The Pearl and Gem Mine

A rare volume from the Jade Chamber's private library—apparently one book in a series. It records discussions of Liyue Harbor's economic policy.

…

All trades and crafts flow like springs and streams: they rise from the mountain rock and end in the vast sea. What the human heart clings to is nothing more than coin and grain; guide them with the current, and all becomes free and open. Authority is power: it checks injustice, binds contracts, and channels the ten thousand profits—not to bully the weak by force, nor to suppress the strong by weakness. Know that trade and the free passage of gold are the most public and upright of ways.

Some ask: "When people lose their work, have no fixed property for food, no tile for shelter, and fields and homes ruined, all reduced to hired labor—while great merchants' halls brim with gold and jade—what 'way' is that?"

This is badly mistaken. The current of profit is like waves washing gold sand: many are sifted out. It is also like a torrent in a valley, ceaselessly renewing. The poor do not remain forever poor, nor do the rich forever hold their wealth—then the treasury fills and the land stays balanced and secure.

Therefore lifting private bans, expanding public markets, and reforming the offices of government are inevitable tasks. Alms easily breed idleness and should not be overdone; they ought to be reduced. The Millelith army, which calms unrest, suppresses bandits without and steadies the people within, should be expanded.

…

Though the Lord of Geo is long-lived, we too must prepare so that we may be without worry. For Liyue's enduring firmness and for worldly foresight, let this grand design be carried out step by step. Reform must be sought slowly; one must not cast aside caution and demand haste. Just as one holds a candle under the rock and chisels long, until at last pearls and precious jade appear—so too must Liyue's many affairs be.