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

If he were to stand directly against Sha Ruijin, and he were to leave, Professor Gao's days would likely be filled with unrest.

After listening, Gao Yuliang remained silent for a long time. He stood up again, walked to the window, and turned his back to Qi Tongwei.

Outside the window are the lights of thousands of homes in Handong Province, the land he has cultivated for half his life.

The air in the office seemed to freeze, with only the steady breathing of two men intertwining in the silence.

After a long silence, Gao Yuliang turned around, his eyes now clear and decisive. He walked back to his desk, sat down, crossed his hands on the surface, and asked, "What about Luzhou? What about Handong? And the other Hanzhong University cadres from other cities?"

A look of relief flashed in Qi Tongwei's eyes.

Gao Yuliang's question implies that he has already accepted the shift from being the "master of power" to the "transferor of the legacy."

"Dong Dingfang will remain in Lüzhou," Qi Tongwei stated clearly. "Lüzhou is the deepest base of the Han University clique; there can be no change. I will give him greater autonomy, allowing him to make achievements in economic development. Later, I will find a way to promote him to vice-provincial level. He's a sensible man and will make a smart choice. As for the other cities..."

Qi Tongwei paused for a moment, "I'd like to hear your opinion. After all, these people were originally your men. You know them and know how to settle them willingly."

This is what Gao Yuliang most wanted to hear.

This shows that Qi Tongwei not only has to take over power, but also responsibility—to be responsible for Gao Yuliang's students and disciples, and to ensure that they can find a place to live and make a living in the new era.

This is true "inheritance," not blatant power grab.

Gao Yuliang's eyes were slightly red.

He turned and walked to the bookshelf in the office, taking out a yellowed notebook with worn edges from a hidden spot.

"These are some records I've kept over the years," Gao Yuliang said, handing the notebook to Qi Tongwei with slightly trembling hands. "The situation of cadres in various cities and prefectures, their strengths, weaknesses, family backgrounds... and some untold stories. I was originally planning to give them to you next year, but now..."

He didn't finish speaking, but simply patted Qi Tongwei's shoulder lightly.

Qi Tongwei took the notebook, solemnly placing it against his chest. His gaze softened at that moment, and his voice was filled with heartfelt respect: "Teacher, thank you for your trust. I assure you, these people will be treated properly. And you... you can focus on doing what you want to do. You can write books, lecture, mentor the younger generation—these are perhaps more meaningful than holding power."

Gao Yuliang smiled faintly, a hint of clarity returning to his eyes: "Your words sound like you're trying to comfort me."

"This isn't about comforting you," Qi Tongwei said firmly. "Teacher, have you ever met any truly great thinkers or educators in history? Their influence often surpassed that of the rulers of their time. You've been running the Handa Group for over twenty years, proving your abilities. Now, you can do something even bigger—let your thoughts and your ideals influence even more people."

Gao Yuliang walked back to his desk and sat down in the chair.

His body seemed to relax at that moment, and the long-term tension and resistance dissipated from his muscles.

"Alright," he said in a slightly hoarse voice, "that's settled then. The Han University gang is in your hands; I trust you can handle it."

"There's one more thing," Gao Yuliang suddenly looked up, "about Chen Hai. I watched him grow up. Although this was handled poorly, his intentions were good. What do you plan to do?"

Qi Tongwei pondered for a moment, "My idea is to transfer Chen Hai away from the front lines of the anti-corruption bureau. He's too young and impetuous; he needs some time to mature and isn't suitable for practical work yet. But I'll keep him in the procuratorial system, give him a chance to correct his mistakes, and I'll give him another opportunity later. This is also a way of giving you an explanation."

Gao Yuliang nodded, a hint of relief in his eyes.

Qi Tongwei originally didn't intend to give Chen Hai another chance, but since Gao Yuliang had spoken up, he had to give him face.

Gao Yuliang: "The Liang family..."

Qi Tongwei gently raised his hand, interrupting Gao Yuliang's words with a gentle yet firm tone: "Teacher, the Liang family's background is not clean, that's an obvious fact. I want to confront Sha Ruijin head-on, and I can't have such a weakness by my side. I can't accept them."

Although it's called the Liang family, the core of the family is actually Liang's son-in-law, Xiao Gangyu. Qi Tongwei would never accept such a person; it would be like planting a time bomb next to him that could explode at any moment.

Upon hearing this, Gao Yuliang paused for a moment, then slowly nodded: "Alright, you have your own considerations and plans, so I won't say any more."

"Teacher, thank you for your support." Qi Tongwei stood up and bowed slightly. "I will not let you down regarding the future of Handong."

Gao Yuliang waved his hand, signaling him to stand up. Looking at Qi Tongwei's upright posture and the determined aura emanating from this young politician, Gao Yuliang's last obsession was also let go.

“Go,” Gao Yuliang’s voice became unusually gentle, like a father sending his child off on a long journey, “go do what you should do. From now on, the Han University gang is in your hands.”

Qi Tongwei walked to the door, his hand already gripping the cold doorknob. Just then, Gao Yuliang's voice came from behind him again, not loud, but clear and distinct, carrying a wisdom born of experience:

"Tongwei, remember this: power is for solving problems, not for tormenting people. No matter where you go, treat your opponents well, and treat those who follow you even better. Only in this way can you walk steadily and go far."

Qi Tongwei turned around, paused for a second at the door frame, and nodded solemnly: "I will remember, teacher."

The door closed gently.

Gao Yuliang sat alone in his office once again. But this time, his eyes no longer held a struggling or passive look, but rather a calm and resigned one.

Finally, his gaze fell back on the book "History of Ming" on the table.

He reached out and gently stroked the book cover, as if caressing the receding figure of an era.

Then he closed the book.

"Snapped."

A soft sound seemed to mark the end of an era.

Chapter 111 Hou Liangping Arrives in Jingzhou

The evening breeze in Jingzhou carried a chill as it swept through the neighborhood where Chen Hai lived.

Inside, however, the lights were on and steam filled the air. Two freshly steamed crabs were placed in the center of the table, their bright red color radiating an enticing heat.

Hou Liangping sniffed, and without any hesitation, picked up the largest one first. While cracking the shell, he smiled at Lu Yike, who was wearing an apron and came out of the kitchen, and said, "These crabs can't wait. They have to be steamed. If they escape or die, that would be terrible!"

Lu Yike wiped her hands and glared at Hou Liangping: "Director Hou, there's a hidden meaning in your words. Are you here to 'interrogate' me?"

Chen Hai, sitting to the side, had a slightly forced smile on his face.

Compared to Chen Hai in the TV series, who felt guilty because Ding Yizhen escaped but whose overall atmosphere was still relatively relaxed, he now had a deeper gloom between his brows.

Ding Yizhen didn't escape; instead, he died in a bizarre "traffic accident."

This did not resolve the case; instead, it was like throwing a boulder into a deep pool, stirring up turbulent waves that dragged him to the edge of the whirlpool.

What put even more pressure on him was that, due to his careless words and actions, the newly appointed Executive Vice Governor Qi Tongwei severely criticized him without any mercy at the provincial party committee meeting, which almost ruined his political future.

"Asking for punishment?" Hou Liangping skillfully picked out the crab meat with a graceful movement, but his eyes swept sharply towards Chen Hai. "The culprit is already on his way, so whose punishment am I asking for? I'm here to celebrate our Director Chen's success—to celebrate that he almost got himself kicked out of the anti-corruption bureau."

These words were barbed, and the atmosphere in the room instantly became awkward.

Lin Huahua quietly stuck out her tongue and lowered her head to sip her drink.

Chen Hai smiled wryly and poured Hou Liangping a full glass of wine: "Liangping, please stop mocking me. Ding Yizhen is dead, and the trail has gone cold. Governor Qi... Governor Qi criticized me for acting rashly and making procedural mistakes, which led to serious consequences, and I accept that. The fact that I haven't been completely stripped of my position is already a sign of leniency from the organization."

"Accept? Chen Hai, when did you become so 'obedient'?" Hou Liangping put down the crab, wiped his hands, and his playful expression vanished, replaced by a serious one. "Ding Yizhen deserved to die, but not in this way. How many secrets have been left untold since his death? It's true that your actions were flawed, but the real problem is that someone was so eager to silence you! Qi Tongwei was so quick to label you; was he just stating the facts, or was he trying to cover something up?"

Lu Yike interjected, her tone tinged with worry: "Director Hou, the situation in Handong is more complicated than we anticipated. Qi Tongwei is no longer the senior Qi he once was; he's now the Executive Vice Governor, riding high on his power. His criticism of Chen Hai was very harsh, threatening 'serious action' and 'reassignment.' There's more to this than meets the eye..."

"A new game has already begun behind the scenes." Hou Liangping continued, his eyes gleaming. "I'm here ostensibly to take over the follow-up to the Zhao Dehan case and to help you sort out the unsolved case of Ding Yizhen. But actually," he lowered his voice, "Secretary Sha has just arrived in Handong and needs to see clearly what stones are tripping him up beneath this murky water."

He looked at the plate of crabs again, then pointed with his chopsticks: "Look at these crabs, baring their teeth and claws, acting all domineering. In the past, the crabs in Handong were openly represented by Li Dakang and Teacher Gao. Now? Secretary Sha Ruijin has been parachuted in to regulate 'traffic.' But some people, like our Governor Qi, seem eager to become the new 'crab king,' starting to carve out their own territory and set rules. By targeting you, Chen Hai, he's establishing his authority, showing the political and legal system, and even the entire Handong officialdom, who has the most influence right now."

Chen Hai remained silent. Hou Liangping's words struck at the deepest unease he had felt these past few days. Although he knew that this monkey had a past grudge against Qi Tongwei, his words were not entirely without reason.

Qi Tongwei's criticism was not merely directed at a single operational mistake.

"Alright, let's not talk about these upsetting things." Hou Liangping suddenly put on his usual nonchalant expression again. "Now that we've finished discussing business, it's time to settle some personal scores. Old classmate, you owe me, shouldn't you pay me back?"

Chen Hai was taken aback: "What do I owe you?"

“A corrupt official!” Hou Liangping said righteously. “We agreed to work together. I was responsible for keeping Zhao Dehan under control, and you were responsible for taking down Ding Yizhen. Now that Zhao Dehan is in jail, my mission is complete. What about Ding Yizhen? Although he is dead, he has not been tried and his accomplices have not been exposed. Can you say that you have completed your mission? At most, you are a… half-finished product, or rather, a scrapped one.”

Lin Huahua couldn't help but burst out laughing. Lu Yike also shook her head; this "monkey" was about to start his classic "mischief."

“So, let’s write an IOU.” Hou Liangping shoved a pen into Chen Hai’s hand. “Just write ‘I owe my old classmate Hou Liangping one corrupt official at the provincial level.’ No, one isn’t enough. I think this line with Ding Yizhen can lead to at least a whole nest. Write ‘I owe a whole nest of corrupt officials,’ including one corrupt official at the provincial or ministerial level!”

Chen Hai was left speechless by his twisted logic, but his tense nerves relaxed slightly amidst his old classmate's banter.

He knew that this was Hou Liangping's unique way of comforting and encouraging him.

He shook his head helplessly and, just as Hou Liangping had described, found paper and pen and wrote down the absurd IOU that read, "I owe Comrade Hou Liangping a whole nest of corrupt officials (including one bureau-level corrupt official)."

"Writing isn't enough, you need to put your fingerprint on it for it to have legal effect!" Hou Liangping persisted, his eyes darting around before finally settling on Lin Huahua's lipstick. "Huahua, can I borrow your lipstick?"

Amid Lu Yike's laughter and Lin Huahua's disdain, Hou Liangping forcibly smeared lipstick on Chen Hai's thumb, then grabbed Chen Hai's hand and pressed a bright red fingerprint heavily onto the IOU.

"Alright! The evidence is conclusive, and the case is ironclad!" Hou Liangping smugly blew on the IOU to dry it and carefully put it away.

After the laughter subsided, Hou Liangping pointed to the last crab remaining on the plate, his expression turning serious again: "Zhao Dehan, I ate it." He gestured to the pile of crab shells in front of him. "Ding Yizhen, this one was supposed to be yours. Now it's hanging here. You can't eat it because of the hard shell, the invisible pincers protecting it. Chen Hai, your task isn't to blame yourself, but to find a way to crack open this shell and pull out the crabs hiding behind it, one by one. Qi Tongwei is putting pressure on you, and Secretary Sha Ruijin is watching you. This might just be your opportunity."

Chen Hai took a deep breath and nodded heavily.

He picked up the bottle and filled both his and Hou Liangping's glasses. "Liangping, enough said. This drink is firstly to welcome you, and secondly to thank you for your scolding, which woke me up. How Ding Yizhen died, who wanted him dead the most, and who was behind him—I will investigate thoroughly. Even if what lies ahead is…" He paused, not saying the name, and continued, "Even if what lies ahead is a mountain of knives and a sea of ​​fire, as long as I bear the responsibility of the anti-corruption bureau chief, I will investigate every single day!"

"That's more like it!" Hou Liangping raised his glass and clinked it against his, then downed it in one gulp. "Don't worry, you're not alone. Secretary Sha supports the fight against corruption, and Chief Prosecutor Ji is a sensible man. I'm here this time to be your 'backup.' We'll face any challenges, open or covert, together as brothers."

Lu Yike also raised her drink and said seriously, "Director Hou, Director Chen, and me, Hua Hua, and all our colleagues from this department. Let's row this boat together."

Lin Huahua quickly raised her cup and nodded vigorously.

Hou Liangping put down his wine glass and lowered his voice, saying, "Let's get to the specifics. Chen Hai, are those materials you prepared about Ding Yizhen, including the clues about his overseas connections, still useful?"

Chen Hai nodded: "Although he's dead, many related accounts, project transactions, and social connections still exist. I've already had someone re-examine them, especially his economic dealings with the Shanshui Group and certain individuals. Also," he lowered his voice even further, "my father... has recently made some discoveries that the equity dispute between Dafeng Factory and the Shanshui Group may have deeper implications, even involving some high-ranking officials in Jingzhou. Although he's retired, his eyes are still sharp."

Hou Liangping said thoughtfully, “Chief Prosecutor Chen Yanshi… he’s a treasure. You should take his report seriously. I don’t think the Dafeng Factory matter is that simple. It might be the key to opening up a gap in Jingzhou or even Handong. Qi Tongwei is so eager to establish his authority, not only because he’s targeting you, but also because he probably wants to muddy the waters and let some people get away with it. We’re going to make sure this water is clear.”

His inclinations have never been concealed.

As night deepened, the crab feast drew to a close.

Hou Liangping put on his coat, walked to the door, and turned back to Chen Hai, who was seeing him off, and said one last time, "Old classmate, the situation in Handong is about to change. Sha Ruijin and Qi Tongwei are two mountains already in sight. It's too early to say whether the East Wind will prevail over the West Wind or the West Wind will prevail over the East Wind. But no matter which side is stronger, we must dig out the parasites."

Chen Hai grasped Hou Liangping's hand and shook it forcefully: "I understand. Monkey, you be careful too."

"It's easier to catch fish in deep water." Hou Liangping grinned and turned to leave.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the city, at Qi Tongwei's residence in the provincial party committee compound, Qi Tongwei was intently reading the notebook Gao Yuliang had left him. Suddenly, his gaze stopped, and his finger pointed to a line of text in the notebook:

Tao Qingjian, a 1990 graduate of the Department of Political Science and Law of Handong University, is currently the Executive Deputy Chief Prosecutor (at the level of a full-fledged division chief) of the Luzhou People's Procuratorate.

Eighteen years later, the Anti-Corruption Bureau was merged into the Supervisory Commission, but the Anti-Corruption Bureau still holds an extremely important position.

He wanted to keep it in his hands and replace it with an obedient member of his own side.

I hadn't made a move before because I was waiting for Professor Gao to hand over the Han University gang to me. Now, it's time.

Chapter 112 Gao Chen's Conversation

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, but the faint sound of pruning could already be heard in the garden of the Provincial Party Committee Compound No. 3.

When Chen Yanshi walked in along the bluestone path, Gao Yuliang was facing away from him.

When Gao Yuliang turned around, his face already wore his usual perfectly timed smile: "Old Chen, you've arrived. Perfect timing, how about you take a look at these newly transplanted plum trees?"

Chen Yanshi visited Gao Yuliang's No. 3 courtyard quite often. Each time, the two would usually sit in the back garden for a while—it was quiet there, and more importantly, it provided a topic for conversation.