Prime Minister

Chapter 201 200 [A Hall Full of Joy]

The warm sunlight at the end of the 9-11 PM period pierced through the exquisite window lattices, illuminating the main banquet hall of Yingyuan, Qingyutang, with its shimmering brilliance.

More than ten large round tables were set up in the hall, and nearly a hundred distinguished local gentry, wealthy people and merchants were present. In addition, there were more than thirty representatives of canal workers, salt producers and common people. For example, Chang Sheng, a salt producer from Dingxi Saltworks in Xinghua County, was also invited to attend.

The atmosphere was orderly, with guests seated in their respective places, enjoying the fragrant tea and snacks while chatting quietly with their tablemates.

The guest list for the official banquet was drafted by Xue Huai and Tan Mingguang, and also took into account the opinions of officials under the prefecture and Shen Bingwen, etc., in order to make every guest enjoy a harmonious and joyful atmosphere and thus eliminate the negative impact of the series of storms and setbacks last year.

Since the Liu and Zheng families collapsed and their followers scattered, the four famous families of Yangzhou that were once renowned in Jiangnan have become virtually extinct. In addition, with the establishment of the Salt Industry Association, the business landscape of Lianghuai has undergone tremendous changes.

The Shen and Qiao families became the biggest beneficiaries, and many new elites also rose to prominence, taking advantage of the reshuffling of the Salt Transport Bureau, the restructuring of the salt administration, and the implementation of new policies to expand their own power.

The banquet held by the government office was not only to commend the wise and virtuous and stabilize people's hearts, but also to give these people an opportunity to communicate with each other and build closer relationships.

"when--"

A clear and resonant clapper sound rang out, echoing long and deep among the beams and pillars of the hall, and the already peaceful hall quickly fell silent.

"The Prefect has arrived! The Assistant Magistrate has arrived!"

As the master of ceremonies proclaimed in a loud voice, all the guests in the hall stood up.

Tan Mingguang, the prefect of Yangzhou, walked ahead with a ruddy complexion, followed half a step behind Xue Huai, who was dressed in the official robes of a sub-prefect. Qiao Wangshan, Shen Bingwen, Huang Dezhong, and several respected local gentry followed closely behind.

"Greetings, Your Excellency and Vice Prefect!"

More than a hundred people in the hall bowed in respect.

"Distinguished fellow villagers—"

Tan Mingguang smiled warmly and gestured with his hands, saying, "Please sit down! No need for formalities!"

"Thank you, Lord!"

Everyone took their seats in order, while Tan Mingguang and others went to the main table where seats were left vacant.

Xue Huai's handsome and dignified appearance stood out among the group. Countless gazes, some of awe, some of admiration, and some of closeness, were focused on him. Most people present knew that although Tan Mingguang was still the undisputed head of Yangzhou Prefecture, the young Assistant Prefect was probably the one who would wield the sword of Yangzhou's new policies.

Facing the eager gazes of the crowd, Xue Huai calmly nodded in acknowledgment. Soon, he noticed a figure as elegant as an immortal.

Standing among a group of somewhat reserved elderly doctors, Xu Zhiwei, dressed in an elegant padded jacket and skirt, resembled the moon reflected in a cold, autumnal pool.

She seemed to notice Xue Huai's gaze and immediately looked up at him.

Through the bustling crowd and the warm glow of the light, their gazes met briefly in the air before parting again.

Her gaze remained calm, reflecting the festive atmosphere of the hall, yet so serene that not a ripple could be seen.

Xue Huai's heart stirred slightly. Just as he had guessed, this goddess doctor had a face as smooth and lustrous as jade, coupled with her otherworldly temperament and benevolent heart that saved people from suffering, brewing a jar of fine wine that could easily intoxicate people.

However, perhaps because he was already on guard, or perhaps because he had been tested by Jiang Li for a long time, he was amazed by Xu Zhiwei's appearance but felt no emotion. He calmly looked away and then saw Shen Qingluan not far from Xu Zhiwei.

Xue Huai was naturally aware of the seating arrangement for today. Shen Qingluan and Xu Zhiwei were seated together at the first table adjacent to the main table on the west side. In addition to the two of them, there were six other female merchants who had been invited and were quite well-known in Lianghuai.

The girl remained calm, but when she saw Xue Huai looking at her, a bright smile immediately appeared in her eyes.

At this moment, music began to play at the right time. The melodious sounds of string and wind instruments flowed freely. It was not noisy and festive music, but rather a clear and simple sound, which made the banquet more elegant and solemn.

Tan Mingguang stood before the main seat, surveyed the entire audience, and said in a loud voice: "Today's grand banquet is not only to thank you all for your good deeds in assisting the government and providing relief to the common people, but also to celebrate the magnificent new policies of Huaiyang!"

Everyone listened respectfully, while Xue Huai stood beside Tan Mingguang with a smile on his face.

Looking at the spacious and grand Qingyu Hall, Tan Mingguang sighed, "This garden once belonged to the powerful Liu family. Their mansions were filled with wealth and luxury, and their prosperity was rapid. However, they only knew how to amass wealth, and they did not hesitate to exploit salt producers, collude with corrupt officials, corrupt the salt administration, and steal the blood and sweat of the common people to enrich themselves. In the end, the long arm of the law caught up with them and they were overthrown in one day! How lamentable!"

"Today, all of you virtuous gentlemen present here have either donated grain and medicine to help the widowed, orphaned, and lonely, or contributed funds to assist in dredging waterways, or shared profits with the stove workers to ensure the livelihood of the people. You are completely different from the lawless like the Liu family. Therefore, today is not a private celebration of one family or one household, but a powerful testament to the new policies that benefit the people, and a sign that the righteous spirit of Yangzhou has been restored!"

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted in the hall. Tan Mingguang looked to his side with satisfaction. Xue Huai nodded slightly, then turned to the guests, his tone steady yet possessing a natural, inspiring power: "What Your Excellency says is also the sentiment of Xue Huai. The new policies may encounter setbacks, but their foundation is solid, and the people's hearts are with us. Your understanding of righteousness and your good deeds for the benefit of the people are the most solid pillars of the new policies. I, Xue, wish to encourage you all to do good deeds without worrying about the future, and then the local atmosphere will surely be renewed, and from then on, the integrity of the government will be forever secure, and both merchants and people will live in peace!"

His clear and powerful voice landed, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating an echo.

"Lord Xue is absolutely right!"

"Do good deeds and don't worry about the future. Your words are like a wake-up call!"

"The new policies benefit the people, and we are willing to follow Your Excellency and the Vice Prefect to jointly build a prosperous future for Huaiyang!"

Whether they were government officials, local gentry and wealthy people, or ordinary citizens like Chang Sheng, everyone was infected by the enthusiastic atmosphere.

Seeing the crowd's reaction, Tan Mingguang was very satisfied. He smiled and said loudly, "It is a blessing for Yangzhou that you all have such sincere hearts! On behalf of the thousands of people of Yangzhou, I, along with Magistrate Xue, raise a toast to you all! First, to express our gratitude for past friendships; second, to celebrate the peace and prosperity of the city; and third, to jointly write a new chapter for the future! Please, everyone!"

"Respect the Lord of the House! Respect Sir Tongzhi!"

More than a hundred people responded in unison, the clinking of cups was crisp and pleasant, and the sounds of string and wind instruments became even more cheerful and bright, quickly pushing the banquet atmosphere to a climax.

The servants served the prepared cold and hot dishes in an orderly fashion, and the aroma of the delicacies instantly filled the warm hall, mingling with the festive music and bustling voices.

Xue Huai and Tan Mingguang sat in the main seats, joined by Shen Bingwen, Qiao Wangshan, Huang Dezhong, and several other local notables who enjoyed high prestige in Yangzhou.

"Ladies and gentlemen, these pickled mustard greens and bamboo shoots are very fresh and tender. Please don't stand on ceremony. Today, let's not be formal and focus on having fun together!"

Tan Mingguang warmly invited everyone to start eating, and Xue Huai also picked up his chopsticks with a smile. Although he was young and held a high position, he was approachable and spoke to everyone in a gentle and polite manner, without losing his status or being arrogant in the slightest.

During a casual conversation, Xue Huai glanced around the hall as if it were nothing.

The salt merchants toasted and laughed, while the ordinary people, who were initially a little awkward, gradually relaxed under the influence of the elders of higher status.

Amidst the cheerful and lively noise, Xue Huai saw Shen Qingluan.

She was chatting and laughing with an older woman at the table when, as if sensing something, she turned her head and met Xue Huai's gaze. A slight smile appeared on her lips, and she winked quietly, mouthing something silently.

Xue Huai could see clearly that she meant "Brother Huai is so majestic," and couldn't help but chuckle.

Beside Shen Qingluan, Xu Zhiwei focused on the tea on the table in front of her, her slender fingers twirling the elegant porcelain cup as she sipped it.

She seemed completely immersed in her own world, oblivious to the clinking glasses and boisterous laughter around her. Her expression was as calm as a deep well, and her silence stood out starkly against the clamor, yet she stubbornly maintained her own boundaries.

Xue Huai did not linger on her for long before turning his gaze away and continuing to chat with the others at the table.

Qiao Wangshan rose at the opportune moment and, on behalf of the wealthy salt merchants present, offered a toast to the two officials, saying, "If it weren't for your keen insight and decisive action last year, which cleansed the salt administration of its corruption, there would be no peaceful and prosperous Yangzhou today, nor would there be any chance for us merchants to survive! The new policies benefit the people and businesses and have won the hearts of the people. We, your humble servants and colleagues here, are deeply grateful. We wish you both good health and longevity, good weather and abundant harvests in Yangzhou, and peace and prosperity for the entire nation of Yan!"

His words were so sincere and earnest that they caused all the guests in the hall to stand up, raise their glasses, and cheer loudly.

Tan Mingguang and Xue Huai raised their glasses with smiles, accepting the respect with composure.

"Thank you for your kind words, Mr. Qiao, and thank you all for your concerted efforts!"

Tan Mingguang said loudly, "The new policies are a wise decision made by His Majesty. We are merely following the trend and fulfilling our duties. The virtuous deeds of Mr. Qiao and other local gentry and wealthy merchants have benefited countless families, and I, Tan, am deeply grateful. May we work together to live up to the high expectations of His Majesty and the court!"

Xue Huai then said, “What Your Excellency says is absolutely right. The success of the new policies is not solely due to the efforts of one official or one person. It relies on the Emperor’s divine will, the concerted efforts of all colleagues, the strong support of the local gentry present here, and the unwavering trust of countless common people. Good merchants will receive fair treatment and convenience, and the hardworking people will have their livelihoods guaranteed. Everyone can live in peace and find their place, thus building a solid foundation for the new policies. I, Xue, only wish that this trend will last forever, and that this long scroll of a peaceful world and prosperous people will be painted stroke by stroke in this famous city of Huai Zuo!”

"it is good!"

The crowd cheered and drank their wine in one gulp.

At the table on the left, Xu Zhiwei seemed to snap out of her reverie. She first looked at Shen Qingluan beside her. The girl was gazing intently in Xue Huai's direction, a bright smile on her lips. On the surface, she seemed as joyful as everyone else, but Xu Zhiwei vaguely sensed an emotion she didn't quite understand.

Xu Zhiwei's gaze naturally shifted to Xue Huai, the twenty-year-old Yangzhou Tongzhi, who was full of vigor and ambition. Recalling what she had seen and heard in the past few months, and personally experiencing the surging atmosphere of officials and people in the hall, she sighed silently in her heart.

If things go smoothly today and nothing unexpected happens, it might not be a bad thing, because then she won't have the chance to use the things in her sleeve.

(End of this chapter)