Chapter 407 New Year's Eve in Baise City
Ruan Yifeng took the two of them to the main seat and sat down.
Su Hanchu and Jun Moye walked to the lower left position.
Ruan Yifeng looked at the two rows of officials sitting on the left and right below. At first glance, he felt like he was in a superior position.
Only then did I realize firsthand that Baise City had truly become independent.
"No need to greet each other."
Everyone spoke in unison upon hearing this.
"Thank you, Lord City Lord, thank you, Young City Lord, thank you, Young Master Jun."
Ruan Yifeng sat down in the main seat.
He reached out and stroked the armrest on one side of the chair.
"Everyone, today is New Year's Eve, and tomorrow is New Year. They say a new year brings a new beginning. This year, because our city lord's eldest daughter has returned home, our Baise City has also taken on a new look. I believe you have all seen the efforts and abilities of the young city lord this year. With such a daughter, this city lord is very pleased.
"I'm ashamed to say that the order and changes in Baise City are all the work of the Young City Lord and Young Master Jun. I, the City Lord, have only been worthy of the title of City Lord. Today, at this New Year's Eve dinner, I hereby announce that, effective immediately, Su Hanchu will officially take over the position of City Lord and make decisions on all matters concerning Baise City. I will retire and live in the Ruan Mansion."
After hearing this, Su Hanchu looked at Jun Moye in surprise. Although Baise City was already under his control, he did not expect Ruan Yifeng to abdicate so quickly. Then he stood up.
"Father, I am still young and inexperienced. I need you to continue to stay in Baise City. Please rescind your order."
Ruan Yifeng raised his hand and waved.
"Chuchu, I've seen the abilities of you and Mr. Jun. I'm also aware of everything you've done for Baise City over the past year. I'm very relieved to hand Baise City over to you. You've done much better than I have. I hope you two will work together to make Baise City more prosperous. The position of City Lord should be held by a wise person. Moreover, Chuchu, you're my daughter. I'm relieved and pleased that you'll inherit Baise City."
Having said that, Ruan Yifeng walked down from the main seat belonging to the city lord.
"Go up, child, your father believes in you."
Su Hanchu was still a little confused. Was it so fast?
Ruan Yanluo had already stood up and leaned over with a smile on her face.
"Congratulations, Young City Lord. Congratulations, Young City Lord. Please accept the position of City Lord."
Even Ruan Yifeng raised his hand and pretended to bow.
Ping'er, Jiang Like, He Jiuzhou and others also showed happy smiles on their faces when they saw this, and hurriedly led everyone to bow.
"Congratulations, Young City Lord. Please accept the position of City Lord and lead Baise City to prosperity."
This lineup gives me a feeling of ascending the throne. Su Hanchu couldn't help but look at Jun Moye.
Jun Moye looked at her with a smile on his face and reached out to hold her arm.
"Congratulations, Lord City Lord."
When Su Hanchu saw that everyone was still bowing, he finally let Jun Moye support him as he walked towards the seat of the city lord.
Seeing this, everyone spoke again in unison.
"I have met the Lord City Lord."
After a brief moment of surprise and astonishment, Su Hanchu calmly pulled Jun Mo to sit down.
Fortunately, the chair is spacious enough for two people to sit together.
Su Hanchu looked at the crowd and spoke in a somewhat majestic voice.
"Thank you all for your appreciation. I will take over the position of city lord today. Baise City belongs to everyone. I will need your support and help to build Baise City together."
The officials below echoed what he said.
"We are willing to serve the City Lord and Young Master wholeheartedly."
When Su Hanchu saw this, he looked at Jun Moye and exchanged glances. Then he looked at everyone and continued speaking.
"Today is New Year's Eve, and the day I take over the position of City Lord. I will announce now that, to welcome the New Year, three days after the Lunar New Year, I will arrange for the construction of academies, starting in Baise City and then spreading to every county and town, so that all children in Baise City can study. In addition, a women's academy will be established. From now on, men and women in Baise City will be equal, and women will be able to attend school and learn to read and write."
This was another new big change. Everyone seemed to have seen the future development speed of Baise City and hurriedly bowed.
"The city lord is wise."
Someone immediately raised questions.
"Lord City Lord, it is indeed a great thing to ensure that all the children in Baise City can go to school. However, I feel that Baise City is developing too fast. In such a short period of time, it will be difficult to find a suitable teacher, especially for a women's college. After all, there are very few women who want to study at this time. Even if there are, they are the daughters of wealthy families. How can they possibly show their faces in public?"
Su Hanchu looked at Zuo Fusi who asked the question and spoke with an affirmative tone.
"That's a very good question, Zuo Fusi. However, finding the teacher isn't a big problem. The people of Baise City are complex and mixed. Many of them are children of wealthy families who have drifted here, just like everyone here who was promoted through the imperial examination.
For those who failed the imperial examination last time, if they only want to teach their children basic skills, I think it shouldn't be a difficult task. As for the women's college, I have specially trained female teachers who can teach literacy, music, chess, calligraphy, painting, medicine, embroidery, etc. The main thing we need to solve is the construction of the college, but we can wait until after the New Year to discuss these matters. Now, everyone, please take your seats and enjoy the feast."
Then he turned his gaze to Ping'er.
"Let someone serve the food."
Soon, maids came with trays in their hands, moving lightly between the banquet tables, serving exquisite dishes and fragrant wine to everyone.
As night fell and the lights came on, the entire City Lord's Mansion was illuminated by brilliant lights, resembling a dreamlike castle. The palace was festooned with lights and colorful decorations, red silks fluttering in the wind, and a rich festive atmosphere permeated the air.
In the center of the hall stood a large round table, laden with a variety of delicacies, fine wines, and delicious dishes. Su Hanchu and Jun Moye sat at the head table, chatting quietly with smiles on their faces.
The ministers took their seats in order of rank, their clothes bright and their expressions solemn. Each face was filled with joy, but they did not dare to be negligent in the slightest.
As melodious music sounded, the banquet officially began. Palace maids, holding trays in their hands, moved lightly between the banquet tables, serving everyone exquisite dishes and fragrant wine.
Jun Moye raised his glass and toasted to his ministers.
"Everyone, the City Lord doesn't drink much. This cup of wine is offered to you on his behalf. May our Baise City prosper under our joint efforts and governance, and may the people live and work in peace and contentment."
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