In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 91 Lu Zhao's Victory

The atmosphere froze slightly.

Through visualization, Lu Zhao was able to confirm that the other party was not lying. Although he was a third-tier transcendent being, he had made no achievements in the spiritual realm.

In the teacher's words, the new dynasty's cultivation methods are too utilitarian, focusing too much on superficial improvements.

In order to popularize life development, the methods of the sages have been completely abandoned. Perhaps those sects still exist, but the vast majority of extraordinary individuals focus solely on life development.

Lu Zhao replied, "My sister-in-law often complains that I'm useless because I only studied in the capital."

His sister-in-law was not a traditional virtuous woman; she was usually very unreasonable and greedy, the kind of woman who would scold an old man even if he saw him picking up a plastic bottle on the roadside.

Lu Zhao didn't like his sister-in-law very much before, but she hasn't remarried and is still taking care of his mother and raising his niece, so he has gradually gotten used to it.

No one is perfect, and nothing is absolute.

Just as we are not perfect ourselves, what right do we have to be demanding of others?

"Yes, yes, there are always people who think that we can do anything just because we've read a little bit of books."

Zhao De complained, "In the end, I'm just a teacher, and you're just a young man who's only been out of school for a few years. Take the two top universities in Beijing and Chishui, for example, they have a combined five or six thousand graduates every year."

"There should be limits to comparisons. Can you compare yourself to me? Can I compare myself to the Federal Chief Executive?"

At this point, Lu Zhao couldn't help but feel a sense of resonance.

People often boast about how amazing the capital city is, but they forget how many graduates there are each year. Furthermore, their expectations are incorrect; the capital city of Chishui is not a training ground for nobles.

“My wife and relatives and friends can’t understand it. Some people say I’m a bookish and incompetent. A chicken is a chicken, not a phoenix. No matter how high you throw it off, it will only fly down.”

"In 3220, I was 37 years old. That year, the city had several vacancies for adjutant positions, and a public nomination and selection process was conducted. I took the written test, got first place, and then presented a basic education reform plan during the interview."

Zhao De's face showed obvious pride as he said with a smile, "I compiled the 'Life Development for the Sixth Grade of Federal Elementary School,' which is based on my many years of educational practice and is still in the textbooks today."

Lu Zhao did not question it; every federal official at the level of principal officer was an elite in a certain field.

Especially in today's environment, powerful city officials cannot be useless.

In a federal bureaucracy, bad people can exist, but incompetent people cannot be tolerated.

"Later I lost the election. I was very angry at the time and couldn't understand why I lost. Now I understand: being aloof can't make you rich, you can't climb the social ladder without being rich, and you can't get anything done without climbing the social ladder."

"Then I started frantically looking for connections and finally found a position in the municipal secretariat handling materials. After the catastrophe, I joined the army and fought hard during the great flood eight years ago to earn a first-class merit. Three years ago, I was transferred to the municipal administration."

Zhao De paused for a moment, his voice lacking inflection, less so than when he complained about his wife.

The details of how he reached the position of city executive were only briefly mentioned, without any mention of the pride he had expressed as a teacher.

People who care will mourn, while those who don't will complain casually.

All that remained was a sigh of relief: "After three years as a city executive, I didn't feel as accomplished as when I was a teacher. There were too many things I was supposed to manage, and too many things I shouldn't have managed."

Lu Zhao said, "Your achievements are worthy of your current position."

Zhao De asked, "Do you think your four years of perseverance have been worthwhile?"

Lu Zhao replied without hesitation: "I have lived up to the expectations of the people of Fangshi and my fellow villagers. In these four years, not a single person has died in the mouth of the water beast."

As he spoke, a hint of pride crept into his voice.

Zhao De shook his head: "I'm talking about yourself. Do you think you're doing right by your current position?"

Lu Zhao remained silent again. That wasn't enough; he also hoped for a higher position, more resources, and faster promotion.

It's not like Zhao De's position as mayor is a contribution to the federal government, and my patrolling the mountains is also a contribution to the federal government. Everyone is doing the same thing, each fulfilling their own duties.

If we're talking about numbers, Lu Zhao wants the highest position.

This is something that cannot be said, but can only be done.

Zhao De said, "It seems that it's not enough. What kind of position do you want? When there's a vacancy for the head of a border defense station, the position is usually filled by someone from within the station."

In an instant, Lu Zhao's relaxed mind became alert, and his eyes sharpened.

No matter how well they talk or get along, they are still enemies.

"Although you are only a lieutenant, you have a degree from the capital and have made numerous merits. This time, you have cracked a smuggling case. With a little manipulation, you can be promoted three ranks."

Zhao De offered an enticing benefit that most people couldn't refuse.

"He was promoted two ranks from training staff officer to station chief with real power, and was promoted from captain to field officer through a special promotion. At the end of the year, there was also a border defense reform, which allowed agricultural production within the jurisdiction of the border station to be delegated to the station for management."

"Allow border stations to have some of the powers of the local corps, and strengthen the armed forces of the border stations."

Lu Zhao remained unmoved and asked, "With so many benefits promised by the city councilor, will you still be the city councilor at the end of the year?"

Zhao De said, "That's a matter for next year. If it's still the municipal executive, it will only benefit you."

An exchange of benefits gives the power of choice to those who can make the decision.

These are all methods that Lu Zhao has used recently.

From a purely pragmatic perspective, Lu Zhao had no reason to refuse. After all, the intelligence he currently possessed could at most warrant disciplinary action from Zhao De, or perhaps just a reprimand.

All the evidence points to Liu Zhihui. As long as Liu Zhihui does not implicate Zhao De, all suspicions lack substantial evidence.

Furthermore, does Liu Zhihui have any evidence of Zhao De's actual criminal activity?
The brief encounter made Lu Zhao realize that Zhao De was a very cautious person and would not leave any obvious flaws.

If you cooperate and help him get through this difficult time, you can get a generous reward.

But Lu Zhao didn't come here to curry favor with Zhao De to get a promotion. Leaving no flaws or stains is the foundation for his future success in officialdom.

Lu Zhaodao asked, "Comrade City Executive, does this count as bribery?"

Zhao De smiled without saying a word; he saw Lu Zhao turn on the recording equipment.

He didn't expect the other party to agree; it was merely an attempt, better than nothing. If Lu Zhao could cease hostilities, things would go much more smoothly for him.

Lu Jinshan is dead, the evidence is fabricated, and Liu Zhihui is left to take the blame.

The only one who can overturn the previous evidence is Lu Zhao. As long as he agrees, everything will be foolproof.

Just then, hurried footsteps came from outside the door, like a jog.

Lin Zhiyan appeared at the door, her delicate features glistening with water droplets, and her clothes visibly wet.

She watched as Lu Zhao sat inside unharmed before she began to breathe slightly.

Lu Zhao turned to look at Zhao De, who understood perfectly and said, "Don't misunderstand, I didn't come because of Team Leader Lin. I would have come even without her."

"Comrade Lu Zhao, there is no doubt that you have won today."

　Available in early September
　　
　
(End of this chapter)