Nominal: Who isn't a son-in-law?

That's getting straight to the point.

Chu Shijun took a drag of his cigarette, looked directly at him, and said firmly, "For an official, what matters is maintaining one's original intention and discerning right from wrong and being fair."

"Some things may seem like minor details, but they are actually fundamental and cannot be taken lightly or neglected."

Gu Yucai's eyes narrowed, and the warmth in his tone faded considerably, replaced by a hint of bewilderment as he said, "Still too young."

"My lord, I've walked this path for most of my life and seen more storms than you have. If you take some things too seriously, it will only damage the harmony and put you in a dilemma."

"Take people's hearts for example. People's hearts are the most complicated thing. When I was in office, I always said, 'If your heart is upright, your path will be upright.' But in my later years, I realized that some people's hearts cannot be guarded or controlled."

"Especially in your position, the responsibility is heavy and there is a lot of criticism. Some paths don't need to be taken too hastily, and some detours don't need to be taken too sharply. Leaving more room for maneuver is also for the benefit of future generations."

Chu Shijun nodded first, then shook his head. "What you said makes sense, but I also have a different opinion."

"In officialdom and in life, if one always seeks shortcuts and is timid and hesitant, one may gain temporary glory, but in the end, it will be difficult to achieve great things."

"It's like planting a tree. When a tree grows big and has many branches and leaves, it's inevitable that some branches will grow. If these branches aren't pruned, they will eventually damage the foundation of the whole tree. The most obvious example is the landscape trees along the roadside. They need to be pruned regularly. Otherwise, if they are left unattended for a period of time, their canopies will block out the sun."

"Two years ago, in Handong, there was Zhao Lichun. He had spent his life in the military, but he failed to prune and trim the branches in time. In the end, the tree fell and the roots withered, and the people around him also lost their place to live. This is a living example."

Gu Yucai paused slightly at the tip of his cigarette, then slowly reached out his other hand to pick up the teacup and took a sip.

His expression didn't change noticeably, but a barely perceptible hint of seriousness flashed in his eyes: "Pruning and trimming also depends on timing and consideration for others. In the years since I retired, all I've wanted is for those around me to be safe and sound. We've already taught those unwanted branches a lesson; why must we uproot them completely?"

"My lord, you must understand that some roots, when planted too deep, inevitably disturb the soil when pulled out!"

Chu Shijun shook his head, his tone unchanged: "The soil is given by the masses, not something that any one person's foundation can control. If weeds are not removed, it is the soil that will be harmed, and it is the hearts of the masses that will be hurt."

"I'm not here to uproot the tree, but to put it back in its place and restore the soil to its original state."

"As for timing, once the rules are set, the timing will be there. As for personal feelings, they ultimately cannot prevail over human nature or the rules."

Is that firm?

Gu Yucai placed the teacup on the table, making a sound.

After a long silence, he finally laughed and said, "Hehehe, okay, okay."

His gaze returned to calm, tinged with a hint of melancholy and helplessness. He slowly leaned back in his chair. "You're young after all, daring to think and act. I understand what you mean, and I know what you want to do."

"but,"

"I've upheld my bottom line my whole life and protected the people around me my whole life. Even now, there are some things I still won't back down on. I will bear what I'm supposed to bear, but I won't give up what I'm not supposed to bear."

Chu Shijun nodded slightly, reached out and stubbed out his cigarette, stood up and said, "It's getting late, you should get some rest."

"Well, I won't see you off, Comrade Shijun. Take care."

Gu Yucai watched the young man's figure disappear outside the corridor gate and sighed softly.

When it was time to take his leave, Chu Shijun did not call him "uncle" or "comrade".

It seems they've made up their minds.

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves.

After a moment of silence, he turned his head and pressed the play button.

"..."

"Leave a pure reputation in the world to repay our ancestors."

I cried so hard in the ancestral temple that my throat was choked with sobs.

"I beseech the spirits of the Crouching Dragon, Marquis Huan, and the late Emperor to hear my lament!"

……

The next day.

According to the schedule.

Chu Shijun arrived at Nanbuqu, which is located in Tianhe, accompanied by Yang Wendong, a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and a member of the Standing Committee of the Military Sub-district.

He was greeted by a group of people dressed in military uniforms.

One of them has eyebrows and eyes that resemble Liang Qunfeng.

He is Liang Wen, the eldest son of Liang Qunfeng.

There are currently two stars, one more than before.

He exists as a supervisor.

Chu Shijun, according to his duties, was his first secretary.

Upon meeting, the two exchanged perfunctory greetings.

In addition, there was another person in the crowd who looked somewhat like Gu Yucai; he was his nephew, Gu Zhennan.

As soon as Chu Shijun got out of the car, everyone quickly stepped forward to salute and greet him.

"Commander Liang, Political Commissar Gu, comrades, thank you for your hard work."

Chu Shijun raised his hand in return, his expression calm.

"We are all very excited about Secretary Chu's visit and guidance. We have been looking forward to your visit for a long time," Liang Wen said with a smile, his voice deep and powerful.

Chu Shijun nodded slightly and said slowly as he walked:

"I've just taken office in Xinjiang, and I'm still figuring things out."

"Baijiang has a special geographical location, and the responsibility of guarding the border and maintaining stability is not light. This is a key link, and you are guarding this place, which carries great responsibility."

"Please rest assured, Secretary Chu, we always prioritize political awareness, and we dare not slacken our efforts in military training, grassroots armed forces, and maintaining stability," Gu Zhennan replied.

Upon hearing this, Chu Shijun glanced at him and said calmly, "Yes. The military and the local government are inseparable. When the local government faces difficulties, the military will lend a helping hand; when the military faces real difficulties, the provincial and local governments will never back down. We should communicate and coordinate more in the future, and the military and the local government will be of one mind."

With that, everyone entered the prepared conference room and took their seats in turn.

Everyone who could come was here; there were hundreds of people below, including some outstanding individuals who were given special consideration to attend and listen to the instructions.

Chu Shijun sat in the middle and slowly began to speak: "Comrades, today I have come here specifically to conduct research and visit you all, and to have a discussion with the responsible comrades, in accordance with my work schedule."

"First of all, on behalf of the Baijiang Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, I would like to extend my cordial greetings and sincere thanks to all civilian personnel and grassroots staff."

'Pa pa pa'

"Baijiang has a special strategic position and a special geographical mission. You are all indispensable key forces in safeguarding the stability of this region, consolidating its border defense, and protecting its people's livelihood."

"For a long time, everyone has been rooted in the border areas and performed their duties diligently. In various tasks such as combat readiness, emergency rescue, grassroots governance, and joint military-civilian construction, they have been responsible and have a strong work style, making important contributions to the overall social stability and high-quality economic and social development of the province. The Provincial Party Committee fully affirms this."

"On this occasion, I would like to offer four points..."

The meeting, which was full of the same old stuff, ended quickly, with everyone clapping their hands and pens never stopping.

After the meeting, Chu Shijun, unable to refuse the enthusiastic invitation from Liang Wen and others, went to inspect a certain base. He observed relevant training on site, had a cordial exchange with young soldiers, inquired about their training and living conditions, and gave important instructions.

The group then left.

Upon reaching the convoy, Chu Shijun turned to look at Liang Wen, who immediately understood and quickened his pace to catch up.

For some reason, the others felt tired and stopped to smoke a cigarette and rest.