The next day, I went to my father-in-law's house.
The excuse was to have a drink with his father-in-law, but Zhu Jiang exposed his mistake.
λ took me to the study, stared at me and said, "Tell me, what's the matter?"
Honest people don't speak in secret. In front of people who understand, I didn't hide anything and told them the whole story about Wang Fu's intention to transfer his position.
λ frowned slightly, obviously unhappy with my abruptness.
He said in a serious tone: "Organizations are state-owned tools, and job adjustments cannot be made privately."
I was so embarrassed by the accusation that I dared not say a word.
My father-in-law certainly sensed the change in my expression, and he spoke more slowly, saying, "I know Wang Fu a little bit. He is a good person with considerable ability. He is a very suitable person for the position of Director of the Safety Supervision Bureau. The Organization Department is only responsible for making recommendations, and the final decision will have to be made by the Standing Committee. I cannot guarantee it."
When I heard there was a chance, I hurriedly said, "Dad, just recommend it, we have done everything we can."
My father-in-law nodded and suddenly asked me, "How is your relationship with the new mayor?"
I truthfully recounted what happened when I contacted Zhang Weiguo.
His expression became more and more serious as he listened. When I finished speaking, he said with emotion: "Hongjun, you lack political experience. You should be careful about what you say to others, and don't throw everything out. You should remember that there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies. You should maintain a close but distant relationship with Zhang Weiguo, and don't take sides easily."
I began to admire this old man who had been immersed in officialdom for decades. It was absolutely true that he was cunning and sly.
Seeing that I was listening attentively, he continued to talk tirelessly, "It is undoubtedly a wishful thinking to use the old leader Xu Guangming's line to reduce the power of the Coal Bureau. Now the Coal Bureau is under the management of Xu Guangming, and the Land and Resources Bureau is under the management of another deputy director. How many people have managed to reduce their own power and achieve success?"
He paused for a moment, then continued with some disdain: "I have worked with Xu Guangming for many years, and I don't have that kind of integrity. Besides, I have a good relationship with the Tian family and the Zheng family, so how can they target us in this matter?"
I was puzzled and asked, "What is Zhang Weiguo's purpose?"
My father-in-law thought for a moment and then asked me slowly, "Hongjun, do you know what is the most precious thing in the world?"
I said without hesitation: "My life!"
He smiled faintly and said, "You are right, but the things that depend on the continuation of life or the guarantee of survival quality are resources. The more resources you have, the greater your self-esteem, and what Zhang Weiguo values ββis your resources, or more precisely, your network resources."
I was still confused and asked, "Tian Zhenyu has more resources, why is he still going against me?"
Zhu Jiang laughed and said, "Wild!"
I asked in surprise, "Do you want to take over the position of Secretary Tian Zhenyu?"
He shook his head and said, "That's just appearance. It will take time for Tian Zhenyu to become the secretary. There's no need to be so anxious. I think what you want is the right to speak for Tongxiang Town. This way you can call the shots and get a bigger piece of the Tongxiang Town coal mine pie."
I felt a chill down my spine, thinking back to what I said and did when I was talking to Zhang Weiguo, which just confirmed my father-in-law's judgment.
Seeing that I was a little discouraged, my father-in-law comforted me, "Don't be discouraged. I am just speculating. There may be more unknown reasons behind it. If I want to borrow your strength, you can borrow your strength. Borrowing strength to fight against strength has always been like this in the officialdom. I just remind you to be on guard against others and protect yourself."
I agreed deeply and nodded.
She stood up and reminded him, "Don't talk to Qingwan about many work matters. Don't let her worry about you all the time."
I was deeply moved by your beloved daughter, and impressed by your foresight and keen observation.
When I got home, I leaned back on the sofa in a depressed mood, feeling a deep sense of powerlessness.
Qingwan comforted me: "If you can't do it, just move the other person. My dad still has this little strength."
I said angrily, "I don't want to be a deserter."
She burst out laughing: "How could my husband be a deserter? You are just too anxious. In fact, this world is just a makeshift team. Under the surface, it is nothing but trivialities."
I looked at her in amazement, shocked by her outrageous words.
She looked at my expression and continued, "In primitive society, humans began to use leaves to cover their bodies to protect themselves from the cold. As society developed and progressed, humans began to learn to wrap themselves up, wearing silk, satin, fox cloaks, and mink furs, but the body they wrapped was still the same. No matter how complicated it is, the underlying logic has never changed, and the weaknesses have only increased."
I pulled her hand and asked, "What does Teacher Zhu want me to say?"
She smiled and said, "Don't be scared by them. They may look strong, but they are greedy. They are strong but weak. You are strong only because you have no desires. Why are you afraid of them?"
I was instantly in awe of her. She had managed to address the seriousness of the problem with such ease.
She broke away from my hand, sat down in front of the piano, and said to me, "I will play Chopin's Nocturne now. I hope you will fall asleep to the notes."
I lay down on the sofa as she said, the melodious sound of her playing the piano floating in my ears, my limbs stretched out, my eyelids became heavy, and I fell asleep unknowingly.
Early on Sunday morning, I received a call from Lin Xun. She asked me maliciously, "Chief Guan, I hope I didn't disturb your relationship, did I?"
I replied angrily, "Since it's a good thing, I can't keep it to myself. My wife won't mind if you join in."
She cursed: "You are a big radish, you can't spit out ivory from a dog's mouth."
It was clearly her fault that I was provoked, and she scolded me. Although I was older, I didn't let my emotions get in the way of my business, so I said, "Let's get back to the point. What's the urgent matter that made you call so early?"
She said, "I will go to the county town next day and have dinner with your wife tonight. I will confirm some things with you in person."
I felt that it was inappropriate to meet in private, so I said, "Qingwan never gets involved in these things. I'm very busy. Let's talk over the phone if you have anything to say."
She was obviously unhappy and said angrily, "Guan Hongjun, I pledged my 50 million worth of assets to you. Now that you are so indifferent to my affairs, I will stop this investment."
This was a naked fight, but I had to bow my head and said helplessly: "Okay, set a time and I will go alone."
She smiled proudly over the microphone and said, "I just like good babies!"
I hung up the phone in anger. Qingwan looked at me with a puzzled look and asked with concern, "What's wrong? Why are you so angry?"
I muttered, "I can't even catch up with a whore in ancient times. I am ordered around all day long."