Chapter 57

Chapter 49: A Remarkable Word Breaks the Stalemate

"Ah, it's Xiao Su. What's wrong? Are you still enjoying your time in Daming?" On the other end of the phone was Qian Xun, once the absolute leader of the local faction in Luofu Province and former Deputy Secretary of the Luofu Provincial Party Committee. Although his power had significantly diminished after he stepped down, and the current leaders in Luofu had changed several times, he still had a keen eye for politics and people.

Moreover, he and Su Nan graduated from the same university, so they shared a sense of camaraderie. Therefore, when Su Nan had something he couldn't figure out, he immediately thought of this old man who had been forgotten by many.

Su Nan recounted Yang Zixuan's performance and words to Qian Xun, saying, "Old Qian, I really can't understand what Yang Zixuan is trying to do."

Qian Xun was silent for a moment before sighing, "Did a young man really say all this to you?"

"Yes, Old Qian, what is he trying to do?"

Qian Xun sighed lightly on the other end, "I think he wants to use the influence behind you to secure the project slot for the Economic Development Zone."

"What should I do?" Su Nan asked.

"You have no choice but to agree to his request!" Qian Xun's voice, though aged, showed no sign of wavering.

"Why should I help him? He usually opposes me." Su Nan's voice carried a hint of confusion.

Qian Xun sighed lightly on the other end and said calmly, "Because of our faction's current situation in Luofu Province. He has seen that we are in a difficult position, and he is taking advantage of it. This young man is quite shrewd."

"Huh?" Su Nan's mind couldn't keep up, and he didn't understand what the old man meant.

"In fact, although I have retired from politics for many years, I still have a clear view of our faction's situation in Luofu Province. Due to our previous conservative ideology and the belief that stability is paramount, after the central leader's Southern Tour, our faction suffered heavy blows in Luofu Province. Many provincial and ministerial-level officials were forced to retire early, and several key figures at the prefecture and department levels were reassigned to marginal positions and cold benches." As Qian Xun spoke, his words were filled with deep regret.

This is how the political arena works. No matter when, following the direction from above is the true way to protect oneself. Otherwise, one will be abandoned by the higher-ups and by history.

"So now is a critical time. Our faction must support the voices advocating reform; otherwise, we will continue to be suppressed!" Qian Xun's voice carried a hint of excitement. "The young man you mentioned is quite impressive. Many of our old provincial and ministerial-level officials couldn't see the key issues, but he could, and he even proposed a solution."

"To reverse our faction's current passive situation, we need to support the voices of reform. But these voices cannot come from your old leaders, nor from us old-timers, nor from the key figures in our faction who are currently in leadership positions." Qian Xun paused, "You are the most suitable person to voice this support!"

Su Nan almost dropped his eyes to the ground. He hadn't expected that Yang Zixuan's few words had such deep implications...

"Why is it inappropriate for the key leaders in our faction to say this? Why are you the most suitable person to say it? Do you understand?" Qian Xun had been thinking about how to reverse the current disadvantage of his faction. Now that he had found a solution, even though it was provided by a young man in his twenties, he was quite excited. In a relaxed mood, he asked a question to test Su Nan's insight.

Su Nan's mind raced, and after a moment of silence, he said, "Because the mainstream voice of our faction should still be stability. We cannot change our principles lightly, or we will leave the impression of being opportunistic and indecisive to the higher-ups. In the end, we will not be favored by either side. The situation our faction faces will not be just suppression, but a catastrophic disaster!"

Qian Xun nodded in satisfaction. This child had good insight. To succeed in politics, one must have insight and the ability to understand the intentions of superiors; otherwise, one will face obstacles everywhere and will not achieve much.

"Very good, that's exactly it." Qian Xun continued, "Although you are part of our faction, your position is not prominent. Therefore, your support for reform is the best. The outside world will think that our faction supports reform in certain areas, not completely opposing it, and will thus stop pressuring and adjusting us!"

"Then, Old Qian, what should I do now?" Su Nan continued to ask.

"Stay put for now. I will go and discuss with the leaders of our faction in the province. We will decide on the specific actions and then inform you." Qian Xun's voice carried a hint of seriousness, "This is a matter of life and death for our faction, so you must not be careless."

Su Nan quickly responded.

"By the way, what is the name of the young man you mentioned?" Qian Xun seemed to have thought of something and suddenly asked Su Nan.

"Yang Zixuan!" Su Nan answered with some caution and tension.

"He is a good seedling."

Su Nan, fearing that Yang Zixuan would be valued by his faction, hastily said, "I think he just has a clear view as an outsider. I have worked with him for quite some time, and I haven't found him to be particularly capable. I think he just got lucky this time and came up with this solution to break the stalemate."

Qian Xun didn't say anything on the other end, remaining silent for a moment before saying, "Not necessarily!"

Su Nan was a bit anxious, fearing that Yang Zixuan would be noticed and cultivated by some people in his faction, but his voice remained calm, "He is quite close to Lin Pei in Daming City. They have a close relationship and often oppose me."

Qian Xun sighed again, "What a pity, a good seedling, but he has been taken by that Lin Pei."

...

In the past few days, many people had come to Lin Pei's office, including the Party Secretary and County Magistrate of Hong County, and the Party Secretary of Jingyang District. They all came for the first Economic Development Zone slot in Daming City, and other counties with strong capabilities also came. However, what puzzled Lin Pei was that Yang Zixuan from Hongshui County, who had initially proposed the Economic Development Zone, did not come.

Could it be that after being criticized by Tang Lu, that kid no longer dares to propose the Economic Development Zone?

Lin Pei shook his head. That kid doesn't seem like someone who would back down so easily.

Although Lin Pei was still unsure about which county or district to choose for the Economic Development Zone, he proposed it for two reasons: to gain sufficient political achievements for his unit and to strengthen control over the lower-level counties and districts. In this competitive situation among counties and districts, his inclination as the Party Secretary of the city was crucial, and it would also enhance his prestige in the counties and districts!