Ningguang loved Mora, but she was not a miser. She understood that wealth only grew when properly invested. And Smith, without a doubt, was someone worth investing in.
"President, I wonder if you would be interested in taking a position in Liyue?" Zhongli suddenly asked, his tone calm yet deliberate.
"Oh?" Smith looked at him with mild surprise. "I don't think I need to work in Liyue, do I?"
He was the President of the Dimension Guild, after all. Why would he take up a position under Morax?
Zhongli merely glanced at him silently before speaking two words: "Contract."
At that moment, Smith realized what he had forgotten. He did, in fact, have a contract with Zhongli—one that required him to assist in making Liyue stronger.
But improving Liyue was beneficial to him as well. If he was going to face the Heavenly Principles in the future, not to mention the Abyss and Snezhnaya, then strengthening Liyue was a necessary step.
"Would you be willing to take on the role of Seven Star Advisor?" Zhongli asked softly, seeing Smith's moment of reflection.
"Seven Star Advisor? A consultant to Liyue's Seven Stars?" Smith frowned, clearly not entirely comfortable with the idea.
If he truly wanted to help develop Liyue, why should he work under the Seven Stars? Smith had to admit that Ningguang's legs were elegant and Keqing's hair was charming, but he was not one to simply bow down.
Even Keqing and Ningguang looked at Zhongli in surprise. Why would the Geo Archon appoint such a high-level consultant?
Zhongli shook his head slightly and turned to Ganyu before explaining, "It depends on how you perceive it.
"Ganyu holds the position of the Seven Stars' secretary, but in essence, she is my secretary. Besides assisting and guiding the Seven Stars in governance, she also has the responsibility of overseeing them.
"It's just that Ganyu herself seems to have forgotten that part of her role."
Ganyu, hearing this, touched her horns awkwardly. She had indeed once been tasked with overseeing the Seven Stars, checking their records and correcting mistakes. But over time, she had softened toward them.
"I hope you can provide guidance on Liyue's future reforms—economic, structural, and strategic," Zhongli continued. "Your position would be equal to Ganyu's."
Smith nodded slightly. "What kind of reforms do you have in mind? Economic, political, or something else?
"Liyue has many issues that need addressing. Even in my short time here, I've noticed numerous systemic flaws."
"Hey, hey, hey! What are you saying, President?" Keqing interjected angrily. "I won't allow you to speak of Liyue in such a way!"
"Human greed is limitless," Smith replied calmly. "Laws are merely the lowest boundary of morality. Liyue needs more regulations to keep that greed in check.
"Right now, Liyue thrives under Morax's direct guidance. But if he were to step away, do you really think you could sustain this peace and prosperity?"
Keqing faltered but did not argue further.
"In the world I came from, there were no gods to maintain order. Over the span of 5,000 years, humanity waged over 14,000 wars. Conflicts erupted almost constantly.
"One particular war killed over 70 million people.
"Humans fight for survival, resources, and power. This is an inherent trait of our kind.
"Without gods, war is inevitable.
"In my world, the most powerful nation was ruled not by warriors or scholars, but by businessmen. They fueled conflicts in other nations, profited from wars, and sold arms to both sides.
"Most businessmen have no sense of national loyalty; they only see profit.
"That devastating war—where over 70 million died—was driven by corporate greed. Food prices were manipulated beyond reach, and desperate people turned to ambitious leaders who thrived on chaos."
Smith's gaze lingered on Keqing and Ningguang, the two representatives of Liyue's business elite.
"If I were in charge of a nation, my first reform would be simple: those in government should be forbidden from engaging in business. Their immediate family should also be restricted."
Smith paused before adding, "But given Liyue's current state, that's unlikely.
"Still, as long as Morax remains, these hidden dangers can be contained. My first recommendation is to establish the Liyue Bank."
Ningguang, who had remained silent as Smith seemed to target her, finally reacted. She was well aware of the power businessmen wielded and the damage they could cause.
Even so, hearing Smith state it so bluntly made her heart ache.
"But Liyue already has the Northland Bank," Keqing countered. "They're ahead of us."
Smith chuckled darkly. "Let me put it this way: Snezhnaya has military strength comparable to Liyue's. Yet, the people of Liyue are entrusting their wealth to the Northland Bank.
"What happens when Snezhnaya withdraws all those funds back home? The entire financial system of Liyue collapses."
Keqing and Ningguang's expressions darkened.
"Of course, Zhongli could intervene and create more Mora, but doing so would prove that Liyue had already lost."
Zhongli gave a bitter smile. "If my intervention is required, it means we have already failed."
"Exactly. The moment Liyue allowed the Northland Bank to operate and monopolize financial power without establishing a countermeasure, it had already lost."
Smith turned to Ningguang. "Someone as intelligent as you should have realized this risk. Why didn't you push for an official bank?
"Mora is minted in Liyue. Why let Snezhnaya control it?"
Silence fell over the room.
Finally, Ningguang exhaled and said, "You're right. The Northland Bank has too much influence. I should have acted sooner."
"Then do it now," Smith urged. "Establish a Liyue-owned bank that rivals them. Ensure that Liyue's wealth remains in Liyue's hands."
Ningguang met his gaze, determination flashing in her eyes. "Very well. Let's create the Liyue Bank."
Keqing nodded in agreement. "We can't afford to let our economy be dictated by outsiders."
Zhongli smiled slightly. "It seems that appointing you as an advisor was the right decision."
Smith leaned back, satisfied. "Good. Now let's get to work.".
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