Versatile mage c1 2021, p.857
Versatile Mage c1-2021, page 857
Councilman Nan was a prime example. It did not matter if the people were not supporting him. It did not cost him much to hire a group of people to pretend to be his supporters. When he walked up the stairs to the Rock Sword Pagoda, he did not forget to smile humbly at the crowd like a celebrity walking on a red carpet, telling the crowd not to cheer so much for him.
"Who's that guy?"
"Councilman Nan, he has the biggest chance to be elected as the Great Councilman of the city. He used to manage a few other cities, too. The officials were very efficient under his care, and he had contributed a lot for the cities too. I think the cities under his care never had any huge problems," someone spoke up.
"Oh, that's impressive. The city might blossom if he's managing it!"
"Of course, let's earn a fortune together with him!"
"He's the reason I moved to this city!" a vendor called out.
"Let's give Councilman Nan our support. We just have to follow his guidance!"
Councilman Nan was walking up the stairs slowly, tidying his collar. He could hear the crowd discussing him with his outstanding hearing.
Being a Councilman was not tough. He just needed to make some public appearances and organize some events, and had to be willing to spend money on talks and donations. Many people might not know him, but a good word would easily get the attention of busybodies. He just needed to give these people some benefits at the right time, and they would turn into his loyal supporters. A person's intelligence would not necessarily grow with their age. The most important thing about their country's law was that every citizen over the age of eighteen was given the right to vote, and yet, the politicians were tricking their votes out of them, just like they were tricking kids into taking their candies.
Councilman Nan was amused when he recalled what happened in Wanggui Town.
The people in Wanggui Town were the ones who had appointed him as the person-in-charge. They happily took the candies he gave them without caring about what would happen in the future. He was not to be blamed for the incident. It was the people's fault for not treating their votes seriously. They only cared about the temporary sweetness of the candies before them like kids. They had only themselves to blame when something went wrong later on!
Today was the final day of the lockdown in Wanggui Town. The military forces that Dan Yong dispatched should have settled everything on his behalf. He no longer had to worry that the past would bother him again.
He looked up at the towering structure again, before glancing back at the Elemental Capital that was soon going to blossom rapidly despite its current simple appearance. He could not help but grin. It had been over ten years since he was in such a great mood. Even though it was supposed to be an election, it was more of a prize ceremony for him. The outcome was already decided.
"The weather is nice today, it's a perfect day for me to take office," Councilman Nan said in a mocking tone, glancing at Councilman Ming Jian, who was walking up the stairs beside him.
Councilman Ming Jian was only in his thirties. He was a very talented Councilman who had earned a lot of support from civilians recently. Ming Jian was obviously the best candidate in the election. Even Councilman Nan believed Ming Jian would be able to use his talents to turn the Elemental Capital into a true capital city in the center of their country. It would become the sturdiest shield in the east with the brilliance of a sword!
Unfortunately, Councilman Ming Jian was just too young. How could he possibly win the election when Councilman Nan was abusing the connections he had acc.u.mulated for more than ten years?
"It's a tragedy for the city that an old rat like you has set eyes on it," Ming Jian harrumphed coldly. He went up the stairs with an obvious grudge.
"You still have much to learn! For example, not to show your true emotions on your face. I've lost so many elections, but did you ever see me pulling a long face? I was able to give the winners great applause most of the time!" Councilman Nan was even more delighted when he saw Councilman Ming Jian's reaction.
He had lost many elections, but everything was worth it if he could win this one!
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They went into the building and took the lift to the floor of the meeting room.
The meeting room was extremely spacious, and the windows were made of reinforced glass. They were able to see the whole city from the room with its three hundred and sixty degrees view.
"Commander Xie, you look the same still… oh, you must be Captain Lu. We had a pleasant chat before. I'm really impressed by your Brown Rock Mages," Councilman Nan greeted everyone as soon as he took his seat. However, Commander Xie simply ignored Councilman Nan, as if he was not too fond of the man.
Ming Jian took his seat with a long face. He was not in the mood to greet the others. He was seriously disgusted by Councilman Nan's attitude. It was like the man was already prepared to deliver his winning speech.
"Oh, young man, there's no need to give me the fruits. You can give them to Commander Xie instead. He's the reason why the city is able to come so far," Councilman Nan said with a smile when he saw a young waiter in plain clothes.
As a Councilman, he could not afford to yell orders at people, even if the person was only a waiter. That way, the people would be overwhelmed by his humility. They might even be grateful toward him. Winning over people could not be any easier.
"Idiot, those are mine! Who said I'm giving them away?" The young man took a seat that was a level higher than Councilman Nan. He placed the plate of fruits on the table and feasted on them without caring about his image.Find authorized novels in , faster updates, better experience, Please click #'s-election-part-two_52323847742998725 for visiting.
Councilman Nan was dumbfounded.
Where did this young man come from? Was he trying to ruin his career?
"Brother, that seat belongs to a Councilman. I know you might be in a bad mood, but you shouldn't be so reckless." Councilman Nan was long used to pretending to be on good terms with everyone, and spoke gently to the younger man.
"I'm not supposed to sit here?" The young man gave Xie Qinghua a puzzled look.
"Mo Fan, that seat isn't yours," Xie Qinghua chided him with a smile. "Come over here, the main seat is yours."
"Oh, I was wondering why I was sitting with this boring man." Mo Fan stood up and brought the plate of fruit to the seat designated for even higher authorities. He plopped down into the chair and casually tossed an apple into Xie Qinghua's hands.
Chapter 1855 - The Usual Hot Temper
Translated by XephiZ
Edited by Aelryinth
Councilman Nan's expression froze. The smile he had practiced for more than ten years twisted in a strange way from the speechlessness and astonishment in his heart.
"Commander Xie, may I ask who the man beside you is? Why have I not seen him before in previous meetings?" Vice Mayor Dan Yong asked.
Councilman Nan's expression calmed down slightly. Dan Yong was definitely reliable when it mattered. It was not appropriate for him to ask the question, but Dan Yong definitely had the right to do so. Seriously, where did such a wild monkey come from? The man was disrespectful and full of himself. He even spat the gr.a.p.e seeds onto the table. How bold of him!
"Oh, he's the Honorable Guardian and Honorable Councilman of our city. He helped us to protect the Earth Pistil. He's Mo Fan," Xie Qinghua introduced him.
"So you're the Honorable Councilman who has been absent for all the meetings. You're the only one who doesn't seem to care about the city's rebuilding!" Councilman Nan exclaimed.
"He was indeed absent for the meetings, but he wasn't absent during the battle for the city's survival. However, many here were very attentive to the meetings... after the battle. Not a single one of you was absent even once!" Wen Xia came into the room in a cool military jacket. Her eyes scanned the politicians seated at the table in an unfriendly manner.
The politicians were left speechless by Wen Xia's statement.
"Councilman Nan, we might have a problem," Dan Yong said softly. She was seated on Councilman Nan's right.
"What is it?" Councilman Nan asked calmly.
"That guy has never attended any of the meetings. We assumed he was going to give up his votes in this election too… he has two votes in his hands! If he votes for Ming Jian, it will be a close call between you and him," Dan Yong said.
"Why does he have two votes?" Councilman Nan was startled.
To think that a young man like him had two votes in the election! He had even sold his daughter, just to secure an extra vote in this meeting!
"He did a great job defending the city. Many Mages are still talking about his heroic achievements, even today. He was elected as an Honorable Councilman, thus he is half a level higher than us, granting him two votes in the election. However, we still have the situation under control. Ming Jian is at least five votes away from you. The two votes from him won't make any difference, but I'm afraid he will cause us trouble when we are making decisions in the future," Dan Yong said.
"We'll focus on the election first. We'll worry about everything else later," Councilman Nan replied.
Councilman Nan glanced behind him and saw a familiar figure at the doorway. The man was stopped by the guards.
"Councilman Nan, Councilman Nan!" Li Dong called.
Councilman Nan was a little puzzled, yet he still waved his hand, signaling the guards to let the man in.
"Aren't you with Zhu Qi? What is he up to? Didn't I already tell him I'll make sure he's safe after the election?" Councilman Nan told Li Dong impatiently.
Li Dong pointed at Mo Fan and snarled, "Councilman Nan, it was he who went to Dawn Island with his friends. He was the one who started it all. I compromised by bringing him to your territory so you can teach him a lesson!"
"Him? Are you sure it's him?" Councilman Nan was startled again.
"It's him, he was with Tangyue! It was him who beat the crap out of Zhu Qi! He was responsible for Zhu Min's death too! You must teach him a lesson on our behalf," Li Dong almost burst into tears.
Councilman Nan's face instantly darkened!
"We won't waste our time on irrelevant matters. Today is the election of our city's Great Councilman. The last two candidates for the election are Nan Kuan and Min Jian. This meeting will elect one of them as the Great Councilman. You will place your votes into their respective boxes. The votes will be signed instead of anonymous," Xie Qinghua said.
Most Councilmen in the meeting had already made up their mind. They had even reached a deal with Councilman Nan. The election was more like an award ceremony.
"The Honorable Guardian will be the first to vote," Xie Qinghua stated.
"I wasn't familiar with either of the Councilmen, nor do I know whether you've done anything wicked in the past. Normally, I would just forfeit both of my votes, but unfortunately, my friends and I went to a place called Wanggui Town a few days ago..." Mo Fan narrated slowly.
"(Cough cough), Honorable Councilman, please cast your votes right away. There's no need to discuss irrelevant matters in such an important meeting," Dan Yong interrupted Mo Fan's speech in time.
"Shut the hell up!" Mo Fan suddenly raised his voice. He glared at Vice Mayor Dan Yong, "Who do you think you are? Do you have the right to point your finger around while I'm talking!? I'm Mo Fan, did you seriously have no idea who I am? Don't you dare bl.u.s.ter in front of me. If you dare interrupt me again, I'll toss you out right away!"
"You...you..." Dan Yong trembled in anger. Her face blushed as if she was about to suffocate.
She was the city's vice mayor, yet someone was scolding and threatening her at the highest level meeting of the city!
"Vice mayor, vice mayor, please calm down, let the Honorable Councilman finish his speech," the others quickly advised her.
Everyone in the meeting was concerned about their reputation. Mo Fan was the only one who did not really care about his role.
He was quite shameless, too. No one dared to provoke Mo Fan and fall out with him. They would only embarrass themselves before the public. No one would bother provoking a maniac like Mo Fan heads-on. They would choose to avoid him instead!
"How annoying! Damn it, where was I again?" Mo Fan slightly controlled his temper.
"Wanggui Town, you discovered a domestication ranch on an abandoned island," Xie Qinghua reminded Mo Fan softly.
"Oh, right," Mo Fan proceeded to narrate the series of incidents at Wanggui Town and Dawn Island.
Wen Xia and Lu Bin were surprised after hearing Mo Fan's narration. They stared in disbelief at Councilman Nan, who remained calm and collected.
"Councilman Nan, is he telling the truth?" Xie Qinghua asked.
"The incident is real, but I'm not responsible for the domestication ranch. It was Chief Zhu Qi's plan all along. I believe there are some misunderstandings," Councilman Nan decisively sacrificed the rook to save the king, as expected of an experienced politician.
"I just got the news that Wanggui Town was placed in lockdown by a division of the military. They are obviously destroying the evidence, but I swear by my name that he's responsible for it. I will not vote for sc.u.m like him. Councilman Ming Jian, I'm not expecting you to be a reliable Councilman, I'm just hoping you are not as much of a sc.u.m as he is!" Mo Fan rose to his feet and placed his votes in Councilman Ming Jian's box.
Chapter 1856 - The Opportunist
Translated by XephiZ
Edited by Aelryinth
Ming Jian was dumbfounded as he watched the two votes he could not possibly buy with a thousand gold bars being placed in his box. Mo Fan's words were not pleasing to his ears, and normally he would instantly lose his temper, but when he recalled how Mo Fan had rebuked Dan Yong and Councilman Nan, he believed he could endure it for now!
"I thought the Honorable Councilman was just an honorable title, but I didn't think you would make such a sound decision!" Councilman Ming Jian exclaimed while clapping.
The atmosphere of the meeting shifted all of a sudden. It was supposed to be an award ceremony where the people were only going to exchange pleasantries politely, but those who had already made up their minds initially began to have second thoughts.
Councilman Nan did not speak. His eyes were scanning those whom he had already reached deals with.
There were people who had already boarded Councilman Nan's ship. Mo Fan's righteous speech was irrelevant compared to their personal gains. Many of them rose to their feet and voted for Councilman Nan.
"I believe in the Honorable Councilman. His guarantee is I, Wen Xia's guarantee too!" Wen Xia voted for Councilman Ming Jian without any hesitation.
Wen Xia fixed her eyes on Lu Bin as soon as she cast her vote.
Lu Bin was feeling troubled. He had already given Councilman Nan his promise before the meeting, but now...
"Lu Bin, you clearly know who you should be voting for. For the sake of the efforts that everyone has put in, you should overlook the petty gains you were promised and follow your conscience instead," Wen Xia said.
The people in the meeting were not idiots. Wen Xia, Xie Qinghua, and Lu Bin were aware of Councilman Nan's background. They knew the man was not reliable, but there were situations which they could not do anything about even if they wanted to. They already expected the city to eventually end up in the hands of manipulative politicians.
"I...I just..." Lu Bin glanced at Mo Fan. Even though he was displeased by Mo Fan's arrogance and was envious of his achievements, he could see Mo Fan's wounds, which had yet to heal fully, as he was standing very close to the younger man.
Mo Fan was not lying. His wounds showed that he had just returned from the gates of Hell on Dawn Island. This man whom Lu Bin found annoying had been fighting constantly. He was true to his character, especially compared to the rest of the politicians in suits and their perfumes in the meeting!
"I vote for Ming Jian," Lu Bin clenched his teeth and cast his vote.
Ming Jian was overwhelmed with surprise. The votes he thought he would never be able to secure were now in his hands, especially Lu Bin's vote.
Ming Jian had always assumed Lu Bin was on Councilman Nan's side, but the man had voted for him instead. Not only did Councilman Nan lose a guaranteed vote, his own votes had increased by one!. He actually had a chance to win the election!
"I believe in the Honorable Councilman, too. Councilman Nan, this city might not be suitable for you. I hope you can achieve better results in other cities," Xie Qinghua cast his two votes for Ming Jian.
Ming Jian felt like he was dreaming!
The three authority figures of the city had voted for him, not to mention the Honorable Councilman who had appeared out of nowhere. The rest of the people were seriously having second thoughts.
At this rate, even if Councilman Nan did win the election, the leaders of the city would still be against Councilman Nan. They would have trouble passing the motions for their proposals, unless Councilman Nan was somehow able to convince even more people to join his side!
The rest of the votes were cast as the people finally made up their minds. Councilman Nan was supposed to win the election by five votes, but after the two votes from Mo Fan, the betraying vote from Lu Bin, and those from a few others who changed their minds...
The final outcome was... Councilman Nan had fourteen votes, while Councilman Ming Jian had sixteen.
Councilman Ming Jian had won by two votes!
"I"m sorry, when I recall how the Honorable Councilman stepped forward when the city was in grave danger, I could not help but put my trust in him," an aged Hunter bowed to Councilman Nan as he spoke.
Li Dong was initially standing behind Councilman Nan. He was hoping Councilman Nan would teach Mo Fan a lesson on his behalf, but for some reason, he was slowly moving toward Mo Fan instead.
