Chapter 109: The Changing Situation (Part 3)
Zhao Yongsheng sat in the front passenger seat, while Town Mayor Assistant Liu Kun and Office Director Tang Shugang occupied the back.
There were subtle rules regarding seating in official vehicles, dictated by rank. County-level leaders typically rode in dedicated cars, occupying the seat directly behind the driver—known as the "chief's seat"—while their secretary sat in the front. Township leaders, however, often preferred the front passenger seat. This was partly because township vehicles were scarce, and it was common for multiple leaders, including the Party Secretary and the Mayor, to share a ride. By sitting in the front, a leader avoided crowding with subordinates, thereby subtly asserting their status.
Zhao Yongsheng was accustomed to this arrangement. As the car climbed the mountain, he half-closed his eyes, watching the scenery rush backward. Heavy trucks laden with gravel constantly passed them, roaring with the wind.
The mud-stone road was pitted with numerous small depressions. Following the recommendations of the Shangqinglin Working Group, a dedicated road maintenance section had been established for the Shangqinglin Highway. Originally, the township government should have borne these costs. Since Qin Feiyue’s departure, although Su Ming temporarily presided over government affairs, Zhao Yongsheng effectively held both the Party Secretary and Mayor positions. The financial burden thus fell squarely on his shoulders. Every month, looking at the salaries for the maintenance crew and the costs of the riprap and gravel, he suffered from severe headaches.
After much reflection, he clarified his strategy: the Shangqinglin Highway was primarily damaged by heavy trucks heading to the quarries. Therefore, the quarries should bear the primary cost of repairs and provide riprap and gravel free of charge.
To this end, he convened an on-site meeting in Shangqinglin. Since the highway was the lifeline of the quarries, maintenance was essential for their survival. Hou Weidong, Qin Dajiang, and others原则上 agreed to Zhao’s proposal. After some bargaining, they ultimately accepted his plan.
A five-person maintenance team was formed for the Shangqinglin Highway. Since the mountains were rich in riprap and gravel, materials were never an issue. Consequently, the road was maintained better than the one in Xiaqinglin. Despite the constant flow of heavy trucks, the highway remained largely unobstructed.
On this trip up the mountain, the few small pits did not affect the overall condition, and Zhao Yongsheng was satisfied with the road. He turned to Liu Kun in the back seat and said, "Shangqinglin is rich in resources. Since the highway opened, five medium-to-large quarries have emerged, and two coal mines are under construction. You are in charge of enterprises, so you need to go up the mountain more often and take firm control of these businesses. This is the nose of the ox—the key to all our work. If we handle this well, we can increase township revenue and benefit the people."
Liu Kun looked confidently at the small quarries appearing along the road. He said, "The Shangqinglin quarries have made significant contributions to the transportation construction of Yiyang County. County Mayor Li, who oversees transportation, has mentioned the Shangqinglin quarries many times. Secretary Zhao, rest assured, I will do my utmost to manage the enterprises and help Shangqinglin’s businesses reach a new level."
After the incidents involving Qin Feiyue and Huang Jie, Tang Shugang, the Director of the Party and Government Office, had high hopes for promotion. As a senior office director, he was the most likely local candidate to succeed Huang Jie. Unexpectedly, Liu Kun descended from above like a parachute, blocking his path.
Tang Shugang was naturally disappointed, but it was an organizational decision, and he could do nothing about it. Hearing Liu Kun’s declaration, he thought to himself, "If you didn’t have a powerful father, how would it be your turn to make such statements?"
In Dushi Village, the stationed cadre Hou Weidong, Party Secretary Qin Dajiang, Village Committee Director Jiang Shangshan, Clerk Chen Dachuan, Militia Company Commander and Youth League Secretary Yang Binggang, and Women’s Director Zhu Yaofen all gathered in the meeting room. Li Yong, the former stationed cadre, had been reassigned to Jianshan Village, leaving Hou Weidong as the sole stationed cadre for Dushi Village.
While waiting, Yang Binggang sat beside Hou Weidong, offering him a cigarette. "Madman, does the Gubeishan Quarry still need people? I’d like to take on a part-time role there." Hou Weidong was already feeling uneasy about welcoming Liu Kun. He replied, "I asked you to manage safety before, and you firmly refused. Why have you changed your mind now? There’s no position available. Lin Zhongchuan is doing a good job; I can’t have two safety officers at Gubeiwan."
Yang Binggang scratched the back of his head, speaking sincerely. "When Secretary Qin’s quarry had that accident and Jiang Wa was blown to pieces, I was terrified."
"Then why are you willing now?"
"He Hongfu earns so much money a month that his family bought a color TV. If he isn’t afraid, why should I be? In today’s society, life is hard without money. Madman, tell me the truth, do you really need people?"
Hou Weidong pondered for a moment. "Gubeishan Quarry already has three managers, and Lin Zhongchuan is performing well. We really don’t need extra hands. However, the safety officer at Yinggang Quarry is inadequate. I’ll talk to Zeng Xiangang and let you try there. But let me be clear: once you join the quarry, you must follow the rules."
Gubeishan Quarry was the most strictly managed, with no safety accidents since its inception. Yinggang Quarry was slightly less rigorous but still far better than those of Qin Dajiang or Zeng Xiangang, at least using trapezoidal excavation rather than dangerous vertical faces.
Yang Binggang was delighted. "You can rest assured, I know the rules. When do I start, and what is the monthly salary?"
"Everything follows the system. As a safety officer, you get the safety officer’s salary."
Just as Hou Weidong was explaining the precautions, a car horn sounded outside. Everyone filed out to welcome the leaders.
Zhao Yongsheng stepped out of the car. Seeing the village cadres and Hou Weidong waiting at the door, he was pleased. He joked, "Qin Dajiang, why are you as dark as Judge Bao?" Qin Dajiang chuckled, "It’s unavoidable. To make a living, I have to go to the quarry every day and bake in the sun."
After a few jokes with the cadres, his expression turned serious. "Let me introduce a new leader. This is Town Mayor Assistant Liu Kun, transferred from the Comprehensive Section of the County Government Office to Qinglin Town. He will be in charge of enterprises and family planning."
He then introduced the village cadres to Liu Kun one by one. When introducing Hou Weidong, Zhao Yongsheng said briefly, "This is the stationed cadre, Hou Weidong." Liu Kun extended his hand, smiling. "Hou Weidong, nice to meet you. I hope for your support in the future." Hou Weidong replied formally, "You’re welcome. I hope Town Mayor Liu will care for us."
Liu Kun added to Zhao Yongsheng, "Hou Weidong and I are university classmates." Zhao Yongsheng said, "Oh? Hou Weidong, your classmates have become deputy mayors. You still need to work hard."
Hou Weidong felt a mix of bitterness and resentment but had no outlet for it. He simply smiled faintly.
Everyone entered the Dushi Village meeting room, which resembled a classroom. Two desks were placed at the front. Zhao Yongsheng sat in the center, with Liu Kun to his left and Tang Shugang to his right. Hou Weidong and the village cadres sat below.
"This year, Dushi Village ranked first in collecting agricultural taxes and统筹 funds. This shows that the village cadres are capable." Zhao Yongsheng spoke with confidence, using several hand gestures. Liu Kun looked down, writing quickly on a piece of paper, his expression very serious. His hair was parted in a three-to-seven ratio, styled with mousse, shining and neat.
Hou Weidong lit a Hongtashan cigarette. Unconsciously, he blew a smoke ring that rose among the other smoke, bursting near the ceiling. In his gaze, Zhao Yongsheng’s mouth opened and closed continuously, his words buzzing around the room like the mountain mosquitoes of Shangqinglin. Hou Weidong couldn’t help but wave his hand across his face, as if trying to shoo them away.
When Zhao Yongsheng finally finished, it was Liu Kun’s turn. Hou Weidong perked up his ears, thinking, "In two years, how much has Liu Kun really improved?"
"My name is Liu Kun. I previously worked in the County Government Office and have been assigned to Qinglin Town by the organization. It is my honor to work with all of you."
Liu Kun paused deliberately, looking at the village cadres opposite him, and held his gaze on Hou Weidong for a second. "After graduating from university, I have worked in government organs and lack grassroots experience. In grassroots work, you are all my teachers. I must learn from everyone here, and I hope you will not hesitate to teach me."
Hearing this opening, Hou Weidong had to admit that Liu Kun’s speech was very appropriate. "This guy has indeed improved." Reaching this conclusion, Hou Weidong felt a slight disappointment. At the end, Liu Kun said, "Secretary Zhao has assigned me to oversee family planning and the Enterprise Office. I will do my best. Shangqinglin has resource advantages, and the highway is like wings to a tiger. I promise that within three years, I will elevate Shangqinglin’s enterprises to a new level and make Qinglin Town an industrial powerhouse in Yiyang County."
The last few sentences revealed the pride and confidence hidden deep within him, expressed without being ostentatious.
The meeting ended, and the next agenda item was naturally drinking and eating. Qin Dajiang rubbed his hands and said to Zhao Yongsheng, "We didn’t soak beans today, so we can’t have tofu pudding. Since Town Mayor Liu is here for the first time, let’s go to town for a meal."
Zhao Yongsheng waved his hand. "Work meals are not eaten in restaurants. Your wife cooks well. Old rules: eat local chicken and drink plum wine."
Everyone went to Qin Dajiang’s house. Qin Dajiang had originally planned to eat in town and hadn’t prepared much at home. His wife went to the back mountain, caught a chicken, slaughtered it, added large firewood to the stove, and cooked it over a high flame. Soon, the aroma wafted out.
While waiting for the meal, the group played a popular card game called Shuangkou outside. Zhao Yongsheng and Liu Kun formed a pair against Qin Dajiang and Jiang Shangshan.
Hou Weidong moved a chair to sit under the eaves, drinking Yiyang new tea. Although this pre-Qingming tea wasn’t famous, its taste was solid. Sipping his tea, Hou Weidong observed Liu Kun’s demeanor. Although he smiled, there was an underlying air of superiority. This feeling was subtle, but Hou Weidong perceived it clearly.
At one o’clock, the aroma of chicken soup filled the air. Before serving, Qin Dajiang’s wife looked a bit embarrassed. "Secretary Zhao was coming, and Qin Dajiang didn’t tell me earlier. If I had known, I would have stewed it in a clay pot; it would have tasted much better."
Everyone gathered around the table. Qin Dajiang’s drinking capacity was top-tier in Qinglin Town. He brought out a large basin of plum wine, intending to follow the Shangqinglin custom of getting the newly arrived Liu Kun drunk.
Zhao Yongsheng, a local cadre, understood Qin Dajiang’s intent but did not stop him. He also wanted to see Liu Kun’s drinking capacity and behavior. As the saying goes, "Card playing reveals character; drinking reveals style." Though rough, it was a tested truth, and Zhao Yongsheng believed in it.
Under his tacit encouragement, the Dushi Village cadres launched an offensive against Liu Kun. Hou Weidong, though uncomfortable, didn’t want the village cadres to think he was petty, so he also toasted Liu Kun.
Plum wine was a Shangqinglin farmhouse liquor, with low alcohol content, estimated at less than 30 degrees. It tasted mild.
After being surrounded by the village cadres, Liu Kun felt a bit drunk. He covered his large glass with his hand. No matter how eloquently Qin Dajiang and others persuaded him, he refused to yield.
Qin Dajiang raised his glass and urged, "The Shangqinglin rule is three cups for those coming up the mountain. Anyone new to Shangqinglin must drink this way. You’ve only had one round. This is everyone toasting you. As a leader, you should accept our respect."
Zhao Yongsheng said from the side, "I’ll be the referee. Liu Kun is alone, so the three-cup rule is waived. If he drinks six more cups, he has completed the task."
Qin Dajiang and others cheered. "Let’s do as Secretary Zhao says. I’ll toast Town Mayor Liu first." He picked up two cups, stood up, and handed them to Liu Kun. Liu Kun’s face was red, and he shook his head continuously, refusing to take them.
After much refusal, Qin Dajiang became annoyed. "I’ll drink it first. Whether you drink or not is up to you." He tilted his neck and drank it down.
Liu Kun had no choice but to drink.
Hou Weidong sat aside, neither instigating nor mediating. When he first arrived in Shangqinglin, he had been carried back to his dorm several times. The memory was still vivid.
Jiang Shangshan continued to toast. This time, Liu Kun firmly refused. Jiang Shangshan used his old strategy: if persuasion failed, he drank first.
Liu Kun held his glass, in a dilemma. He turned to Hou Weidong. "We are classmates. Help me drink this one."
Hou Weidong refused to take the bait. "This is Director Jiang’s toast to you. How can I drink it?"
Seeing Hou Weidong’s helpless expression, Liu Kun thought, "Hou Weidong is now just an ordinary cadre. Asking you to drink is giving you face." He said aloud, "Hou Weidong, be straightforward."
Jiang Shangshan egged him on from the side. "Town Mayor Liu, I’ve already drunk it. You still need to drink."
Liu Kun placed the glass in front of Hou Weidong. "Drink this for me. I’ll owe you one." His tone carried a hint of dissatisfaction.
Hou Weidong was not an ordinary government clerk; he was a cadre-boss with hundreds of thousands in cash and two quarries, maintaining close ties with leaders like Zeng Zhaoqiang and Qin Feiyue. He was confident. He snorted, ignored Liu Kun, and raised his glass to Zhao Yongsheng. "Secretary Zhao, let me toast you. Thank you for your care for Dushi Village."
Zhao Yongsheng did not refuse and clinked glasses with Hou Weidong.
After drinking, Hou Weidong said, "I need to use the restroom." He put down his glass and left the banquet.
Days passed calmly, flowing like water.
Hou Weidong managed his quarries on the mountain, still holding the title of Deputy Head of the Working Group. In the two years in Shangqinglin, he had essentially done two things: he advocated for the construction of the Shangqinglin Highway and led the way in opening quarries. These actions transformed him from "University Student Hou" to "Madman." The name "Madman" was known to every woman and child in Shangqinglin. Village cadres and the masses no longer treated him as an outsider.
In mid-July, Zhao Yongsheng had a talk with Hou Weidong, planning to transfer him down the mountain to work in the Land Resources Office. At the township level, the Land Resources Office was a powerful department, enjoying perks and influence. Most of the time, others sought its help. Zhao Yongsheng’s transfer of Hou Weidong was a form of care, compensating for his earlier assignment to Shangqinglin and leveraging the relationship with his son, Zhao Xiaojun.
Now holding both Party and Government leadership, Zhao Yongsheng had no rival forces and enough confidence to accommodate Qin Feiyue’s faction. Although Qin Feiyue was his opponent, Zhao acknowledged in his heart, "Qin Feiyue is a capable cadre. His key men are backbone staff in Qinglin Town." Therefore, as long as these cadres repented, he could still use them.
In his mind, Hou Weidong was merely close to Qin Feiyue, not a core confidant, and belonged to the category of personnel who could be observed and used.
Hou Weidong was not very interested in the olive branch extended by Zhao Yongsheng. At that time, the Yi-Wu Road was in peak demand for gravel. He spent every day at the Gubeiwan and Yinggang Quarries, also helping Zhu Bing’s father, Zhu Fugui, manage the Dawan Quarry. If transferred down the mountain, managing the quarries would become difficult. However, Zhao Yongsheng was now the local boss of Qinglin Town. Refusing his offer lightly would be unwise. After brief consideration, Hou Weidong readily agreed to the transfer to the Land Resources Office. This was his first clear assignment to a specific unit.
Agreeing to the transfer did not mean he had to leave the mountain. The divisional leader of the Land Resources Office was Su Ming. Hou Weidong found him and voluntarily requested to remain stationed in Shangqinglin.
The Land Resources Office had a characteristic: it frequently required field surveys. Checking sites in Shangqinglin involved climbing mountains and ridges, which was exhausting. Although cars could now reach Shangqinglin, the Land Resources Office had no vehicle assigned. Most of the time, climbing was still necessary. Therefore, the office had long planned to station someone permanently in Shangqinglin but lacked a suitable candidate. Hou Weidong’s voluntary request aligned perfectly with Su Ming’s wishes. He immediately agreed to have Hou Weidong stationed in Qinglin Mountain as a staff member of the Land Resources Office, specifically handling business on the mountain.
After two years, Hou Weidong was finally assigned to a specific department. After a few days of training, he followed Zhao Dengyun to handle Land Resources Office business. The tasks were routine. As