The wedding of Su Sanggong and Xie Yanyi was a lively affair, much more so than when Su Shouwen married Li Linlin.
News of the Su family's prosperity in the capital and their connections with influential figures had spread like wildfire among the leadership.
On the day of Su Sanggong and Xie Yanyi's wedding, many leaders from the county and town were in attendance.
The reason, naturally, was to show respect to Su Changjiu, the village chief.
Some of these leaders were aware of the Su family's background.
After all, the fact that three of the Su children had been admitted to universities in the capital years ago was still a widely celebrated story.
Some had even attended the commendation ceremony for the three Su Shouwen brothers back then.
Many years had passed, and they had heard that the children who had gone to university were now doing well.
They were a source of pride for the village and had brought honor to Sangyu County.
However, upon entering the house, these individuals discovered that the bride was from the Xie family.
They exchanged glances, beginning to doubt if they had received the correct information.
Their stated reason for attending was to congratulate Su Changjiu on her daughter's wedding, and this situation was rather awkward.
Fortunately, Su Changjiu knew why these people were there and smilingly ushered them inside.
"Distinguished leaders, please come inside and sit. It's very cold out in this harsh winter."
"Changjiu, wasn't it said that today was your daughter's wedding? Why is it the Xie family's daughter?"
Could it be that the bride had been changed at the last minute?
It didn't seem like it; if the bride had been changed, Su Changjiu wouldn't be so happy.
"My daughter, you see, was adopted by me many years ago. She has now found her relatives, so she naturally cannot continue to use my surname."
Su Changjiu's simple explanation reassured the leaders.
It was good that there were no mishaps with the wedding.
Since they were there to offer congratulations, regardless of the reason they had found, Grandpa Su and the others had to play host.
Although Chen Zi'an held a higher position than these officials, guests were guests, and Chen Zi'an had to engage in some pleasantries.
Fortunately, they were perceptive and recognized Chen Zi'an's superior rank, showing him great respect.
Chen Zi'an hailed from Licheng, a place far more open and developed than the Great Northwest.
His experience in Licheng far surpassed that of the officials in the Northwest.
Though he spoke sparingly, his words always hit the core of the issue.
He served to clear the fog for the county and town leaders, allowing them to see the path ahead, which greatly pleased them.
"Thank you, Secretary Chen. As people say, listening to a wise person speak is better than reading ten years' worth of books. Today, I truly understand the meaning of that saying."
The speaker was the county magistrate of Sangyu County, Song Wenbo.
Song Wenbo was a middle-aged man in his fifties who had climbed the ranks from the grassroots.
However, his previous postings were in neighboring counties, and he had been transferred to Sangyu County just over a year ago.
He had a good reputation in his previous county.
Over the years, he had done some good for the local area.
However, due to his limited education, he knew that his career would likely stop here.
He hoped to lay a solid foundation for the county and do something for the people during his tenure.
But he lacked connections and found it difficult to approach higher-ups.
This occasion was a rare opportunity, which was why he had rushed back from the county.
He had initially intended to build connections and get closer to the Su family.
He had no idea that the Su family had a son-in-law who was the top leader in Licheng; it was a truly unexpected joy.
Although Licheng and Sangyu County were not administratively linked,
Licheng was a place of national attention.
To be the top leader in Licheng meant a bright future.
To be able to listen to his insights in person was a great fortune for Song Wenbo.
He had never been to Licheng, but he had heard that in just a few years, Licheng had developed to an unimaginable extent.
He heard that it had now become a modern city.
To develop from a small fishing village into a city in just a few years, he couldn't believe that Secretary Chen had not been instrumental in this.
Not long ago, he had been contemplating when to bring the county officials to observe Licheng's development.
Perhaps they could find new ideas for Sangyu County's development.
He hadn't expected such a fortunate encounter at the Su family's home.
This was much better than visiting Licheng himself.
He also knew that at his current status, even if he went to Licheng, he wouldn't be able to meet the top leader of Licheng.
Song Wenbo was also a man of action, and many of his words, though not perfectly thought out, were beneficial for local development.
It was precisely because he recognized this quality in Song Wenbo that Chen Zi'an was willing to offer some guidance.
"County Magistrate Song, you are welcome to visit Licheng when you have the chance."
Chen Zi'an's words were not entirely polite; they were sincere.
Chen Zi'an had a good impression of people who had the common people in their hearts.
Although Song Wenbo was not exceptionally capable, his concern for the people was enough.
Upon hearing Chen Zi'an's invitation, Song Wenbo was so excited that he couldn't hold his chopsticks steady.
"I certainly will. I hope to visit Secretary Chen when I go to Licheng!"
Song Wenbo was not foolish; he immediately seized the opportunity.
"I'll leave my phone number later. If you arrive in Licheng, County Magistrate Song, please call ahead."
Song Wenbo never expected Chen Zi'an to be so approachable.
He was also a smart man, and after a moment's thought, he understood that Chen Zi'an was giving him this face because his in-laws were from Sangyu County.
In fact, Song Wenbo did not know that Chen Zi'an had also served in Sangyu County in the past.
However, due to the nature of his work, Song Wenbo was unaware of Chen Zi'an.
It wasn't just Chen Zi'an who had clarified many doubts for them.
Shen Zizhen also offered her ideas on agricultural cultivation in Sangyu County.
Having lived in Sangyu County before, Shen Zizhen was very familiar with the local soil and climate.
Sangyu County was an agricultural county, with lagging industrial development and no clear path forward.
The suggestions made by Shen Zizhen were of great benefit to them, and they immediately decided to hold a meeting after the New Year to discuss industrial structure adjustments.
The attendance of these county and town leaders today proved to be a fortunate opportunity.
What they didn't expect was that these discussions on this very day would lead to Nanling Village, and even Sangyu County, becoming the most prosperous counties in the surrounding area within a few years.
The meal concluded with everyone, host and guests alike, thoroughly enjoying themselves.
Song Wenbo felt that he had gained immensely from the day and that the trip was truly worthwhile.
He immediately decided to implement preferential policies for Nanling Village in the future.
Seeing Song Wenbo, Chen Zi'an felt more at ease, believing that Sangyu County would have good development in the future.
The group chatted extensively and drank little, so no one got drunk.
After the banquet and offering their congratulations to the newlyweds, the leaders, though reluctant, had to depart.
Even if they wished to chat more with these important figures, they felt it inappropriate to continue disturbing them.
As they left, Song Wenbo was still wondering when he would have another opportunity to listen to such insights.