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

Qi Tongwei insisted on being on time for the interview and the dinner party because he knew clearly that a rare opportunity awaited him.

现在是1995年底，他将于1996年9月入学，预计1998年或1999年7月毕业。而就在1997年3月，《新录用国家公务员任职定级暂行规定》将正式实施。

Previously, master's degree graduates were uniformly awarded the rank of deputy section chief (deputy section level), and doctoral degree graduates were uniformly awarded the rank of section chief (section level). However, after the implementation of the new regulations, master's degree graduates are generally assigned to level 12, and doctoral degree graduates to level 11.

On the surface, level 12 corresponds to deputy chief clerk and level 11 corresponds to chief clerk, which seems to be a word game and there is no difference.

But in reality, there's a hidden trick here—the chief clerk has a salary of level 11, and the assistant researcher also has a salary of level 11.

Although the salaries are the same, a chief clerk is at the level of a section chief, while an assistant researcher is at the level of a deputy division chief!

Within the system, the hurdle from section chief to deputy director has always been one of the most difficult to overcome. Many outstanding cadres have languished in their section chief positions for ten years or even longer, simply because they lack such a crucial opportunity for promotion.

The number of deputy division chief positions in grassroots units is limited, often with more than a dozen section chiefs waiting in line for one position. In addition to ability and performance, favorable timing, location, and human factors are also essential.

There are enough ministerial positions, but years of service are the most basic requirement, and exceptional promotions are rare and hard to come by.

However, if he takes a leave of absence without pay to pursue further studies as a chief clerk, coupled with his meritorious service and his background with Peking University and Li Yiqing, it would be a natural and almost certain outcome for him to be promoted to assistant researcher after graduation.

This would allow him to skip directly from the level of section chief to deputy director, saving him at least two to three years of hard work, making it well worth the risk.

Wasn't it because he was so eager to cross the threshold of deputy provincial level before the age of 50 that he lost his way and did a series of foolish things like trying to please Li Dakang and Chen Yanshi by digging the ground?

When Qi Tongwei finally understood this, he realized that even if he left Handong and his familiar network of contacts, he could still create a career in a new world with his newfound perspective.

In the study, Liang Qunfeng looked at his still indignant children and continued to teach them earnestly: "What is politics? When you are dealing with someone, give them something good that they don't need. Even though you are suppressing them, they have no way to complain."

He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the deep night outside: "Take this section chief for example. On the surface, we gave him a benefit, but in reality, we cut off his future avenues for exploitation. This matter concerning Qi Tongwei ends here. No one is allowed to cause any further trouble!"

Liang Yu opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but under her father's sharp gaze, she swallowed her words. Liang Jin seemed lost in thought, her eyes darting around, seemingly pondering something. Only Liang Lu remained biting her lip, her eyes filled with resentment, but she dared not utter a word in rebuttal.

Chapter 20 Two Persuaders

The next morning, Qi Tongwei had a quick breakfast at the provincial canteen and was about to return to his dormitory to continue studying economics materials when he was "accidentally" bumped into by Deputy Director Jin Ming in the corridor.

"Xiao Qi, you're up early." Jin Ming wore a formulaic smile, but his tone carried a subtle hint of coldness. "Come to my office; I need to discuss some procedural matters with you."

"Yes, Director Jin," Qi Tongwei replied calmly, already understanding the situation.

Entering Jin Ming's somewhat cramped office, Qi Tongwei noticed that the green plants on the windowsill were a bit wilted and the files in the filing cabinet were piled up in a somewhat messy manner. Jin Ming did not immediately offer him a seat, but sat down behind the executive desk first before gesturing to the chair opposite him. Qi Tongwei sat down calmly, meeting Jin Ming's gaze with composure.

Jin Ming took a document from the drawer, tapped the table with his knuckles, and said in a condescending tone, "Xiao Qi, this matter has caused quite a stir. Since the minister has spoken, the department won't keep you, but you should know your place and be grateful."

He paused deliberately, observing Qi Tongwei's reaction. Seeing that the other remained composed, he slowly continued, "The department has never failed to reward those who have rendered meritorious service. You will be transferred to the Provincial Narcotics Control Brigade as the Chief Clerk of the Political Department, at the rank of Section Chief, and you will be granted a leave of absence without pay. Director Xu made this arrangement under some pressure, but it's also because you have indeed made contributions."

These words, while seemingly gentle, were firm, pointing out his wrongdoing in "causing trouble" while also emphasizing the "tolerance" and "gratitude" shown in the hall.

Qi Tongwei understood, but a perfectly measured expression of gratitude appeared on his face: "Thank you for the reminder, Director Jin. Please also convey my thanks to Director Xu and the organization. I will cherish this learning opportunity, focus on my studies, and live up to the organization's expectations."

He deliberately emphasized the word "cultivate," which made Jin Ming's eyes twitch slightly. Jin Ming stared at him for a few seconds, seemingly trying to find sarcasm on his face, but Qi Tongwei's expression was impeccably sincere.

"Well, it's good that you think that way." Jin Ming pushed the transfer order and leave-without-pay application form over. "The paperwork is all here. Fill them out as soon as possible and submit them to the Political Department. As for your personnel file, the department will transfer it to the Narcotics Control Brigade according to regulations. We'll discuss that after you graduate with your doctorate."

"I understand." Qi Tongwei took the document and glanced at it briefly. He knew this was just a formality; the real game had already ended at a higher level.

"Also," Jin Ming added seemingly casually, "as for Comrade Liang Lu... after all, we were colleagues. Some things are best left in the past. Leave room for maneuver, so you can meet again in the future." These words were almost a blatant attempt to smooth things over for the Liang family.

Qi Tongwei raised his head, his gaze clear yet unwavering: "Director Jin, I have always been grateful to Handong University and the public security system for nurturing me. I went to school to pursue knowledge and better serve my country. I don't care about other things, nor do I have the energy to."

He neither agreed to the "past" nor denied the "former colleagues," but simply drew a clear line. This detached attitude left Jin Ming speechless for a moment.

The key point is that he doesn't have the ability to take action against the Liang family right now, but if he has the opportunity to kick the Liang family while they are down in the future, he will definitely not hesitate.

"Okay, okay...it's good that you're aware of this." Jin Ming waved his hand. "Go and complete the formalities."

Qi Tongwei stood up, nodded slightly, and calmly left with the documents in his hand. Jin Ming watched his retreating figure with a complex expression. This young man was more difficult to handle than he had imagined.

......

Afternoon sunlight streamed through the window of the office of the head of the Department of Political Science and Law at Handong University, casting dappled shadows on the floor. Qi Tongwei arrived as promised, and Gao Yuliang had already brewed a pot of Biluochun tea and was waiting for him.

Unlike the oppressive atmosphere in Jin Ming's office, the atmosphere here was much more relaxed. Law classics were neatly arranged on the mahogany bookshelves, and the asparagus fern on the windowsill was lush and green.

"Sit down." Gao Yuliang gestured to the sofa opposite him and personally poured tea for Qi Tongwei. "Have all the formalities been completed?"

"That's about it." Qi Tongwei took the teacup with both hands and objectively recounted the conversation from that morning.

Gao Yuliang listened quietly, and only spoke slowly after he finished: "Jin Ming is the kind of person who judges people by their appearance; you don't need to take him to heart." His tone shifted, his gaze becoming profound, "However, Tongwei, your actions in Beijing this time truly surprised me. A risky move indeed."

Qi Tongwei put down his teacup and sat up straight. "Teacher, I did have the intention of leveraging this opportunity. But I believe it wasn't simply a risky move. On one hand, I needed a 'clean' way of leaving; on the other hand, I also wanted to advocate for justice for those at the grassroots level who might face injustice, from a higher perspective. The minister's stature and magnanimity convinced me that he would understand and support this positive choice."

Gao Yuliang nodded slightly, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes. What he admired was not Qi Tongwei's "adventure," but rather the "political wisdom" displayed in these words—packaging personal demands under the guise of organizational principles and proactive ambition.

"It's good that you've thought of this," Gao Yuliang affirmed. "Going with the flow and using someone else's strength against them—that's the essence of political art. However, remember, such tactics can only be used once, not repeatedly. The true foundation of one's position always lies in one's own strength and tangible contributions."

"The students will keep in mind the teacher's teachings."

"Going to Peking University and becoming Professor Li Yiqing's student is your good fortune, but also a huge challenge," Gao Yuliang's tone became serious. "The field of economics is complex and turbulent, with numerous schools of thought. Your hastily acquired knowledge is probably insufficient in their eyes. Remember to avoid arrogance and impetuosity, and calmly build a solid foundation. Your insights from the grassroots level," he gave Qi Tongwei a meaningful look, "can be a unique feature, but they can never replace systematic theoretical training."

"I understand, teacher. I will start from scratch and learn humbly."

"Yes." Gao Yuliang nodded in satisfaction. "Professor Li Yiqing is not only an academic giant, but also has a profound influence in the policy field. You must not only master your professional knowledge, but also carefully understand his academic philosophy and way of handling affairs. This is crucial for your future development."

"Thank you, teacher!" Qi Tongwei's thanks this time were filled with more genuine emotion.

"No need to thank me." Gao Yuliang waved his hand, walked to the window and looked out at the campus. "Tongwei, you are one of my most outstanding students. I am very pleased to see you about to leave the circle of Handong and step onto a wider stage." He turned around, his eyes shining. "Remember, wherever you go, never forget your original aspirations. Let the Liang family's matter be put to rest. Your battlefield is no longer here."

Qi Tongwei noticed the confidence in his teacher's tone, clearly indicating his readiness to enter politics. His own conflict with the Liang family was almost irreconcilable, which wouldn't affect his choice. However, the intellectual's aloofness was causing him considerable inner turmoil.

Therefore, I took the initiative to speak up and mediate.

"Don't worry, teacher," Qi Tongwei repeated what he had said that morning, "My mind is entirely on my studies; I have neither the time nor the inclination to think about anything else."

After chatting for a while longer, Qi Tongwei got up to take his leave. Gao Yuliang saw him to the office door, and looking at his disciple's tall and straight back, he couldn't help but think: Tongwei's personality is becoming more and more composed, and his future looks promising. Fangfang will be going to university soon, so why not try to set them up?

But he cut off the idea as soon as it arose—since he had chosen to rely on the Liang family, he shouldn't have formed a marriage alliance with Tongwei, which would have created a rift in their relationship.

Stepping out of Handong University, the afternoon sun shone brightly, and Qi Tongwei took a deep breath. This time, things went even more smoothly than he had expected. His file was transferred directly to the provincial department, saving him the trouble of returning to Yantai to complete the procedures, and he suddenly had much more time.

It's time to go back to my hometown and see my parents. I've been reborn for so long, but I haven't had a proper chance to see them yet.

Chapter 21 Qi Family Village

Once the thought of going home takes hold, it grows wildly like weeds, making one's heart itch and unwilling to wait a moment longer.

The next morning, before dawn, Qi Tongwei embarked on his journey home. The train roared across the plains, and the long-distance bus he transferred to bumped along the winding mountain roads. For the last leg of the journey, he hitched a ride on a tractor loaded with goods, gripping the railing tightly amidst the swirling dust.

When the familiar old locust tree at the village entrance came into view, the setting sun had already dyed the sky orange-red.

Late December in Qijia Village was particularly desolate in the cold winter. The cold wind whipped up the withered grass, and most of the houses were still low-lying mud-brick structures, with only a few scattered red-brick and tile houses. The dirt roads were frozen solid, deep ruts like wrinkles on the earth. Smoke curled from the chimneys, carrying the familiar scent of firewood, a stark contrast to the neat and uniform new rural village he remembered twenty years later.

His return caused quite a stir in this remote little village.

As the village's first college student and first graduate student, he is now known among the villagers as someone who has "seen the world in Beijing." He has also been awarded a first-class merit. The plaque that the county presented to him with drums and gongs a few days ago, inscribed "Family of a First-Class Meritorious Person," is still a hot topic of discussion in the village.

"Tongwei is back!"

"I heard he met a very high-ranking leader in Beijing!"

"Smoke is rising from Old Qi's ancestral grave!"

Villagers gathered from all directions, greeting him with a chorus of questions, their eyes filled with simple envy and awe. Qi Tongwei smiled and responded to everyone, distributing the candies and snacks he had brought from the provincial capital. These things, commonplace in the city, were rare and precious items in the countryside.

He knew in his heart that he was able to finish university not only because his parents persevered, but also because of the help he received from his fellow villagers, who would give him a handful of rice or a few eggs. He always remembered this kindness.

As he approached home, his parents, having heard the commotion, were already waiting at the door. Seeing his parents, who looked much younger than in his previous life, Qi Tongwei's eyes welled up with tears.

After a long while, having dealt with the enthusiastic neighbors, only the three of them remained at home.

Qi Tongwei began to examine the house from twenty years ago. According to the timeline of the original universe, after submitting to the Liang family next year, Liang Lu would spend money to demolish this house and build a new one. His parents were very happy at the time, but he felt nothing for the new house.

The courtyard was spotless. On the wall of the main house, the plaque reading "Family of a First-Class Hero" was wiped clean. Mother chuckled and joked, "Your father wipes it every day; he treasures it!"

The father's face flushed red, and he retorted gruffly, "Why are you saying these things to the child!" But he couldn't help adding, "This is an honor that Tongwei worked so hard to earn; how can he not cherish it?"

His mother's eyes immediately welled up with tears, and she insisted on seeing his wound. Qi Tongwei had no choice but to unbutton his shirt to reveal the bullet scar.

Gently stroking the scars on their son's body that hadn't completely faded, the elderly couple were heartbroken and tears streamed down their faces. Qi Tongwei quickly comforted them, saying that he had fully recovered and there would be no lasting effects.

When he mentioned that he had made meritorious contributions and was now a chief clerk, at the same level as the town mayor, his parents felt both heartbroken and proud.

My father joked with my mother, "You're the town mayor now, but in ten or twenty years you'll be the county magistrate, right? Then you'll be like the old matriarch in a play!" This finally made my mother laugh through her tears.

His days at home were simple yet fulfilling. He never mentioned any specific plans for the future, only that he wanted to go to Beijing for further studies. During the day, he would take off the neat clothes he wore in the city, put on his father's old, patched cotton-padded coat, and pick up an axe to chop firewood.

He needed to prepare enough firewood for the entire winter.

The sharp axe blade sliced ​​through the firewood with a crisp "crack," and sawdust danced in the winter sun. This physical labor made his body, which hadn't worked in a long time, ache, but it also brought a long-lost sense of peace.

He didn't stop his parents from "bragging" about him to the neighbors and villagers. During his time at home, relatives and neighbors would often come to visit. His mother would take out the People's Public Security Daily newspaper that published his heroic deeds, point to the photo, and, in her thick local accent, repeatedly tell the visiting villagers how her son bravely caught bad guys and how he was received by high-ranking officials. His father would stand by, puffing on his pipe, seemingly silent, but the pride in his eyes was undeniable.

Qi Tongwei simply sat quietly to the side, or continued with his work, a gentle smile on his face. He understood that he was his parents' greatest pride and source of emotional support in this life. If they weren't allowed to share this glory, their lives would lose much of their color. As for the potential repercussions of this "showing off"—such as villagers coming to him for help—he wasn't too worried.

In his previous life, due to his own unfavorable circumstances, he often accepted all requests from his fellow villagers, sometimes out of a distorted sense of compensation, and sometimes to maintain the "Qi Family Clique," ultimately sowing the seeds of future trouble. But in this life, having resolved to walk the righteous path, he will naturally handle matters properly. Within the bounds of principle and in accordance with policy, he will help if he can; beyond the boundaries, he will resolutely stay away.

He is confident that he can strike the right balance, upholding the bottom line without alienating his fellow villagers.

Looking at the muddy roads, dilapidated school buildings, and villagers idly squatting against the walls basking in the winter sun, he was not without emotion. With his forward-thinking vision, he had many ideas in his mind that could help his hometown escape poverty—specialty planting, agricultural product processing, labor export… But he knew the principle that “rushing is not a good business.”

Rural clan societies are complex and interpersonal relationships are intricate. If you proactively offer advice, success may not bring gratitude, and any setbacks or failures could lead to resentment directed at you, turning you into an enemy.

He should only reluctantly agree when the village truly encounters an insurmountable obstacle, or when insightful individuals proactively recognize the problem and come to him for help. Only then will the agreement be truly effective and implemented.

"No rush." ​​Qi Tongwei gazed at the barren hillside in the distance, pondering to himself, "I'll first establish myself at Peking University, then conduct in-depth research during winter and summer vacations, and wait for a suitable opportunity."

After staying at home for seven or eight days, talking and working with his parents, and visiting relatives, Qi Tongwei prepared to set off.

He didn't even wait for the month-long vacation to end. Although his parents were reluctant to let him go, they knew their son was going to Beijing to pursue his future, so they fully supported him. His mother stayed up all night making his favorite scallion pancakes and boiling twenty eggs, insisting that he take them with him.

On the morning I left home, the frost was heavy, and the fields were a vast expanse of white. My parents and a few close relatives saw me off at the village entrance.

"When you get to Beijing, study hard and don't worry about home!" His father's words were brief, but he patted his shoulder forcefully.

"Son, take good care of yourself while you're away from home..." His mother's eyes reddened as she straightened his collar, which wasn't actually messy.

"I'll be back for the New Year in just over a month, don't worry," Qi Tongwei said with a smile, trying to reassure me.

Shouldering his simple bag, he turned and stepped onto the dirt road leading to town. He didn't look back, afraid to see his mother wiping away tears. The cold wind blew on his face, chilling him to the bone, but his heart was warm.

Nearly twenty days before the agreed time, Qi Tongwei arrived in Beijing once again. A new journey awaited him.

Chapter 22 Senior Brother Jiang Fan