Chapter 63: The First of October! The Grand Ceremony of Black Wind City

After the meeting concluded, everyone gathered together, engaging in an animated discussion about future operations.

In the days that followed, Chen Tong continuously pondered the long-term development of Black Wind City.

One day, he once again summoned the key officials to the council chamber.

Once everyone had taken their seats, Chen Tong assumed a solemn expression and spoke with a resolute gaze.

"Everyone, I have been thinking. If our Black Wind City wishes to remain strong and prosperous, we must understand one fundamental truth: technology is the primary productive force."

"This means we must attach great importance to technology and to those talents possessing specialized skills."

The attendees looked at each other in bewilderment. The term was unfamiliar to them, yet they were deeply captivated by Chen Tong's words.

Unable to contain himself, Chen Feng took the lead in asking, his brow furrowed in utter confusion.

"Lord City Lord, what on earth does this 'technology is the primary productive force' mean? It sounds so novel."

Leaning forward slightly, Chen Tong explained patiently.

"Let me put it this way. Take our daily farming labor, for instance."

"With ordinary cultivation techniques, a mu of land might yield only a hundred catties of grain. But with advanced farming techniques, that same mu could yield two hundred catties or even more."

"Take blacksmithing as another example. Farm tools crafted by an ordinary blacksmith might break after a year of use, whereas a skilled blacksmith who has mastered new techniques will forge tools that are not only far more durable but also much easier to handle."

"These advanced technologies and specialized skills can dramatically enhance our production efficiency, naturally leading to a better life."

"Therefore, Chen Feng, I want to task you with recruiting professional technical personnel from the surrounding areas."

"Whether they are accomplished blacksmiths or talented individuals versed in water conservancy, invite them all to Black Wind City to put their skills to use."

Chen Feng nodded thoughtfully, his eyes filled with determination.

"Rest assured, Lord City Lord. I will inquire far and wide and spare no expense to recruit those with real capability."

"I plan to start with the neighboring villages; who knows how many talented people might be hidden away out there?"

With that, Chen Tong shifted the topic.

"Now that Black Wind City has developed to this stage and commerce is growing increasingly prosperous, it is time for us to establish our own currency system."

"I intend to set up a Black Wind Bank specifically to issue our own currency."

"This currency will be similar to game currency in real life; through the system exchange, it will be inexpensive and affordable."

"If the common folk use copper coins to exchange for it, we can offer a ratio of one to two. This will encourage everyone to use our currency and promote commercial circulation within the city."

Liu Meng scratched his head and asked with a worried expression.

"Lord City Lord, will issuing our own currency actually work? What should we do if people refuse to accept it?"

Chen Tong smiled, waved his hand, and explained patiently.

"Don't worry, Liu Meng. Our currency is backed by the system exchange, ensuring its value remains stable."

"Moreover, by offering such an attractive exchange rate right from the start, people will certainly be willing to give it a try."

"Once everyone tastes the benefits of using the new currency, they will naturally come to accept it."

"With our own currency, we will be better equipped to manage the economy, control commodity prices, and propel the commercial development of Black Wind City to new heights."

Hearing this, everyone nodded in agreement, filled with anticipation for the future economic development.

Subsequently, Chen Tong began to outline his plans for basic public livelihood facilities.

"We need to construct a large granary in the center of the city to store grain and prepare for potential years of famine."

"After all, food is the paramount necessity of the people; only when grain reserves are abundant will everyone feel secure."

"At the same time, we must dig more wells within the city to ensure an adequate water supply for the residents. Fetching water is currently rather inconvenient for everyone; once the new wells are completed, this major issue will be resolved."

"We also need to designate specific garbage dumping sites and have them cleaned regularly to maintain environmental hygiene within the city."

"Otherwise, scattered trash not only ruins the appearance but also easily breeds disease."

"Additionally, I plan to reclaim more farmland outside the city, introduce new cultivation techniques, and increase grain yields."

"The population of Black Wind City is growing, and the demand for grain is increasing accordingly. We should also build public resting places within the city, such as pavilions and benches, so that everyone has a place to rest after touring and laboring."

Upon hearing about the construction of the granary, Tie Niu's face flushed with excitement. He leapt up from his seat, patted his chest, and declared,

"Lord City Lord, I can lead men to handle the construction of this granary! The brothers under my command are all skilled workers, and I guarantee we will build a granary that is both massive and sturdy! I also know where there are fine stones on the nearby mountain, which will be perfect for building the granary."

Sun Yaqin also expressed her stance enthusiastically.

"Lord City Lord, from a commercial perspective, the construction of these livelihood facilities will benefit both our marketplace and our workshops."

"Once the granary is completed, grain trading can become more standardized, and we can designate a specific grain trading zone in the market."

"As for the public resting places, they will attract more people to the market. With bustling crowds, business will naturally thrive. Liu Er and I will give our full cooperation."

Liu Er nodded hastily.

"Yes, yes, we will assist in the construction of these facilities through commercial resource allocation and market promotion."

With everything prepared, Chen Tong decided to hold the founding ceremony of Black Wind City on the special date of October the First.

When the news spread, the entire Black Wind City was abuzz. Children ran excitedly through the streets, shouting as they sprinted,

"The founding ceremony is going to be held! The founding ceremony is going to be held!" The adults gathered in groups, discussing the future of Black Wind City with great fervor.

"I heard this ceremony is going to be exceptionally lively, with all kinds of performances," an elderly woman said with a smile.

"Indeed. That Black Wind City has reached this day is entirely thanks to Lord City Lord. Life in the future will surely get better and better," an old man remarked with deep emotion.

The founding ceremony took place as scheduled, and Black Wind City was decked out with lanterns and colorful streamers, presenting a scene of extraordinary vibrancy.

Bright red silks hung from the city gates and main streets, and blooming flowers lined both sides of the pathways.

On a temporarily erected high platform, musicians struck up cheerful melodies, and dancers clad in gorgeous attire fluttered gracefully.

Standing atop the city gate tower, Chen Tong looked down at the cheering crowds below, his heart filled with profound emotion.

At that moment, Chen Feng stepped forward and asked with a puzzled expression,

"Lord City Lord, given such a grand founding ceremony for our city, why did we not invite the influential dignitaries and nobles from the surrounding areas?"

"If we could forge connections with them, it might prove helpful to the development of Black Wind City."

Chen Tong smiled faintly, gazing into the distance with a resolute expression as he replied,

"Chen Feng, I understand your meaning. However, Black Wind City is not yet powerful enough at present. Those dignitaries and nobles will act like brothers to you on the surface, but the moment they perceive you as a threat or find no profit to be gained, they will instantly turn hostile."

"What we need most right now is peaceful growth and the accumulation of strength. If we were to invite them, it would inevitably draw their attention and perhaps invite unnecessary trouble."

"Once Black Wind City grows truly powerful, it will not be too late to deal with them then."

Upon hearing this, Chen Feng experienced a sudden epiphany and nodded in agreement.

"Lord City Lord is far-seeing and deep-planning; it was I who failed to consider thoroughly. We truly ought to elevate our own strength first."

Down below, the common folk were immersed in a joyful atmosphere. Snack stalls were surrounded by crowds, and children held candied haws while laughing happily.

Before the stall of a traditional dough-figurine artisan, curious children pressed tightly together, watching the master skillfully mold various lifelike dough figures and letting out bursts of amazed gasps.