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

She thought for a moment and then said, "Should I ask Xiaolu to help us out and get some support from outside?"

Gao Yuliang waved his hand, his tone calm and resolute: "Universities have their own set of rules. It's easy for external forces to get in, but difficult to gain a foothold. Even if they gain power temporarily, they will only end up slinking away and ruining their own reputation."

"So what do you plan to do?" Wu Huifen looked directly at him.

Gao Yuliang picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.

"It's nothing more than driving the tiger to devour the wolf, and the fisherman reaping the benefits."

Extra 2 Gao Yuliang (Part 2)

Different social circles have different hot topics.

While the faculty and students were still gossiping about Kong Fanli's sex scandal, those in the Department of Political Science and Law who were qualified to sit in the department head position had already begun to lobby, make connections, and solicit opinions.

Gao Yuliang didn't move, and went to work and class as usual.

He knew perfectly well that with Professor Yan's status and prestige within the department, as well as his connections and influence within the university and even at higher levels, the selection of the department head was inevitable and would inevitably involve him. At this point, running around and giving gifts would be futile—it was better to remain still than to act rashly.

Gao Yuliang's mentor, the deceased founding member of the department, had some disagreements with Professor Yan back then. Since death settles all debts, Professor Yan, with his magnanimous nature, naturally wouldn't hold it against him; but to say he treated him differently or gave him any preferential treatment was absolutely out of the question.

Therefore, Gao Yuliang was clearly qualified to run for the new department head, but no one regarded him as a rival. Instead, they all saw him as a supporter they could win over.

The lecturers in the Jurisprudence and Legal History Department had become so accustomed to seeing other department heads visiting that they were practically numb to it. Upon seeing these people, their immediate reaction was either, "Director Gao is in his office," or "Director Gao isn't here."

It was already quite a scene on Gao Yuliang's side, but it was even more chaotic on Ou Yangguang's side.

The situation in the political and legal system is very complicated. Yan Zhenbang was nearly sixty years old when he resumed his work. At that time, everything was in ruins and he didn't have much energy to train students. Moreover, intellectuals of his generation were extremely picky about the qualifications of their students.

Therefore, although Yan Zhenbang has countless students, he doesn't have many direct disciples. His students have gone into politics, business, or other universities. Now, only two direct disciples remain at Handong University: former department head Kong Fanli and Ou Yangguang.

The original plan was well-arranged: the eldest disciple, Kong Fanli, would first serve as the department head, and then, regardless of whether he was promoted or retired, the younger disciple, Ou Yangguang, would take over, thus ensuring the steady continuation of Yan Zhenbang's academic lineage.

The two men were nearly twenty years apart in age, so there was no competition between them; and none of Yan Zhenbang's students stayed at Handong University—this may well be due to this consideration.

But then, a problem arose.

Ou Yangguang is young and lacks prestige, making his current position as deputy director of the teaching and research office somewhat precarious. If he were to be forced to take the next step and become the department head, he would find it difficult to gain the support of the masses. As a result, some people who had already resigned themselves to their fate suddenly saw an opportunity and began to stir with excitement.

Master Yan was stern and highly respected, so no one dared to linger in his presence. Gaining the support of this young disciple was therefore of paramount importance. Today one person would bring gifts, tomorrow another would offer favors, each more eloquent than the last.

Ou Yangguang was a smart man and knew exactly what everyone was up to. But he couldn't refuse a smiling face, so he could only deal with them one by one, feeling both helpless and frustrated.

While undercurrents were swirling beneath the surface, Professor Yan remained unmoved, offering no comment on the selection of the department head, and the matter was simply dragged on.

That evening after dinner, Ou Yangguang went to Gao Yuliang's house.

The two had always been on good terms, and Wu Huifen made him a cup of tea. Ou Yangguang sat down, put down the teacup, and sighed.

Gao Yuliang asked with a smile, "What's wrong?"

"It's that position that's causing all this trouble; I can't have a peaceful life now."

"With so many people fawning over you, isn't that a good thing?"

"It's like a weasel paying respects to a chicken! My plans have been completely ruined."

Gao Yuliang laughed again: "Plan? What plan?"

"Don't play dumb."

"Are you treating the department head of Handong University like he's your own personal food?"

Ou Yangguang didn't respond to that, and sighed again: "I wish I were four or five years older."

Gao Yuliang teased him, "Why are you still like a child, looking forward to growing up?"

Ou Yangguang glared at him.

Gao Yuliang then said seriously, "Children have their advantages—they have adults to worry about them."

“These days I’ve asked the teacher, but he hasn’t said a word.”

“Older generations of intellectuals value the passing down of knowledge and skills most. I’m sure Mr. Yan knows your future well.”

Ou Yangguang felt a little relieved, but then sighed, "But the teacher is getting old after all."

After saying that, he glanced at Gao Yuliang.

The man before us serves as a stark warning: if Gao Yuliang's mentor hadn't passed away so early, how could the Department of Political Science and Law have been so dictated by Yan Zhenbang's lineage? Although Yan Zhenbang's influence remains even after retirement, the position of department head is no trivial matter—

Yan Zhenbang wielded immense power when making recommendations; once a person was chosen and appointed, as long as they didn't make any major mistakes, Yan Zhenbang couldn't easily remove them.

Does this mean we'll have to use resources to help people get promoted in the future?

Thinking of this, Ou Yangguang felt a pang of pain in his heart: Those were all my resources! Mine!

Gao Yuliang suddenly asked, "Last February, Er Yuehe published a new book, 'Emperor Yongzheng,' have you read it?"

Ou Yangguang shook his head: "I haven't seen it. What's it about?"

"The first volume has just been released, titled 'The Nine Princes' Struggle for the Throne'."

Although Ou Yangguang hadn't read it, he had some knowledge of history and immediately realized: "You mean, Senior Brother Kong is the deposed crown prince, and we are the princes vying for the throne? Then who am I? The fourteenth prince?... No, that doesn't seem like it either."

In terms of age, he could only be ranked among the youngest princes; the fourteenth prince had the best chance, but his situation was not similar to his.

Gao Yuliang shook his head: "Although you and Director Kong are fellow students, in terms of status and lineage, you are successors. Although the current situation is like the nine princes vying for the throne in the Qing Dynasty, your position is more like Zhu Yunwen, the grandson of the Ming Taizu Emperor—in the heart of the 'old emperor,' the throne will only be passed down to your lineage."

Excitement flickered in Ouyang's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by resentment: "It's still different. The throne is inherited through bloodline and can accommodate a young emperor; my current lack of seniority is a fatal flaw."

Gao Yuliang said, "That's simple—we'll find you a regent."

"The Regent?" Ou Yangguang looked at him with suspicion.

Gao Yuliang waved his hand: "Don't look at me. As you know, my wife and I have a good relationship with Secretary Liang. He appreciates me and has invited me to work at the Political and Legal Affairs Commission several times—I'm ready to accept."

Ou Yangguang was startled and quickly offered his congratulations. The two chatted for a while, and then Ou Yangguang brought the topic back to itself: "Brother Gao, could you analyze the Regent's matter for me again?"

Gao Yuliang said, "The first requirement for a regent is that he must be old. Someone like me is not suitable—I am too old, and I should retire after a few years of regency to make way for the future 'emperor'; someone too young is not acceptable."

Ou Yangguang nodded repeatedly.

"The second condition is that there must be no 'son'."

"No 'son'?"

"Yes. It would be best if it were like Dorgon—otherwise, if he continues to rule, wouldn't the 'throne' eventually fall into the hands of his own 'son'?"

"You mean..."

Gao Yuliang interrupted him, picking up his teacup: "I didn't say anything."

Ou Yangguang also picked up his teacup, his eyes gleaming.

……

A few days later, a minor news story broke in the Department of Political Science and Law: Shen Yan, the director of the Procedural Law Teaching and Research Section, had a heated conflict with his student, Wu Qiancheng, a lecturer in the department. Shen Yan publicly denounced Wu Qiancheng, using language so harsh that it bordered on humiliation.

The next day, Wu Qiancheng quietly packed his things and applied for a transfer to a newly established university in the south.

—From then on, Shen Yan's disciples had no descendants.

……

Two weeks later, the position of head of the Department of Political Science and Law was finalized: Gao Yuliang, who had always kept a low profile, unexpectedly rose to prominence and successfully took over. It is said that it was Professor Yan who strongly recommended him.

Ou Yangguang went to ask the teacher, "Why didn't you recommend Shen Yan?"

Yan Zhenbang looked at his student, his aged face showing some weariness, but he still patiently asked, "Have you heard the story of Li Tai, the son of Emperor Taizong of Tang, who 'killed his son to pass the throne to his brother'?"

Ou Yangguang nodded, suddenly understanding.

"How can you trust someone like that!"

After thinking for a moment, Ou Yangguang asked, "Then why Gao Yuliang? He's only four years older than me. And this matter... I'm afraid he's involved, isn't he?"

Yan Zhenbang felt slightly relieved: "He's not too stupid."

“A person like him can’t be kept in the shallow waters of the political and legal system, and he wouldn’t even look down on him. This time I’m giving him a hand so he can become a full-fledged department head a few years earlier; in the future, he’ll look out for you.”