Chapter 9 The Transition: Scepter, Trust, and the Changing Times
Under Wang Yi's personal supervision and Li Shimin's final review, the legal team completed the revision and finalization of the entire set of documents with astonishing efficiency and meticulousness. The final version of the "Equity Trusteeship and Conditional Transfer Agreement" was hundreds of pages long, meticulously stipulating the boundaries of the entrusted management authority, decision-making process, and profit distribution. In particular, the clauses protecting the future rights and interests of the three sisters, Li Lizhi, Li Shuyao, and Li Qingyun, were virtually impenetrable. The agreement stipulated that Li Shimin, as the trustee, had the highest authority for the group's strategic decision-making and daily operations. However, matters involving major asset disposal, changes in control of core subsidiaries, and investments or guarantees exceeding a certain amount still required Wang Yi's written consent (during the transition period) or joint authorization from the daughters after they reached adulthood. The ultimate ownership of the equity clearly pointed to the three sisters, and a complex trust structure was established to ensure that no matter what happens in the future (including Li Shimin's remarriage or the birth of other children), the core ownership and most of the profits of the group would unshakably belong to them.
The signing ceremony was low-key and solemn, held only in a small conference room on the top floor of the group's headquarters. Besides Wang Yi, Li Shimin, and their three daughters as stakeholders, only the lawyers and notaries most trusted by both parties were present. Li Lizhi, clutching her sheet music, seemed somewhat distracted, but signed her name decisively. Li Shuyao carefully read the terms regarding her "research fund" establishment, adjusted her glasses, and signed meticulously. Li Qingyun remained silent throughout, her expression complex, her gaze shifting between Wang Yi's calm profile and Li Shimin's composed features. Finally, encouraged by her mother's gaze, she also solemnly signed her name.
Documents were exchanged, hands were shaken, and photos were taken. There was no champagne, no celebration. A solemn and heavy atmosphere filled the air, as if it were not a transfer of commercial power, but a family's solemn agreement about their future destiny.
After signing, Wang Yi let out a soft sigh of relief, a genuine smile of ease appearing on her face, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. She looked at her three daughters, then at Li Shimin, and finally said only one sentence: "From now on, I'll leave it to you."
Li Shimin nodded without speaking, simply holding the thick copy of the agreement firmly in his hand.
The following day, the group issued an internal personnel announcement: Ms. Wang Yi resigned from her position as chairman of the group due to personal and family reasons, and will devote her main energy to philanthropy and spending time with her family; with the unanimous resolution of the board of directors and the consent of the relevant shareholders, Mr. Li Shimin was appointed as the new chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of the group, who will be fully responsible for the group's strategy and operations.
The announcement caused another stir. Although there had been rumors of Wang Yi gradually relinquishing power and Li Shimin taking actual control, such a thorough and swift handover still exceeded many people's expectations. After a brief period of observation, the market reacted positively—Li Shimin's iron-fisted reforms, forward-looking plans, and outstanding achievements over the past two years had won the full confidence of the capital market, and the stock price rose instead of falling after the announcement, reaching new highs.
The real challenge comes from within. Although Li Shimin had long established supreme authority, officially assuming the titles of Chairman and CEO meant he was no longer merely an "advisor" or "Wang's husband," but the group's rightful and sole supreme leader. Those forces that had previously lurked in the shadows, perhaps still harboring a sliver of hope or apprehension towards Wang Yi, now had to make a final choice: complete submission or a quiet retreat?
Li Shimin gave no one time to hesitate. On his first day in office, he convened a global video conference with senior executives. On the screen, his figure appeared in branch venues around the world. His youthful face appeared even more handsome under the carefully designed lighting. His eyes were as sharp as ever, but with a more mature and dignified demeanor befitting a leader.
He did not deliver a lengthy inaugural address, nor did he review past achievements. He got straight to the point.
"From today onwards, 'Yihua Group' enters a new stage of development." His voice was clearly transmitted to every corner through a high-quality audio system. "Over the past two years, we have eliminated long-standing problems, consolidated our foundation, and clarified our direction. Now is the time to sprint with all our might and expand our territory."
On the huge screen behind him, the global strategic dynamic map was displayed simultaneously, but it was more detailed than before, with many new markers and arrows.
"The second phase of the 'Nanyang Plan' has been upgraded to the 'New Maritime Silk Road' initiative, expanding its scope to potential markets in South Asia and the Middle East. The goal is not only commercial success, but also to become one of the infrastructure builders for the local digital economy."
"The North American-European-Asian 'Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Solutions Alliance' has been officially named the 'Skyline Plan.' The group will establish a special fund with an initial investment of 20 billion yuan to support core technology research and development and cross-application within the alliance. I expect to see at least three breakthrough technologies enter the pilot production stage within one year."
"In the domestic market, we will focus on lower-tier markets and industrial upgrading. Our goal is to become a hidden champion in at least five key sub-sectors within three years."
Every instruction is accompanied by clear objectives, timelines, and resource commitments. There is no ambiguity, no room for negotiation. It is an unquestionable command from the supreme commander.
Finally, his gaze seemed to pierce through the screen, sweeping across the faces of every executive.
“I know that some people may still be watching, some may still have doubts, some may think I am too young, or that I am not yet secure in this position.” His tone was calm, yet carried immense weight. “I don’t care about any of that. What I care about is the result. The group’s performance, market share, technological leadership, employee well-being, and shareholder value.”
"My requirements are simple: agree with this direction, demonstrate your abilities, and work with me to take this group to unprecedented heights. The past is forgiven. But from this moment on, anyone who outwardly complies but inwardly disagrees, shirks responsibility, or even secretly obstructs—"
He paused for a moment, and the conference room and all the breakout rooms were so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
"Don't say you weren't warned."
These six simple words, devoid of harshness or vehement expression, were more chilling than any roar. Everyone recalled the fates of Lu Mingyu and Zhao Zifeng, the destiny of Xinrui Materials, and how this new chairman had uprooted those seemingly unshakeable forces step by step.
After the video conference, a tense yet excited atmosphere permeated Yihua's office buildings around the world. There was no room for complacency. The new emperor had ascended the throne, his commands clear, his rewards and punishments impartial. Either keep up and become a hero of the new era, or be ruthlessly eliminated and become dust of the old.
The transfer of power was completed in the shortest possible time and with the most forceful manner, marking the final decision.
Nighttime, in a luxury apartment on the banks of the Huangpu River.
Li Shimin stood on the spacious terrace, the river breeze carrying dampness as it ruffled the stray hairs on his forehead. Below him stretched the dazzling city that never slept, its traffic flowing like a river, neon lights flashing, their reflections shimmering on the water like a flowing river of light. This place was far larger, far more bustling, and far colder than the Chang'an he had once looked down upon.
However, the power he wields and the scope of its influence are perhaps not much less than that of the Tang Dynasty he once ruled. In fact, on some levels, it is even more direct and swift.
He heard soft footsteps behind him; it was Wang Yi. She also walked to the edge of the terrace, holding two glasses of red wine, and handed him one.
"How did you feel on the first day?" she asked, her tone relaxed, indicating that she had truly let go.
Li Shimin took the wine cup, swirled the deep red liquid inside, and did not drink it immediately. "It seems different from when I ascended the throne, yet it also seems the same." He gazed at the river and said slowly, "There is less bloodshed and more rules and regulations. But the complexity of people's hearts and the weight of power are no different."
Wang Yi chuckled: "Which one do you prefer?"
Li Shimin was silent for a moment, then took a sip of wine, the mellow taste melting on his tongue. "It doesn't matter whether I like it or not. I'm just fulfilling my responsibilities." He turned his head, looking at Wang Yi's profile, which appeared exceptionally gentle in the river breeze and neon lights. "But you, now that you've been relieved of your burdens, are you getting used to it?"
"I feel more relaxed than ever before." Wang Yi took a deep breath, the river breeze carrying the unique scent of the city filling her lungs. "Finally, I can just be Wang Yi, instead of 'Chairman Wang'." She looked at Li Shimin, her eyes bright. "What are your plans for the future? Besides your grand business plans."
Li Shimin's gaze returned to the endless night sky and lights, his voice deep and firm: "Stabilize the foundation, expand the territory, and fulfill the promises." He paused, then added, "And, watch them grow up."
Following his gaze, Wang Yi seemed to see her three daughters striving forward on their respective paths in some corner of this vast city. With this man protecting them, she could truly rest assured.
"I believe you," she said softly, this time with complete certainty.
A gentle river breeze stirred the hem of their clothes. Beneath their feet lay a business empire that had changed its flag; beside them were partners and allies to whom they had placed their complete trust; and in the distance lay the infinite possibilities that awaited their exploration and creation in this new era.
With the scepter in hand, the era has changed. The second chapter of Li Shimin's legend is unfolding at full speed and with unstoppable momentum on this modern battlefield of steel forests and data deluge. This time, his journey is not only about achievements, but also about protection and inheritance.
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