Chapter 309

Takumi's underworld operation completely confused Ningguang, Keqing, and the other insiders.

He really played the part well.

It was hard to imagine how the emperor would feel when he heard the news.

Ningguang looked at Takumi with strange eyes, as did Ganyu.

The others, after hearing Takumi's words, also agreed that the emperor's "corpse" had to be dealt with properly.

Otherwise, it would inevitably lead to trouble.

"If that's the case, let's leave this matter to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

"The emperor was the founder of our Liyue."

"His departure must be grand."

"Let the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor make this event as dignified as possible."

"Mr. Zhongli knows everything about traditions and ceremonies, so he should be able to oversee the process."

"Discuss this matter with Hu Tao."

Ningguang immediately agreed.

Though it felt a little odd, when acting, one must commit fully.

So, the emperor would have to "bury himself."

Maybe he could even take a picture in front of his own tombstone.

Besides, what was Zhongli doing when Morax "died"?

Thus, the matter was settled.

After finalizing this, Takumi continued:

"After the Rite of Parting is complete, we can discuss other matters."

"At that time, we need to carefully plan schools, new technology, food industries, as well as medical and diplomatic affairs."

"Now that the emperor has passed, many things need to be reconsidered."

"Although I am now the second Geo Archon, I am still human at my core."

"From now on, Liyue enters the era of human rule."

Takumi spoke at length in the conference room.

However, most of the plans would be discussed further after the ceremony.

Thus, another meeting would be held later.

After the meeting, everyone left one by one.

Once most had departed, Yelan approached Ningguang.

"The situation has been handled."

"I've located several bases of the Fatui in Liyue."

"The rest is up to you."

Yelan handed Ningguang a dossier, detailing the locations of the Fatui bases and listing individuals collaborating with them in Liyue Harbor.

Takumi was slightly surprised.

Had Ningguang assigned Yelan to investigate this?

As expected of the master strategist!

"Thank you, Miss Yelan."

"Next, it's time to purge the Fatui."

"Use this opportunity to drive them all out of Liyue."

Hearing this, Ningguang was visibly excited.

The Fatui had been manipulating various nations for a long time.

But this time, they had gone too far.

This gave Ningguang the perfect excuse to strike.

She would show no mercy.

Of course, this didn't mean they would completely sever ties with Snezhnaya.

Ordinary merchants from Snezhnaya could still do business in Liyue.

However, any Fatui members with significant influence would be expelled.

Even without direct action, the people of Liyue would resent anyone associated with Snezhnaya.

Merchants from Snezhnaya would struggle to do business here.

After all, who would trade with the nation responsible for assassinating their emperor?

Even the Northland Bank might shut down.

No one would trust it anymore.

Zhongli's staged death had earned Liyue a significant advantage.

Though some might feel sorry for those who didn't know the truth, Liyue had benefited immensely.

Zhongli had retired successfully.

A new Geo Archon had risen.

Now, Liyue would develop entirely under human leadership.

At the same time, they could eliminate a long-standing threat.

This was a complete victory.

After finishing these discussions, Takumi returned home.

Yae Miko, Kamisato Ayaka, and Klee were already waiting.

"Brother Takumi! Brother Takumi!"

"You became the Geo Archon?!"

Klee looked at Takumi with admiration.

Takumi sighed and nodded helplessly.

"Yes, the emperor made me the second Geo Archon."

Klee was instantly overjoyed.

"That's amazing!"

"Brother Takumi is a Geo Archon now!"

"That means I can play freely in Liyue!"

"Since Brother Takumi is in charge, no one can stop me!"

But soon, Klee frowned in confusion.

"Wait a minute!"

"I saw Brother Zhongli earlier."

"The Geo Archon isn't dead!"

Hearing this, Kamisato Ayaka immediately froze.

Good grief, so the emperor really faked his death?

She had suspected it before.

Now, it was confirmed.

The people in the room—except for Ayaka—had already known Zhongli's true identity.

Even Yaoyao and Diona had figured it out, thanks to Klee's unintentional remarks.

"Zhongli is Zhongli. Morax is Morax."

"Morax is dead, but Zhongli is still alive."

"Understand?"

"You must not talk about this in public."

Takumi felt the need to warn Klee properly.

She must not spill the secret.

Hearing Takumi's words, Klee quickly covered her mouth.

"Mmmph! Klee won't say a word!"

Seeing her reaction, Takumi couldn't bear to scold her.

Instead, he turned his gaze to Kamisato Ayaka and Yae Miko.

"You two, please keep this a secret as well."

Both of them were highly intelligent and had picked up on the situation from Takumi and Klee's conversation.

Zhongli was Morax.

But Morax was now "dead," leaving only Zhongli behind.

The emperor had staged his own death to retire.

"Don't worry!"

"I won't say anything."

"Even if I did, no one would believe me."

"After all, you are now the Geo Archon."

Yae Miko smirked.

Of course, she wouldn't reveal anything.

Though she didn't fully understand the situation, she respected the game being played.

Ayaka nodded in agreement.

She was shocked but impressed.

Goodness, Zhongli was really the emperor?

And he had gone through with an entire fake death?

This was an eye-opening experience.

Just as everyone was chatting, Hu Tao, Lumine, and others suddenly burst in.

"So, you really are here."

"Goodness!"

"I didn't expect you to actually become the Geo Archon!"

"You, with your thick eyebrows and big eyes—who would have thought you'd be so valued by the emperor?"

As soon as Hu Tao entered, she examined Takumi curiously.

She truly hadn't expected Takumi to become the second Geo Archon.

Just as Takumi was about to respond, Hu Tao's next words left him speechless.

How was he supposed to answer that?