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

“I come from humble beginnings, but fate has been kind to me, and I have always had benefactors supporting me along the way. In university, I had your guidance, Mr. Li Yiqing carefully cultivated me during my doctoral studies, and Director Han Shen helped and looked after me at the Economic Commission. Therefore, although I have seen a lot of filth and darkness along the way, I am fortunate to be relatively clean myself and my shoes have not gotten muddy.”

He noticed a subtle shift in Gao Yuliang's expression, and continued, his words clear and forceful:

"But teacher, the road ahead is long, and the world is not always bright. If in the future, for the sake of my ideals and beliefs, for the goal I ultimately want to achieve that benefits the country and the people, I am forced to... use some underhanded means and get my shoes dirty... then, will future generations be able to give me a conclusion that 'my merits outweigh my faults,' just like they did with Zhang Juzheng? Will I... still be able to stand tall as a person?"

See you in the picture!

I am the future "Zhang Juzheng", and you, teacher, are the "Xu Jie" of this moment.

Although we have temporarily bowed to "Yan Song" (the Zhao family's power), if we can ultimately do something that benefits the country and its people, can the "dishonorable" things we did in the process be understood and forgiven? Can they become the foundation for us to finally "stand up"?

Instead of relying on the false and fragile romance of "love" to support Teacher Gao's backbone, why can't it be reforged with a more solid and grander sense of "national righteousness" and "historical merits and demerits"?

Gao Yuliang remained silent.

This was clearly a hypothetical, even somewhat vague, question, yet it seemed like a key that pierced straight into the lock of his heart, where he was most conflicted and self-doubting at that moment.

His brows furrowed slightly, his fingers tapped unconsciously on the armrest, his eyes lost focus, and he was caught in a fierce internal struggle between values ​​and methodologies.

This struggle and inner conflict is precisely the kind of pain experienced by those who still possess integrity and a bottom line.

Truly wicked people don't have this kind of trouble.

Seeing Gao Yuliang remain silent and his expression shift, Qi Tongwei feared that his teacher's thoughts might drift towards self-doubt. Without giving him much time to reflect, he immediately increased the emotional leverage, making the issue more personal and emotional:

"Teacher," he said, his voice even softer, yet filled with an undeniable earnestness, "if I... really become that kind of Qi Tongwei who used dishonest means, can you... forgive my future self?"

Forgiving my future self is forgiving myself as Teacher Gao now.

Gao Yuliang's body trembled almost imperceptibly.

He raised his eyes and looked at Qi Tongwei, his gaze extremely complex, containing surprise, emotion, and even a thrill from having his hidden embarrassment exposed.

He opened his mouth as if to say something, but then choked up. He subconsciously gripped the teacup tightly, his knuckles turning slightly white, and a fine layer of cold sweat even seeped from his forehead.

This is a sign that your inner defenses are crumbling violently.

Qi Tongwei offered no respite and continued to exert pressure based on the teacher-student relationship:

"Can you forgive me, teacher?"

The sentence is short and concise, with "future" omitted.

Linking "forgiveness" to "Qi Tongwei" also takes advantage of Gao Yuliang's long-standing mentor-father relationship with him.

"Teacher?" Seeing that Gao Yuliang was still in a great inner struggle, Qi Tongwei called out softly again.

After a long while, Gao Yuliang let out a long, deep breath, the breath seeming to carry the weight of long-accumulated pent-up emotions.

When he looked at Qi Tongwei again, the chaos and struggle in his eyes gradually subsided, replaced by a sense of relief and clarity.

He spoke slowly, yet clearly:

“Of course.” He paused, as if confirming his answer, or as if convincing himself, “The officialdom is like a quagmire. If one wants to walk the righteous path, how can one deal with or compete with those ruthless ‘Yan Songs’ if one insists on being spotless? As long as… as long as the ultimate goal is towards the light, to do something real for the country and the people… then, some unavoidable circumstances in the process…” He paused again, his gaze meeting Qi Tongwei’s firm and expectant eyes, and finally said the most crucial sentence, “I can forgive you. Yes, I can forgive you.”

Qi Tongwei felt a great weight lifted from his heart, and a sincere and relieved smile spread across his face: "With your words, teacher, I feel at ease."

After Gao Yuliang uttered the word "forgive," it was as if he had truly removed an invisible shackle.

The deep weariness between his brows seemed to have dissipated considerably, and his eyes regained their clarity and depth. The long-lost composure that belonged to "Professor Gao" and "Secretary Yu Liang" was rapidly returning.

He said softly:

The Song of Canglang says: "When the waters of Canglang are clear, I can wash my tassels; when the waters of Canglang are muddy, I can wash my feet."

Upon hearing this, Qi Tongwei knew that Teacher Gao had truly let go.

"The teacher is right," Qi Tongwei nodded in agreement. "The Yangtze River is clear, and the Yellow River is muddy; neither should be neglected."

Having regained most of his political wisdom and composure, Gao Yuliang naturally had questions when he saw Qi Tongwei's rather abrupt remarks today.

His gaze was piercing as he stared directly at Qi Tongwei: "Tongwei, you came all this way today to tell me all this... have you heard something?"

Qi Tongwei's expression remained unchanged, but he subtly revealed a hint of doubt: "Rumors? Has something happened in the city?"

Gao Yuliang quickly reviewed the situation in his mind: Zhao Ruilong had privately hinted that he could arrange for Li Dakang's transfer, and the subsequent shady "arrangements" were unknown even to his personal secretary Luo Xuejun, let alone Qi Tongwei, who was far away at the crossroads.

He stared at Qi Tongwei for a few seconds, then pressed on, "Then why did you suddenly feel compelled to discuss such a heavy topic with me?"

Qi Tongwei had already prepared his remarks, and his expression was frank: "After Director Han Shen joined the National Development and Reform Commission, he came into contact with a wider and deeper level of people. Last time I went back to Beijing to visit my child, I had a deep conversation with him and heard him talk about the complex games and various... unavoidable means between high-level officials and behind projects. My student felt something, but was also a little confused. It's not convenient to discuss these things in depth with Director Han, so after thinking it over, I would like to hear your opinion, teacher."

This explanation makes perfect sense.

As Han Shen entered the innermost circle of power, his experiences and observations naturally became more "rich," making it a logical consequence that he influenced Qi Tongwei's thinking.

Gao Yuliang gave him a deep look, the scrutiny in his eyes gradually turning into a knowing complexity, and finally nodded without asking any further questions.

That evening, Gao Yuliang invited Qi Tongwei to stay for dinner.

During the meal, he, who rarely drinks, got completely drunk.

He stopped talking about the troublesome politics and economics, and instead pulled Qi Tongwei aside to talk at length about the history of the Ming Dynasty.

From the founding of the Hongwu Emperor to the Yongle Emperor's golden age, from the power struggles of the Jiajing Emperor's reign to the reform atmosphere of the early Wanli Emperor's reign, and finally to the tragic end of the Southern Ming Dynasty.

Among them, the figures of the Jiajing reign are the most detailed, including Yan Song, Xu Jie, Yan Shifan, Gao Gong, Zhang Juzheng, etc. His analysis of each figure's choices, methods, gains and losses and historical evaluation is thorough and insightful.

Qi Tongwei knew that Teacher Gao was using the depth of history and the complexity of the characters to reorganize and settle his once disordered heart.

He needed this cathartic release to clear his mind and restore his inner balance and logic.

Qi Tongwei simply listened patiently, echoing his sentiments when appropriate, playing the role of the best listener and empathizer.

After the banquet, Qi Tongwei returned to Daokou by car.

Meanwhile, Luo Xuejun, who remained in Lüzhou and helped the heavily intoxicated Gao Yuliang back to his room at the municipal party committee's residential compound, stood in the quiet corridor after gently closing the door behind him. Reflecting on the historical discussions he had overheard that evening, a sudden, intense sense of urgency welled up within him.

"Although I passed the postgraduate entrance exam for the political science and law department that Secretary Qi mentioned... it seems that just knowing about political science and law is not enough now."

"We also need to study the history of the Ming Dynasty."

Chapter 99 Fourteen Years

Once someone like Gao Yuliang resolves his inner conflicts and straightens out his internal logic, he no longer needs anyone else to worry about him.

He will, with astonishing resilience, quickly adjust his mindset and once again become the far-sighted and skillful "Secretary Yu Liang".

Qi Tongwei felt relieved and returned to the crossroads to continue steering the small boat that had just set sail from the county town.

He proceeded cautiously, as if walking on thin ice. Although there were minor storms along the way, he always kept the overall direction firmly in his hands and steadily moved forward along the established course.

In 2003, the tourism industry in Daokou County experienced a full-scale boom, with an astonishing driving effect. The annual GDP growth rate soared to 54.6%, winning the crown for county-level economic growth in Handong Province and creating the remarkable "Daokou Speed".

In 2004, growth naturally slowed due to the high base, but remained robust, with GDP growth at 33.4%. Although it lost its title as the fastest-growing region, its total economic output jumped from sixth to third among the counties and districts of Lüzhou, solidly establishing its position as a new engine of Lüzhou's economy. In June of the same year, due to his outstanding achievements and recognized abilities, Qi Tongwei was recommended to attend a three-month training course for young cadres at the Central Party School. Upon returning from his studies in December, he was successfully promoted to a member of the Lüzhou Standing Committee, officially entering the ranks of deputy-department-level leading cadres.

In June 2005, after gaining solid experience in local government, Qi Tongwei was transferred back to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) to serve as Deputy Director of the Development Strategy and Planning Department. At this time, his twin children, Qi Huaiyin (Little Grape) and Qi Huaiyuan (Tiedan), were already five years old and attending kindergarten. Family reunion and a career move to a core department of macroeconomic decision-making—it was a double celebration.

In 2007, to further enrich his economic management experience, Qi Tongwei was transferred to the position of Deputy Director of the Bureau of Private Economy Development at the National Development and Reform Commission, extending his contact with the economy from macro-strategy to more dynamic market entities. That same year, his mentor, Gao Yuliang, was promoted further, concurrently serving as a member of the Standing Committee of the Handong Economic Development Zone.

2008 was another year of leadership transition, and new waves of change swept through the country. Han Shen officially assumed the position of Executive Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission (at the ministerial level), entering the core circle. Meanwhile, Qi Tongwei, based on his outstanding performance and solid experience in various positions within the National Development and Reform Commission, was promoted to Director-General of the Department of Development Strategy and Planning. At the age of 38, he officially entered the ranks of department-level cadres, becoming one of the youngest department-level officials in any ministry.

In the same year, the political situation in Handong changed. Zhao Lichun became the secretary of the Handong SW Committee, while Gao Yuliang was transferred to the Standing Committee of the Handong SW Committee and the secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission.

In 2010, following a spiral career path of "grassroots-ministerial-local," Qi Tongwei was transferred to a major economic province to serve as the Party Secretary of an important prefecture-level city. During his tenure, he demonstrated exceptional economic management skills: prudently utilizing land revenue to accumulate initial capital, decisively investing funds in future industries—vigorously developing new energy vehicles and their core supply chains, proactively positioning himself to capitalize on the then-slumping photovoltaic industry, and strongly supporting new business models such as cross-border e-commerce. Under his leadership, the city's GDP grew rapidly, quickly approaching that of the provincial capital, becoming a growth star both provincially and nationally.

In the same year, Gao Yuliang advanced further in Handong, serving as Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, a position of great prominence.

In 2013, based on his outstanding economic contributions and comprehensive governance capabilities during his tenure as local official, Qi Tongwei stood out in the faction's internal evaluation and was officially designated as one of the key figures to be cultivated. In February, he was promoted further, concurrently serving as a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, officially entering the ranks of deputy provincial-level senior leaders. This achievement was a full four years ahead of schedule, fulfilling his goal from his previous life.

In the same year, Han Shen was transferred to the position of Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, and Zhao Lichun was promoted to the rank of Deputy Minister.

In November 2015, Qi Tongwei's resume saw another significant addition: he was transferred back to Shuntian, serving as a member of the Standing Committee of the Shuntian Municipal Committee and Vice Mayor (non-staff). This transition from a local warlord to a member of the core management team of Zhili Province was the ultimate test of his strategic vision and ability to handle complex situations.

Time flies, and it's New Year's Day 2017.

At Han Shen's home, Qi Tongwei and He Xuan brought some seasonal fruits for a visit.

Han Shen and his wife Lin Jingyi are both over sixty years old. Although their temples are gray, they are well-maintained and in good spirits, looking much younger than their actual age.

Lin Jingyi took the fruit and said reproachfully, "You came all this way, why did you bring anything?"

He Xian is forty-one years old this year. Her comfortable and happy life has made the years exceptionally kind to her. She still looks like she is in her thirties, and the charming girl in her personality has not faded away. She affectionately took her aunt's arm: "I ate these cherries last time. They were especially sweet. I brought some for you and your uncle to try."

Lin Jingyi patted her hand affectionately: "Okay, that's thoughtful of you. Why didn't you bring the two little ones?"

Hearing this, He Xian wrinkled his nose and pretended to complain: "You two little ingrates! Now that you're older, you have your own circle of friends, and you don't like to hang out with your parents during holidays anymore."

Her two children, Qi Huaiyin and Qi Huaiyuan, are now high school freshmen. During the rare New Year's Day holiday, the older sister made plans to go to karaoke with her classmates, while the younger brother went to an internet cafe to play games with his friends.

After a brief and warm greeting, Qi Tongwei followed Han Shen into the study.

Han Shen poured him a cup of tea and got straight to the point. At their level, there was no need for formalities: "Tongwei, the leader mentioned to me before that there will be a reshuffle next year, and your position will be changed."

Qi Tongwei has been serving at the vice-ministerial level for four years, with outstanding achievements. He has taken every step steadily and solidly, with no shortcomings in terms of years of service, seniority, or merit. He has never been promoted "out of turn".

It should be understood that frequent promotions that break the rules can deplete one's political foundation. They are usually a helpless move when one's political backer is about to retire and one's own abilities are insufficient.

If we make any moves next year, it will definitely be a step forward.

Qi Tongwei nodded: "I will follow the organization's arrangements. Should I continue in the ministry, or return to the local government?"

Han Shen said, "The leader is inclined to have you return to a local government to take charge. But as for where exactly, I'd like to hear your own thoughts."

Qi Tongwei had already considered this, and said firmly, "I want to go back to Handong."

Han Shen raised an eyebrow slightly: "Handong? The situation is complicated now. The central government has already decided to parachute in the Party Secretary and the Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary. If another provincial governor is parachuted in, it will probably cause unnecessary turmoil and speculation."

Qi Tongwei smiled, his smile revealing insight and confidence: "Sending me down will not only not cause unrest, but will instead serve to reassure people and ensure a smooth transition."

"Oh? How so?" Han Shen asked with interest.

“The current local forces in Handong are mainly Professor Gao Yuliang’s ‘Handong University Clique’ and Li Dakang’s ‘Secretary Clique.’ I am a graduate of Handong University and a direct disciple of Professor Gao, so I naturally have the legitimacy to receive and integrate the political legacy of the ‘Handong University Clique.’ My return will help stabilize these cadres, achieve a smooth handover, and maintain the overall stability of Handong.” Qi Tongwei’s analysis was clear and logical.

"You've been away from Handong for twelve years now. Can you take over smoothly if you suddenly enter the game?" Han Shen asked the crucial question.

“Professor Gao has no chance of advancing further. The ‘Handong clique’ currently doesn’t even have a single serving deputy provincial-level cadre. They are in a period of anxiety, leaderless and potentially disbanded and absorbed. For them, I, a strong returnee with deep roots, am the best option to preserve their base. They have no other choice.” Qi Tongwei said calmly. “As for Professor Gao himself… he may have some emotions, but I will handle it well. I am familiar with Handong and have a strong foundation there. Compared to going to a completely unfamiliar province, I can more quickly establish a foothold and achieve results.”

Han Shen pondered for a moment, then said, "The new secretary, Sha Ruijin, has a rather... tough style, and I'm afraid he won't be easy to work with."

“So,” Qi Tongwei said with a burning gaze, “I hope to go there as soon as possible, without having to wait until after the reshuffle next year. It would be best to get involved in advance, familiarize myself with the situation, and better cooperate with Secretary Sha.”

"Governor Liu of Handong Province is still serving his term and will be transferred to a second-tier position next year."

“I can first serve as the executive vice governor.” Qi Tongwei was clearly well-considered. “Moreover, I understand that Governor Liu has tended to maintain the status quo in recent years and is focused on stability. My past experience in presiding over the daily operations of the government will not affect his final transition; on the contrary, it can share the pressure.”

After listening, Han Shen nodded slowly: "Your considerations are very thorough. I will report your thoughts and reasons to the leader in detail."