Chapter 408: Rumors (Part 2)

May 16th. Zhu Jianguo, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, hosted a dinner party at his home.

As the deputy secretary in charge of organizational affairs, he rarely held such private gatherings. His schedule was usually packed with official engagements, making a quiet meal at home a rare luxury. Whenever possible, he preferred to eat in peace, chatting with his wife, and then retreating to his study for some reading.

Moreover, too many people sought his help. If he were to open the door to business discussions at home, his household would never find tranquility. Therefore, he strictly forbade discussing work matters within his home. Many high-ranking officials had already learned this lesson the hard way. Over the years, the political circles in Lingxi had come to understand his habits, and few dared to discuss business at his residence.

Today, however, was Zhu Jianguo’s birthday. He had invited his old friend Meng Houshi and his family, as well as Yang Senlin and his family.

The three women were busy in the kitchen, chatting about daily life and family matters.

The room was filled with the rich aroma of chicken soup. This was wild pheasant, carefully selected by Yang Senlin from Shangqinglin. Su Ming, the Party Secretary of Qinglin Town, had personally delivered it to Shazhou. In Wangri Village of Shangqinglin, there was a well-preserved forest teeming with wild pheasants. Dried wild pheasant was considered an excellent accompaniment to alcohol; Gao Zhiyuan, the Director of the People’s Congress, particularly favored it.

Using fresh wild pheasant for soup made it significantly more fragrant and savory than ordinary free-range chicken.

The Zhu family’s balcony was an uncommon terraced design, spanning over twenty square meters. Two potted bamboo plants stood in the corner. Zhu Jianguo and Meng Houshi were heads-down, intensely focused on a game of black-and-white Go. Their skills were evenly matched; they had played for decades without a decisive winner. Yang Senlin did not interfere, having pulled up a small stool to watch the match in silence.

By the time the scent of the chicken soup drifted from the kitchen, Zhu Jianguo had gained the upper hand. Meng Houshi’s face, already lined with age, now showed signs of distress. Seeing that the situation was beyond recovery, he furrowed his brow into a deep "pi" character shape, yet he refused to concede defeat.

Yang Senlin refilled Zhu Jianguo’s purple clay teapot with water and said, "Uncle Meng, the tide has turned against you. It would be better to admit defeat now so we can start another game."

Once at home, Zhu Jianguo shed his official demeanor. Holding the purple clay teapot in one hand, he sipped from the spout with evident enjoyment. As he drank, he tapped a rhythm on his leg with his other hand.

Meng Houshi, unwilling to yield, continued to ponder his next move.

Zhu Jianguo’s wife entered the room carrying sausages and called out to the men on the balcony, "You big men, come help out quickly."

Yang Senlin hurried out and asked, "Aunt Liu, what can I help with?"

Aunt Liu was a professor at Lingxi University. Although she wore an apron, her scholarly aura could not be masked by the kitchen smoke. She nodded toward the table and smiled, "Help with what? We need you gentlemen to help us finish off this table of dishes."

She placed the sausages on the table and loudly announced the rules for the evening: "Tonight, Jianguo is allowed only one glass of wine. This is a family dinner; there is no need to drink so much alcohol and put further strain on his already overburdened liver."

When everyone was seated, Yang Senlin suggested blowing out the candles. They exchanged birthday wishes, poured red wine, and drank slowly.

As their faces flushed with warmth, Meng Houshi remarked with deep feeling, "Time flies. In the blink of an eye, decades have passed. Looking back, many things feel like a dream. Especially the madness of the Cultural Revolution. I often feel as though those events never actually happened in reality."

Although the Cultural Revolution had ended twenty years ago, its scars were deeply etched into the hearts of everyone present, becoming an indelible memory.

Yang Senlin had once been a Young Red Guard. Although he had never personally rebelled or raided homes, he had watched the chaos unfold. His father had tragically died in the violent clashes of that era. Whenever the past was mentioned, his expression would dim.

Meng Houshi’s wife complained, "Old Meng, what’s wrong with you? Why bring this up suddenly? Eat your food, drink your wine, and don’t spoil everyone’s mood."

Zhu Jianguo said, "We must view history dialectically. The emergence, development, and eventual end of the Cultural Revolution were comprehensive reflections of the social environment at that time. In a sense, without the Cultural Revolution, there would have been no subsequent Reform and Opening Up. History cannot be hypothetical; we must face it squarely and use it as a mirror to do our current work better."

As a member of the Provincial Standing Committee and Deputy Secretary, Zhu Jianguo viewed issues from the height of the entire Lingxi Province. His perspective was naturally different. Although it was a family dinner, everyone present felt his words were natural and did not feel awkward.

Meng Houshi’s wife had the closest relationship with Yang Senlin. Seeing his mood turn low, she proactively changed the subject. "Professor Liu, haven’t Jianyi and Jiangqiang, the two brothers, returned?"

Professor Liu shook her head. "Jianyi is a vice president in Beijing. He is so busy that he barely has time to return to Lingxi. His wife says he treats his home in Beijing like a hotel." Although she was complaining, her tone was filled with undeniable pride.

"Jiangqiang didn’t return for the Spring Festival this year either?"

Professor Liu replied, "Jiangqiang is pursuing his doctorate. His lab has both Chinese and Indian students. They are competitive, and Jiangqiang, with his temperament, refuses to lose to the Indians. He spends every day in the lab." She added, "Your son, Zhou Changquan’s son, is at the same school as Jiangqiang. They are in different majors, but Jiangqiang says Zhou’s grades are also very good."

Yang Senlin had heard that Zhou Changquan’s eldest son was studying abroad, but he had not realized he was at the same school as Zhu Jianguo’s son. He said, "I really envy these young people. I didn’t have such opportunities back then. If I had gone abroad to study, I would be a 'sea turtle' [returnee] by now."

Yang Senlin’s words were subtle, but Zhu Jianguo, who oversaw organizational work and had seen countless people, understood the underlying meaning. Having just thought of the colleague who died in the violent clashes, he deliberately asked, "Senlin, what have you gained from being a county magistrate for two years?"

Yang Senlin had prepared thoroughly before coming. He spoke confidently, "I remember that since the Western Zhou Dynasty, the county has been the most basic administrative unit in our country. Throughout history, the central government’s organizational forms and official systems have undergone many changes—the Three Excellencies of Han, the Ba Fu of Jin, the Six Ministries of Tang, the Two Offices of Song, the Grand Secretariat of Ming, and the Grand Council of Qing. Only the prefectural and county systems and their structures have remained largely unchanged. Although we now have a socialist system, it is not much different. Except for major functions like diplomacy and military affairs, the functions of the county government cover all aspects of society."

Zhu Jianguo was surprised that Yang Senlin suddenly started quoting books. He said with interest, "It’s been only three days, and I must look at you with new eyes. Senlin, you have made significant progress in these two years."

Yang Senlin said sincerely, "When I first wanted to work at the Provincial Party Committee, Uncle Zhu sent me to the county. I was quite confused at the time. Over these two years, I first served as the acting Deputy Secretary of the County Party Committee. I was determined to become the County Party Secretary, but it didn’t happen. Instead, I served as county magistrate for over a year. I have gained many insights that could not be learned in a large bureaucratic office."

Hearing this, Zhu Jianguo was very pleased. He said, "That’s right. When you wanted to be the County Party Secretary, Old Meng mentioned it to me, but I remained silent. There is a reason for this. Jade cannot become a vessel without polishing; similarly, a person cannot become capable without being tempered. Senlin, you have always had a smooth path. We need to let you be tempered at the grassroots level so you can go further. Our generation will eventually step off the historical stage. You must be mentally prepared to take on major responsibilities."

Having said this, Zhu Jianguo refused to say more. Everyone then discussed only family matters, avoiding political topics.

Of course, Yang Senlin’s heart was stirred. For so many years, it was the first time he had heard Uncle Zhu Jianguo speak such words. He seemed to already see a golden avenue ahead of him.

After the meal, Yang Senlin drove himself. He and Meng Houshi prepared to return to Shazhou. As their car passed the Provincial Party School, Meng Houshi, who was casually looking at the scenery, suddenly spotted a familiar figure. He blurted out, "Isn’t that Hou Weidong?"

Yang Senlin glanced quickly with the corner of his eye and said, "Hou Weidong is studying for an in-service postgraduate degree at the Party School. It’s Saturday, so he should have classes."

By then, the car had already passed the entrance of the Party School. Meng Houshi turned his head, watching Hou Weidong’s figure grow smaller and smaller until it was out of sight. Only then did he turn back, saying thoughtfully, "Hou Weidong is no ordinary person. I’ve asked the cadres in Yiyang. He has no background. His first position was Deputy Town Mayor, and he got it through a leapfrog promotion. Later, he followed Zhu Yan, and now he follows Zhou Changquan. He is a formidable figure. Senlin, you have been his leader. What do you think of him?"

Yang Senlin thought for a moment and said, "Hou Weidong does have some skill. Zhu Yan, Ji Haihai, and Zhou Changquan all treat him as a core member. He is also capable of getting things done." During his time working in Yiyang, Hou Weidong had served as the Director of the New Management Committee. His attitude toward Yang Senlin had always been strictly professional—neither close nor distant. Now, recalling Hou Weidong, Yang Senlin felt that his appearance and voice were somewhat blurred, as if covered by a layer of fog, making him hard to see clearly.

Meng Houshi said, "Which rumor about Zhou Changquan do you think is the most credible?"

Yang Senlin said, "I don’t know if Uncle Zhu knows? I originally wanted to ask, but I didn’t find the opportunity." Theoretically, Zhou Changquan should not continue as the Municipal Party Secretary, but who can predict what will happen now? Zhou Changquan is deeply calculating and must not be underestimated. Liu Bing has background and ability, yet he is now at a loss."

Yang Senlin nodded and said, "I will pay attention to my boundaries."

Hou Weidong also saw the car from the Shazhou Municipal Government Office, but he did not pay much attention to it. He hailed a taxi and headed toward the residential compound where Li Jing lived. He actually drove a Bluebird, but to ensure absolute safety, he had left the Bluebird at the Party School and taken a taxi to meet Li Jing.

Like an underground party member, upon arriving at the compound, Hou Weidong looked back several times before entering the gate. When he arrived home, Li Jing immediately started talking. "Husband, Little Chou Chou can speak."

Since having Little Chou Chou, Li Jing always called Hou Weidong "Husband." Hou Weidong had accepted this title without correction, though in his heart, he felt a mix of sweetness and bitterness.

"That’s just Little Chou Chou making sounds unintentionally. It’s not speaking. It’s too early for that."

Hou Weidong tried to be objective, but Li Jing insisted, "It was clearly speaking. I even heard Little Chou Chou call me 'Mom'."

Hou Weidong was helpless regarding Li Jing’s stubbornness on this matter, but he also understood it. Because whenever Little Chou Chou held Hou Weidong’s finger with his small hand, the blood connection between father and son stirred unusual emotions in his heart: "This is my son!"