Chapter 298: People and Affairs (Part 1)

In July, the Young Cadres Class at the Provincial Party School opened its sessions ahead of schedule. This cohort was designed specifically for high-potential grassroots civil servants, with extremely limited quotas across the region. The criteria for age and rank were stringent; Shazhou Prefecture had been allocated only six spots. The program began in July with a two-month inspection tour of the coastal economic zones, followed by formal classes starting in September and concluding in July 1998. In total, it spanned twelve months, mirroring the structure of the divisional-level reserve cadre class where Zhu Yan was currently enrolled.

The candidate selected from Yiyang County was Liu Kun, Director of the County Government Office. In terms of both age and seniority, he met all the requirements.

Earlier in the year, Zhu Yan had suggested that Hou Weidong attend the Young Cadres Class. Consequently, when Hou Weidong heard the news that Liu Kun had been chosen, he felt a slight sense of loss. He sent an email to Zhu Yan to discuss the matter.

Regularly emailing Zhu Yan to report on developments in Yiyang had become a habit for Hou Weidong.

The next morning, after Zhu Yan opened his email, he called Hou Weidong directly. "Originally, the plan was for you to go. What are your thoughts on this?"

Hou Weidong replied, "I feel conflicted. It is certainly a good opportunity to study at the Provincial Party School. However, the affairs of the New Management Committee are too complex. I cannot bring myself to leave these responsibilities behind with peace of mind."

"Ji Haiyang has already briefed me on this. I agree with his assessment. It is better for you to remain with the New Management Committee. You should view this matter correctly. As long as you handle the committee's work well, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future."

Hou Weidong thought to himself, So Secretary Zhu already knew about this.

Zhu Yan offered some guidance: "The Yiyang County Party Committee has only eight standing committee members. There is a reason why County Mayor Ma Youcai places such importance on Liu Kun. You need to carefully analyze the subtleties here, and more importantly, try to see it from the other side’s perspective. Only then can you make accurate judgments."

These words were like a wake-up call. Hou Weidong, possessing strong comprehension skills, immediately grasped the underlying logic: "Yang Senlin is presiding over the County Party Committee work in the capacity of Deputy Secretary, but he lacks a solid foundation within the standing committee. Deputy Secretary Ji Haiyang is Zhu Yan’s staunch ally, while other members like Qian Zhiguo are fence-sitters. By promoting Liu Kun, Mayor Ma Youcai secures the support of at least two standing committee members, thereby increasing his influence in Yiyang. This is a classic example of Chinese-style politics."

Once he understood this, Hou Weidong’s mind became calm.

However, not all officials in Yiyang could accept the situation with equanimity. Yang Dajin from the County Party Committee Office was one such person. He had been a mid-level cadre for many years, working on the front lines of the economic sector and always receiving significant attention. Yet, as his age increased, he found himself still rotating within the secondary leadership tier without any promotion.

There was an unwritten convention in Yiyang: the Director of the County Party Committee Office was generally expected to join the standing committee. With the current committee having only eight members, it was obvious that one seat was vacant. Since becoming the office director, Yang Dajin’s desire to join the standing committee had intensified. After the personnel adjustments in June, he realized clearly that even if Yang Senlin promised to help him, he would never make it onto the standing committee without Zhu Yan’s approval.

"Director Hou, this is Yang Dajin. What are you busy with? Are you at the Finance Bureau? Do you have any plans for lunch today? Secretary Ji published an article in the Lingxi Daily. My brother and I would like to treat Secretary Ji to some Huaijiu to celebrate."

"We are heading to Zhangjia Reservoir. We’ll depart at eleven."

"Don’t bring your driver today. Just us brothers drinking and fishing, having a good time for half a day."

Upon receiving Yang Dajin’s call, Hou Weidong began to ponder: If I were Yang Dajin, what would I desire most right now? The answer was clear and simple; Hou Weidong immediately grasped the core issue: "The Yiyang County Party Committee is missing one standing committee member. If I were in Yang Dajin’s position, I would definitely want that seat. To get it, he must pass the hurdle of Secretary Zhu. That is why he suddenly invited us to lunch."

Hou Weidong’s thoughts deepened further. "Secretary Ji’s article was published several days ago. As the office director, Yang Dajin having the leisure to accompany Secretary Ji for lunch today implies that Yang Senlin is likely not in the county."

Ji Haiyang was a leader of considerable caliber. Out of respect for him, Hou Weidong left the faculty housing of Shazhou College in his Bluebird sedan at 10:40 AM, driving straight to Zhangjia Reservoir. Upon arrival, he specifically instructed the reservoir owner: "Charge the lunch expenses to the New Management Committee’s account. Do not collect money from anyone else."

He also asked the owner to prepare four or five fishing rods and brew some local eagle claw tea. Just as the preparations were finished, Ji Haiyang and Yang Dajin arrived.

After becoming Deputy Secretary, Ji Haiyang had initially not wanted to change his car. However, after Yang Senlin arrived in Yiyang, he quickly purchased a new vehicle. If Ji Haiyang had insisted on keeping his old car, it would have seemed out of place and put Yang Senlin in an awkward position. Therefore, Ji Haiyang’s old car was reassigned to Yang Dajin, and Ji Haiyang switched to a new Toyota.

However, neither of them used their official county-issued vehicles today. Yang Dajin had borrowed a Crown sedan and was driving himself.

Upon reaching the reservoir bank, Yang Dajin called the owner over. Learning that Hou Weidong had already made arrangements, he shouted loudly, "Brother Hou, we agreed that I would handle everything today. Boss, do not accept his money."

Ji Haiyang stood by the reservoir, enthusiastically selecting a fishing spot. Hearing this, he said, "Dajin, don’t be so polite with Hou Weidong. The New Management Committee is thriving now; spending a little is no big deal."

All three laughed.

It was early July. The sun reflected brightly off the small reservoir’s surface. Ji Haiyang, wearing a tattered straw hat, stood under a willow tree in the scorching heat. Within a short while, he had caught four crucian carp.

Once the food was served, Yang Dajin raised his glass and said, "Today, the three directors of the Yiyang County Party Committee Office are gathering. First, to congratulate Secretary Ji on the publication of his article in the Lingxi Daily. Second, to learn some office work experience from the two seniors."

Hou Weidong quickly responded, "Director Yang, when you were the Director of the Development and Reform Commission, I had just graduated from university. Calling you a senior is too much honor for me. Moreover, you are the former director of the New Management Committee; I am the one who should truly call you Senior Yang."

Ji Haiyang smiled. "Old Yang, don’t be so formal. We are all busy usually. Today, we steal half a day of leisure from our busy lives to drink, chat, and fish. Let’s completely relax." He then turned serious. "Since we didn’t bring drivers, we will only drink beer. A maximum of two bottles per person."

The fish at Zhangjia Reservoir had a unique characteristic: simplicity. The fish were rubbed with salt, cooked with a bit of lard and old ginger, and boiled with well water. Just before serving, green onions and fish mint growing wild around the reservoir were added. This created a delicious pot that tasted entirely different from the city dishes, which were often half fish and half seasoning.

"I really envy Director Hou’s age. You aren’t even thirty yet, are you? I am approaching fifty," Yang Dajin said with a sigh.

Yang Dajin was turning forty-three this year. At this age, if one could not quickly align with county-level leadership, it would be very difficult to advance further after turning forty-five. Hence, there was a common saying in official circles: "A diploma is essential, but age is a treasure."

Ji Haiyang understood Yang Dajin’s predicament. "Director Yang, you are still early in approaching fifty. I remember you celebrated your fortieth birthday the year before last."

"Not the year before last, it was the end of ’94. In a flash, I am forty-three," Yang Dajin lamented briefly, then continued, "Secretary Ji is in charge of organizational affairs, and Director Hou has also presided over committee office work. We are not outsiders. I would like to take this opportunity to report my thoughts."

Ji Haiyang said, "It’s just us brothers here, Director Yang. No need to be too polite."

Hou Weidong thought to himself, Here comes the main topic.

Sure enough, Yang Dajin stated his purpose: "In previous years, all directors of the Yiyang County Party Committee Office joined the standing committee. Currently, there is one vacancy. I have been the office director for half a year. Can the organization consider letting me join the standing committee?"

"In terms of seniority, over the past ten years, I have served as the Mayor of Chengguan Town, Director of the Development and Reform Commission, Director of the New Management Committee, and Director of the Committee Office. All were heads of important departments, indicating that the County Party Committee and Government recognize my achievements. In terms of age, I will be forty-four this year. If I do not advance one level now, I may lose the opportunity."

Since it was a small gathering, Yang Dajin was sincere, speaking only the truth.

This aligned perfectly with Hou Weidong’s prediction, and he felt a hint of satisfaction.

Ji Haiyang had already considered this matter for Yang Dajin. However, the political landscape in Yiyang was somewhat special. After thinking for a moment, he said, "A few days ago, I visited the Municipal Organization Department and reported this matter. There will be a result soon. Rest assured, the organization will consider your actual situation." Since the matter had not been decided, Ji Haiyang’s words were deliberately vague.

Yang Dajin immediately raised his glass to toast. "Thank you, Secretary Ji, for your care."

After drinking a few more glasses and chatting casually, Ji Haiyang seemed to say casually, "A few days ago, I visited the Provincial Party School. The facilities are aging, and the air conditioning is not cooling effectively. As the Director of the County Party Committee Office, you must pay more attention to Secretary Zhu’s needs and consider things in detail."

Yang Dajin had been selected as office director by Yang Senlin. Since taking the post, he had followed Yang Senlin everywhere. So far, he had only visited the Provincial Party School once with Yang Senlin. After the personnel adjustments in June, he had realized his major mistake. He had invited Ji Haiyang and Hou Weidong to lunch to make up for this error.

Hearing Ji Haiyang’s words, he still felt a chill run down his back. He regretfully thought, How foolish was I recently? I focused entirely on following Yang Senlin and failed to visit Secretary Zhu at the Provincial Party School alone. That was my biggest mistake. Outwardly, he said, "Secretary Ji, your criticism is correct. I will handle this matter immediately."

Ji Haiyang emphasized, "Go handle this tomorrow. Do not delay."

While Ji Haiyang was in the restroom, Yang Dajin whispered to Hou Weidong, "Brother Hou, you must find an opportunity to speak well of me to Secretary Zhu."

"Rest assured, I know what to do," Hou Weidong said sincerely. "Regarding Secretary Zhu’s matters, as the office director, you must keep them in mind. You must go tomorrow."

Yang Dajin shook Hou Weidong’s hand firmly, looking very grateful.