In Teyvat, it all begins with rescuing the grass god.

This shortcoming severely hindered the spread and mass production of mechanical engineering techniques.

“Mr. Zhongli, we can exchange scholars.”

Luo De noticed Zhong Li's distress and offered a suggestion with a smile.

"Oh?"

"Exchange scholars?"

Zhongli let out a soft "hmm," then a barely perceptible smile appeared on her lips: "That's a good idea."

"Ah."

Rhodes continued, "Over there in Sumeru, especially in the newly built branch of the Order of the Gods in the desert, they have dismantled many of the mechanical arts from the Red King Temple and acquired many new technologies. If Liyue is willing to send people to learn them, I can make that decision. In return, Liyue's mechanical arts should also be opened to Sumeru scholars to learn."

Regarding this condition.

Zhongli did not hesitate for long.

He also did not question Rod's statement that "he can make the decision."

As soon as Rod finished speaking, he nodded and said, "It's a very good cooperation plan. I will make the arrangements."

"Hehe, you've got another contract now."

Having reached a talent exchange agreement, Rhodes raised his teacup to Zhongli and casually made a bold joke.

Zhongli returned the toast with a smile and said, "The more contracts like these, the better."

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 218 Unexpected Companions

Chatting with Zhongli is always a pleasure.

Although he is one of the most powerful gods in Teyvat, his manner of speaking to people is not like that of a god at all, but more like that of a caring elder.

This is completely different from Wendy's cynicism and Narcida's seriousness.

Rhodes really enjoys chatting with Zhongli.

Even though they spent most of their time together talking about official business.

This did not hinder Rhodes' enjoyment of the conversational atmosphere in the slightest.

"Three bowls and you're done" is the standard Liyue Tea House model.

As long as you pay, you can sit here all day without any problem.

And compared to the terrible food, their tea was surprisingly good.

The price is not high, but the taste is very fragrant.

Luo De and Zhong Li sat there for the entire morning, drinking tea and chatting while listening to the storyteller's tales.

After both pots of tea were finished.

Zhongli had unknowingly made numerous contracts.

In addition to the initial agreement for the exchange of scholars between the two countries for technical exchanges, it also includes agreements to introduce new versions of technological products and goods from Xumi, and to expand the scope of trade goods with Xumi, etc.

Rod's words, "I can make the decision," resonated with the audience.

This played a very important role in facilitating the conclusion of these contracts.

On many decisions that required a meeting of the Liyue Seven Stars to make, Zhongli directly consulted with Rhodes himself.

This was also a key topic that Rod and Zhongli discussed at length.

Return rights to ordinary people.

This is not something that can be done simply by talking about it.

Zhongli gave Rhodes a brief explanation of Liyue's current structure.

This is different from the situation when the Grass God was absent from Sumeru and the Great Sage held absolute power.

Liyue's power is decentralized.

Below Zhongli.

The seven stars of Liyue each have their own responsibilities, and the eight gates under them coordinate various industries. They need to cooperate with each other, but they also have checks and balances on each other, so there will not be a situation like Sumeru where one person has the final say.

"Is Mr. Zhongli still worried that mortals won't be able to accept your departure?"

Rhodes wasn't afraid of others hearing his outspokenness.

Zhongli himself is talking about these things.

It's obvious they're not afraid that their conversation will be leaked.

Then Rhodes had nothing to worry about and could say whatever he wanted.

In response to his question, Zhongli nodded and said, "That is indeed the intention."

talking.

He glanced at the storyteller on the stage, who was speaking with great enthusiasm.

The storyteller named Tian Tiezui was telling the famous Liyue tale, "The Emperor's Journey".

This is a staple of the Liyue storytellers' repertoire.

It is also a required course that storytellers must learn from the beginning of their apprenticeship.

Rhodes didn't know much about Liyue, but he did know something about the fact that storytellers had to learn Emperor's storytelling.

According to what the tea drinkers around said.

A storyteller who can't even tell the story of the Emperor properly is not worthy of being a storyteller.

That's a bit extreme.

But this also reflects the extent of the Liyue people's reverence for the Geo Archon.

"There's nothing we can do even if we're unwilling."

Rhodes shrugged and said, "The Emperor has only abdicated, not left. It's actually not that he can't accept it."

"That's definitely the truth."

"However, returning to human rule will inevitably cause some degree of chaos, and even among the Seven Stars, more disagreements will arise."

Zhongli agreed with one of the things Rod said.

That means the seven stars of Liyue need a sword hanging over their heads.

This knife can be used by anyone.

The only thing I can't live without is this knife of mine.

Otherwise, Sumeru during the period of the Order of the Nation would have suffered the same fate as Liyue.

"Has Mr. Zhongli communicated with the immortals?"

Rhodes continued the previous topic, saying, "Shouldn't the Great Sage Who Subdues Demons also need the support of the immortals to succeed you?"

“I haven’t told them about this yet.”

Zhongli looked thoughtful: "The others are fine, as long as they've confirmed I'm still in Liyue. It's just that Xiao is a bit tricky."

"Afraid he won't agree?"

It was easy to guess what Zhongli was worried about. Luo De chuckled and said, "That's simple. Isn't the Great Sage Who Subdues Demons supposed to never disobey your orders? Just notify him directly and don't consult him."

In short, we need to be firm in our stance and not give Xiao any room to argue.

"This"

Zhongli frowned slightly.

He didn't really want to use such a forceful method.

if you can.

He would prefer that Xiao accept his position willingly, rather than being forced to accept it due to the orders of the Rock King.

"Well."

"Why don't you go and complain to them?"

"If you don't understand how to do it, go ask Wendy. He's an expert in this area."

Speaking of which.

Rhodes recalled how Wendy used to fawn over the bartender in Mondstadt just to get a drink, and couldn't help but chuckle.

There's no limit to how shameless people will play the victim and feign helplessness.

Let alone gods, it would be difficult to find anyone among ordinary people who can compare to him.

"."

Zhongli fell silent.

Judging from the expression on his face.

Rhodes's move was probably considered a bad idea by him.

However, Rhodes seemed not to see his expression and continued to say to himself, "When it comes to loyalty to you, the Rock King Emperor, the Great Sage of Demon Subduing is second to none. If you want him to willingly accept the position of Rock God, you have to make him understand why you had to abdicate. Once you explain this predicament, no matter how unwilling he is, he will have to accept the position willingly."

"."

Zhongli still did not answer.

Although it sounds absurd.

But the method of playing the victim.

seem

It actually works.

It's absolutely impossible for him to act like Wendy, pretending to be young and playing the victim.

"Ugh--"