Chapter 16

"Xiao Xu, why are you telling me this?"

Yang Weitian looked at Xu Junran, being so cautious because he was truly surprised. Logically, Xu Junran should be on the side of the old secretary, Yan Wangsong, but today he had taken the initiative to speak up for him. This was, by all accounts, an illogical move.

Xu Junran smiled, "Because I grew up in Li Family Town. I don't want to see familiar faces fall in front of me."

Yang Weitian gave Xu Junran a deep look and said, "Alright, I'll trust you this once."

Watching Yang Weitian's back as he walked towards Da Wang Village, Xu Junran's lips curled into a meaningful smile.

"Old partner, this is all I can do."

In his previous life, Xu Junran was not unfamiliar with this County Chief Yang. When he was the mayor, the Party Secretary was Yang Weitian.

This current County Chief Yang, who would later become Secretary Yang, was not a bad person. He took over the position from the old secretary, Yan Wangsong, due to the circumstances of the time; he was merely a pawn in the higher-ups' game. When working with Xu Junran, Yang Weitian had more than once mentioned his feelings of guilt towards the old secretary. Moreover, it wasn't just talk; in the later stages of his career, the two people who received the most help from him were Xu Junran and Li Yifeng.

Before his death, Yang Weitian donated all his life savings to Wude County, specifying that a Hope Primary School be built there in the name of the old secretary.

Regarding the events of the past, Xu Junran, combining Yang Weitian's accounts with the recollections of Yan Duoduo and Li Yifeng, had long deduced the truth. The events of the past, apart from the machinations of certain individuals, ultimately stemmed from the differing ideologies of Yan Wangsong and Yang Weitian, representing the old and new eras of cadres. Their differing views on the reform and opening-up policies led to conflicts in their methods, making them opponents.

In the 1980s, such conflicts were not only happening at the grassroots level but also in provinces, cities, and even at the central government. A large number of cadres who had the people at heart engaged in prolonged and brutal struggles due to their differing ideologies. It wasn't until the mid-1980s that the situation began to ease. The great leader who proposed the "cat theory" inspected several southern provinces, finally putting an end to the theoretical disputes.

Yan Wangsong and Yang Weitian, rather than being political opponents, were victims of that chaotic era.

In this life, Xu Junran would not let such things happen.

Yang Weitian spent a long time discussing with the main figures in Da Wang Village. Two people then walked over: Wang Musheng, the Party Secretary of Da Wang Village, and Wang Qian, the clan elder of the Wang family. When Xu Junran was admitted to Jinghua University, the county had held a farewell party for him, and he had met several clan elders.

"Grandpa Wang, it's good to see you again." Xu Junran hurried over and respectfully greeted Wang Qian.

Respecting the elderly and caring for the young is a virtue, unrelated to one's position. Xu Junran didn't feel it was shameful to bow to an elderly man nearly eighty years old.

Wang Qian squinted his small eyes and waved his hand, "I dare not, I dare not. For a top scholar to bow to an old man like me, I am truly unworthy." This man had held office during the Republic of China era and had a certain presence.

"Grandpa Wang, you're too kind. As an elder, you deserve my bow. If you don't mind, you can call me Junran." Xu Junran, who had been a Party Secretary in his previous life, had a seasoned heart despite his young face. How could he not see through Wang Qian's act?

Yang Weitian nodded in satisfaction. Xu Junran, though young, had the demeanor of a great general, knowing when to advance and when to retreat without losing his manners.

"Since that's the case, I'll take the liberty." Wang Qian smiled and slowly said.

The group stood on an open field, no one speaking first. Wang Qian looked at Xu Junran, seemingly waiting for the young man to speak first.

Xu Junran wasn't in a hurry. Since there was someone even more anxious than him, why should he speak first? After all, the one who spoke first would be at a disadvantage.

Sure enough, the old fox and the young fox were smiling at each other, but Yang Weitian couldn't stand it anymore. The commune members were still facing off, and a small mistake could lead to serious consequences. If this continued, who knew what chaos might ensue.

"Xiao Xu, why don't you just tell us your idea? Old Wang is here now." Yang Weitian coughed and said to Xu Junran. Although Xu Junran had told him his plan, Yang Weitian didn't know if Da Wang Village would accept it.

Wang Qian's eyes narrowed. He had thought Xu Junran was following Yang Weitian's orders to make Li Family Town back down. But now, it seemed things weren't as he had imagined. He subtly signaled his nephew, Wang Musheng, and lightly tapped his cane.

Wang Musheng coughed and said to Yang Weitian, "County Chief Yang, what's going on? Didn't you say that Li Family Town had a solution?"

Yang Weitian frowned but didn't answer, instead looking at Xu Junran.

Xu Junran smiled and, ignoring Wang Musheng, said to Wang Qian, "Grandpa Wang, I remember that Da Wang Village has 40% more paddy fields than Li Family Town, right?"

Wang Qian hadn't expected Xu Junran to know this. Without being pretentious, he nodded, "Yes, you are quite well-informed."

Xu Junran, of course, wasn't a god. He had asked the elders of Li Family Town before coming and learned the reason for the dispute from them. A quick guess had revealed the situation.

"Grandpa Wang, if Li Family Town only takes 40% of the water from the canal, would Da Wang Village accept that?"

Xu Junran's words made both Wang Musheng and Wang Qian's expressions change.

Wang Musheng was surprised, while Wang Qian gave Xu Junran a strange look.

"Little guy, do you know what you're saying? Can you decide such a big matter just with your words? Aren't you afraid that the old man Li Youde will break your legs?" A series of questions came from Wang Qian, directed at the calm-faced Xu Junran.

Xu Junran smiled proudly, looking straight at Wang Qian, and said firmly, "I can make the decision for Li Family Town! I just don't know if you, Old Mr. Wang, can make the decision for Da Wang Village!"

(Damn, I got owned by Hei Tu. Brothers, please support with some recommendation votes. Let's fight back, okay?)

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