what he expected.
After listening to Barbara's advice, Keqing lowered her head and thought for a moment, and the barrier in her heart that was unwilling to cooperate with Ningguang slowly loosened.
She had to admit that whether it was the huge amount of funds needed to prepare for the temple fair or the influence the event could achieve, Ningguang's participation could indeed solve many problems.
Besides, restraining oneself is not enough. If Ningguang does not restrain herself, then the temple fair will be in vain.
It would be best to let her join in, both morally and logically.
"Well... Well, since you all said so, I'll try to communicate with her..."
……
The afternoon sunlight filtered through the clouds above Liyue Harbor, shining onto the glazed tiles of the Qun Yu Pavilion, refracting a brilliant light.
Keqing rushed all the way back to Liyue Harbor, not daring to delay at all. After arriving at Liyue Harbor, she went up to the Jade Pavilion without stopping.
Her hair was a little messy due to her haste, and there were beads of sweat on her forehead, but her bright eyes revealed an unmistakable eagerness.
In the Qun Yu Pavilion, Ningguang was sitting at the dining table, enjoying her dinner.
Unlike the delicacies people imagine the rulers of Liyue would enjoy, there were only four simple dishes on her table.
A plate of carefully prepared meat dish "Squirrel Fish" with attractive color; a plate of refreshing vegetarian dishes; a bowl of pickled pork with thin layer of oil floating on it; and a piece of cut fruit with bright colors.
These four dishes are a combination of meat and vegetables, and seem to be very nutritionally balanced.
After all, for Ningguang, maintaining an eye-catching figure, as well as that unique charm and temperament, are the indispensable and important assets in various negotiation occasions.
However, don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these dishes. The preparation process of each dish is extremely complicated and sophisticated, from the selection of ingredients to the cooking temperature, all of which reflect the utmost care.
After all, rich people are always more willing to spend more time on the refinement and uniqueness of taste.
At this moment, Ningguang saw Keqing rushing in hurriedly without any surprise.
According to intelligence, the death crisis in Qingce Village is indeed coming to an end...
She calmly put down the chopsticks in her hand, picked up the handkerchief beside her, wiped her lips gracefully, then looked up at Keqing with a hint of approval in her tone.
"Keqing is back? I heard that those people in Qingce Village who were affected by the death aura have recovered with your help. You did a great job."
Keqing looked at Ningguang, who was calm and composed, as if everything was under control, and responded coldly, "This is mainly due to Miss Barbara. I just did some supporting work."
Ningguang nodded, not surprised by Keqing's words.
She had previously read in the report a detailed description of Barbara's meticulous care for the patients and knew that this young woman from Mond had indeed made an invaluable contribution.
Ningguang has her own plans to express her gratitude to those who have made such contributions to the people of Liyue.
"Okay, I understand. I will thank Miss Barbara and won't let her hard work go to waste."
Then, her eyes fell on Keqing's slightly tired face, and with the idea of making the best of it, she opened her mouth again to invite:
"Keqing, you've rushed back at this time. You probably haven't eaten yet, right? Why don't you sit down and I'll ask the kitchen to make some golden shrimp balls or something to fill your stomach?"
When Keqing heard the words "golden shrimp balls", she thought of her favorite food!
Her throat moved subconsciously and she swallowed.
But she quickly came to her senses, remembering the important purpose of her trip. She immediately shook her head and refused, "Forget about the meal. I'm here this time to report on the work of Qingce Manor, and I have something else to inform you about."
Ningguang raised an eyebrow when she heard the word "notification," finding it somewhat novel.
This Keqing is a bit more assertive than before, and she even dares to speak to me in such a commanding tone.
However, in Ningguang's eyes, Keqing looked like a Hakimi breathing out of protest at her. She looked quite imposing, but in fact, she was not threatening at all. Instead, she looked a bit cute.
"Oh? What's going on?"
Ningguang raised her chin with interest, leaned forward slightly, and put on an attitude of patient listening, wanting to see what important things this Yuheng Star had to say.
Keqing took a deep breath, straightened her back, and said straight to the point with full confidence, "I want to hold a temple fair, a grand temple fair!"
"We need to get everyone in Liyue involved, on a scale similar to the Lantern Festival! The goal is to allow people to remember the gods, regain their faith, and ultimately learn to revere them!"
After hearing Keqing's words of praise for the gods, Ningguang paused, her hand holding the teacup slightly, and a flicker of surprise flashed in her eyes. She looked up at Keqing, as if she was meeting this Yuheng Star for the first time.
Keqing has always advocated human rule and often showed "contempt" towards immortals, but now she suddenly talks about remembering the gods. This change is really unexpected.
"Oh, that sounds novel." Ningguang's lips curled up into a playful smile.
"This isn't your attitude of conquering all odds, Keqing!"
Keqing's cheeks felt slightly hot after hearing what Ningguang said, but she still stiffened her neck and repeated Professor Barbara's own words.
"Liyue ruled by humans doesn't mean abandoning those cultural traditions that are bound to the gods! It also doesn't mean abandoning those virtues!"
Then, she took a deep breath and explained in detail, "Calmness, tolerance, and the ability to make choices are exactly what Liyue lacks right now!"
"We hold the power to decide our own destiny, but we must always guard against greed. If we are not careful, we may be led astray!"
Having said that, Keqing's gaze fell on Ningguang with a hint of meaning.
It’s almost like the traitor has already jumped out, and it’s you, Ningguang!
Then, she continued in a heavy tone, "If Liyue is ruled by humans, it will eventually become a cesspool of greed... No, I will never let Liyue be destroyed by human greed!"
After listening to Keqing's impassioned speech, Ningguang tapped the smooth tabletop with her slender fingers, making a regular "da da" sound.
This girl has grown up a lot. She is no longer as prickly as before. She knows how to restrain her edge and express her ideas in a more calm manner. She is quite interesting.
"You've grown up and learned to be more restrained. That's good." Ningguang put away her previous teasing and expressed sincere praise in her tone.
Then she began to think carefully in her mind.
It’s not impossible to hold a temple fair.
After all, apart from the Lantern Festival in recent years, there are really no large-scale festivals in Liyue that can allow the entire nation to participate throughout the year.
It would be a good idea to hold a temple fair to have fun for the people and add some flavor to their lives.
Thinking of this, Ningguang rested her chin on one hand and said, "Keqing, I support your idea of holding a temple fair."
"Let me think about it. The location of the temple fair needs to be carefully considered, as well as the corresponding prayer activities and the arrangement of stalls. Everything needs to be planned in advance."
She paused and continued, "As for blessing, Mr. Zhongli of the Wangsheng Hall is very knowledgeable and well-versed in these traditional rituals. Also, the exorcists in Liyue are undoubtedly experts in this area. Perhaps we could invite them to preside over the relevant activities."
"By then, the number of people attending the temple fair will definitely be huge."
Ningguang changed the subject and mentioned the practical issues.
"As for the stalls, besides setting up some public welfare prayer stalls, how should the rest be allocated to the businesses? This is something we need to think about carefully."
"Otherwise, if a fight breaks out over the interests of businesses... that would be terrible."
Ningguang's remarks were typical of her style. She was speaking business from a business perspective and there was nothing wrong with that.
In her opinion, the potential economic value behind the temple fair must not be ignored and must be utilized well.
But what Keqing really wanted was a purely traditional sacrificial temple fair without any commercial atmosphere.
Listening to Ningguang talking about profits and distribution every other sentence, it seemed as if she wanted to taint this grand ceremony of worshiping the gods with the smell of money.
Keqing gritted her teeth in anger, her eyes filled with disappointment as she said self-deprecatingly, "Okay, I knew it was a mistake to look for you!"
After saying this, Keqing openly frowned at Ningguang, turned around and left the Jade Pavilion indignantly.