MWC – Chapter 168 Begins

I AM DROPPING THIS NOVEL. IF ANYONE WANTS TO CONTINUE THEY CAN. IF POSSIBLE PLEASE SHARE THE LINK SO I CAN BINGE READ TOO.

Apart from attending the party within the party, Lu Ming tried his best to decline all other banquets and invitations. However, for nearly half a month, he had to deal with various social obligations.  

Fortunately, January 1 was considered “Little New Year” by Zhongzhou people, and January 18 was the “Big New Year” or Spring Festival—the most significant holiday of the year. It was a time of family reunions and a break from the year’s weariness, allowing everyone to relax and start anew with renewed energy.  

From the highest officials to the common folk, regardless of wealth or status, the Spring Festival was a time to forget the outside world’s troubles and gather with family. A few days before the New Year, all these social engagements came to a halt.  

—

At the Lu residence in Hepu Road, the place was decorated with festive lanterns and banners. The family head, Lu Ming, had been promoted to Deputy Mayor, and with the New Year approaching, it was a double celebration. Every servant received a generous 1,000-yuan red envelope, filling the mansion with joyous laughter and festive cheer.  

At 8 PM, the Kunlun Channel’s Spring Festival Gala went live. The show featured various performances in a lively rhythm. While there weren’t many celebrities, the ratings steadily climbed during the real-time telephone surveys.  

The lack of stars was due to the high appearance fees demanded by most of them. However, it was expected that by next year, many would appear for free.  

In the servants’ activity room on the ground floor of the annex, a new large television had been installed. To Lu Ming, it looked about the size of a 13- or 14-inch TV from his past life. The screen was filled with vibrant performances.  

Except for Uncle Sun and the South Seas guards on duty, all the mansion’s staff gathered in the activity room. Today, they were given special treatment—they didn’t have to wear their usual maid uniforms but instead donned their most beautiful outfits and makeup, watching the New Year program with great enthusiasm. They sat neatly in rows, with long tables in front of them laden with candies, exquisite pastries, nuts, drinks, and more.  

What made them feel particularly honored was that the family head, accompanied by his two concubines and Miss , sat in the front row to celebrate the New Year with them.  

Initially, Lu Ming thought that letting the servants enjoy themselves freely was the best way to celebrate. He only planned to visit briefly and say a few kind words. However, according to Auntie Sun, for both the Ditodoro slaves and the South Seas slaves, celebrating the New Year with their master was the highest honor.  

Some bold and high-ranking maids had even secretly asked Auntie Sun if the master would speak to them on New Year’s Day. Among the most beautiful Ditodoro slaves, a few even hoped that, on this day, the master might see them as women, even just for a brief moment. They understood their lowly status and dared not harbor any extravagant hopes on ordinary days, but being acknowledged as women for a few minutes during the New Year would be the pinnacle of their good fortune.  

When Auntie Sun relayed their wishes, she only mentioned that, in their customs, spending New Year with the master was a sacred and ceremonial moment they deeply anticipated.  

Lu Ming found this mindset hard to understand. Shouldn’t complete freedom and enjoyment be the happiest way to spend the New Year?  

Nevertheless, knowing how much this moment meant to his servants, he brought Han Zhu, Pamela, and  to join the servants’ celebration, moving their own enjoyment of the gala to the activity room.  

The room, which typically housed a pool table and other amenities, had been cleared out for the occasion.  

Surrounded by a roomful of lively women, Lu Ming couldn’t help but smile wryly as the only male present.  

Normally, these servants were like lifeless background characters or NPCs in Lu Ming’s eyes, seemingly devoid of thoughts, solely there to serve the master and mistresses like machines.  

But today was different. They wore their most beautiful clothes, especially the striking Ditodoro slaves in their translucent veils that revealed their graceful figures. Their tradition of wearing navel rings further accentuated their charm as their veils exposed their snow-white, flat abdomens. The visual impact of these dazzling women sitting together was magnified several times. For once, their usually lifeless eyes shone brightly as they dared to glance at their master, leaving Lu Ming feeling somewhat helpless, as if he had become a rare delicacy on New Year’s Day.  

“Alright, enjoy yourselves!” Lu Ming stood up after an hour, thinking it was time to leave. He had private matters to discuss with Han Zhu and Pamela.  

As soon as he rose, the maids knelt down in unison, performing a grand ritual with words of blessing in various native tongues. New Year’s customs dictated such ceremonial gestures, and kneeling was the most solemn tradition in Zhongzhou culture. On regular days, the maids didn’t need to perform such acts.  

In professional settings, Zhongzhou people had adapted this gesture into deep bows, akin to practices in certain East Asian countries from Lu Ming’s past life. In the heart of the Chinese cultural sphere, however, such traditions had largely faded thanks to a great leader who broke many taboos, shaping history and fostering equality. Still, true equality required a much longer evolution.  

—

Lu Ming returned to the third floor over half an hour late because he had to bestow blessings upon the maids.  

The South Seas slaves’ New Year blessings were particularly absurd—they involved being spanked firmly on the buttocks, a remnant of tribal customs and a reflection of extreme patriarchy.  

In contrast, the Ditodoro slaves received their blessings by kissing their master’s toes. While equally bizarre, it seemed relatively civilized compared to the former.  

—

“This year, you both worked hard,” Lu Ming said, lying on a soft bed. On his left, Han Zhu curled up like a cat in his arms, while Pamela lay on his right, occasionally pushing away Lu Ming’s wandering hand.  

 was sprawled out between them, her small head resting against Lu Ming’s, already fast asleep after a day of play.  

Despite the cozy setting, Pamela was vigilant, shoving Lu Ming’s hand away whenever it strayed. Though he merely wanted to hold her hand, she found the gesture too intimate, especially with their daughter lying nearby, causing her a sense of shame.  

Nevertheless, lying on the bed and chatting like this brought a warm and tender feeling to the heart.  

“Han Zhu…” Lu Ming started to speak but noticed that she was already fast asleep, her little nose slightly twitching.  

He had wanted to ask her about matters in Wuan, but realized she likely wouldn’t know much.  

The forces or individuals seeking to eradicate the Lu family probably already knew his whereabouts. However, in Beiguan, he no longer feared them. No matter how mighty a dragon from the north might be, it had to coil up upon reaching the East Sea.  

Lu Ming had already sent people north to contact Jin Bao and investigate his grandfather’s business associates and rivals. This feud might stem from generations ago, so uncovering its roots would take time, but it was a necessary start.  

“This year, let’s hope we keep getting better!” Lu Ming gently held Pamela’s hand, gradually intertwining his fingers with hers until their hands clasped tightly. He cherished this feeling, as if his heart was now intimately connected to this beloved woman.

He softly kissed Han Zhu’s delicate hair as she drifted off to sleep. “Han Zhu, may you be happy all year long,” he murmured. Squeezing Pamela’s hand slightly, he continued, “In the new year, I hope everything goes your way.” Then, gently nudging ’s little head, he added, “, I wish for you to become a top student, excelling in your studies and growing more and more into a refined young lady…” He paused, realizing that this wish might be a bit hard to fulfill.

“We’ll all get better and better…” Pamela’s golden hair, cascading like a waterfall, gradually rested on Lu Ming’s shoulder as she murmured softly.

Lu Ming said no more, lying quietly and savoring this warm moment. His heart was filled with peace and joy.

—

On the 25th, the holiday ended.

Lu Ming arrived at City Hall. The reformation of the Municipal Council had diluted the power of the Chief Councillor by distributing authority among four councillors, each of whom now had their own separate office within City Hall.

That morning, Bucklow convened the first Municipal Councillor meeting.

When the council was initially elected, the five councillors had briefly met for a preliminary introduction. Today marked the first formal meeting.

Normally, reaching such positions meant the councillors would already know one another well. However, due to various unexpected turns during personnel adjustments and elections, this council lineup had been entirely unpredictable for any political faction before the results were announced.

During the pre-holiday meeting, Lu Ming’s strongest impression of old Bucklow was his perpetually grim expression.

Today, however, Bucklow was all smiles, his face radiant. It seemed he had somewhat recovered from his initial shock and disappointment. For a politician, it’s all about moving forward.

The meeting room was small, just enough to accommodate the seven councillors and the auditor.

The round meeting table had no distinct head seat. In the center, a decorative flower basket stood, low enough not to obstruct anyone’s view.

The five councillors sat around the table, each accompanied by their administrative officer, who handled meeting notes and assisted with reminders. In Donghai’s political system, where merchants could suddenly become councillors, professional administrative staff were essential to support them in governance.

Additionally, the auditor, Li Shandong, customarily attended municipal meetings.

From a political standpoint, auditors in Donghai’s districts and satellite towns held a status comparable to that of the Chief Councillor. However, they primarily oversaw financial matters like budgets and expenditures rather than directly engaging with the public.

The auditor, like the Chief Councillor, was nominated by the Privy Council and approved by the parliament. Generally, auditors were finance experts and were not permitted to be members of parliament themselves.

Northgate’s auditor, Li Shandong, was a stern man in his fifties.

During meetings, he mostly observed rather than spoke, as his involvement was usually limited to financial matters. Still, he attended every formal session.

Across from Lu Ming sat Ms. Gao Wangshi, dressed in an off-white business suit. Her long hair had been cut short and styled into a slightly voluminous, swept-back look, giving her a tougher, more professional air. Clearly, her hairstylist had crafted an image befitting a career politician.

She ignored Lu Ming’s disdainful glances, maintaining a constant, radiant smile.

Ms. Gao Wangshi’s election was no surprise to Lu Ming. She had managed to secure a neutral vote, adding to her Justice Party’s nine votes, totaling ten. The Grand Duke Party’s 13 votes also supported her, bringing her tally to 23.

In a chaotic election, those 23 votes likely secured her the fourth position, if not higher, among the total 57 votes. Moreover, she had undoubtedly garnered additional support from elsewhere.

Technically, even 56 votes could theoretically lose, as the top four could potentially achieve unanimous votes.

Dong Wengquan appeared composed, and Bucklow no longer looked at him with the hostility of their first meeting.

Of the five councillors, Lu Ming, Gao Wangshi, and Dong Wengquan seemed aligned, leaving Bucklow with only Sherlock from his own party as an ally.

With the Chief Councillor losing his tie-breaking vote, Bucklow would need to break up the trio’s alliance to steer the council’s decisions in his favor.

Lu Ming was well aware that Bucklow had not sought his favor.

In politics, it’s said there are no permanent enemies, but in truth, many enmities are irreversible.

Especially when parties are ideologically incompatible. At the Donghai level, the Grand Duke Party and the Free Citizens’ Movement Alliance were perpetual rivals.

Moreover, Bucklow had once orchestrated the assassination of four border councillors to frame him.

Bucklow surely understood that Lu Ming harbored suspicions about him.

Thus, their relationship was far from one where bygones could be bygones.

As for Lu Ming’s administrative officer? It was Li Zhongliang.

The very same former border councillor who had survived Bucklow’s plot. Now, he was part of Lu Ming’s office staff.

As a representative of the Free Citizens, Li Zhongliang had originally been an employee at a small company. He had planned to return to his old job after the elections, as his chance of being elected again was slim.

Ordinarily, last year’s latter half would have been the peak of his life, overseeing and witnessing Northgate’s parliamentary elections as a border councillor.

But instead of returning to obscurity, a twist of fate landed him a position in the Deputy Mayor’s office right after being discharged from the hospital post-holidays.

Before the meeting, Lu Ming deliberately introduced Li Zhongliang to the others.

As the former border councillor who survived against all odds, Lu Ming lavished praise on his capabilities, vitality, and experience.

Though Bucklow’s expression betrayed nothing, he must have been inwardly displeased.

Lu Ming brought Li Zhongliang along not for any specific purpose but to mock Bucklow by his mere presence.

Being a novice in politics, Lu Ming planned to learn gradually while keeping others guessing about his intentions.

The four other councillors were undoubtedly pondering why Lu Ming had brought this near-dead border councillor into his office, let alone to such an important meeting.

—

“Alright, now that we’re acquainted, let’s get down to business.” After the customary small talk, Bucklow cleared his throat.

“Our first formal council meeting will focus on task allocation. Naturally, Councillor Lu, being the legal expert, will oversee the town’s legal affairs. I trust the legal office will achieve great things under your leadership.”

“Additionally, as councillors, we are citizen-elected supervisors, ensuring harmony across various sectors. The Department of Inspection and the local bar association will require Councillor Lu’s oversight. While the Ninth Circuit Court doesn’t fall under your direct supervision, I hope you’ll keep an eye on cases of public concern, addressing citizens’ sentiments as they arise.”

Lu Ming nodded as he listened.

Beside him, Li Zhongliang scribbled notes fervently, his excitement barely contained. If asked to speak, his voice might have trembled, but thankfully, writing spared him embarrassment.

“Councillor Gao Wangling, the areas of health, education, and public welfare fall under your purview. Your diligence and supervision will be invaluable…”

Bucklow spoke methodically, clearly having preplanned the councillors’ divisions of responsibility.

As expected, Sherlock was assigned finance and personnel evaluation, while Dong Wengquan took charge of public works and agriculture.

Bucklow, besides overseeing the council as a whole, managed policing, commerce, and taxation.

Thus, the first municipal meeting concluded uneventfully.