Nominal: Starting with an entrance exam for a PhD in Economics at Peking University

"I see, you must have had a long journey, teacher." Qi Tongwei nodded.

Gao Yuliang glanced at the rather plain dormitory corridor, his tone gentle yet carrying a subtle hint of superiority: "Liangping's father-in-law is Deputy Director Zhong of your Economic Commission. At his level, family matters are usually handled with discretion, and he wouldn't hold a grand affair. I guess he only invited close relatives and friends. Liangping probably didn't want to bother you."

His words were spoken naturally, yet they subtly pointed out the high position Hou Liangping had climbed to, and the delicate situation where Qi Tongwei might not be "qualified" to receive the invitation.

The unconscious "flattery" and comparative mentality of intellectuals after their first taste of power are subtly revealed.

Qi Tongwei simply smiled, his expression calm and composed: "My senior brother is also the deputy director of the Economic Commission. He mentioned to me that he will take me there the day after tomorrow."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yuliang's gaze lingered on Qi Tongwei's face for half a second, a hint of surprise flashing across his face before turning into deeper satisfaction. "Oh? You must be Director Han Shen? Just promoted this year? Good, good!" He nodded repeatedly, his tone becoming much more sincere. "Tongwei, I'm very happy to see that you've managed to establish yourself in the Economic Commission."

He knew about Han Shen's teacher-student relationship with Qi Tongwei. Qi Tongwei would visit him every year when he returned to Handong, but he never took the initiative to show off his connections in Beijing, especially such a recently changed relationship.

"It's all thanks to your excellent teaching back then," Qi Tongwei said modestly, then changed the subject, "Teacher, you're about to go to the United States for study and research. When you return, you'll definitely be given an important position by the organization."

A hint of pride flashed across Gao Yuliang's face, but it was quickly masked by his reserved humility: "Not at all. We're all just bricks in the organization, ready to be moved wherever needed. Going out to learn is also a way to broaden our horizons and better serve the people when we come back."

The teacher and student, having been separated for a long time, naturally chatted about the recent situations of many old friends. Qi Tongwei greeted Professor Wu Huifen, and Gao Yuliang smiled and replied that everything was fine, and he was still studying her history of the Ming Dynasty.

As Gao Yuliang spoke, he glanced at Qi Tongwei's expression before seemingly casually mentioning, "By the way, Teacher Liang Lu is also married. Her husband is also from Handong University; his name is Xiao Gangyu. You should remember him, right?"

Xiao Gangyu?

Qi Tongwei was slightly taken aback. He was all too "familiar" with this name—the opportunistic and petty "scoundrel" from his past life! Liang Lu was marrying him? Ha, she'd have plenty of "good days" ahead of her.

He remained expressionless, simply nodding: "I've heard of it, but I'm not very familiar with it."

Gao Yuliang also mentioned Chen Hai and Hou Liangping, praising them as key personnel in the provincial procuratorate with bright futures ahead.

Qi Tongwei appropriately revealed a hint of self-deprecation: "Teacher, you are now highly valued, and Chen Hai and Liang Ping are five or six years younger than me. At this rate, I'm afraid that in a few years, their achievements will surpass those of their senior brother."

Upon hearing this, Gao Yuliang slowly shook his head: "You mentioned earlier that your teacher, Wu, studies the history of the Ming Dynasty. I'm reminded of something. Tongwei, did you know that in the Ming Dynasty, the promotion of officials after passing the imperial examination was roughly divided into three ranks: upper, middle, and lower?"

Qi Tongwei straightened his expression and said, "This student does not know, please enlighten me, teacher."

"The highest level, of course, is to be selected for the Hanlin Academy. It is extremely prestigious and prestigious. As long as one does not make any major mistakes, it is common for one to become a prime minister or a third or fourth-rank official in the future. In today's terms, it is roughly equivalent to..." Gao Yuliang hesitated for a moment, not saying it outright, but the meaning was self-evident. It was the top-level reserve team.

"Those of average ability either enter the Six Ministries to observe and learn about governance, or are appointed as censors or supervising officials, in charge of supervision and remonstrance, close to the central government, and gain real power. This path is steady and solid, the proper way, and many famous officials have reached the top through this path."

"The lowest rank is to be directly assigned to a local post as a county magistrate. The starting point is low, the duties are numerous, and it is extremely difficult to get ahead."

He looked at Qi Tongwei, his eyes filled with expectation and guidance: "The path to the highest level is unattainable without great opportunities and a powerful background; it's beyond the reach of ordinary people. But you are now walking on this 'middle' path—working in a key department of the State Economic Commission, participating in macro-level decision-making, and having access to core information. This is a solid and prestigious road! Many capable officials in the Ming Dynasty also followed this path to reach the highest ranks. Since you are on this path, you don't need to be envious of others who seem to have a quick start and rapid promotion on the 'lower' path."

He paused, his tone becoming somewhat meaningful: "As for people like Hou Liangping and Xiao Gangyu... in ancient times, they could be compared to 'relatives of the emperor.' By leveraging the power of marriage, they could certainly rise to prominence quickly. However, fortune and misfortune are intertwined. If one becomes too deeply attached, one will find oneself in a situation beyond one's control. Only those involved truly know the joys and sorrows, the gains and losses."

These words were both comforting and insightful, gently revealing a corner of the mysteries of officialdom throughout history.

Qi Tongwei felt a chill run down his spine and solemnly said, "I understand, thank you for your guidance, teacher."

The teacher and student chatted about their recent work and life. Late at night, Qi Tongwei took Gao Yuliang to the guesthouse before returning home.

On his way back to the dormitory, the cool autumn breeze blew, but Qi Tongwei's mind was unusually clear. Gao Yuliang's words echoed repeatedly in his mind.

The status of a Jinshi (进士) in the Ming Dynasty was far more prestigious than that of a Doctor today. They were prospective officials, while I was merely a clerk.

Therefore, they have the means to proceed step by step and wait for things to fall into place. But what about himself? If he wants to surpass the trajectory of his previous life and successfully "enter the ministry" and join the ranks of senior cadres at the age of forty-seven at the time of his rebirth, simply "following the steps" is absolutely not enough.

A long-lost sense of urgency suddenly gripped his heart.

Have these past few months been too comfortable? The ivory tower atmosphere of university seems to have lingered, and the care from his fellow "Peking University students" within the Economic Commission has given him a false sense of security. He's even somewhat forgotten the ruthless and resolute spirit he had at the beginning of his rebirth, racing against time and fighting against fate.

These past few months have simply been spent "familiarizing myself with the environment" and "learning the business," which might be considered excellent for a newcomer to a ministry.

But for someone determined to rewrite their destiny and climb to even greater heights, this is far from enough!

Not nearly enough!

He needs to be more proactive and forceful in breaking the deadlock.

First, we must set a clear and imminent goal: within one year, we must secure a substantive position at the deputy director level, and not just hold the nominal title of "assistant researcher".

This was thanks to his early strategic planning in Handong. In addition to successfully obtaining the rank of "assistant researcher," the biggest hidden benefit is now becoming apparent—he was on "unpaid leave" to pursue his doctorate, and his seniority was calculated continuously without interruption.

This means that he is completely different from his colleagues who are recent graduates and enter ministries, and who need a one-year probationary period. He does not need to go through the formal employment process; as long as a substantive deputy division-level position becomes available, he is theoretically qualified to directly compete for it.

The prerequisite is that he must have outstanding achievements that are impossible to ignore!

Regular, diligent work and completing assigned tasks are clearly insufficient to support such an extraordinary goal.

You need unconventional opportunities, or... create your own!

Chapter 38 Secretary Dakang

The next day, as Qi Tongwei stepped into the office, an invisible weight pressed down on him.

The position of Jiang Ming, the deputy director in charge of steel business, was vacant, while Ruan Lingling, who was in the same group, was flipping through the documents in her hands at a fast pace, looking like she was working hard, but her eyes kept drifting towards the door, revealing a restless anxiety.

Before Qi Tongwei could ponder this, Director Ning Gaoyuan appeared at the door and tapped his desk twice with his fingers.

"Tongwei, come to my office for a moment."

Qi Tongwei got up and followed. In the industry division, only the director had a private office, while the two deputy directors shared a large office with them.

He casually closed the door, and Ning Gaoyuan had already taken out a tea canister from the cabinet.

"Try it, the Yunwu Maojian tea from your hometown is really good." Hot water was poured in, and the aroma of the tea filled the air.

"I'm glad you like it, Director. I'll have the village send some more fresh ones later." Qi Tongwei took the teacup.

"That's great." Ning Gaoyuan smiled, gesturing for him to sit down, and got to the point, "There's something I need to tell you. Jiang Ming is getting a promotion; he'll be the director of the Policy Research and Regulations Division. The department's intention is, in principle, to fill the deputy director position he's vacating, within our division."

Qi Tongwei's heart stirred, but he didn't show it on his face, and just listened attentively.

Ning Gaoyuan continued, "Among those in the department who meet the requirements, you and Ruan Lingling from Group One, and Wu Zhong, the assistant researcher from Group Two, are all of the required rank and have the best chance. In addition, Zhou Lin from Group Two, although he is still a chief clerk, has a significant document to his name, the 'White Paper on the Development of the Building Materials Industry' he led the drafting of recently, and is also a strong contender."

"I see." Qi Tongwei suddenly realized, no wonder the air felt a bit thicker this morning.

"That's all there is to it. I'm just letting you know in advance so you're aware of the situation," Ning Gaoyuan said, leaving the matter at that.

"Thank you, Director." Qi Tongwei thanked him sincerely and left the office.

Back in his seat, the chaotic thoughts he had deliberately suppressed finally surfaced. He had just arrived at the Economic Commission, his foundation was still shallow, and he was out of touch with the news. If Ning Gaoyuan hadn't informed him, he probably wouldn't have known until the announcement was made.

Judging from Ruan Lingling's state, she probably already knew about it before going to work.

On the surface, I am the least senior, having only been in the ministry for a few months and yet to achieve anything. Even Zhou Lin, a senior staff member, has a white paper to his name; and Wu Zhong, an assistant researcher, has accumulated three years of experience.

But to think that way would be naive. Promotions within the system are always "first the candidate is chosen, then the reasons are found."

The saying goes, "Shoot the arrow first, then draw the target."

If you want to promote him, you can say "younger cadres" or "highly educated talents"; if you want to promote Wu Zhong, it's because he has "deep experience and is capable of shouldering heavy responsibilities"; if you want to promote Zhou Lin, it's because he has "made outstanding contributions and should be promoted exceptionally"; even for Ruan Lingling, "optimizing the gender structure of the team" is a perfectly legitimate reason - of course, her own abilities are also quite outstanding.

The decision-making power for this promotion rested with the Party Committee of the Department of Industrial Policy. Among his mentor Li Yiqing's protégés, Han Shen holds the highest position and wields the greatest influence within the Economic Commission system, but his main influence lies in the General Office and the Department of Enterprise Reform.

Han Shen's influence within the Party Committee of the Department of Industrial Policy is likely limited.

Ning Gaoyuan specifically sought him out, his intentions subtly revealed: perhaps he hoped that he could utilize his connections at a higher level—such as the Economic Commission—and this connection was clearly tied to Han Shen.

But Qi Tongwei knew that Han Shen must already know about this. If Han Shen intended to help, he should have given some hints by now. The fact that things were calm so far could only mean two things: either Han Shen didn't want to get involved for the time being, or he was waiting for Qi Tongwei's attitude.

This isn't about putting on airs or feigning superiority. If Han Shen takes the initiative to offer his services, it means he sees Qi Tongwei as a valuable "one of his own," and this presents an opportunity. If not, the choice returns to Qi Tongwei himself—should he lie low for now to avoid making enemies too early, or take the initiative and fight for this precious position?

If you choose the latter and actively seek Han Shen's help, you must think clearly about what you need to give and what you can bring to Han Shen.

If you go to someone's door without first understanding these two things, it's no different from a child asking for candy. Not only will you likely be disappointed, but you'll also leave a frivolous impression.

With his mind racing, Qi Tongwei finally suppressed the urge to act immediately and forced himself to focus his attention back on the documents in front of him.

Stay calm and take another look.

The morning passed by under a veneer of calm. Han Shen didn't look for him, nor did his secretary, Xu Li.

At lunchtime, he ran into Ruan Lingling in the cafeteria, their eyes met briefly, and then they looked away. The older sister who had been so eager to introduce him to potential partners just a few days ago was now acting like a complete stranger.

In the afternoon, while working, I occasionally looked up and my gaze met Ruan Lingling's in the air without a sound, before we each tacitly slid away, leaving only the sound of turning pages to make the room even quieter.

Three o'clock in the afternoon

Knock knock knock!

A gentle knock on the door broke the silence.

Almost everyone in the office looked up at the same time—the person standing at the door was not Xu Li, whom Qi Tongwei had subconsciously expected, but an unexpected face that made his heart skip a beat.

Li Dakang.

How did he find his way here?

Li Dakang strode briskly to Ruan Lingling's table, smiling before speaking and extending his hands warmly: "Director Ruan, hello! Good afternoon, leaders! I am Li Dakang, deputy director of the Economic Commission of Handong Province. In the first half of the year, I bothered you quite a bit because of our province's key steel project!"

Ruan Lingling stood up, a standard but slightly distant smile on her face: "Director Li, you have left a deep impression on our entire commission. Back then, you almost wanted to set up a bed in our corridor. Several colleagues from various departments said that you were almost becoming an 'unofficial staff member' of our Economic Commission."

"I can't possibly agree with what Director Ruan said!" Li Dakang pretended to be stern, but his tone was even more friendly. "Our Handong Provincial Economic Commission, isn't that just an extension of the State Economic Commission? As for me, I'm an 'employee' with impeccable credentials!"

A few soft laughs rippled through the office, and the tense atmosphere seemed to ease for a moment. Qi Tongwei couldn't help but smile slightly. This future "Secretary Dakang," though only a deputy director at the time, still possessed the skills he had honed as a chief secretary to provincial leaders, and his words were indeed eloquent and natural.

Ruan Lingling's smile became more genuine: "You're such a busy person, you don't come here unless you have a reason. Which project are you here for this time?"

Li Dakang immediately stopped smiling and put on a sincere expression: "Last time, the province was urging us to start work urgently, and hundreds of workers were waiting to start. I really had no choice but to 'cry out' to you all, begging our family to take care of this 'poor relative' Handong. I have caused you all trouble, and I sincerely apologize here!" After saying that, he actually bowed slightly.

"Oh dear, Director Li, this is serious!" Ruan Lingling quickly offered a helping hand. "It's all for the sake of work and local development; it's not a problem at all."

Qi Tongwei watched coldly, his mind perfectly clear. Li Dakang's flexible demeanor was certainly due to his personality and political skills, but ultimately, it was because the platform represented by this office was too high.

Otherwise, why would a deputy director-level official be so humble towards a group of staff members who are at most deputy division chiefs?

No wonder I heard in my previous life that Zhao Dehan, a mere section chief, dared to make the vice governor wait outside for more than an hour; the reasons were probably similar.

In any case, Li Dakang's approach of combining offense and defense successfully dissolved the slight negative impression left by his previous "persistent pursuit".

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Li Dakang began shaking hands with everyone else in the department one by one. As expected, he accurately called out each person's surname and position, addressing them as "Director," without missing a single one.

When it was Qi Tongwei's turn, he paused slightly, his smile remained unchanged, but his gaze was already fixed on Ruan Lingling, clearly preparing to ask her to introduce him with a nice remark.

Qi Tongwei had already extended his hand: "Director Li, hello. I am Qi Tongwei, a newcomer from the Industry Division. Please give me your guidance."

Ruan Lingling chimed in, her tone carrying a subtle undertone of showcasing her own talent: "Director Li, Xiao Qi is a talent who came out of your Handong. He's a first-class hero in the public security system, and later switched to studying economics. He's a top student of Professor Li Yiqing at Peking University, and someone our committee values ​​highly."

Li Dakang's eyes seemed to brighten, and he gripped Qi Tongwei's hand even tighter, his strength firm: "Director Qi! Such a handsome and promising young man! Truly the pride of our hometown. We look forward to Director Qi's continued concern and support for the future development and construction of Handong!"

Qi Tongwei smiled politely and replied flawlessly, "Director Li, you flatter me too much. Handong is a major economic province, and its development has always received close attention from the committee leaders. With the country's favorable policies and the guidance of the provincial leaders, its future is sure to be even brighter. What is there for a nobody like me to do?"

Chapter 39 The Wind Rises