Chapter 30: Ningguang in Action
Ningguang's words left Keqing momentarily stunned, but she quickly regained her composure.
Indeed, their previous plans had all been based on a stable foundation.
But now, with someone from Mondstadt joining the chat group, things were no longer the same.
Although they still didn't know Wendy's true identity, his familiarity with Rex Lapis made it clear he wasn't just some ordinary person.
It was strange—Mondstadt had never been known to have someone akin to an adeptus.
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Now that Wendy was involved, what would happen next?
If members of the Knights of Favonius also joined, the existence of the chat group would no longer be a secret.
Eventually, even the most basic internal cultivation techniques would fall into the hands of the Knights.
At that point, Liyue would lose any advantage it currently had.
To Keqing, Liyue was destined to lead Teyvat into the future, but now… it felt like something was slipping away.
Taking a deep breath, Keqing looked seriously at Ningguang. "So what should we do now?
After all, we can't control who joins the chat group."
Although Keqing was almost certain that Aiden was connected to the chat group—after all, he went to Mondstadt, and suddenly someone from Mondstadt joined—it wasn't something she could openly bring up.
Even if she suspected Aiden was behind it, she couldn't outright ask him to stop Mondstadt's people from joining.
"We need to accelerate our plans," Ningguang said, her expression serious. "Especially regarding the promotion of internal cultivation. The Qianyan Army must begin training in it as soon as possible.
Since Uncle Tian supports us, we already hold three votes among the Liyue Qixing.
I also have a good relationship with the Yuheng star.
If we offer her some business incentives, I believe she'll be willing to back us."
Ningguang locked eyes with Keqing. "At the same time, I plan to speed up the removal of Tianxuan and Tianji.
Keeping them in power will only bring disaster to Liyue in the long run.
When the time comes, I intend to push Yelan into one of those positions."
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"Yelan?" Keqing frowned. "I have no objections to Yelan becoming a member of the Qixing. She's more than capable.
She's done a lot for Liyue behind the scenes over the years, and her contributions more than qualify her.
If she's willing, she could even become a Qixing before I do.
But removing Tianxuan and Tianji won't be easy. If it were, we wouldn't have had such a headache dealing with them for so long."
"That's why I plan to involve Yelan in the operation." Ningguang's tone was firm.
"Plus, don't forget about internal cultivation. If they try to obstruct its implementation, we can record their actions.
The more mistakes they make, the more leverage we'll have to take them down."
Keqing furrowed her brows. "So it's still going to take time."
Whenever the Qixing held meetings, Tianxuan and Tianji always found ways to oppose them or propose policies that benefited the wealthy while doing little for the common people.
In the past, Keqing and Ningguang might not have thought much of it.
But after learning about Aiden's past world, they had even taken time to read the works of thinkers like Marx and Mao.
When it came to political strategy, they were far beyond the naive rulers of Teyvat.
"This is what we must do," Ningguang said.
"And if they actively prevent us from promoting internal cultivation, we can use Mondstadt's progress as evidence against them."
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Keqing fell silent. If possible, she would have preferred to gather evidence of outright treason—proof that Tianxuan and Tianji had betrayed Liyue—so she could remove them with full justification.
But for now, this was the best course of action.
At that moment, she also reflected on her previous stance on human rule.
She once argued fiercely with Rex Lapis, believing that humans should govern Liyue without the interference of gods.
But could all of the Qixing truly be trusted?
Tianxuan and Tianji had clearly used their positions to enrich their families.
And this was happening even while Rex Lapis was still around—how much worse would it get if he truly never returned?
I was too naive.
And then there was Ganyu…
Why doesn't she interfere more in these matters?
Keqing's thoughts had shifted in ways that no one could have predicted.
She still believed in human governance, but now she also saw the value of adepti oversight.
Perhaps that was the balance Liyue truly needed.
"Keqing, you need to step up," Ningguang suddenly said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Huh?" Keqing blinked, confused by Ningguang's sudden statement.
Weren't they both working toward the same goal?
Why did it sound like Ningguang was giving her personal advice instead?
"Aiden is important to Liyue. You understand that, don't you?" Ningguang said.
"I do, but what does that have to do with anything?" Keqing replied, slightly puzzled.
She was certain Aiden was deeply connected to the chat group.
And judging by his abilities, he was likely at least on the level of an adeptus.
That kind of person was naturally crucial to Liyue.
"He likes you. Have you not noticed?" Ningguang's sharp eyes locked onto Keqing's.
"H-he likes me?" Keqing's voice wavered, and she suddenly became flustered.
"Yes. At the very least, he's more interested in you than in me." Ningguang nodded confidently.
"And you don't seem to dislike him either. In fact, you enjoy spending time with him, don't you?"
Keqing averted her gaze, her heartbeat quickening.
Lately, whenever she returned to Liyue, she had found herself frequently having dinner with Aiden.
Those moments made her feel at ease, even when she was stressed from work.
Even after a tough day, as long as she spent time with Aiden, everything felt lighter.
Did she… like him?
She wasn't sure.
All she knew was that she liked being around him.
"Of course, I'm not telling you to pursue him for political reasons," Ningguang continued, a knowing smile on her lips.
"But you should think carefully. A man like Aiden is bound to attract attention, and many women will try to win his favor in the future.
I just hope you don't let the opportunity slip away."
Ningguang lightly tapped Keqing on the forehead, as if giving her one final push.
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