Chapter 730 - 322: Justice Will Prevail

Chapter 730: Chapter 322: Justice Will Prevail

The silent Canon Law School.

Chen Rutang had just finished his motivational speech, urging his team members to keep striving and not underestimate their opponents, as the current situation wasn’t the real result. The true endpoint was still far ahead, and without definitive election success, any supposed edge was just built on air.

Chen Rutang returned to the office with Zhuang Zhidong and Lu Shuai. Zhuang Zhidong and Lu Shuai were the core campaign leaders. If Chen Rutang were to win, Zhuang Zhidong would have the chance to join the Cabinet, or at least become part of the key executive team, which would mean the Celestial Principle School had an opportunity to participate in governing the country.

Chen Rutang had wholly regained his calm after his earlier excitement and gazed at Li Xin. "We’ve just analyzed numerous advantages, each seemingly logical, but none, I believe, are the true reason. These might sway a small portion of Council members, but eventually, interests take precedence. What truly caused so many Councillors to decisively change their stance?"

Normally, Lu Shuai would boast at this point, saying these people certainly felt the blessings of the Grand Governor. But now Lu Shuai was more composed, as his performance outside aimed to rouse morale—it was crucial to instill a winning belief in everyone.

Yet, here they were to summarize and discern the factors leading them ahead, as self-hypnosis was useless.

"I find this result hard to believe," Lu Shuai said. "I know those people too well. Some have good character, but their interests come first—they’d never go against their family’s overall interests to support us."

"What we’ve done indeed creates favorable perceptions, but we’ve not met many Council members, most of whom have closed their doors to us. The few we’ve managed to contact, though polite, essentially don’t support us. Yet many of them ultimately chose us, with both Upper and Lower Councils showing considerable support." In front of Li Xin, Zhuang Zhidong was exceptionally honest, adopting a learner’s attitude.

"That’s not entirely accurate. The efforts made by Principal Chen and everyone else are a testament to credibility. Lu Shuai is also a crucial factor. Governor Luthor’s prestige and your actions subtly contribute to your reputation—in situations where interests are nearly even, the choice between you and the challenging Nalan and the Potter Family is clear-cut." Li Xin said, noting that everyone was calm—an encouraging sign.

"So where exactly are the interest points?" Zhuang Zhidong asked curiously.

"I think it’s not necessarily a good thing. If we were to approach slowly, they might not take it too seriously, perhaps giving us an opportunity at the last moment. But now that we’ve surged forth, given the Potter Family’s influence, they would certainly bring everyone over to their side one by one." Chen Rutang sighed with some sentiment. He was from the academic circle but no fool, witnessing countless negotiations over the years, most faltering before the last hour due to financial might.

Lu Shuai and Zhuang Zhidong felt a chill in their hearts—Chen Rutang had pinpointed their lingering unease. Regardless of the reasons those people supported Chen Rutang, the Potter Family had the resources and manpower to get through one by one.

"Is there a way to prevent it?" Lu Shuai muttered, then smiled wryly, as if asking someone not to take money or believe in ideals and morals.

"In fact, I think we shouldn’t worry too much about this area. The Potter Family will undoubtedly take action, but they probably can’t find the root of the issue or persuade those who support us. This has nothing to do with how much money is offered." Li Xin said.

Chen Rutang, Lu Shuai, and Zhuang Zhidong all turned to Li Xin simultaneously. Though they were busy with the campaign, some seemingly trivial means came from Li Xin via Lu Shuai—some methods Lu Shuai didn’t understand, but he followed Li Xin’s instructions, driven by the idea of making whatever progress was possible.

"Brother Li, stop keeping us in suspense—I’m anxious!" Lu Shuai said.

"Principal, your governance strategy fundamentally differs from Nalan’s governance proposition—Nalan represents the liberal faction, aligned with conservative interests led by the Potter Family, unlike the path of Governor Luthor. Nalan’s primary governance approach involves placating landlords, various local aristocrats, and major nobles like the Potter Family to secure Upper Council members’ support, which has also led him to fall behind." Li Xin explained.

"How could it be?" Chen Rutang, Lu Shuai, and Zhuang Zhidong were taken aback.

"Principal, do you recall my suggestion to include measures for easier population flow, loosened city entry, and tax reduction for business activities in your governance policy?"

"Yes, I remember such a clause. This could alleviate the situation of Underground City and illegal urban residents. But how does it matter if those benefiting from this have no voting rights?" Chen Rutang was puzzled.

"I added that. I recall, but wasn’t it the focal point?" Lu Shuai said. "Underground City and North and South District residents are pleased, but there’s opposition too, concerned with deteriorating security and disdaining the poor."

Zhuang Zhidong didn’t speak, immersed in thoughts.

"This ties to individual stances and perspectives. Nalan’s strategy aims to keep people stationary, limiting flow, thereby safeguarding lead landlords’ interests, whereas Hex-Tech-driven industrial growth demands substantial labor—a lack of identity creates numerous inconveniences for factory operations and expansion, significantly raising costs. If Nalan’s strategy were enacted, new aristocrats and prosperous classes would face severe impacts; compared to the excessive rigidity of Yeshidao, it favors established nobility. Beyond minor advantages, they prioritize future development and family growth space; fundamentally, they’re Nalan’s sworn enemies. Why would they support Nalan?"

Chen Rutang and Lu Shuai contemplated, needing to digest. Lu Shuai’s eyes gleamed, "I’m aware of this—the mines up North and workshops in the South employ many non-citizen populations, incurring various protection fees, are subject to extortion, posing significant inconvenience and difficulty for hirees themselves."

"If policies were relaxed and encouraged, the enthusiasm of workshop owners and hirees alike would be comprehensively unleashed." Li Xin stated.

"Mr. Li, would this elevate productivity then?"

"Certainly, Luthor abolished slavery for this purpose, and we aim for further productivity liberation—it’s a trend, people’s aspiration, not swayed by mere bribery or benefits." Li Xin chuckled, "Of course, Principal Chen’s prestige, Lu Shuai’s popularity, and the Celestial Principle School’s theoretical backbone serve as endorsement. Council members are savvy, undoubtedly informed, prompting their decisions."

"Luthor eradicated slavery institutionally; you’re abolishing it spiritually, far-sighted, wise—this embodies Unity of Knowledge and Action, truly enlightening!" Zhuang Zhidong bowed deeply, disregarding Chen Rutang and Lu Shuai in his reverence.

Li Xin felt embarrassed, unsure how to respond to such praise.

Chen Rutang and Lu Shuai exchanged bright gazes, gradually appreciating its profound implications, finding the depth intimidating.

"Brother Li, this is an open strategy, irrefutable!" Lu Shuai commented in awe, "The most critical point is, even if the Potter side approaches these individuals, they can’t sway their stance—nor can they openly declare it, merely gloss over it. Plus, as time unfolds, more people might come to realize this fact."

Initially, he felt like their earnest efforts seemed unreal, having known the aristocrat class too well—it’s not about lacking noble individuals, but it seemed impossible for a collective shift.

"Simply riding the wave," Li Xin said.

"Times won’t retreat, production relationships have evolved—we only advance. Align with the era, represent progressive productivity, and victory is inevitable." Zhuang Zhidong said with starry-eyed eloquence.

Li Xin raised a thumbs up, admiring Zhuang Zhidong—his scholarly merit would have certainly earned him admission to a graduate program in previous lives.

"Young man, being a Night Patrol is unfortunate—you’ve talents beyond!" Chen Rutang laughed heartily, satisfied now that his stance was correct, truly desirable.

"Principal, mine is mere paper talks—core lies in whose productivity represents novelties and relationships, securing victory hence, Justice will triumph, and we will inevitably succeed."

"Justice will triumph!"

Lu Shuai and Zhuang Zhidong, incredibly enthused, fueled their confidence. Lu Shuai’s passion and Zhuang Zhidong’s steadiness complemented as a stellar duo.

Their prior unease and uncertainty vanished, their focus moved to consolidating successes in this direction.

As for the opponents, Nalan might remain oblivious even upon realization, unable to alter camp inherent differences.

"Current priority is Principal’s safety—prevent extreme measures from them, Zhuang Scholar, perhaps notifying Dean Mordo," Li Xin suggested.

Recalling Hong Yan’s demise served as a cautionary tale, reinforcing vigilance.

"Yes, I’ll report to the Dean immediately," Zhuang Zhidong said sternly.