Chapter 727 - 319: Strategies Beyond Their Era

Chapter 727: Chapter 319: Strategies Beyond Their Era

As the election and New Year approach, the hustle and bustle of Dragon Capital is dispelling the winter chill. The Justice Party and Freedom Party are beginning to ramp up their efforts, entering the final showdown. Both Ji Sheng and Ye Shidao are relegated to supporting roles at this moment, as all attention is focused on the two candidates, Nalan Jingguo and Chen Rutang.

The Hex Bird Report, with its three-plus-one format, is rolling out continuous coverage. The newly formed Freedom Daily has been quite fortunate to capture this wave of attention, gaining substantial sponsorship, the largest of which comes from the Hundred Martial Hall. The backing from both the underworld and the mainstream has secured Freedom Daily’s channels from sabotage.

The two candidates are absolutely the most watched figures not just in Dragon Capital but throughout the entire Li Long. Chen Rutang, though a latecomer by chance, has not been abandoned by the Justice Party. If he can’t hold up, he might be replaced midway. But now, with Chen Rutang holding strong, the Justice Party is undoubtedly going to continuously increase their investment, pushing their publicity aggressively, mainly to secure upper house seats. Even if they can’t secure the position of Grand Governor, they can’t let the Freedom Party dominate. Chen Rutang’s resume and reputation offer considerable advantages in this regard.

Dean Chen’s peaceful retirement life has been interrupted. What was once a routine of drinking tea at the academy and bragging with old friends and rivals has now turned into a second venture. He’s busy with speeches everywhere. Within the Canon Law School, apart from the Divine Revelation Canon Law School, the other faculties generally stand by his side. After all, if Chen Rutang is elected, the entire Canon Law faction will rise with the tide, following the convention of employing one’s own people.

Lu Shuai is now Chen Rutang’s assistant, accompanying him everywhere. The previous experience of living at the bottom layer of the North District and the current parliamentary campaigns have provided Lu Shuai with significant impact and rich experiences of communication and conflict.

Lu Shuai is no longer just from the academic faction but is now what the Celestial Principle School refers to as the practical faction. He has provided Chen Rutang with extensive help in speeches. Dean Chen is rather down-to-earth, but his interactions are mainly with academy students from the Canon Law School, significantly different from the grassroots populace.

Lu Shuai, however, is different. He comes from nobility, has mingled with top-tier nobles, and has experienced condescension. Because of Tang Chendan’s influence, he’s willing to focus on the grassroots populace. Through the Night Patrol, he has gained insights into complex social relations, truly understanding the needs of both the top and the bottom, with a high emotional intelligence that allows innate perception of certain things.

Lu Shuai has another trait: he readily accepts new ideas. He quickly absorbs and applies Li Xin’s singular notions to the campaign.

According to Li Xin, he has a natural talent for this. Some cross-era ideas may be difficult for many to comprehend or accept, yet Lu Shuai embraces them with joy as if they were treasures and transforms them into direct strength in the campaign.

For instance, regarding campaign themes and targeting different groups, Lu Shuai has offered many valuable suggestions and even proposed the concept of "campaign style" being packaged and labeled.

Glory and prestige alone aren’t enough. When citizens see someone, they often lack the opportunity or means to understand their true nature, seeing only the packaged version. As for governance content, it’s even harder for ordinary people to grasp.

It’s not just about promising voters perks after being elected, as Nalan Jingguo’s side is more seasoned. The main challenge for the overtaking Chen Rutang is to precisely capture the voter’s emotions, which is the key to victory.

Chen Rutang’s characteristics are elegance, approachability, and education, whereas Nalan Jingguo is taking a highbrow route, emphasizing his exalted bloodline and status, implying no one else is fit to be Grand Governor.

If there aren’t any novel ideas, the ordinary mindset does tend to follow suit, feeling uneasy without knowing why as there are no other options. However, once a unique campaign is unveiled, it immediately resonates as familiar and approachable.

In the Hex Bird Report’s photos, Nalan Jingguo appears noble and upscale, surrounded by aristocrats and even royalty, while Chen Rutang is seen in the North District, the Lower Council, at workplaces, mines, and even in the Underground City.

Though partially performative, Chen Rutang genuinely engages in these activities, deeply understanding them. As for winning the election, he remains open-minded, seeking to accomplish something with the opportunity at hand, capturing the experience bit by bit.

Within the Justice Party, there are plenty of critics, believing such actions are degrading and lowbrow, dismissing them as useless endeavors. Some argue Chen Rutang should focus on those who have votes. However, others don’t oppose it, mainly due to being far behind and trying a different perspective for luck.

Chen Rutang’s team is primarily composed of Lu Shuai’s Canon Law members and the Celestial Principle School, supported by parts of the Justice Party. In terms of publicity and resources, they significantly lag behind Nalan Jingguo.

The death of Hong Yan is considered a weakness, garnering some support, but the Potter Family is adept at spreading rumors and crafting public opinion. The narrative of Hong Yan’s demise in the company of women, regardless of whether it was murder, resonates poorly with most, eliciting little empathy, perhaps even a sense of poetic justice.

This is where the Potter Family’s prowess lies, capable of swiftly shifting the narrative.

The Black Rose Base of the Tranquil Canon Law School has been converted into a temporary campaign committee.

Today, the phase support ratings are to be released, and Li Xin has arrived.

Post-council, the Night Patrol has been quite subdued, avoiding significant actions. They’ve been recruiting, training, solving cases, and all has returned to normal. Though the Night Patrols are now an independent department, no longer under the Metropolitan’s jurisdiction, both the Church Court and the Cabinet have directly issued similar instructions: before the election, refrain from any activities involving the campaign.

In any era, the transition of power supersedes all else.

Inside the office, Chen Rutang remains steadfast, sipping tea with Li Xin.

Outside, scholars led by Zhuang Zhidong, and Canon Law students led by White Bear, anxiously await results. They know they’re likely behind, but hope it’s not by a wide margin.

Vote tallies are divided into two parts: one for the Upper House, the other for the Lower Council. Upper House votes account for sixty percent, while Lower Council accounts for forty percent.

The Lower Council votes reflect the choice of Dragon Capital citizens as represented by area-specific councilors, while the Upper House is directly decided by councilors.

"Dean, you’ve lost weight, working hard for the country and people; student’s admiration," Li Xin smiled.

Chen Rutang nearly lost his composure, eyes withdrawing from the busy, tense staff outside. "Your flattery is a bit lacking. Say that again once I’m Grand Governor."

"Flattery in advance is meaningful. I see everyone is quite spirited," Li Xin remarked leisurely.

"Lu Shuai has conveyed many of your peculiar methods. What do you think our chances are?" Chen Rutang inquired.

The student before him is distinct from others. He’d always known this, and though the peculiar strategies during the campaign were surprisingly satisfying, the effectiveness remains to be seen, though they definitely offer fresh perspectives.

"Would you prefer the truth or a lie, Dean?"

"Lie first, truth afterward," Chen Rutang chuckled.

"The lie is we’re currently trailing, not without hope. The truth is, I don’t know."

"Oh? Elaborate."

"I have faith in you, Dean. Nalan Jingguo and Hong Yan are alike with previous Governors. Your style is unique, likely effective. Even if we’re behind, we have unique advantages and time, so it’s not completely hopeless," Li Xin said. "If the Nalan and Potter families don’t view you as a competitor, they’re quite likely heading towards failure."

"This is the lie?"

"Yes, the truth is I fear hidden forces may interfere with this election," Li Xin stated.

"Hidden forces interfering with the election?" Chen Rutang frowned.

"Correct, I’ve heard that hidden forces were involved in Ye Shidao’s reelection."

"What is the Church Court doing? Aren’t they managing this?" Chen Rutang frowned, somewhat disbelieving yet knowing Li Xin wouldn’t speak baselessly.

"As for the intentions of the Moon God’s Court, I dare not speculate. The hidden forces are surely using extremely clever means. Dean, you must be vigilant," Li Xin warned. "I’ve informed the Celestial Principle School, the Grand Scholar will protect you; they have substantial experience in this area."

In Hedan, the Celestial Principle School wields considerable influence not due to mere book learning but also because of their rich clandestine combat experience, especially with Mordo and Philson among its elite.