Courtyard House: The Chef's Intelligence System

When Yang Ligong's father-in-law saw the letter of recommendation from the head of the steel rolling mill in his office, he smiled with satisfaction.

"My son has finally grown up and knows how to unite with his comrades. Comrade Nie Wuji is quite good at recognizing people."

In Old Wang's view, his son's promotion to the top position of the steel rolling mill at the upcoming meeting was as secure as a rock.

Although both are at the level of a department director, the power of the second-in-command cannot be compared to that of the first-in-command.

Just like Minister Wang and Old Li, both are ministerial-level officials, but it's perfectly clear who's in charge at the Ministry of Metallurgical Industry.

Three days later, Minister Wang convened a meeting, first appointing the promotions of other factories, and finally discussing the position of the head of the steel rolling mill.

"It seems that the comrades have all tacitly agreed to leave the steel rolling mill for last. Let's discuss it then."

"Come on, everyone, speak freely."

Everyone started whispering after he said that.

Seeing that no one was speaking up, Minister Wang directly called on Old Wang:

"Old Wang, you go first."

"Hehe, since the minister has specifically mentioned him, I will speak freely. As the saying goes, one should not avoid recommending relatives when choosing a worthy person. I recommend Comrade Yang Ligong."

"He has both ability and shortcomings. Opinions about him within our Ministry of Metallurgy are mixed. There's a saying that we should learn from past mistakes to avoid future ones and cure the disease to save the patient."

But I think we can give him a chance.

After Lao Wang finished speaking, some people agreed with him, while others pondered his words.

Minister Wang nodded: "Yes, well said. Lao Li, you should say something too."

Old Li said, "I choose to abstain..."

"Oh, this..."

Everyone was very surprised. Old Li, you actually didn't recommend your son-in-law?

Minister Wang revealed a meaningful smile:

"Old Li, you're the second-in-command of the Ministry of Metallurgy, how can you abstain? Comrade Huai De has also done a very good job. Old Wang said that kinship should not be avoided when recommending the worthy, so why don't you recommend Comrade Huai De?"

Old Li chuckled upon hearing this, but inwardly he was cursing. "Didn't you tell me the other day, idol, that Comrade Huaide should reflect on his actions some more?"

Are you suggesting I should just ignore what you're doing and play along with your act?

What if you make things difficult for me?

"Hehe, Minister, Huai De is too young. He needs to mature a bit more."

Minister Wang continued to press:

"If I absolutely had to make a recommendation, what would it be?"

"Then I recommend Comrade Nie Wuji. He's doing a great job. He's only 61 years old, which is the perfect age for him to take risks."

"He stayed at the steel rolling mill from the time it was a joint public-private enterprise until the successful expansion. Comrade Nie Wuji was a very qualified leader."

"We can't just discard someone because they're old, especially since they didn't submit a report for early retirement."

"Letting someone retreat like this is bound to be seen as discarding them after they've served their purpose. As far as I know, Comrade Nie Wuji is also a meritorious soldier who came from the battlefield."

"Comrades, we cannot let our heroes shed blood and tears!"

"Holy shit!"

As soon as Old Li said this, everyone's expression changed. They couldn't afford to wear that hat; it was too damn heavy.

At this moment, Old Wang's voice rang out:

"Old Li, Vice Minister Li, what you say is true. We can't let heroes shed blood and tears, but Comrade Wuji recommended Comrade Ligong to be the head of the steel rolling mill."

"Everyone here has seen the recommendation report, so what do you say about that?"

Many people agreed, since the person in question had written a letter of recommendation.

Old Li was well-prepared for Old Wang's question:

"You know it's a letter of recommendation, but he didn't say he was retiring. With his achievements, he would enjoy the treatment of a vice minister if he retired, but since he didn't say he was retiring, he should be promoted."

"Moreover, it was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Metallurgy. If Comrade Wuji were a few years younger, he would definitely have joined our team."

"So now the problem is, if they don't retire, they have to be promoted. Who here is willing to shrug it off?"

"Holy shit..."

At that moment, everyone except Minister Wang was frantically racking their brains...

Old Li was absolutely right. At Nie Wuji's age, he can definitely still keep going.

They haven't done anything wrong, and they've done a very good job. If they don't retire, they'll be promoted. So, what should we do?

The Ministry of Metallurgy's leadership team is already full, with fewer positions available at higher levels; basically, there's one position for every radish.

They won't budge during this leadership transition.

Now it's Old Wang's turn to be the one in the bind, and even he belatedly realized it.

If Secretary Nie is to be promoted, who will make way for him and give him a nominal vice-ministerial position?

They don't have that right...

After weighing the pros and cons, the safest course of action was to place Nie Wuji in the position of head of the steel mill.

Yang Ligong could only wait and see.

Minister Wang smiled. Old Li's analysis made a lot of sense; he really hadn't thought of it that way.

After thinking for a moment, he spoke:

"Alright, let's end the meeting here for now. I'll talk to Comrade Wuji and see what he thinks first."

Everyone agreed, but Minister Wang had his own ideas. He wanted to communicate with his superiors to see if he could promote Nie Wuji's rank further.

Anyway, I can only serve one more term at most, and it's not impossible to go further.

The difference between being a serving vice-minister and enjoying vice-ministerial benefits after retirement is enormous.

Moreover, I heard from the old man that Yang Ligong, that brat, is actually somewhat insubordinate. How can that be allowed?

Even when beating a dog, you have to consider its owner. You're already so arrogant before the dog has even backed down. If it had, would you be looking down on it?

No, absolutely not! The steel rolling mill will not allow such an arrogant person to exist!

Minister Wang quickly communicated with his superiors and reported on the current situation of Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill and Nie Wuji.

After considering it, the superiors quickly provided a standard answer:

"Xiao Wang, we can't treat our meritorious people unfairly. Although Comrade Wuji is getting old, the steel mill has done a great job under his leadership."

"He's only 61 years old, which is the prime of his life. Since he's still in good health, let's give him more responsibilities."

"However, the rules cannot be broken. Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill is still a bureau-level unit. This is a one-time exception."

"Yes, sir, I understand!"

"Good, go and do it!"

Soon, the Ministry of Metallurgy convened another meeting, and at the same time, the personnel appointment for Nie Wuji was also announced from above.

Despite being promoted to vice-ministerial level, he remains the Party Secretary and head of the steel rolling mill!

After reading the appointment, Old Wang fell silent. After all this time, it was all for naught.

Not only did his son not get promoted, but Nie Wuji was promoted one rank. What kind of situation is this? How am I going to explain this to my son when I get home?

The Minister of Metallurgy, along with the Minister of Organization, spoke with Nie Wuji and also brought personnel appointments.

The steel rolling mill management lined up to welcome him; after all, this was their real boss!

Secretary Nie was so excited when he saw the appointment letter that he could not contain himself.

He thought it was already very kind of him that his old boss would let him serve another term, but he never expected that he would be promoted to a high-ranking position, a vice-ministerial level official.

Although he didn't make it into the leadership team of the Ministry of Metallurgy, he was still satisfied.

This time, the Taoist priest is really going to succeed!