Chapter 62: Issuing Decrees to the City Lords

People were helping and learning from one another. Watching all this, Chen Tong felt a complex mix of relief and lingering concern.

He was relieved because the passion for learning had been reignited among the people, and internal conflicts had temporarily subsided.

His concern stemmed from the ongoing threats posed by surrounding forces; the future of Black Wind City remained fraught with challenges.

To ensure the long-term stability and peace of Black Wind City, much more effort was still required.

As Black Wind City gradually got back on track, Chen Tong realized it was time to establish a more systematic and meticulous plan for the city's governance.

Consequently, Chen Tong once again summoned key officials and cadre members—including Xie Qingshuang, Iron Bull, Xie Hu, Liu Meng, Chen Feng, Zhao Laoqi, Zhao Wenyuan (full name of Scholar Zhao), Sun Yaqin (full name of Maiden Sun), and Liu Er—to hold an important meeting in the council hall.

In the council hall, everyone sat in a circle, the atmosphere both solemn and enthusiastic. Chen Tong swept his gaze across the room and slowly began to speak.

"My brothers and sisters, that Black Wind City has reached its current scale is entirely thanks to our collective efforts."

"Now that Black Wind City has entered a normal operational phase, in order to foster better development, we need to clarify our respective duties and manage things according to proper planning."

Chen Tong first looked at Zhao Wenyuan and said,

"Zhao Wenyuan, you are learned and meticulous. I want to put you in charge of the education sector."

"Now that the school has been established, the education of the children is of paramount importance. You must oversee teaching quality, plan the curriculum, and cultivate more knowledgeable and cultured talents for Black Wind City."

Zhao Wenyuan stood up, cupped his hands, and said,

"Rest assured, Chief Chen, I will spare no effort and shall not辜负 (fail to live up to) your trust."

"Together with the other teachers, I will formulate more comprehensive teaching plans so that the children can thrive in the ocean of knowledge."

Next, Chen Tong turned his gaze to Sun Yaqin and Liu Er.

"Sun Yaqin, Liu Er, both of you have agile minds and unique insights into commerce."

"The economic and commercial sector is entrusted to the two of you. You must jointly manage the markets and workshops within the city, introduce new commercial ventures, and bring greater prosperity to Black Wind City's economy."

Sun Yaqin replied with absolute confidence,

"Chief Chen, I will certainly do a good job. My plan is to first re-plan the market stalls, optimize the types of goods, and attract more people to do business in Black Wind City. Brother Liu Er, I will have to rely heavily on your support in the future."

Liu Er waved his hand hurriedly with a smile,

"Maiden Sun is too polite. Let's work hard together and get Black Wind City's commerce booming! I know some merchants from the outside, and I will do my utmost to bring them all here."

"Iron Bull, you are steadfast and reliable. The logistics and sanitation sector will be under your charge."

"The allocation of supplies and environmental hygiene within the city require your attentive care to guarantee everyone's daily needs," Chen Tong said to Iron Bull.

Iron Bull gave an honest, good-natured smile, patted his chest, and said,

"Chief Chen, rest assured. I will definitely handle the logistics well, ensuring everyone is well-fed and comfortably housed."

Chen Tong looked at Xie Hu.

"Xie Hu, you possess formidable martial arts skills and rich combat experience; the city's defense rests entirely on you."

"You must rigorously train the internal guard force, strengthen city defense construction, and guarantee the security of Black Wind City, leaving no openings for those malicious surrounding forces to exploit."

Xie Hu stood up and said in a booming voice,

"Chief Chen, I will drill the guard force day and night and reinforce the city walls to make Black Wind City as secure as an iron fortress!"

"Liu Meng, you have a bold personality and are decisive in action. Market management is assigned to you."

"You must maintain order in the market, properly handle disputes between merchants and customers, and keep the marketplace prosperous and orderly," Chen Tong said.

Liu Meng nodded firmly.

"Chief Chen, I guarantee fair trade in the market. If anyone dares to cause trouble, I will show them no mercy!"

"Chen Feng, you are meticulous and skilled in communication. External diplomacy will be your responsibility."

"You must interact with surrounding forces, maintain good relationships, and strive for more room for development for Black Wind City," Chen Tong said, looking at Chen Feng.

Chen Feng nodded slightly. "Chief Chen, I will act with caution and do my utmost to forge a favorable external environment for Black Wind City."

"Zhao Laoqi, you are steady in your actions. The role of coordinating secretary belongs to you. You must coordinate the work across all sectors, properly convey various directives, and ensure that the city's management proceeds in an orderly fashion," Chen Tong said to Zhao Laoqi.

Zhao Laoqi replied,

"Rest assured, Chief Chen, I will handle the coordination well and ensure smooth transitions in everyone's work."

Finally, Chen Tong looked at Xie Qingshuang.

"Qingshuang, you are exceptionally clever and meticulous. From now on, you will assist me in handling important matters and offer strategic advice for the development of Black Wind City."

Xie Qingshuang nodded with a smile.

"Chief Chen, I will do my best."

Chen Tong took a deep breath, and memories of his past days in the hospital came flooding back like a tidal wave.

Back then, the head of the department would stand upright during department meetings with a resolute gaze, analyzing every clinical case with crystal-clear logic and charting the direction of the department's development, thereby igniting the passion of the medical staff and inspiring everyone to continually surpass themselves.

Today, standing in the council hall of Black Wind City, Chen Tong likewise needed to chart the course for Black Wind City's future.

"Everyone, there is one more extremely important matter to announce today."

Chen Tong's voice was steady and powerful, echoing through the council hall, and everyone's eyes instantly focused on him.

"Starting from today, Black Wind City is officially adopting an external name. This place will no longer be a simple mountain stronghold, but a true city!"

"What?!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd was stunned for a moment, followed by a burst of low exclamations, their eyes filled with surprise and anticipation.

"And I shall assume the office of City Lord, leading everyone forward."

Chen Tong's gaze was resolute as he swept it over everyone present.

"At the same time, I appoint Xie Hu, Liu Meng, Chen Feng, and Zhao Laoqi as Deputy City Lords to assist me in managing the city's affairs."

Xie Hu flushed red with excitement, stood up, and spoke in a resounding voice,

"Chief Chen—no, City Lord Chen! Rest assured, from now on, my life is dedicated to fighting for the safety of Black Wind City! I will train the guard force to be as fierce as wolves and tigers, and ensure that those who harbor malicious intentions toward us never return alive!"

Liu Meng also abruptly stood up and waved his arm forcefully.

"City Lord Chen, I will definitely manage the market well! If anyone dares to cause trouble in the marketplace, I'll throw them right out of Black Wind City!"

Chen Feng rose slightly, cupped his hands, and said,

"City Lord Chen, I will treat diplomatic affairs with utmost caution, forge widespread favorable bonds for Black Wind City, and strive for more developmental opportunities."

Zhao Laoqi nodded steadily.

"Rest assured, City Lord Chen, I will coordinate the efforts of all parties and never allow any deviations in the transmission of directives."

"Xie Qingshuang shall serve as the Inspector General, responsible for monitoring each of our behaviors and moral standards, ensuring that we all hold true to our original aspirations and devote our utmost to the development of Black Wind City."

Xie Qingshuang stood up, her expression solemn: "City Lord Chen, I will certainly uphold justice and not let down your trust."

Hearing these appointments, the crowd felt both excited and deeply burdened with responsibility, and they rose one after another to express their determination to give it their all.

Chen Tong continued,

"I hope everyone understands that the position we hold today was hard-won, but this is only the beginning."

"The times are constantly evolving, and Black Wind City is also progressing continuously. If our capabilities fail to match our positions, we are destined to be eliminated by the times."

"My teacher used to say that only by continuously improving oneself can one stand firm in their own field."

"The same applies to us. Whether managing the city or guarding our home, we must constantly learn new knowledge and skills."