1977: The beginning of the blind date with the daughter of the king

Chapter 664 Investing in Journey to the West

"What are you two talking about here?"

Just as Li Changhe was chatting with Shen Juncheng, his uncle Shen Yuchuan also came over.

"We're talking about public security, Uncle."

"Have you heard any rumors from the government that there are plans to arrest or control people for public security issues?"

Li Changhe asked curiously at this moment.

Upon hearing this, Shen Yuchuan stubbed out his cigarette and looked at Li Changhe, saying, "You're talking about the report that Juncheng submitted before, right?"

"It should be led by Vice Mayor Liang's side. I attended the meeting and actually know a little bit about it."

"This matter isn't as simple as you think. It's not something the government can just decide to arrest on a whim. It involves many aspects."

"After all, this involves coordination among multiple departments, including the judiciary!"

Shen Yuchuan said softly.

Such important national decisions cannot be made casually. They require the participation of many departments, and any change can have far-reaching consequences, so they must be handled with utmost care!

Upon hearing this, Li Changhe immediately understood the key point.

"You mean, the power and responsibility of those who preside over executions?"

Previously, China was in a highly centralized state, which included various aspects, including the approval of death sentences.

After all, these people will definitely be dealt with severely when the time comes!

This raises a new problem: death sentences need to be reported.

But this resulted in an unimaginable workload!
Because if we rely entirely on the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Court simply can't approve all the applications.

"That's right, it's about the authority to review trials. Once a crackdown is launched, this authority will inevitably have to be delegated; otherwise, the Supreme People's Court alone simply cannot handle it all."

"However, the decentralization of judicial power and responsibility is a very serious matter. Once this power is decentralized, it may not necessarily be a good thing."

Shen Yuchuan said earnestly.

Li Changhe nodded, indicating that he understood.

Once the power of judicial review is delegated, it means that local courts will have the authority to directly sentence and execute death sentences. This effectively expands local law enforcement power, which naturally has both advantages and disadvantages.

However, Li Changhe was also well aware that historically, those who had been severely punished in the crackdowns were usually sentenced to death in a short period of time, which meant that the higher-ups had most likely delegated this authority to the lower levels.

"By the way, Uncle, I heard you were transferred to the city? You got promoted, is that true?"

Shen Juncheng then asked curiously.

He was also part of the system in Beijing, and many of his colleagues knew about his relationship with Shen Yuchuan. Sometimes they would ask him about even the slightest thing that happened to Shen Yuchuan.

After listening, Shen Yuchuan smiled and looked at Shen Juncheng: "You guys know quite a lot."

“Hey, there’s nothing new in the government. The slightest thing will definitely spread.”

Shen Juncheng said with a smile.

Li Changhe looked at Shen Yuchuan in surprise: "Uncle, are you getting promoted again?"

"Well, if nothing unexpected happens, I'll be going to the city to become the vice mayor after the New Year, mainly because several veteran comrades are retiring."

"The higher-ups are promoting the rejuvenation of cadres, and a large number of older comrades who have reached the age limit will have to retire to the second line, which gives us people an opportunity. I will most likely go to the municipal government. As for what work I will be in charge of, it has not been decided yet. We'll see when the time comes."

Shen Yuchuan didn't hide anything, nodding and smiling as he spoke.

Li Changhe also realized that, yes, he had almost forgotten that a large number of veteran comrades had retired to the second line in 82, and the vacant positions were naturally filled by promotions from the lower levels.

Otherwise, Shen Yuchuan's promotion speed is too fast, considering he's only been back for a little over two years.

"It's not just me; your uncles' side will also be promoted. This time, the rejuvenation of cadres is a nationwide effort."

"In fact, the social security issues you are considering are also partly due to the delays caused by these issues."

"The higher-ups are currently in a transitional phase, and I estimate that the issue of public security will have to wait until all the older comrades have retired before being handed over to the new comrades to resolve."

Shen Yuchuan then analyzed the situation for Li Changhe.

"I see. We had oversimplified the matter."

Li Changhe sighed and said that when considering issues, those above often have to take a holistic approach rather than focusing on just one aspect.

"Uncle, with your promotion, we can now be considered legitimate children of high-ranking officials."

With both uncles promoted, they're now definitely at the vice-ministerial level.

Generally speaking, the definition of a high-ranking official is someone at the bureau level or above, with the vice-ministerial level being a clear example.

"We are all serving the people, why bother with all that? You two also need to be mindful and set a good example for your younger siblings. Don't get carried away just because you have officials in your family now."

“Especially you, Juncheng, I heard you’re quite a troublemaker in the Municipal Bureau now, always complaining and resentful. Many people only give you some leeway because of your father-in-law and me.”

"But the rumors have reached me, which means that some people are already dissatisfied with you."

"When you go out to work, especially in the government, you need to be united and cooperative, and you can't just do whatever you want."

At this moment, Shen Yuchuan gave Shen Juncheng some pointers.

Shen Juncheng said speechlessly, "Uncle, someone must have snitched on me."

Li Changhe shook his head: "Uncle, I think it would be better for Juncheng to show some talent in GA."

“They are law enforcement agencies. If they are too compliant, it will be a disadvantage and they will be looked down upon.”

"Moreover, the country is currently undergoing a period of transformation, and what it needs are cadres who dare to fight and take risks. Those who blindly follow the old ways and do things step by step will definitely be eliminated quickly."

"Of course, being daring to fight and charge doesn't mean being reckless; you still have to use your brain when doing things."

"Currently, the domestic mindset is in a transitional phase between the old and the new. In fact, no matter what you do, there will always be people who don't like you. The conservatives think you are too radical, and the radicals think you are too conservative."

“When we offer an economics course at Peking University, people still criticize it in the newspapers every day. In the end, it’s all unavoidable.”

After listening to Li Changhe's words, Shen Juncheng immediately nodded in agreement, while Shen Yuchuan shook his head: "You're just flattering him."

"I'm not trying to flatter you, Uncle. To be honest, no matter how low-key we try to be, Juncheng's background is what it is."

“His father-in-law, and you, and even his uncles, these are constant relationships that cannot be changed.”

“Even if he works diligently, when it comes time for promotion, there will still be people who will criticize him. So I think it’s better for him to work hard and make real contributions.”

"The higher authorities are pushing for younger cadres to replace the conservative ideas of the older generation with the open-mindedness of young people, thereby revitalizing the entire national system."

“Actually, Uncle, not just him, I think you can be a little bolder in the future. As long as the original intention is to benefit the people, you can try it bravely.”

Li Changhe spoke earnestly to Shen Yuchuan.

He wasn't afraid of his uncle being bold; he was afraid his uncle wouldn't dare to do it.

After all, even if he makes a bold mistake, he can cover for it.

Li Changhe has now completely given up his own future and made so many contributions to the country. In essence, these contributions often serve as a safety net for those around him. Of course, this safety net doesn't mean reckless behavior, but rather that people like Shen Yuchuan, even if they make mistakes at work, won't be completely condemned.

After hearing Li Changhe's words, Shen Yuchuan looked at him with considerable surprise: "So you're going to be my backer now, aren't you?"

"Um, Uncle, actually Changhe can really be your backer!"

Shen Juncheng said with a grin at this moment.

Ever since learning about Li Changhe's other identity, Shen Juncheng has also realized his importance. Putting aside everything else, just looking at Vice Mayor Liang's attitude towards Changhe is enough to tell you that.

Moreover, he knew that Changhe could directly communicate with those at the very top.

With such a status and position, it wouldn't be a problem for her to be Shen Yuchuan's backer.

"What, Juncheng, do you know something?"

"Tell me, has Changhe met some important person again?"

Shen Yuchuan stared at Shen Juncheng and asked.

He knew that Li Changhe knew a lot of people, whether at Peking University or the Writers Association, and he had heard that Li Changhe often drank with Zhang Guangnian and Xia Yan.

These are all veteran comrades; their influence cannot be judged solely by their rank.

"I'll talk to you about this in a couple of days, Uncle."

Li Changhe smiled and said.

Now that my uncle is about to become the vice mayor and is in Beijing, there are some things I definitely need to tell him, and I probably won't be able to keep them from him any longer.

"Alright, I'll see what secrets you have up your sleeve."

"Stop chatting, come and get the dishes, we're getting ready to eat."

At this moment, Shen Yuxiu called out to them.

Soon, the whole family began to enjoy their reunion dinner in a lively atmosphere.

In the following days, Li Changhe also visited many senior figures in Beijing.

Until this day, he brought Zhu Lin with him to the home of Zhu Lin's teacher, director Yang Jie.

"Teacher, Changhe and I have come to wish you a Happy New Year!"

Upon arriving at Director Yang Jie's home, Zhu Lin cupped her hands in greeting to Director Yang Jie.

"You're here, why bring so much stuff?"

Seeing the two of them carrying large and small bags, Yang Jie frowned and said.

Upon hearing this, Li Changhe immediately smiled and said, "Teacher Yang, how can you come empty-handed during the New Year?"

"Besides, it's not anything valuable, just some fruit and ingredients, it doesn't cost much."

"Bananas aren't expensive? And this is chocolate, isn't it? They're all imported."

"Alright, I know you have money, so I won't stand on ceremony with you. Please have a seat."

Yang Jie invited Li Changhe and Zhu Lin to sit down. Li Changhe and Zhu Lin sat on the small sofa, and the room was now full of people.

Mainly because there are too many people.

At this time, six people were living in Yang Jie's two-room house. Her three children, who had previously gone to the countryside, had also returned and were now all crammed into the house.

Li Changhe noticed a curtain separating the balcony, presumably indicating that a small bed had been set up inside.

"It's good that you two have a child now, it's just a pity."

"After the New Year, I plan to set up the crew for 'Journey to the West'. I originally wanted to bring you along, since it's a major production for the station, and you could gain some work experience by participating."

"It seems you have no other choice now."

After Yang Jie sat down, she took Zhu Lin's hand and said with a sigh.

After listening, Zhu Lin looked at Yang Jie with deep regret: "Teacher, I'm sorry!"

"It's okay. You give birth first, and if the film crew hasn't finished filming by then, we'll see."

"I estimate that the preparation alone will take several months, and casting will be a major problem!"

Yang Jie wasn't angry; she just shook her head and said helplessly.

"Teacher, can't we get them from the major film studios?"

Zhu Lin asked curiously at this moment.

Li Changhe said with a smile, "I reckon those actors probably won't want to go."

"TV dramas are a niche market for them. There are too few TV sets in China at present. TV dramas are a very niche market and are not worth mentioning compared with movies."

"So if given the choice between movies and TV series, movie actors would definitely prioritize movies."

Li Changhe then explained to Zhu Lin that in the 1980s, there were very few television sets, so TV dramas were naturally a niche product, while movies were much more popular.

With so many cinemas across the country, a single movie can make an actor a star, just like Gong Xue in "The Herdsman".

Moreover, the resolution of movies today is much better than that of television sets.

Therefore, film actors are given priority for film roles, while television actors are not valued.

Why were three actors chosen to play Tang Sanzang? To put it bluntly, they all looked down on television dramas. Wang Yue was a proper student at the Beijing Film Academy, and for him to act in a television drama would be considered a waste of his studies, so he left after filming a few episodes.

Xu Shaohua was the same; he didn't film many movies, and as soon as he had the opportunity to go to university, he immediately left. To put it bluntly, TV dramas were not important to him at all.

Li Changhe also remembered that although Journey to the West was a classic, many of the characters in it were from the opera industry. On the one hand, Yang Jie had a keen eye for talent, and on the other hand, it was probably because actors from major film studios did not like to participate.

To put it bluntly, they look down on it!
"This"

"It's alright, I've already thought it through. I'll go and visit the art troupes in various provinces. Some opera performers may not be inferior to film actors in terms of acting skills."

"Moreover, Journey to the West will require costume design. Changhe, I remember you're quite familiar with Beijing Film Studio, aren't you? I'm planning to invite Comrade Wang Xizhong from Beijing Film Studio to be the makeup artist for the Journey to the West crew. Could you please talk to Director Wang for me? I heard you have a lot of influence with Director Wang."

Yang Jie then spoke to Li Changhe.

After hearing this, Li Changhe immediately agreed: "No problem, I'll just mention it when I visit Director Wang's house for the New Year in a couple of days."

"By the way, Teacher Yang, do you think our Journey to the West production team needs sponsorship or investment?"

"Sponsorship and investment?"

"What do you mean?"

Yang Jie looked at Li Changhe with surprise and asked seriously.

Li Changhe smiled and said, "Teacher Yang, I can help the production team secure investment from Hong Kong TV station!"

(End of this chapter)