In the days that followed, the owners of teahouses, opera stages, restaurants, antique shops, and other entertainment facilities in Liyue Harbor were surprised to find that a man of similar age and appearance had joined their regular customer Zhongli. The man introduced himself as Zhong Yuan, Zhongli's brother.
The man was, of course, Azhdaha in disguise. Initially, Azhdaha had planned to name himself Zhong Gui, drawing inspiration from Zhongli's name, but seeing Zhongli's suddenly darkened expression, Azhdaha decided against it. Zhong Yuan it was.
It seemed the name Guizhong was not just two simple words to Zhongli.
When Zhongli brought Zhong Yuan to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, hoping Hu Tao would arrange a job for his brother, Hu Tao was inwardly resistant. She saw Zhongli's shadow in Zhong Yuan. Was this guy going to be a second Zhongli? One was already almost unbearable; two would be too much.
However, the bills Zhongli had sent back these past few days clearly showed double the previous amount. Two people for meals, two for storytelling, two for tea. Damn, even the tips were for two.
Good heavens, had this person been letting Zhongli treat him all along? He hadn't even started working yet and had already cost me a lot of Mora. If I don't let him join, won't he just keep eating and drinking for free without working?
No, I still have to let him join. At least he can do some work to make up for it. And so, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor gained another consultant, simultaneously announcing that Hu Tao's future suffering had doubled.
During this time, Liyue's Ministry of Civil Affairs issued an announcement that instantly made the merchants of Liyue Harbor's eyes red.
The reason was simple: the announcement stated that Tianquan Ningguang had officially decided to rebuild the Jade Chamber!
Not to mention the immense scale of the Jade Chamber Project, the owner of the Jade Chamber was Tianquan Ningguang, currently the most powerful and influential person in Liyue. This was an excellent opportunity to forge a connection with Ningguang.
Crowds of merchants flocked to Yujing Terrace, hoping to secure this Project. Making money was secondary; the Jade Chamber held extraordinary significance for Ningguang. If they could establish a relationship with a prominent figure like Ningguang, even losing money on the Project would be worth it.
The merchants present were all shrewd individuals and quickly realized this point. Their gazes towards their peers immediately changed. This Project must be secured; fellow merchants, get out of my way.
At this moment, a blonde Damselette and a small, white floating spirit also saw the Ministry of Civil Affairs' announcement. Their natural curiosity led them both to Yujing Terrace.
Yujing Terrace was already packed with people, swarming with merchants hoping to get a piece of the pie. Ningguang slowly walked to the front of the platform and said, "I believe everyone has received the news. Indeed, I plan to rebuild the Jade Chamber recently."
Upon hearing Ningguang's personal confirmation, the crowd below began to discuss animatedly.
"The Jade Chamber is a landmark of our Liyue. It really should be rebuilt. Now, without a flying palace in the sky, it always feels like something is missing."
"Indeed, only the Jade Chamber can match the status of Lady Ningguang."
"Rebuilding the Jade Chamber, such a massive Project. If we can just get a share, we'll make a fortune."
"Too small, the scope is too small. Making money is a minor matter. If we can use this to curry favor with Lady Ningguang, making money will be effortless."
"Lady Ningguang, is there anything we can help with? Whether it's building materials, supplies, or workers, I have them all."
Unfortunately, Ningguang's subsequent words were like a bucket of cold water, directly extinguishing the enthusiasm of everyone present.
"There's no need to rush. When the news spread some time ago, many people contacted me through various channels, wanting to join this Project. Now, the Project has completed site selection, all kinds of building materials are ready, and all kinds of craftsmen are in place."
Ah? This... what's the point of playing anymore? Those people were so efficient? They're eating the meat themselves, not even leaving us a sip of soup?
The people below were both angry and disappointed, but due to Lady Ningguang's authority, they could only vent their anger on those powerful merchants who used their influence for personal gain. Hearing that they were too late for this Project, some people in the crowd were already preparing to leave.
At this moment, Ningguang changed the subject and said, "However, there are still three crucial items that are unaccounted for. These three items are the mingxia floating stone, the perilous conch, and the Adeptus Sigils."
The merchants below looked at each other, wide-eyed, all claiming they had never heard of these items. However, a few merchants suddenly thought of something, their hearts filled with wild joy, but they tightly controlled their expressions, not letting themselves laugh out loud.
"Only a Plaustrite of sufficient size can be called a mingxia floating stone; this is the foundation to ensure the Jade Chamber can ascend into the sky. The perilous conch is the core of the mechanical structure within the Jade Chamber. As for the Adeptus Sigils, its function is to effectively combine mechanical devices with Adeptus arts, and it is equally indispensable."
"Although these are three rare items, with the connections of everyone present, finding them all is only a matter of time. Speed is of the essence; everything depends on efficiency. I will purchase the materials you find at a good price. Furthermore, the first three people who gather all the materials will receive an opportunity to ask me a question. Whatever the question, I will answer."
!!!
Holy cow, asking Lady Ningguang any question? If someone asks about next year's Liyue Harbor plan, wouldn't that mean they gain the upper hand first? This is a sky-high business opportunity!
As soon as Ningguang's words fell, those few merchants who had an idea quickly left the scene, running and laughing wildly as if they were having a fit. Seeing this, the merchants below also left the scene, either to gather information or to acquire items.
The once bustling scene suddenly became deserted, which shows how enticing the conditions Ningguang had just offered were.
At this moment, Ningguang also saw the Traveler and Paimon below the platform and smiled, waving at them, "I'm sure you heard what I just said, right? What do you think? Do you have any thoughts about participating?"
"Can we really ask anything?"
"Heh heh, as long as it's a question I know the answer to, I will answer truthfully."
"Really? Then I want to ask Miss Ningguang how she conducts business! That way, we'll never run out of Mora during our travels."
"Heh heh, of course, you can, but you have to seize the opportunity, don't let others get ahead of you." After Ningguang told them the reconstruction site and the relevant person in charge, she left.
Just as they were about to find someone to inquire about the whereabouts of those three items, they suddenly noticed two suspicious-looking men at the entrance of Yujing Terrace, blocking a tall, white-haired woman. After a few words, the white-haired woman walked straight out, and the two men quickly followed her.
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