Yes, Madam Prime Minister

Page 408

The meal was almost entirely silent.

Including five-year-old Guo Shiliu, according to Astrid, this child, like Ronan's other daughter Ina, is a little devil, a little adult, but like Ina, she has always maintained a ladylike demeanor in formal occasions, appearing extremely well-behaved.

Only after the servants had finished cleaning up did Guo Mingli exclaim in admiration, "I never imagined Mr. Luo had such skill."

Ronan jokingly recounted his past, saying, "When I was young, I was a minor official in a remote place. I had two maids at home, but neither of them knew how to do housework. We couldn't afford to hire anyone else, so I had to do it myself. Elena, don't you think?"

Elena rolled her eyes at Ronan. "Nonsense. I can bake cookies, and I can cut meat better than you."

"Haha, see? I told you the truth," Ronan joked.

"Ha, I'm just a poor maid, so of course what you, my master, say is true." After saying that, Elena herself burst out laughing.

Ronan laughed too, "See, you don't even believe it yourself."

Faced with this scene, Guo Mingli gave a slightly awkward smile, "Mr. Luo doesn't seem like someone who cares about national affairs; rather, he seems like a recluse who is indulging in life."

Guo Hanlu was quite surprised. She had been here for half a year and had only heard of Ronan by name, never seen him in person. According to various people, Ronan was a foreigner who was extremely good at being an official and extremely good at doing things.

Such a person, by convention, should be a cold political machine, an old man who looks young.

However, Ronan was completely different. He would cook for himself, and his bickering with Elena carried an indescribable sweetness.

Both of them were clearly strong individuals, yet they could so casually express their affection for each other in front of guests, just like a loving young couple, which she truly envied.

Her ex-husband always liked to say things like "I'm busy," "Don't ask," and "I don't want to argue with you," which was truly ridiculous.

“Ha, for others, traveling and sightseeing is a pastime, but for me, getting involved in politics is a pastime,” Ronan said with a smile. “I just don’t know if Mr. Guo will continue to travel and sightsee, or get involved in politics.”

Ronan steered the conversation to the main point.

Guo Mingli let out a long sigh and stroked his beard. "May I ask you a few questions first?"

Ronan extended his hand. "Please speak."

"I can understand why the lower and middle-level officials and newly emerging merchants from humble backgrounds are so proactive and hardworking. But I don't quite understand why the high-ranking officials, gentry, and wealthy merchants are so proactive and even willing to sacrifice their own interests. After all, they should be people who don't act until they see a clear benefit."

Guo Mingli said that he used the word "should" because the fact that vested interests are somewhat involved in reaction is not due to their personal character, but rather to the position they hold.

“Because they are poor,” Ronan replied.

Guo Hanlu's eyes widened in surprise. Ronan actually said those people were poor.

Guo Mingli didn't react so strongly; he was still somewhat puzzled and looked forward to Ronan's explanation.

Ronan continued, “Having a lot of silver to build a garden, and then using ten old hens and a few hams to make a soup and then using that to cook some winter melon, and using gold and silver to buy some broken stones—is that what it means to be rich? I don’t think so. Being able to control the flow of people and various resources is what it means to be rich. And money comes from transactions. People who cannot control transactions are not rich.”

"When the people of Seres have money, they think about buying land. But after nearly two hundred years of being a nation, all the good land has already been bought up. So they have no choice but to squander it. Moreover, even if someone buys land, they are only temporarily at ease. In Seres' current system of distribution according to rights, the land may no longer belong to you at any time."

"Therefore, the fact that they actively participated when a beacon appeared, rather than rushing towards it like moths to a flame, proves that they were reactionary enough."

In closing, Ronan didn't forget to make a sarcastic remark about the gentry and wealthy merchants.

Guo Mingli knew what the so-called guiding light was; it was the system of farmers' associations and labor unions. Individual members of farmers' associations and labor unions did not have the united front value that Ronan mentioned, nor did individual agricultural or industrial capitalists. Only when groups were bound together could they have that value. With this, they could resist the government to a certain extent.

Moreover, this confrontation occurs not only between large class groups, but also between smaller groups and classes.

If Guo Mingli hadn't witnessed it firsthand and had only heard about it from others, he would have thought that this was utter chaos. It was one thing for a group of people to fight against the government, but there was also infighting among themselves. How could they possibly maintain a stable production and life under such circumstances?

However, in reality, everything is fine.

Confrontation seems to be the prerequisite for cooperation. People only cooperate with those who can confront them; otherwise, they will either "eat others" or "be eaten." Guo Mingli has come to this realization in the past six months.

It was a principle that greatly impacted his existing worldview, yet seemed like something even a child should understand.

After a long pause, Guo Mingli spoke again, “I still have a question. Since Mr. Ronan has promoted such an innovation and has the talent to impart technology, why not just build a team among the workers and farmers? Instead, he spent his energy forming this committee, most of whom are people who could have made decisions in Guangdong.”

Ronan's eyes lit up.

This is a really interesting question.

Why didn't Ronan empower workers and peasants with violence, turning them into a force of strength?

"Elena, please make a pot of tea. Mr. Guo, please come over."

Chapter 949 "Feudal" workers' and peasants' associations are good, but class struggle is unacceptable; some people want both.

If we don't develop farmers' associations and labor unions first, but instead select people from among farmers and workers and then give them their talents on a large scale, we can build a team.

The result is obvious: a significant number of people will actively embrace the current system, align themselves with the current authorities, or even become part of it.

The remaining small group will undoubtedly clash fiercely with the current authorities.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it will likely escalate into a violent rebellion.

After the rebellion succeeds, there are two paths: one is to patch things up on the old foundation, but the root cause remains the same.

If that's the case, is it meaningful? Isn't the essence still just a change of dynasty? Is it wrong to go through such a bizarre and extravagant process just to change dynasties?

The other path, of course, is to establish the leadership of the working class and peasantry after the rebellion succeeds, while also preventing the old forces from making a comeback and launching a counterattack. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce new ideas and establish a new line.

The world is not black and white, but the struggle over policy is.

Such disputes easily escalate into political movements, which in turn easily spill over into production. Since the issue has become black and white, special treatment is not allowed. Not allowing special treatment means a one-size-fits-all, mandatory approach.

This contradicts Ronan's general principle that farmers should be able to choose whether or not to join peasant associations with collective production characteristics, and workers should be able to choose whether or not to join.

Moreover, a one-size-fits-all approach is too easy to make a fool of oneself, especially when combined with so-called ideology.

For example, there's a village with little land to cultivate, located by a lake. The main livelihood is raising ducks, a practice that's continued for hundreds, even thousands of years. Then suddenly, a decree comes from above: each person is only allowed one duck; more than that is considered capitalist, and everyone must grow grain. If you disagree, the officials will lead a group to exterminate the ducks and kill them all. If you still protest, well…

Intensive agricultural production is good because it is low-cost and highly efficient.

However, this approach is not suitable for some places. In places where it is suitable, if you insist on introducing certain ideologies or engaging in struggles, the situation will be ruined. Farmers don't care about whether it's good or bad; they only know that they are not doing well under your "good system."

Was someone's rise to power solely due to the higher-ups? No, it was also in accordance with public opinion; the farmers had also become fed up with the situation.

As for what happened later, I won't go into details.

This just confirms another point: a person's position has nothing to do with their background, but rather with the location they occupy.

So-called class theory can easily become theory of birth.

A representative of the peasants is, first and foremost, a representative. Since he is a representative, his stance is not on the side of the people he represents, and it is not subject to his personal subjective will.

Some people, who were ambitious, honest and upright revolutionary cadres a few years ago, have become unambitious, corrupt and cunning officials a few years later.

This was not something Ronan had heard in his previous life, but something he witnessed in this life.

People who remain true to their original aspirations are extremely rare.

It's not a problem of human nature, but a problem of social structure. The more power people have, the more they tend to become "supermen," and the less law and morality can restrain them. But any change still depends on power.

Since the dragon-slaying hero has become the dragon himself.

Whether it's a vanguard or a continuous revolution, neither has yielded good results and may even bring more negative consequences.

If that's the case, why did Ronan start with workers and peasants?

Is it really just for the sake of saying "we were here before"? That's so meaningless.

Ronan wasn't that great. He wasn't a person who wholeheartedly served the people. He wasn't even a "superman." In other people's eyes, someone like him who pursued power and engaged in economic development was a respectable person, but in reality, he was a ridiculous and entertaining person.

However, on the other hand, when the power structure of society changes, the rulers and the ruled also change.

The cornerstone of this change in the power structure was the farmers' associations and labor unions.

It is neither the kind of farmers' associations and trade unions in some countries that have become mere formalities, nor the kind of farmers' associations and trade unions in some countries that try to profit from both sides, ultimately leaving neither side with anything.

Instead, they were peasant associations and trade unions with "feudal" characteristics, without "lords" but with "knights" and "masters of knightly orders".

Therefore, Ronan didn't care if there were "representatives of the old guard" on the committee, because once they were integrated, they had already been transformed.

"Of course, periodic innovation is necessary. Some corrupt individuals within the committee must be removed." After explaining the general principles, Ronan took a sip of tea and then turned to practical issues.

Honest officials are not necessarily efficient, but corrupt officials are definitely inefficient.

The committee doesn't need people who slow down efficiency, so it must be determined to fight corruption.

This is the approach Ronan has consistently adhered to to this day.

"Mr. Guo, would you be interested in becoming a 'new'?" Ronan extended an invitation.

Although the old man didn't have any outstanding abilities, he didn't immediately take up the post of governor. He was very cautious, even cunning. In half a year, he traveled all over Guangdong and conducted some investigations. He didn't stop his close friend from joining him, and his daughter was even brought into the group. Based on these points alone, he was a person worth inviting.

"Oh, Mr. Luo, you can just invite me?" Guo Mingli asked.

“That was possible in the past, but not now. Other committee members need to approve. However, as long as Mr. Guo takes office as governor, they will definitely approve,” Ronan said.

Nominally, there was no rebellion in Guangdong. It recognized the appointment and dismissal of officials by the imperial court and still paid taxes to the court. Unlike in Jiangnan, many officials were driven away, and some were even killed. As for taxes, they stopped paying them altogether.

Even if the imperial court replaced all the officials in Guangdong, it wouldn't matter, since the committee was now in charge of everything. However, the imperial court wouldn't do something so foolish as to escalate the conflict.

In this situation, even if Guo Mingli is sidelined and unable to do anything to the committee, he can still cause trouble for the committee. And if he is willing to join, everyone would naturally be happy to see him.

Therefore, Ronan said that if he were to take up the post of governor, he would definitely be able to become a commissioner.

"Can I refuse?" Guo Mingli asked with a smile, though his smile seemed somewhat helpless.

“Of course you can, but refusing wouldn’t do you any good. Joining us, however, would bring you many benefits,” Ronan said, and he meant it sincerely.

Guo Mingli was even more helpless at this point. "You have one advantage over Jiangnan: you don't talk about morality or ideals, you only talk about benefits."

He couldn't be bothered to say that some people talk about justice but are only interested in business.

Ronan poured more tea. “Actually, our committee still has ideals and pursuits, but when it comes to matters of morality, it’s best to let things take their natural course. You haven’t seen Guangdong in the past, otherwise you would definitely feel that the atmosphere here has changed a lot, both at the top and the bottom.”

Ideals should be discussed, but merely talking about ideals is just being irresponsible.

"Let me think about it some more. I might give Baiyang and Hanlu a try," Guo Mingli said.

"Miss Guo is your daughter. Does it make any difference if she joins?" Ronan asked. He was already on a pirate ship, and there was no way to sever ties.

Guo Mingli waved his hand, "I think it's quite good that I take office as governor but don't directly join the committee, and only let Hanlu join you."

Chapter 950 Maid Outfit, White Stockings, Bewitched

Upon assuming the post of governor, he did not join the committee himself, but instead had his daughter join it. This was a case of getting on the wrong side of the law while still maintaining his "united front value."

If it were at a different time, Ronan would tell Old Man Guo that there's a saying in Guangdong: "Sugarcane can't be sweet at both ends; one can't have it all."

However, the next period is a crucial time for the reorganization and expansion of the committee, so let's not create any more complications for now. We'll let Lord Guo know about the simple and honest folk customs of the people of Guangdong later.

Ronan agreed to Old Man Guo's request, and then saw the family off with a smile, walking them quite a distance before turning back.

Incidentally, Astrid was also sent away.

When Ronan returned, Elena had changed her clothes and was wearing a long black and white maid dress, exactly the same one she had worn many years ago in Wright City.

Ronan was still in the yard when Elena rushed over and hugged him, showering him with kisses and gasping for breath, like someone struggling to breathe, greedily inhaling his scent.

Faced with Elena's assault, which resembled that of a female animal in heat, Ronan was so embarrassed that he didn't know what to do with his hands. "Are you that thirsty?"

Elena didn't answer at all. She pulled her lips away from Ronan, looked at him, and after a few heavy breaths, she immediately squatted down, hurriedly unbuckled Ronan's belt, pulled down his pants, grabbed Ronan's thighs with both hands, and swallowed the still soft, worm-like thing in one gulp. With an aura as if she wanted to suck the thing into her throat, she began to suck frantically, her tongue constantly swirling around.

Ronan held Elena's head in his hands. For the past month, Ronan had been in Guangxi with some committee members, negotiating remotely and communicating with officials in Guangxi. He had been very busy and hadn't done this for a month. He was so pent up that he was about to burst. With Elena, who was like a lustful demon, sucking and licking him so wildly, he felt like he couldn't control himself.

"Slow down, slow down, Ai," Ronan advised, tilting his head back and closing his eyes.

Elena spat it out, then gripped the already hard and swollen penis in one hand, brought her nose close, and took two deep breaths of the flavor, a look of pure enjoyment on her face.

She's starting to act strangely.

She's been very busy for the past six months. She didn't feel anything for the first few months, but in the last two months she's had a little more free time. After not having sex for six months, she suddenly had a craving and could only use sex toys to relieve the itch.

Elena was mouthing it wildly and with ecstasy, as if she wanted the head of Ronan's thing to churn every part of her mouth. She held the thing, her head constantly changing direction, so sometimes her left cheek was bulging, sometimes her right cheek was bulging, sometimes she was deep throating, and the shape of the penis was almost visible in her throat, and sometimes her upper larynx was being pushed up, making it difficult for her to breathe normally.

Ronan was at a loss for words; even if he did, she probably wouldn't listen.

A moment later, Elena finally vomited, then ripped her maid dress open, creating a high slit that went all the way down to her underwear. Underneath, she wore a pair of white stockings, pinkish-white and opaque, with lace trim around the top. Her thighs were full, but firm, so they didn't feel constricted. Even so, the white stockings made her long legs appear even more voluptuous and alluring.

The white lace panties covering her mons pubis were already soaked and semi-transparent, making one wonder if she had just finished eating and her mind was already full of these thoughts.

No wonder Elena didn't speak to Guo Hanlu, whom she already knew, when Ronan was chatting with someone.

After a few rapid breaths, Elena pushed Ronan forward, and Ronan fell down. Elena pulled off her underwear, spread her legs, and sat down.

It was so wet there that even without being perfectly aligned, it slid right in.

The long emptiness was suddenly filled by the hard, thick, and long penis, and the tightly closed, slippery vaginal muscles were stretched open.

"Ohhhhhhh, ohhhhhh!" Elena let out an extremely loud and drawn-out sound.

“Keep your voice down,” Ronan said.

This isn't Ronan's large house with no neighbors around; this is where a moderately wealthy person in the city lives—a two-story U-shaped house with a courtyard.

Elena couldn't hear him at all, seemingly finding him an eyesore. She pressed her hands against Ronan's chest muscles, pushed off with the balls of her feet, and the heels of her lace-up maid shoes came off, revealing her heels encased in white stockings. She used all her strength in her calves, thighs, buttocks, and waist to thrust wildly and demand more.