Then, Lu Yan turned to face the crowd and said loudly:
"Gentlemen, there is one more thing to announce."
He paused, and waited until everyone quieted down before continuing:
"The World Games will be held as scheduled!"
A cheer erupted from the audience, and the people spread the news, their joy evident in their expressions.
The National Games is a major event in Sanam Prefecture, which not only promotes exchanges between different regions.
It is also a good opportunity for people to relax and have fun.
Amid cheers, there were also excited conversations in various languages.
Guests and athletes from various countries who are stranded in Son Nam Province.
The anxiety that had been caused by the epidemic and lockdown has now vanished.
Lu Yan raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet, and continued:
"Furthermore, this time, in order to stimulate commerce in Shannan Prefecture, we will allow foreign nationals to enter the country to watch the games!"
Upon hearing this, the audience fell silent for a moment, then erupted into even more enthusiastic cheers.
This is the first time in the history of Shannan Prefecture that foreign nationals have entered the country.
This not only means that Shannan Prefecture has become more open.
This also indicates that Shannan Prefecture will usher in greater development opportunities.
However, amidst the jubilation, a hint of worry flashed in Lu Yan's eyes.
Openness is a good thing, but it also comes with risks.
He knew that in this chaotic world, the prosperity of Shannan Prefecture would inevitably attract the covetous eyes of some unscrupulous people.
"Gentlemen,"
Lu Yan's voice rang out again, tinged with solemnity.
"While opening up, we must also strengthen our defenses and guard against enemy invasion!"
"Everyone must be on high alert to ensure the smooth running of the games and the safety of Shannan Prefecture!"
The crowd below responded in unison:
"Yes!" The voice boomed, echoing through the heavens.
After the meeting, Lu Yan summoned Lu Fei, Zhang Xun, Han Sheng, Tu Rong, Li Kui, and Ye Xiao to the government office for a discussion.
"Sir, isn't it too risky to allow foreign citizens to enter the country?"
Han Sheng spoke first, his words tinged with worry.
"What if a spy infiltrates?"
"Yes, sir, we must be careful," Zhang Xun echoed.
Lu Yan nodded, and after a moment of contemplation, said:
“Your concerns are not unfounded. Night Owl, your special forces should increase patrols and closely monitor the situation inside and outside the city, especially those acting suspiciously.”
Night Owl clasped his hands in a fist salute and accepted the order: "Yes, sir!"
“Little Kui,” Lu Yan said, looking at Li Kui with a teasing tone.
"Your broadsword squad also needs to strengthen their training, so that they won't be unable to even wield their swords when they actually encounter the enemy."
Upon hearing this, Li Kui immediately felt somewhat unconvinced:
"My lord, you underestimate our Big Sword Team! We are the elite force of Shannan Prefecture, each one a hero capable of taking on ten men!"
Lu Yan smiled and said nothing more.
Although Li Kui was unwilling to admit defeat, he actually knew the seriousness of the matter better than anyone else.
"Tu Rong,"
Lu Yan looked at Tu Rong.
"The navy should also strengthen its defenses to prevent enemy forces from invading by water."
Tu Rong clasped his hands and said:
"Rest assured, my lord, I will guard this place to the death and not let any enemy set foot in Shannan Prefecture!"
"Alright!" Lu Yan nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and said in a deep voice:
"Gentlemen, the safety of Shannan Prefecture rests in your hands!"
The crowd responded in unison, "Yes!"
As night fell, the city of Shannan Prefecture was brightly lit and bustling with activity.
Merchants and ordinary people from all over flocked into the city to prepare for the upcoming sports meet.
The streets and alleys were bustling with people, and the sounds of vendors hawking their wares rose and fell, creating a lively and exciting atmosphere.
Lu Yan stood alone on the roof of the government office, overlooking the brightly lit city, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
The prosperity of Shannan Prefecture pleased him, but it also increased his pressure.
In this chaotic world, Shannan Prefecture was like a piece of fat meat, which could attract the covetous eyes of wolves and tigers at any time.
“Miss Chen…”
Lu Yan murmured softly, gazing into the distance, his eyes filled with longing.
He hadn't seen Chen Qingwan for a long time since they last parted ways.
He didn't know how she was doing, or if she was also missing him.
A night breeze blew by, bringing a chill, and Lu Yan couldn't help but shiver.
He took a deep breath, cleared his mind of distractions, and his gaze hardened.
No matter what, he must protect Shannan Prefecture.
Protect the people here, and protect everything he cherishes.
As dawn broke the next day, the Shannan Prefecture government office was already bustling with activity.
Lu Yan summoned officials and craftsmen from the government office to discuss specific plans for water conservancy projects and road and bridge construction.
"Gentlemen, if Shannan Prefecture wants to achieve long-term stability, water conservancy and roads are of paramount importance."
Lu Yan pointed to a simple map that was spread out, which outlined the terrain and river course of Shannan Prefecture.
"The waterway needs to be dug, the riverbed needs to be deepened, the riverbanks need to be reinforced, the bridge needs to be repaired, and the road needs to be paved."
The officials looked at each other in dismay. This was no ordinary project, especially since water management and road construction had always been a difficult problem.
Lu Yan noticed their doubts and smiled:
“I know what everyone is worried about. However, I have some new ideas that might be helpful.”
After saying that, Lu Yan began to explain the water management concepts and bridge designs he brought from modern times.
He explained the concepts of diversion, water storage, and irrigation in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
In addition, based on the actual situation in Shannan Prefecture, specific solutions were proposed.
As for bridges, he even proposed designs such as arch bridges and suspension bridges, which were unheard of in ancient times.
The craftsmen listened in stunned silence, as if they had just discovered a new world.
"Sir, this...this bridge can really be built?"
An old craftsman pointed tremblingly at the beautiful arc on the blueprint, his face full of disbelief.
Lu Yan smiled confidently:
"Of course! As long as you have enough materials and the right methods, nothing is impossible."
Over the next few days, the craftsmen worked under Lu Yan's guidance.
Detailed engineering drawings were drawn up, and preparations for the materials and tools needed for construction began.
Lu Yan then mobilized hundreds of thousands of laborers from within Shannan Prefecture, who marched in a grand procession to the construction site.
Under the scorching sun, dust filled the air.
Instead of sitting in the cool government office, Lu Yan took the lead and personally participated in the construction project.
Sweat soaked through Lu Yan's clothes, and his dark skin glistened in the sunlight.
He held his lower back with one hand and the blueprints in the other, carefully inspecting the newly dug irrigation ditch.
He was meticulous about every detail, from whether the canal walls were flat to whether the slope was appropriate.
"Sir, please take a rest. It's easy to get heatstroke if you stand in this hot sun."
The young migrant worker said with concern.
Lu Yan looked up and smiled:
"It's alright, I'm young and strong, this little bit of sun won't hurt me."
"Besides, the sooner the irrigation canal is completed, the sooner the people can benefit from it."
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