Sheng Fu

Chapter 1014 Let’s talk
Zhu Xiong tried to speak, but found his breath was blocked.

Xie Yiming subconsciously reached out and patted Zhu Xiong's shoulder, chuckling, "The kid's all grown up now, he has his own ideas, it's time for you to let go."

A series of scattered ripples appeared deep in Zhu Xiong's eyes, as if everyone who came here today, except for him, was a supporter of the new policy.

At this moment, Zhu Xiong had no other choice.

"Then so be it." Zhu Xiong nodded in agreement, having somehow managed to speak.

At this point, all the families had reached an agreement.

Xie Yiming couldn't stop smiling as he personally poured tea for the group.

Old Master Xu said sarcastically again, "It is truly an honor for me to have His Highness the Prince of Nan personally pour the tea."

Last time, Xie Yiming knew exactly what the Xu family would face, but he didn't tell Old Master Xu. Old Master Xu had kept this in mind.

Xie Yiming naturally sensed the implication in Xie Yiming's words and laughed loudly, "Many years ago, I poured tea for you, and today, I still pour tea for you. I have always been a sentimental person."

“I am the King of the South, but I am also a Southerner.”

"I have never thought of myself as anything special."

Upon hearing this, Old Master Xu smiled faintly and said, "Clever words and a flattering demeanor."

The Five Masters of Nanshan could only gather four people because one of them died.

Xie Yiming looked at everyone and tentatively asked, "Does anyone have any objections to Xu Yuan being the leader of the younger generation?"

"This matter is open to discussion."

If the four young people present were to elect a leader, they could only choose between Xu Yuan and Chen Dian.

Chu Xin'er is a young girl and lacks the killing power to fight.

Zhu Hong has been out of touch with worldly affairs for too long and lacks the ability to govern.

Chen Dian served as an official in the north and openly or secretly promoted the construction of Hengchang Academy. In previous years, he also worked with Gao Zhi and Guo Shenghe.

In terms of experience in dealing with ordinary people, none of the young people present could surpass Chen Dian.

Although Xu Yuan never entered officialdom, he spent most of his time by Xie Yiming's side. The two worked together seamlessly and had frequent contact with seasoned officials.

He also has his own unique experience and insights into the mundane affairs of the streets and alleys.

Some things need to be made clear from the beginning.

In terms of strength, the Chen family and the Xu family are about the same. In terms of prestige, the Chen family is now superior to the Xu family. After all, in the Northern Divine Region, there is a general named Chen Xuan who commands thousands of troops.

Over the years, the Xu family has not had any particularly outstanding achievements, whether in foreign wars or domestic affairs.

Chen Shouxin was Xie Yiming's right-hand man.

In other words, both Chen Dian and Xu Yuan are qualified to become the next generation of leaders in the South.

It's best to settle this matter as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary disputes later.

Xie Yiming reiterated: "Today, when electing leaders, we will only consider their personal abilities, not their family backgrounds."

Xie Yiming's biggest worry was that an improper leader selection would leave a lingering problem for either the Chen or Xu family.

Chen Shouxin looked at Old Master Xu with a half-smile and said, "How about letting these two little guys fight it out?"

Upon hearing this, Old Master Xu smiled faintly and said, "That does make sense. Their civil administration abilities are almost equal, and the only way to determine the winner is through their cultivation."

Then Chen Shouxin changed the subject, saying, "Then naturally Xu Yuan will become the next leader."

Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned.

This turn of events caught everyone off guard. Zhu Xiong and Chu He looked at Chen Shouxin with surprise and uncertainty, feeling that Chen Shouxin's attitude was too casual.

Because Chen Dian could truly rival Xu Yuan...

Old Master Xu also picked up his teacup and swirled it slightly, asking with a suspicious look, "How do you know?"

Chen Shouxin laughed heartily and said, "My little brat has been busy in the officialdom all his life, and he has inevitably picked up a lot of worldly air about him. He has also become entangled in the ways of the officialdom, and his mindset has long been flawed."

“Your little brat hasn’t entered officialdom all these years; he’s been secretly cultivating his skills.”

"As far as I know, he has also been to the former battlefield of the demon realm."

"In terms of personal bravery, Xu Yuan may truly be the number one among the younger generation in the South."

"Besides, the foundation of my Chen family is slightly inferior to that of your Xu family."

“After the new policy is implemented, the so-called leaders will no longer have so many privileges to use, so why should I fight for them?”

Old Master Xu nearly spat his tea onto Chen Shouxin's face.

Seeing the embarrassed look on Old Master Xu's face, Xie Yiming couldn't help but burst into laughter. It was the first time he had ever seen Old Master Xu so awkward, and he felt quite accomplished.

Zhu Xiong and Chu He, standing to the side, also wanted to laugh out loud, but they held back because of Old Master Xu's reputation.

Old Master Xu slowly put down his teacup and said weakly, "Alas, I never thought that I, an old man, would end up like this. The position of leader, which I should have fought to the death for, has become a worthless object in your eyes."

"Among those people who take things seriously, I'm the only one."

Chen Shouxin laughed heartily and said, "Who told the old man to take it seriously?"

Old Master Xu sighed helplessly, then stood up and bowed respectfully to the people at the table, saying from the bottom of his heart, "Thank you all for your kind words."

Seeing this, Xu Yuan, who was behind them, also bowed respectfully to Chen Dian, Chu Xin'er, Zhu Hong and the others.

Such a nonchalant transfer of power is unprecedented in the southern region.

Xie Yiming and Ran smiled and said, "The matter has been settled, so it's time to get busy. Although Zhuang Qin is not here this time, the four of you absolutely cannot lose to that Northern King in serious matters."

"The Northern Seven-Character Quatrains are truly daring to lay dirty tricks on the powerful and wealthy."

"The swords in your hands must also be sharp enough."

"We have a clear advantage in public opinion. However, the powerful and wealthy control many businesses, involving many industries that are closely related to the lives of ordinary people. With just one order from them, the fiscal revenue of many towns and cities can be fluctuated."

"Maintaining a stable trade order is your top priority."

"Secondly, I also know that you all have your own confidants and followers behind you."

"I will not interfere with how you use the talents under your command. Even if you want to abuse your power for personal gain and promote one of your promising underlings to the position of prefect, I will turn a blind eye."

"The premise is that the implementation of the new policy must be promoted."

"In short, the future of the South rests on your shoulders."

Xu Yuan, Chen Dian, Zhu Hong, and Chu Xin'er knelt on one knee at the same time, clasped their hands in a fist, and said in unison, "We will not fail your trust."

Grandpa Xu, Chen Shouxin, Zhu Xiong, and Chu He looked at the confident and composed demeanor on the faces of their younger relatives and felt gratified, even a little proud.

Of course, as elders, they would never openly display this pride.

When Xie Yiming saw this scene, he was reminded of Zhuang Qin from back then.

Many sunsets have seen Xie Yiming leading Zhuang Qin along mountain paths or through bustling city streets.

In Xie Yiming's mind, Zhuang Qin was the next generation of Southern leader.

The old friends are gone, but those who come after them are equally remarkable… This is the only way Xie Yiming can comfort himself in his heart.