bookbashuk Chapter 956: Zhongli's Choice
Chapter 956: Zhongli's Choice
After hearing Xianyun's words, Ningguang felt even more guilty.
She shook her head slowly and said, "No, it's all because of my desire that led to this result."
Xianyun looked at Ningguang, who was blaming herself, and quickly comforted her, "Don't be like this, Ningguang. Don't underestimate yourself!"
Having said that, Xianyun paused for a moment and reflected on his performance over the past year.
After a while, she continued, "What I want to say is that I have always believed in you. Although you did make some mistakes, this cannot overshadow all the efforts and contributions you have made for Liyue."
"Look, only by making the pie bigger can everyone get an adequate share. Everything you do is for the prosperity and development of Liyue. This is something I know very well."
"To be fair, you did an excellent job at that time. Now that I think about it, I feel that I was a little too harsh and picky with you. This is indeed my fault."
Xianyun mentioned the Bacha Rebellion, Liyue’s eternal pain.
"Also, during the Bazhe Rebellion, although that incident resulted in the demise of 80% of Liyue's elite Thousand Rock Army, I also witnessed your determination and courage in that life-or-death moment, Ningguang, as you had before, to abandon the Jade Pavilion once again and save Liyue.
"Now that I think about it carefully, I was really obsessed at that time and was blinded by one thing. I only saw your mistakes, but ignored your actions that were wholeheartedly for Liyue." Xianyun said with emotion.
Finally, Xianyun bowed deeply to Ningguang to express her recognition of her.
"Thank you, Ningguang, for everything you have done for Liyue."
Ningguang was moved to tears when she saw Xianyun so sincerely acknowledge what she had done for Liyue...
However, although he was touched and the recognition of the immortal was certainly a good thing, it did not mean that the immortal's support could completely offset the impact brought by Shao Yun.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to reconcile with Xianyun, Ningguang tactfully told Xianyun the difficulties she was currently facing.
"Immortal, I appreciate your trust. However, Ningguang is now in a difficult situation..."
When Xianyun heard this, he couldn't help but feel confused.
She thought someone still dared to challenge Ningguang's Tianquan Star status, so she hurriedly asked:
"What? Has your enemy, 'Mr. Maocai,' who was the leader, been killed by Shao Yun? The remaining people are just a mob. Is there something else going on?"
Ningguang shook her head helplessly and began to express her inner worries one by one.
"What the Immortals don't know is that Ningguang was able to quell the turmoil of the business war entirely because of Mr. Shao Yun's reputation."
"You should be very clear about this, Immortal."
She paused for a moment and then continued, "However, this seemingly peaceful situation is actually just an appearance."
"Now, if Ningguang shows even the slightest sign of weakness, or if Mr. Shao Yun no longer publicly supports me, then..."
"A massive commercial war is bound to break out in Liyue Harbor... and it will undoubtedly shake the very foundations of Liyue."
"With Ningguang's current power, she can indeed quell this unrest at a cost, but... alas..."
At the end of her speech, Ningguang couldn't help but sigh, implying that she didn't want to use the developed Mora to quell the rebellion.
Xianyun was a little confused by what Ningguang said and didn't quite understand her true intentions.
So, Xianyun expressed his support for Ningguang without hesitation.
"If Mr. Shao Yun doesn't support you, I will stand firmly on your side!"
As soon as he said this, Xianyun suddenly realized that his words might be a bit too absolute, so he quickly added:
"Of course, even if I can't keep your position on Tianquan Star, I will definitely do my best to ensure your safety and escape unscathed!"
Ningguang shook her head. She didn’t care whether she lived or died, but she cared about Liyue Harbor and the future of Liyue.
Just like Ningguang's famous saying, my principle in doing things is that when there is a meal, we all eat together, but the leftovers are yours only after I'm full.
But the premise is that there must be something left! The problem is not the lack of money but the inequality of income. As long as everyone can make money, then all conflicts are minor problems.
"Ningguang's life or death is not important. What really matters is the future of Liyue Harbor."
Seeing Ningguang's profound understanding of justice, Xianyun decided to go all out and asked, "So, what do you need me to do?"
Ningguang took a deep breath and finally spoke her inner thoughts honestly.
"I hope the immortal can vouch for me and give me a chance to talk to Mr. Shao Yun..."
Ningguang then elaborated, "As the saying goes, the one who tied the bell must untie it. Currently, I control 70% of the commerce in Liyue Harbor. And 30% of that (20% of Liyue's commercial value) is actually acquired through the influence of Mr. Shao Yun's reputation."
"If Mr. Shao Yun is willing to support me, I will do my utmost to govern Liyue Harbor and shoulder the responsibilities of 'Tianquanxing'."
"If Mr. Shao Yun doesn't support Ningguang, then Ningguang will have to think about who will inherit the position of 'Tianquan Star'."
"Replace someone who is trustworthy by all walks of life in Liyue Harbor and lead the future of Liyue... Ningguang won't hinder Liyue either."
In short, Ningguang just said one thing: if Shao Yun chooses to resolve the rift with her, or further supports her as before.
Then I will have the confidence to continue working while controlling 70% of Liyue's business.
After all, money and power must maintain a stable balance, neither more nor less.
But if Shao Yun chooses not to support her, Ningguang can also think of a way out.
At least, it will prevent Liyue from experiencing another chaotic business war that lasted for nearly half a year.
Xianyun doesn't know much about business, but since Ningguang wants to talk to Shao Yun, she will definitely help.
"No problem! I will definitely assist you with all my strength."
……
Just after Ningguang and Xianyun reached a complete consensus, the demon-slaying sage "Xiao" appeared silently behind Xianyun as usual.
Xianyun frowned slightly, slowly turned around, and his eyes fell on Xiao.
Xiao still had that stern expression on his face, giving off a chilling aura.
"Great Sage Conquering Demons?" Xianyun looked at Xiao with a hint of doubt in his tone, "What's the matter?"
Xiao glanced at Ningguang, who was standing nearby, then returned his gaze to Xianyun. He said in a deep voice, "The Emperor said that this matter concerns Mr. Shao Yun, and asked all the immortals to go to the Wangshu Inn on Dihua Island to discuss it."
Xianyun couldn't help but feel moved when he heard this.
She remembered that a few days ago, Xiao traveled thousands of miles to Nata to look for Shao Yun.
"Emperor! Oh, I remember now. A few days ago, you went to Nata and asked Mr. Shao Yun to lift the punishment on the Emperor." Xianyun said with sudden realization.
Xiao nodded, his emotions still stable, and replied: "Yes, Mr. Shao Yun agreed to revoke the punishment on the Emperor, but the condition is..."
Having said that, Xiao suddenly paused, feeling a little embarrassed to speak.
At that time, in order to save Zhongli, I promised Shao Yun that I would wade into this mess between him and Fengshen.
After Zhongli knew the details, he did not blame Xiao, nor could he blame Xiao. After all, all he did was to save himself...
"Anyway, I still have to inform the two True Lords, Xueyue Zhuyang and Lishui Dieshan. No more words..." After saying this, Xiao's figure flashed and disappeared in front of Xianyun.
……
At night, Dihuazhou, on the roof of Wangshu Inn.
Zhongli stood with his hands behind his back, his deep gaze piercing the darkness of the night sky. While observing the stars, he was thinking about everything that had happened recently.
"Why, how did everything develop to this point?" Zhongli muttered to himself.
His gaze sometimes looked towards Mond, sometimes returned to the night sky, searching for answers.
Should we blame Shao Yun's recklessness? Should we blame Feng Shen's confusion? Or should we blame the devil's calculations?
I'm afraid I can only blame it on the fickleness of fate...
Grandma Ping stood aside, her back hunched. Her face was covered with wrinkles of time, and her eyes revealed a rare deep worry.
She looked at Zhongli quietly, without saying a word, and just accompanied him silently.
At this moment, Xianyun came riding on a breeze and landed lightly behind Zhongli.
She bowed respectfully and greeted, "Your Excellency the Emperor."
Zhongli turned his head slightly, glanced at Xianyun, nodded, and then continued to stand with his hands behind his back.
Xianyun looked at Grandma Ping, frowned in dissatisfaction, and said, "Ping'er, it's already this time, why are you still so old-fashioned?"
Grandma Ping touched her wrinkled face, smiled kindly, and said softly, "Hey, it's enough that I'm here, why are you still worrying about my appearance?"
Immediately afterwards, Xiao arrived, and behind him followed the two True Lords, Xueyue Zhuyang and Lishui Dieshan.
Xiao knelt on one knee behind Zhongli and said respectfully, "Lord Emperor, all the immortals are here..."