Great Power Reclamation

Chapter 2902 The Herson School
Rapid rise inevitably brings more open and covert attacks. Marshal Ye faced unprecedentedly complex challenges.

Traditional political parties and vested interest groups viewed him as an "outlier" and the "greatest threat," and joined forces to attack him in parliament, attempting to veto his budget and delay the approval of key projects.

They even launched a media offensive, hyping up clichés such as "Hezhou is being colonized by Eastern capital" and "Marshal Ye is a foreign agent."

However, Marshal Ye and his team were prepared. They refuted the rumors with detailed data, a transparent bidding process, and tangible improvements in people's lives.

In every parliamentary debate, Marshal Ye was well-prepared, logically clear, and used facts and reasoning to leave his opponents speechless.

His approval ratings remain high not only in Helsinki, but are also beginning to gain popularity among young people and urban elites nationwide.

The agricultural and logistics oligarchs, having lost their monopoly profits, attempted to retaliate with dirty tricks, including creating trouble, threatening investors, and even plotting against Marshal Ye.

However, under the iron-fisted crackdown by Ivanovich's uncle, several failed plots were swiftly thwarted, and those involved were arrested with lightning speed, greatly deterring the opponents. Marshal Ye demonstrated a political toughness and decisiveness beyond his years.

Some international grain traders and geopolitical rivals are also uneasy about the Hessian model and are exerting pressure through diplomatic channels and non-governmental organizations.

Marshal Ye handled the situation with great skill, adhering to business rules and treating all compliant investors equally.

In international settings, he only talks about economic cooperation, regional development, and improving people's livelihoods, and never proactively touches on sensitive geopolitical issues, making it difficult for adversaries to find an excuse to attack.

He skillfully exploited the widespread desire for development and a balanced relationship among various parties in Ukraine to maximize the scope of his own policies.

After several years of dedicated efforts, Marshal Ye Jianying's achievements have attracted worldwide attention. Khovd has transformed from an ordinary agricultural prefecture into a "model prefecture" with the fastest economic growth, the highest investment activity, and the most significant improvement in people's livelihoods in Uzbekistan.

The "Hezhou Miracle" became Marshal Ye's most dazzling calling card. He was named "Governor of the Year" and was summoned by the President on several occasions to consult on national affairs. His development model began to be studied and emulated by other governors.

Although Marshal Ye did not explicitly join any existing political party (maintaining a certain degree of detachment), a group of like-minded young technocrats, scholars, and local officials have gathered around him, forming a "Hexagon faction" or "Marshal Ye clique" labeled with "pragmatism, development, and innovation." This emerging force is changing the traditional political landscape of Uzbekistan.

In Hezhou, Marshal Ye enjoyed almost idol-like prestige. Workers, peasants, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals all benefited from his policies.

People believe he can bring a better life. This solid foundation of public support is something no opponent can shake.

Standing at the newly renovated Hezhou Port wharf, watching the cargo ship fully loaded with "Made in Helsin" slowly sail towards the Black Sea, Marshal Ye felt calm and resolute.

He is no longer the greenhorn he once was, but a statesman who knows the source of power, understands how to use the rules, and possesses a clear strategic vision.

His foundation lies in the resilience, pragmatism, and innovative spirit bestowed upon him by the military reclamation city, and in the technological, capital, and global network support provided by the Warrior Group.

It is the political enlightenment and local foundation provided by the Petrovich family, and even more so, the boundless power transformed from the black soil beneath our feet and the people's yearning for a better life.

He gained his footing, but his gaze had already set its sights on something much farther away.

Ukraine's future needs a new blueprint, and he has proven himself to be one of the best people to draw it up.

Rooted in the black soil and gazing at the starry sky, Marshal Ye's political journey is about to enter a more turbulent and profound phase.

In early winter in Kyiv, the wind was biting, but the atmosphere inside the Marinsky Palace was warm and lively.

A special hearing on the allocation of the national budget is underway. At one side of the long oak table sits Marshal Ye Jianying and his capable delegation from Hezhou.

On the other side were several central ministers and senior members of parliament with unpleasant expressions.

“Governor Ye, the additional port construction funds and new energy subsidies applied for by the State of Helson are in huge amounts.”

Oleg Petrenko, a member of parliament with his hair neatly combed and representing a traditional energy interest group, spoke slowly, tapping his fingers on the documents on the table.

"Given the nationwide austerity measures, isn't this overly optimistic? Moreover, we've received considerable feedback questioning whether these projects truly benefit Uzbekistan's national interests, or certain... foreign business partners?"

The implication in his words was like a venomous snake spitting its tongue, and the hall immediately fell silent, all eyes focused on Marshal Ye.

This was a long-planned attack by the old guard in Kyiv, attempting to distort economic issues into a political attack and stifle Kherson's rising momentum.

Marshal Ye did not immediately refute. He picked up the water glass on the table, took a small sip, and his movements were so steady that they were not those of a young man.

His gaze swept across the faces opposite him—some arrogant, some scrutinizing, some gloating—before finally settling on Petrenko, a faint smile even appearing at the corner of his mouth.

“Representative Petrenko,” Marshal Ye’s voice was clear and steady, carrying throughout the hall through the microphone.

"Thank you for your concern about Hessian state's financial situation. Your questions boil down to two points: first, where does the money come from? Second, who owns the profits?"

He turned slightly to the side, and his aides immediately handed him a thick document. At the same time, the huge projection screen lit up.

"First, regarding funding." Marshal Ye opened the document:

"The third phase expansion project of Hezhou Port has 60% of its total budget coming from an international syndicated loan led by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The loan terms are fully market-based and transparent, and have been audited by the Ministry of Finance and international authorities."

"The remaining 40%, half of which comes from the state's fiscal surplus—yes, thanks to agricultural reforms and processing taxes, Herzegovina achieved its first fiscal surplus in nearly two decades last year."

"The other half comes from equity investment from strategic investors. All agreements are published on the official website, and everyone is welcome to check and supervise them at any time."

He paused, his gaze sharpening: "As for questioning the investor's background..."

"Senator Petrenko, the 'foreign business partners' you referred to are legitimate companies that are strictly registered in accordance with Uzbek law, employ more than 70% local staff, pay huge amounts of taxes in accordance with the law, and have committed to gradually localizing their procurement and R&D centers within three years."

"Should a country be labeled as suspicious simply because its capital comes from international sources? Following this logic, should Ukraine reject all foreign investment and return to an era of isolation? Does this align with our national policy of attracting investment and developing the economy?"

Petrenko's expression changed slightly, and he wanted to interject, but Marshal Ye did not give him the chance.

"Secondly, regarding the distribution of profits." Marshal Ye switched slides, revealing a screen filled with densely packed data charts and curves.

"This is the expected benefit model after the expansion of Hezhou Port. In the next five years, the port's throughput is expected to increase by 300%, directly creating 5000 jobs and indirectly driving more than 10,000 jobs in logistics, warehousing and service industries."

"The annual increase in tariffs, value-added tax, and corporate income tax will be an astronomical figure, most of which will be turned over to the national treasury to replenish the national treasury, and ultimately benefit all the people of Uzbekistan!"

He then switched to another image, a simulated view of the wind and solar power station in operation. "Once the new energy base is completed, it will not only guarantee the electricity supply for industry in this state, but the surplus electricity will also be integrated into the national grid to stabilize electricity prices in the southeastern region."

"At the same time, we pledge that control and ownership of all critical infrastructure will forever belong to the nation! The cooperation agreement contains the strictest legal guarantees of this. We are introducing capital and technology, not relinquishing sovereignty!"

Marshal Ye closed the document, leaned forward, and stared intently at Petrenko and all the skeptics present:
"Mr. Member of Parliament, Ministers, instead of sitting in your warm offices in Kyiv, questioning a project that is creating jobs, increasing tax revenue, and contributing to the country's energy security based on conjecture and rumors, why don't you go to Khedira Oblast and see for yourselves!"

His voice rose, carrying an undeniable force:
"Go see the bustling waterways of the Dnieper River! Go see the smiles on the faces of the workers in the newly built factories! Go see the villages that have been revitalized by stable power supply and irrigation! Go see the farm children who are able to continue their education thanks to the 'Seeds for the Future' grant!"

"Every step of Hezhou's development has been legal, compliant, and aboveboard! We are not pursuing the private interests of the prefecture, but exploring a path that can truly make the country prosperous and the people happy! If this is also a sin."

He paused for a moment, then said firmly, "Then I, Marshal Ye, am willing to take full responsibility! But before that, please provide solid evidence, not baseless accusations!"

The room fell silent. Marshal Ye's response was reasoned, well-founded, data-driven, and imbued with sentiment, and it exuded a dignified righteousness that made the opponent's obstruction seem particularly pale and despicable.

Several neutral lawmakers began to nod slightly.

Petrenko's face turned ashen. He opened his mouth, only to find that all the arguments he had prepared were utterly ineffective in the face of the other party's solid facts.

He could only mutter a few platitudes about "the need to assess long-term risks" before giving up.

That evening, in Marshal Ye's hotel suite, Xiao Di massaged his tense temples and whispered:

"Today was too dangerous; they were clearly prepared."

Marshal Ye closed his eyes and smiled: "They're just clowns. They're used to backroom deals and exchanging favors, so when they encounter someone like us who lays all their cards on the table, they're at a loss."

He grasped Xiao Di's hand and said, "Don't worry, the real contest never takes place on the stage."

The moment he finished speaking, the encrypted satellite phone rang. It was Ye Feng.

"Brother, is the 'fuss' over in Kiev?" Ye Feng's voice carried a hint of teasing, clearly indicating that he already knew about what happened during the day.

"The event just ended. A few flies were buzzing around; I swatted them away," Marshal Ye said casually.

"Behind Petrenko are the traditional energy pipeline interest groups of oligarchs in neighboring countries. They are afraid that your new energy and port projects will threaten their interests."

Ye Feng's information network always provides the most accurate background information.

"But don't worry, James just finished playing golf with some of the directors of EBRD, so there won't be any problems with the subsequent loan."

"In addition, the engineering team and equipment from 'home' will set off next week under the guise of 'technical cooperation' to help you speed up the port construction process and ensure that no one can find fault with it."

"Thanks."

Marshal Ye felt a surge of warmth in his heart. This silent yet powerful support from his family and the soldiers was the greatest source of his confidence to carry out sweeping reforms.

They never directly interfere in politics, yet they always manage to provide the most needed resources at the most crucial moments.

A subtle shift in funding, technology, and even international public opinion.

"We're brothers, no need for formalities," Ye Feng said seriously.

"The more secure your position, the more room we have in the international chess game. Don't forget, the 'bridge to the future' also needs a bridgehead like Helsin."

Be careful. My uncle said some people might resort to underhanded tactics when cornered.

“I know that Uncle Ivanovich has increased the security level for the state government and for me personally,” Marshal Ye nodded.

After hanging up the phone, Marshal Ye walked to the window and looked down at the myriad lights of Kyiv. This city was ancient and complex, full of opportunities, but also rife with traps.

But he was no longer the young man who needed to rely entirely on his grandfather's protection. He had his own political achievements, his own team, his own popular support, and a powerful support network spanning the continent.

After several similar clashes, Marshal Ye Jianying's prestige in Kiev's political arena rose rather than fell. He was regarded as a capable, decisive, principled, and pragmatic leader, a tough opponent who was difficult to bribe or threaten.

Even the president has repeatedly used the example of Kherson in cabinet meetings to reprimand those inefficient departments that are prone to buck-passing and shirking responsibility.

Back in Hezhou, Marshal Ye accelerated the pace of the project.

With the "victory" in Kyiv and the experience gained, he became more adept at dealing with the remaining oligarchic forces in the state.

Through either division and disintegration, legal deterrence, or exchange of interests, those local "powerful figures" entrenched in the logistics and energy sectors were eradicated or incorporated one by one, completely clearing away obstacles to development.

A year later, in the autumn, the new berth at Hezhou Port welcomed its first 100,000-ton cargo ship.

Along the vast wheat fields, rows of white wind turbines stand tall, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds; on the assembly line of a chip assembly plant, workers are focused on operating precision instruments... a picture of prosperity and development.

Marshal Ye Jianying's name frequently appears in prominent positions in mainstream media at home and abroad. He is hailed as "a new hope for reform in Uzbekistan" and "a rising star in Eastern European politics".

But he remained clear-headed. After each inspection, he and Xiao Di would stay in the study until late at night, studying maps, analyzing data, and planning the next step of more in-depth structural reforms—in the judiciary, education, healthcare, and so on.

He knew the road ahead was long, and the enemy in the darkness had never disappeared, but was merely lying dormant. But he was fearless.

His roots are deeply embedded in the steely will of the military reclamation city, nourished by the fertile black soil of the Dnieper River, and spread throughout the global network of the warrior group.

This political tree, nurtured by both Eastern and Western influences, has grown lush and verdant, ready to withstand even greater storms and surely support an even broader sky.

His story has long transcended personal struggle, becoming an indispensable key chapter in a grand narrative about national rebirth and the evolution of the global landscape.

　coming

　　(End of this chapter)