In the yamen of Jiutu City, the conversation between the three officials spread like ripples, quietly reaching the ears of the "Four Great Families". These four major families are huge, just like the four mountains of Jiutu City, towering. At this moment, the decision-making of these three officials was like a gust of wind, sweeping in, disturbing the peace of the four major families.

Yu Zhen and Kui Xuan also soon received an invitation from the "Four Families", and after receiving the invitation, Tai Hao, Yu Zhen and Kui Xuan had some discussion. They believed that the three of them could not attend at the same time, so as not to leave a bad impression among the people of Jiutu City. After careful consideration, they decided that Taihao would go to the Locke family in the eastern city, while Yu Zhen would target the Mu family in the southern city, and Kui Xuan would be sent to the Sun family in the northern city. As for the sheep family in Xicheng, they didn't want to go. The reason is also very simple, because the business done by the Yang family is harmful. But at this time, they don't want to directly embarrass the sheep family, they will still send congratulatory gifts.

Kui Xuan had doubts about why he didn't directly take tough measures against the "four major families". However, Taihao and Yu Zhen's views made him understand the deep meaning. Jiutu City, this seemingly ordinary city, actually hides a huge gap between the rich and the poor. While the majority of the people live in poverty, the "Four Great Families" are rich in wealth.

If the "Four Great Families" are rashly investigated, although it can temporarily weaken its power, it may also put the people of the whole city in a more difficult situation. This is because many people rely on the employment opportunities or business activities provided by the "Four Families" to make ends meet.

In order to truly achieve common prosperity for the people of the city, they must think carefully and find a strategy that can both combat the "four families" and drive the development of the whole city. This is not only a challenge to the "Four Great Families", but also a major test for the entire Nine Earth City.

Three days later, the feasts of the "Four Families" will begin one after another, and each family will have its own unique reason for celebrating.

Dongcheng Luo's family, the owner Luo Gu is about to usher in his 70th birthday, and the family gathers to feast guests and celebrate longevity. On the birthday banquet, it was lively, jubilant, and the sound of blessings continued.

The Mu family in Nancheng held a banquet to celebrate the marriage of Mu Dalang and Mu Erlang's sister. At the family banquet, there were smiles and joys, wishing the newlyweds a hundred years of happiness and happiness.

In the Sun family in Beicheng, the youngest grandson of the head Sun Fa was full moon, and the family happily held a celebration banquet. The full moon banquet symbolizes the healthy growth of new life and the prosperity of the family.

The Xicheng Yang family held a banquet because of the wedding of Yang Wei's son. At the sheep family banquet, the guests were full of friends and beaming with joy to witness this happy moment together.

Before Taihao went to Luo's house to attend the banquet, he first went to the Jiutu City Prison and saw Yuhong, who was going to be assigned to Lingnan tomorrow.

Outside the prison in Jiutu City, Tai Hao walked slowly, his figure looking a little lonely in the dim light. The cell door opened, and a damp and dull breath came to his face, accompanied by the slight sound of iron chains, and Yu Hong, a former minister, was now a prisoner.

Yu Hong looked up at Tai Hao, there was no gratitude in his eyes, but a sneer of disdain. He sneered: "Taihao City Lord, you can still come to the prison to see me at this time, it's really heartfelt." ”

Tai Hao was silent for a moment, his eyes had a hint of deep meaning, but his voice was as calm as water: "I heard that Lord Yuzhen said that you will be assigned to Lingnan tomorrow." I want to come and meet you and tell you that your family is okay now. ”

Yu Hong was slightly stunned, as if he didn't expect Taihao to mention his family's situation. He looked at Taihao suspiciously, waiting for him to continue.

"Lord Suzhen has been ordered to raid your home, but your family will not be implicated in your crimes. As long as they are willing to stay in Jiutu City, the government will ensure that they have no worries about food and clothing, and will not let them starve and freeze. There was a hint of gentleness in Taihao's tone.

When Yu Hong heard this, a trace of gratitude flashed in his eyes. He is well aware that the crime he has committed is serious and his family may be implicated. Now that I know that they are safe and sound, a big stone in my heart has finally landed.

"Then thank you Taihao City Lord." There was a hint of sincerity in Yu Hong's tone.

Tai Hao smiled lightly: "Go to Lingnan, the mountain is high and the road is dangerous, and the city lord of Yuhong will take care all the way." ”

Yu Hong laughed loudly: "Lingnan? I don't think that's a hairdress, at least it's much warmer than the bitterly cold northeast. You know, I'm too old to stay in this kind of place for too long. ”

"Do you really have no regrets about what you've done?" Tai Hao looked directly at Yu Hong, his gaze firm.

Yu Hong laughed contemptuously: "Regret? Why should I regret it? As an official, I have eaten what I should eat, I have drunk what I should drink, I have enjoyed this life, what do I have to regret? He glanced at Taihao, "And you, Taihao City Lord, are you really willing to be loyal to the court and honest as an official like this?" Have you ever thought about yourself? ”

"As an official, you must be worthy of the emperor and the people. As for what we want, it's not something we should think about. Taihao's answer was firm and powerful.

Yu Hong said coldly: "In this Eastern Empire, how many people can do this?" ”

Tai Hao said: "If you can't do this, you are not worthy of being an official." ”

Yu Hong mocked: "Even if you put me in prison and send me to Lingnan, what can I do? The 'Four Great Families' of Jiutu City are huge, and they are not afraid of the government. Do you dare to bring them to justice directly if you know that the 'Four Great Families' are tyrannical and have done all the illegal things? ”

A hint of sharpness flashed in Taihao's eyes: "Their protective umbrella will eventually be uprooted by the imperial court one by one." As an official, how can he be afraid of local tyrants and inferior gentry. ”

Yu Hong sneered: "Taihao City Lord, do it yourself!" ”

Taihao didn't say anything more, he silently turned around and left the cold prison. He then went to Luo's Mansion, and when Taihao stepped into Luo's Mansion, he was instantly surrounded by a strong festive atmosphere.

On both sides of the gate, huge red lanterns are hung, emitting a warm and festive light, as if welcoming every guest. Under the reflection of the red lantern, the red carpet laid in front of the door is like a road to happiness, extending from the gate to the house, showing the host's respect and welcome to the guests.

Walking into Luo's Mansion, Taihao's eyes suddenly opened up, and a scene full of flowers was dizzying. In the flower bed, colorful flowers bloom one after another, overflowing with fragrance, as if telling the story of spring. In the middle of the flower bed, a small fountain happily gushes with water droplets that sparkle in the sunlight, adding a touch of vividness and vitality to the flowery landscape.

In the courtyard, rows of white tents are scattered, and all kinds of longevity lanterns are hung on them. Inside the tent, a variety of delicacies are arranged, and the enticing aroma fills the air, making it mouth-watering. Guests gather in groups to drink and chat, or eat food alone, enjoying this rare tranquility and comfort.

In one corner of the courtyard, a band is playing cheerful music, and the sound of pianos, flutes, and drums mingle together to create a joyful and peaceful atmosphere. Accompanied by the rhythm of the music, some guests couldn't help but dance gracefully, adding a touch of elegance and style to this festive day.

Every detail in the Locke Mansion shows the host's meticulous arrangement and warm hospitality to the guests. In such an atmosphere, Taihao felt the enthusiasm and warmth of the Luo family, and also added joy and blessings to Luo Gu's 70th birthday.

In the hall of Luo's Mansion, Taihao was respectfully invited to the top of the throne. Luo Gu, the head of the Luo family, stepped forward in person, with a joyful smile on his face: "It's really gratifying to hear that Lord Taihao has ascended to the position of city lord!" ”

Taihao smiled humbly: "Lord Luo Gu, this is nothing to celebrate." I am here today mainly to wish you a birthday. As for the position of the city lord, I still regard myself as the ordinary people of Jiutu City. Here, I sincerely wish Luo Gu the blessing of the East China Sea and longevity than Nanshan. ”

After Luo Gu heard this, a trace of emotion flashed in his eyes: "The Taihao City Lord really has a heart. It is a great honour to have you here today to congratulate me on my birthday. I also wish you all the best in your position as the lord of the city, and seek more well-being for the people of Jiutu City. ”

After listening to Luo Gu's words, Taihao had a sneer in his heart. A businessman like Luo Gu really saw the wind and steered, and not long ago he set up a situation to frame him, but now he pretends that nothing has happened.

Luo Gu turned around and instructed his son-in-law Tang to toast the guests. When the wine glass was handed to Tai Hao, Tang Ming asked with a polite smile on his face: "Tai Hao City Lord, I heard that this year's 'City Test' was suddenly invalidated, can you share one or two reasons for it?" ”

Tai Hao chuckled, and a hint of playfulness flashed in his eyes: "Brother Tang, why do you want to ask knowingly?" ”

Tang Ming pretended to be confused: "I really don't know the inside story. This year, I specially asked my two sons to sign up for the exam, but in the end, they didn't even publish the list, which is really incomprehensible. ”

In Jiutu City, the scandal of the imperial examination has long been spread, but Tang Ming is still pretending to be deaf and dumb at this moment, which is really a big joke in the world. Tai Hao looked at him, sneered in his heart, but deliberately asked: "Brother Tang Ming said that your two sons have taken the exam, but I have seen all the candidate lists with my own eyes, but I have not seen Ling Lang's figure." ”

The corners of Tang Ming's mouth raised slightly, with an embarrassed smile, and said: "Since the 'city test' has become a thing of the past, I won't mention it again." Today, the lord of the city is here, and he will return with all his joy. ”

After that, Tang Ming seemed unwilling to dwell on this embarrassing topic, and hurriedly changed the conversation, which made Taihao feel a little crying and laughing.

After the banquet, Luo Gu ordered Tang Ming to escort Tai Hao back to the deputy general's mansion. Tang Ming specially prepared a generous gift and presented it to Tai Hao with both hands. Taihao looked at the gift in front of him, did not refuse, and accepted it happily. This move made Tang Ming overjoyed.

In the early morning of the next day, Taihao had breakfast and was about to step out of the mansion gate, but saw several craftsmen busy on the gate, taking off the plaque of "Deputy General's Mansion" and replacing it with a new plaque of "City Lord's Mansion". Tai Hao frowned and asked, "Who asked you to replace the plaque?" ”

One of the craftsmen replied, "It was ordered by the priest to join the army." ”

At this time, a man walked out of the shadows and saluted Taihao with a smile: "Xiaguan greets Taihao City Lord!" ”

Taihao asked suspiciously, "Are you?" ”

The man replied: "The next official is the sergeant who joins the army and Su Zheng." ”

Taihao thoughtfully: "Oh...... Su is joining the army, did you change this plaque? ”

Su Zheng replied respectfully: "Exactly, the lower official was ordered by Yu Zhen Qincha, and he made this plaque two days ago, and he came to change it this morning." ”

Taihao nodded: "Okay, this official understands." ”

Just as he was about to leave, Su Zheng suddenly said: "Taihao City Lord, the lower officials have one more thing to ask." ”

Taihao turned around: "What's the matter?" ”

Su Zheng cautiously asked, "The previous city lord Yu Hong once ordered the construction of a pavilion, but it has not yet been completed. But the previous lord of the castle was dismissed, do you want to continue to build? ”