I proved immortality through the imperial examination.

Chapter 99 Breaking the Face
Xue Xiangdao said, "It's fine to develop in any direction, but it's necessary to improve the personal qualities of law enforcement officers."

For Suiyangdu to achieve significant development, it cannot do so without establishing the credibility of Suiyang Town itself.

If word gets out that they constantly try to coerce merchants into obeying the authorities by swindling them, who would dare to do business here? Who would dare to start a business here?

"you!"

Jin Guang choked and glared at the two clerks, saying, "Alright, stop taking notes and get out."

The two clerks fled in panic.

Su Suiran nodded, "Director Xue is right, we should all take this as a warning."

Alright, that concludes today's meeting. Dismissed.

………………

When Xue Xiang knocked on the door, Su Suiran was practicing calligraphy.

"Come in, wait a moment."

Su Suiran didn't even look up.

As Xue Xiang stepped through the door, he stood at a distance and quietly watched Su Suiran write.

But it reads, “Bamboo shadows sweep the steps without stirring the dust, moonlight pierces the sea without leaving a trace.”

Su Suiran picked up his pen and laughed, "Little Xue, you're a famous talent. Look at my calligraphy, is it presentable enough?"

"The magistrate's calligraphy appears on the surface to be unrestrained and flowing, but in reality, it is strictly regulated and highly accomplished, which is admired by his subordinates."

Xue Xiang had no idea how to judge the quality of calligraphy; he was just spouting off cheap words.

"Haha, you're probably cursing me in your heart for pretending to know what you don't."

Su Suiran pointed to the armchair by the window, gesturing for Xue Xiang to sit down.

Xue Xiang sat down, and Su Suiran brought him tea. "I've been in Suiyang for over two months now, and I've been wanting to talk to you."

You're busy, I'm busy, and we haven't been able to find the time.

Since we've run into each other today, let's have a good chat.

"To be honest, I knew you before Dean Xie, but I didn't recognize your talent, and Dean Xie benefited from it."

Xue Xiang said, "The town magistrate is joking. What kind of pearl am I? I am just a candle that emits light and heat as it may."

"It's remarkable to be a candle flame; a single spark can start a prairie fire."

Su Suiran poured the tea and handed the teacup to Xue Xiang, saying, "You don't need to be so formal with me."

Zimo is childish and ruined his future because of his own mistakes. I have never blamed you.

After arriving in Suiyang, the development of Suiyang Ferry, which you spearheaded, was a great success, and I benefited greatly from it.

No matter what we say, we all share the same goal: to bring prosperity to Suiyang.

I won't mince words with you; I want to leverage my achievements to climb the ranks further.

You can also gain some political achievements, which will give you extra points in the county examination in the future.

Of course, with your talent, you must have cultivated literary talent, and you can also take this opportunity to gather aspirations and strengthen your literary talent.

In short, the prosperity of Suiyang is a good thing for both you and me.

I wonder if you, Xiao Xue, agree with what I'm saying.

“The magistrate’s words were sincere and heartfelt, and I was deeply moved.”

Xue Xiang spoke in a deep tone.

"Let's not talk about empty talk."

Su Suiran said, "Thanks to you, Suiyang Ferry is now beginning to show signs of prosperity. I would like to hear your next steps."

"Your Excellency is too kind. I heard from Chief Jin that Your Excellency seems to be planning to build a landfill on the edge of the wasteland. Is that true?"

Xue Xiang knew very well that building a landfill was definitely a killer move by Su Suiran.

He was forcing himself to come find him.

"We have this intention, but we still need to see how things change in the future."

Su Suiran said with a smile, "Since you are unwilling to give me your guidance, I will tell you my plans for the future of Suiyang Ferry."

First, the large market for trading spirit items at Suiyang Ferry must be expanded.

Second, focusing on textile products, we will try to attract more workshop owners to set up factories in Suiyang Town to reduce costs and enhance our advantages.

Third, a thriving market would naturally have inns, restaurants, and flower shops.

Fourth, relying on Suiyang Ferry, comprehensively plan the entire Suiyang Town, and even Yunmeng City.

Xue Xiang was secretly startled; his thoughts were exactly the same as Su Suiran's. But then he thought about it and understood. As a veteran vice dean of the Seventh Academy, in charge of the business affairs of the elders, it was not surprising that Su Suiran had this insight.

"The magistrate has a very generous hand."

Xue Xiang offered insincere flattery.

I believe what you think, and it's similar to what I think.

Xiao Xue, I sincerely hope that you can put aside your reservations and work with me to accomplish this important task that will make Yangzhou famous.

"If we work together, we will surely succeed."

Su Suiran looked completely sincere.

"Who should be prioritized, and who should be secondary?"

Xue Xiang went straight to the heart of the problem.

He believed in himself, and if Su Suiran was willing to play support, he was also willing to abandon his predecessors.

But he didn't trust Su Suiran.

Similarly, he knew that Su Suiran would not trust him either.

Therefore, all the heartfelt sentiments mentioned above are nothing more than a battle of acting skills.

Su Suiran nodded for a moment, then smiled slightly, "It seems I underestimated you, Xiao Xue."

I have decided to establish a supplementary office, named the Suiyangjin Administration Office, to replace the original Suiyangjin Administration Bureau. I will serve as the head of the office, and all other officials in charge of the seal will serve as deputy heads.

He believed he had seen through Xue Xiang's true intentions: first, the barren wasteland; second, the so-called association of the river merchants.

These are not problems. As long as we completely seize control of Suiyang Ferry and make some technical adjustments, Xue Xiang's trump card will be quickly dismantled.

As for whether the power reshuffling in Suiyang Town will lead to the loss of cooperative businesses, it remains to be seen.

Su Suiran was even less worried about this.

Recently, he has been approached by many people seeking cooperation.

Xue Xiang is no longer of any use to me.

His polite and courteous manner was merely a ploy to achieve his goal without bloodshed.

Since Xue Xiang was not convinced, he decided to draw his sword.

"This proposal is inappropriate."

"I've made up my mind."

"The establishment of a supplementary office is a matter of great importance and cannot be decided by one person alone."

"Then let's convene a meeting at the Temple of Seal and put this to public discussion."

"Lord Su, don't push your luck."

"Zi Mo is still carrying bricks in this bitterly cold place."

Xue Xiang turned and left.

Su Suiran snorted coldly, feeling extremely pleased. He then summoned the head of the Thirteenth Chamber and instructed him to spread the word that the meeting of the Temple of Seals would be held in one hour.

He didn't want to give Xue Xiang time to operate in Yunmeng City.

The meeting of the chief administrators at the first-level temple symbolizes the collective decision of the chief administrators at the first-level, once formed.

Overthrowing Yunmeng City would not be something one person could accomplish; a meeting would be necessary.

With Hong Tianxia in charge, Su Suiran believed that as long as he won the meeting at Zhangyin Temple, everything would be settled.

Of the six officials in charge of Suiyang Town, he had at least four votes.

As the town magistrate, according to custom, he would have the final say if the vote was tied.

The outcome of the battle was already in his grasp the moment he set foot in Suiyang Town and obtained the town magistrate's official seal.

Half an hour later, Su Suiran received a report that Xue Xiang was visiting other seal holders, including Chu Zhao, Chen Tong, and Jin Guang.

"A dog jumps over the wall in a hurry."

Su Suiran sneered, took out paper and pen, and began to calculate the value of the wasteland.

Upon realizing this, he gasped in shock.

Given the development of Suiyangdu, those 8,000 mu of wasteland could very well be transformed into a bustling city.

At that time, whether it's building residential houses or shops, it will generate enormous profits.

(End of this chapter)