"And also, hic, you have to tell those people that freedom is not an excuse to break the law!"
"There's no such thing as true freedom in this world. You have to accept the cruel world. If you want something, you have to work for it. Look at Mondstadt now! It's called 'free,' but what kind of people are actually here?"
"Corruption, laziness, and holding a position without doing any work. The Cavalry Captain only thinks about slacking off every day. Is it so amazing that he's accomplished a few things? Look at our Liyue's great treasure, Keqing. How hard does she work every day? Patrolling everywhere during the day and even coming back to cultivate at night!"
Seeing Su Han, who was gradually getting drunk, the Yuheng's face flushed red. Am I really as good as he says? It seems so. Keqing smiled sweetly, while Su Han, not noticing, continued his rant.
"Just take this Mondstadt. Brother, I really can't stand to look at it. Although it's free, what kind of system dumps everything on one woman? Why did Diluc quit the Knights? Was it just because of a disagreement? I don't think so."
Watching Su Han ramble on, Ganyu leaned over to Ningguang and asked, "Is he going to be okay? Like this…"
"Don't worry. We're allies, after all. Mondstadt really does need to be straightened out. Although we've poached their people, we're not in a hostile relationship. If our allies are strong, our cooperation will be even more beneficial. Don't you think that place, Dragonspine, is an eyesore?"
That place, located between Mondstadt and Liyue, she had long wanted to get her hands on. She had only held back because she lacked the manpower and because the unknowns within were too great. Such a resource-rich place, and it didn't belong to any nation. Ningguang was very tempted.
Outside the door, Jean had originally intended to knock and enter, but when she heard Su Han's judgment of Mondstadt, her arm froze in mid-air.
She had never thought that he would understand Mondstadt so well.
The flaws of the aristocracy. The abuse of the right to free speech. Although the Knights of Favonius represented military power in Mondstadt City, they did not have absolute administrative authority. They were more like security guards.
Thinking back on the residents of Mondstadt, it seemed that those who truly felt a sense of belonging were few and far between.
At that moment, Su Han's voice came from the room again.
"Is Mondstadt really that barren? I don't think so. Stormbearer Mountains, Starfell Valley, and the Stormbearer Point… these three areas are completely undeveloped. Even Falcon Coast could be built into a harbor. Such a large country, yet it only has one port. It's a joke."
"Maybe Venti would say it's because there's no Mora. But then, if a country can't even take out money to build a harbor, isn't that a failure of the state? Look at our Liyue. We said we'd build a city in the Guili Plains, and we built it. Now, the housing prices there are absurdly high, but those big merchants will still buy them. Why? That's the convenience of transportation."
"If I were in Mondstadt's management, I would develop Falcon Coast even if I had to take out a loan. The nearby sea is vast; not only could they develop a fishing industry, but it could even be turned into a major transportation hub. And if the Dadaupa Gorge was transformed into a grain-growing region, just think about what that would be like."
Jean began to think along Su Han's lines. If they developed Falcon Coast, it would not only expand Mondstadt's economy but even reduce the voyage time for ships. The distance from the current port to Mondstadt City was very far. Even if they built a railway, it wouldn't be as direct as Falcon Coast. And the Dadaupa Gorge was a natural farm and pasture. If Falcon Coast was established, it could stimulate the entire region.
This was the first time someone had talked about transforming the country. This made Jean, who was busy with trivial matters every day, feel a flash of inspiration. She could even picture the scene of a port city being built. If they built a coastal railway, they could even open a direct route from Mondstadt to Liyue, a distance even shorter than going through the Stone Gate canyon. This was too powerful.
Jean's heart was filled with shock.
Gradually, Ningguang's voice came from inside.
"He's already had three cups; he can't drink anymore."
"Ehe, alright, then we won't drink. Thank you so much for his explanation today. It's really opened my mind. Sigh, it's just a pity Su Han doesn't belong to Mondstadt."
Venti was full of regret, but the speaker was careless, while the listener was attentive.
At this moment, Jean couldn't help but think of the way Ningguang and Su Han were looking at each other. If I could get this man to stay in Mondstadt, then my country would definitely become prosperous and strong. But Ningguang is so good to him. I'm afraid an ordinary method won't be enough to win him over.
At that moment, the sound of thunder came from the sky outside, and soon, a heavy rain began to fall. The dense raindrops continuously pelted the windows.
Surprised voices came from within the room.
"Oh no, this is trouble. It's actually raining."
"It's fine. If we can't, we'll just have to spend the night here. What do you think, Ningguang?"
"Mm. The rain is pouring. It's not good to travel at night anyway, and Su Han is drunk again. Let's just stay here for one night."
"Big Brother Su Han is amazing at everything, except drinking. Hehe."
"You still dare to talk, Klee? Children aren't allowed to drink. If I hadn't stopped you just now, you would have definitely stolen a sip, wouldn't you?"
"Sister Shenhe, I just wanted to taste it. I won't do it next time."
"Mm. Be good."
Su Han is drunk? He's drunk after just three cups? Jean couldn't help but find it amusing. The man who could defeat Stormterror was actually knocked out by three cups of wine.
Wait. The Anemo Archon said that there would be an opportunity at the hotel and that I had to grasp it. Could it be that he wants me to…
Jean seemed to have thought of something, and her heart began to race. The words of the Anemo Archon echoed in her mind. 'Right now, there is an opportunity. It's up to you whether you can seize it.' This must be the opportunity.
As if in response to Jean's thoughts, the rain outside began to fall even harder, making it impossible for her to leave.
Jean came to a deep part of the hallway and, looking at the pouring rain outside the window, her heart was in turmoil.
Do I really have to do that? But, what if…
But recalling the current tragic state of Mondstadt and the arrogance of the Fatui, Jean slowly made up her mind.
Because of the storm, Ningguang and the others had no choice but to spend the night at the Goth Grand Hotel.
Coincidentally, perhaps because they had drunk too much, or perhaps the after-effects were too strong, even Ganyu, who had the blood of an adeptibeast, felt drowsy.
Fortunately, the manager of the hotel knew that these people were high-ranking officials from Liyue, and the rooms had already been properly arranged. Everyone returned to their own rooms. Originally, Shenhe had wanted to stay in the same room as Su Han, but a certain golden-haired woman appeared, which led to Shenhe and her senior sister Ganyu sleeping in the same room, while Klee was taken by Ningguang to rest.
Outside, the rain poured, and inside the room, there was only Su Han and the golden-haired woman.
Looking at the sleeping man, she bit her lower lip. Although this was only their second meeting, for the sake of her homeland, she had to make a choice.
Perhaps her sacrifice would not change anything. But how would she know if she didn't try?
This man, although he was ruthless to his enemies, was very good to the people around him.
"Sigh, perhaps this is my fate." The golden-haired, elegant woman reached up and untied her hairband, her long hair slowly cascading down her back.
Her pale blue eyes were filled with a hazy light.
Then, the lights in the room went out.
On the roof of the Goth Grand Hotel, Venti looked at the sky and chuckled. "It seems you didn't disappoint me. Although it's a bit despicable, there isn't a single man in Mondstadt City who is a match for you, is there? I hope Su Han doesn't disappoint me. Otherwise, I really don't know how to comfort this hardworking Acting Grand Master."
The storm only covered the area around Mondstadt City; the Dawn Winery was not affected. And the rain lasted for the entire night.
The next day, in the early morning, when the sunlight shone into the room, Su Han slowly opened his eyes, his body feeling inexplicably tired.
"I knew I shouldn't have drunk with Venti. My head is killing me," he muttered.
He was about to get up, but he found that someone was lying on top of him. Is it Shenhe?
Su Han raised his hand and realized that something was wrong. A lock of golden hair and a strange fragrance entered his nose.
His face was filled with astonishment, and his drowsiness was instantly chased away.
"Jean?! Why is it you?!"
When Su Han turned the person lying on him over, he found that it was actually the Acting Grand Master of Mondstadt, Jean.
And not only that, but both of their clothes were on the floor.
Even worse, it seemed his first time had been stolen.
What is going on? Su Han was in a complete state of shock.
After he sat up, the figure in his arms also slowly opened her eyes.
She looked at him, a trace of shyness in her eyes. There was no screaming, no anger, only unease and fear.
Su Han asked in a low voice, "Acting Grand-Master Jean, you… how did you… get in here?" He didn't dare to say "bed," afraid of provoking her.
But Jean said in a low voice, "I want you to stay in Mondstadt and help me revitalize the nation, just like you did for Liyue. Can you?"
As soon as these words came out, Su Han roughly guessed what had happened.
The proud Dandelion Knight, the current supreme commander of Mondstadt, had actually chosen to sacrifice herself, all just to make him stay.
Yesterday, he had thought it was strange that Venti was so kind as to treat him to a drink. It was all a premeditated plot.
"I will not be staying in Mondstadt. But I am not an irresponsible person."
"Then you…"
Seeing the mist that had appeared in Jean's eyes, Su Han said gently, "Don't worry, you'll know soon enough how I'm going to help you. But I hope you can keep this a secret."
The woman had already given herself to him. What else could Su Han say?
I'll just pull Jean into the group.
Although they had only met twice, her body was now his. How could Su Han be such a heartless man?
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