Power itself is neither good nor evil—it is merely a tool to be wielded.
As long as it can be utilized, it is good power.
Aether probably wouldn't mind either.
After all… we're family now!
And… your sister is with me.
And she listens to me.
Aether, you wouldn't want your little sister causing trouble for you later, would you?
The mere thought amused Jiang Chen to no end.
Aether, my man… you're in for a world of suffering.
After tidying his room, Jiang Chen headed out to gather some seafood.
Living by the sea meant an endless supply of fresh catches.
Today called for a feast.
Since Guizhong and the others hadn't arrived yet, lunch would just be Jiang Chen and Havria.
However, just as they were about to eat, Keqing returned.
"I knew you'd get here early."
Of course Jiang Chen would skip the long ride.
"What can I say? I didn't feel like sitting in a car all day."
The journey from Liyue Harbor was far, and the roads were only partially paved.
No way was Jiang Chen subjecting himself to that.
Keqing understood completely.
"Wash up and join us."
"You've been working hard."
Jiang Chen waved her over casually.
No need for formalities among friends.
Keqing didn't hesitate either—after washing her hands, she took a seat.
The three ate and chatted.
"How's the progress in Guili Plains?"
"Everything going smoothly?"
Keqing nodded enthusiastically.
"Perfectly on track."
"Some buildings are already up."
"Factories are the priority—most construction is focused on workshops and dormitories."
"Mingyun Village's renovations are mostly complete, too."
"In fact, with all the development, people are already asking to buy property here."
"I've refused all offers."
Jiang Chen approved.
"Good. No sales—lease only."
"If anyone asks again, focus on renting out commercial spaces."
"Our workforce is arriving soon—the population will only grow."
"Businesses will flourish here."
"Have people already started setting up shops?"
With so many workers in Guili Plains, consumer demand was inevitable.
"Yes!"
"Plenty, actually."
"It's practically a small market district already."
Keqing confirmed—businesses were flocking in.
She detailed the current developments, and Jiang Chen listened with satisfaction.
This was progressing beautifully.
"What about Sal Terrae?"
"Has construction started there?"
Havria interjected eagerly.
That had been her domain once.
Jiang Chen's plans included a new town there—
A residential hub for workers at Teyvat's largest salt refinery.
"Work has begun."
"The salt factory is a top-priority project."
"The sooner it's done, the sooner we profit."
"Once Mingyun Village is fully restored, workers will shift focus to Sal Terrae."
Building from scratch was slower, especially with materials being transported via detours.
But the docks were underway—once operational, shipping would streamline everything.
"I see…"
"Then I'll help too."
"The sooner the saltworks are up, the better."
Most of Liyue's salt-making experts were her devotees, after all.
This was practically her project.
Keqing blinked in surprise.
"You'd personally assist?"
She hadn't expected that.
"Why not?"
"The workers will be my followers, won't they?"
Keqing quickly understood.
Fair point.
With Havria's help, progress would skyrocket.
"Then… thank you."
"I'll inform Ningguang."
"She'll allocate funds for your efforts."
"We can't have you working for free."
Keqing was dead serious about this.
Havria's eyes widened.
"I get paid too?"
This job just kept getting better.
"Of course you do."
Using Havria's divine power to build a town?
Ningguang better pay up.
Jiang Chen, listening in, couldn't resist adding:
"If speed's the issue, we could always ask the Emperor to help."
"What do you think, Keqing?"
The suggestion made Keqing's eyes light up.
"I've always thought that!"
"Ever since I first came here!"
"The house he built for you went up so fast."
"And it's incredibly sturdy."
"While staying here, I inspected every detail."
"The foundation even has Geo energy purifying wastewater!"
"It's perfect engineering!"
"If the Emperor built all of Guili Plains, we'd have a city in no time!"
"He's literally the god of construction!"
Keqing's admiration was uncontainable.
Jiang Chen nearly lost it.
Oh, this was gold.
If Zhongli heard this, he'd riot.
Perfect.
Now even Liyue's head of civil engineering had certified it.
The Emperor's power truly was unmatched.
"Ahem. I'll… bring it up with him."
Suppressing his laughter, Jiang Chen played along.
Havria, meanwhile, looked deeply concerned.
Was this really okay?
Wouldn't Morax just drop a meteor on Jiang Chen for even suggesting it?
But seeing the mirth in Jiang Chen's eyes, she relented.
Ah. He's just teasing Keqing.
She decided to let Keqing enjoy the fantasy.
"Yes! Please do!"
"Even in retirement, he can still contribute to Liyue!"
"The Emperor could reincarnate as Liyue's supreme architect!"
Keqing was thrilled.
She genuinely believed this was a brilliant idea.
If it actually happened?
Liyue would rejoice.
After all—this would be a city built by the Emperor himself!