Chapter 582

At around seven o'clock, Lu Fan returned to his room to rest.

Before the tea was even brewed, Office Director Tan Yiqiao came in to report, Bianliang City Mayor Zuo Yifan wanted to report on work, and Lu Fan nodded in agreement. For the Organization Department Head, exchanging work is also an occasion to assess cadres.

Before the tea was even brewed,

Office Director Tan Yiqiao came in to report,

Bianliang City Mayor Zuo Yifan wanted to report on work,

Lu Fan nodded in agreement.

For the Organization Department Head, exchanging work is also an occasion to assess cadres.

Combine: "Before the tea was even brewed, Office Director Tan Yiqiao came in to report, Bianliang City Mayor Zuo Yifan wanted to report on work, and Lu Fan nodded in agreement. For the Organization Department Head, exchanging work is also an occasion to assess cadres."

Make sure to keep punctuation? We'll output as a single line.

After pushing the door open, Zuo Yifan respectfully said: 'Sorry to disturb your rest, Department Head, I'll briefly report on the work of the Bianliang municipal government.'

Translate: "After pushing the door open and entering, Zuo Yifan respectfully said: 'Sorry to disturb your rest, Department Head, I'll briefly report on the work of the Bianliang City Government.'"

Note: "部長" refers to Organization Department Head (Lu Fan). So we keep "Department Head". Use glossary: Municipal Party Secretary etc not needed here.

Lu Fan said calmly: 'Comrade Yifan, the urgent task is the reform of public institution structures; this is also why I came to Bianliang. As the reform moves into deeper waters, the problems and resistance are increasing. In this situation, we need even more a "tough-on-tough" reform, pushing the reform forward in depth.'

Translate: "Lu Fan said calmly: 'Comrade Yifan, the urgent task is the institutional reform of public institutions, which is also why I came to Bianliang City. As the reform moves into the deep waters, the problems and resistance we face are growing. In this situation, we need even more a 'hard-on-hard' reform to push the reform forward in depth.'"

We need to keep quotes exactly? Use English quotes.

The provincial party committee's goals and requirements are clear: by eliminating redundancies and making rational allocations, we will remove as much "redundant fat" as possible from public institutions, efficiently leveraging their public service attributes for enterprises and the people. I hope the Bianliang municipal party committee and government can work together efficiently and boldly to complete the reform work.

Translate: "The goals and requirements of the Provincial Party Committee are clear: by eliminating redundancies and making rational allocations, we will remove the 'redundant flesh' from public institutions to the greatest extent, efficiently unleashing their public-service attribute in serving enterprises and the people. I hope the Bianliang Municipal Party Committee and City Government can work together efficiently and with bold determination to complete the reform work."

Zuo Yifan replied: 'Please rest assured, Department Head, I will strengthen my sense of responsibility and urgency, take initiative and deliver results, fully implement the provincial party committee's decisions and arrangements, focus on solving difficult problems, vigorously promote the reform of public institutions, restructure the municipal government's public institution layout, and better meet the public's need for public services.'

Translate: "Zuo Yifan replied: 'Please rest assured, Department Head, I will definitely strengthen my sense of responsibility and urgency, take initiative and assume responsibility, and fully implement the Provincial Party Committee's decisions and deployments. I will focus on solving the difficult problems, vigorously promote the reform of public institutions, restructure the layout of the City Government's public institutions, and better meet the public's need for public services.'"

Lu Fan nodded and said: 'Institutional reform brings joy to some and worry to others; from the overall perspective, that's normal. When it hits individuals, it's a mixed bag. All we can say is that reform is a major trend; those involved must subordinate local interests to the overall interests and personal interests to the organization's interests. All cadres and workers in the city must talk about the big picture, discipline, principles, and obedience. Institutional reform should follow "first put in place, then adjust; first operate, then perfect."'

Translate: "Lu Fan nodded and said: 'Institutional reform brings joy to some and worry to others; from the overall perspective, that's normal. When it lands on an individual, it becomes a mixed bag of feelings. All we can say is that reform is a major trend, and those immersed in it must subordinate local interests to the overall interests and personal interests to the organization's interests. All cadres and workers in the city must speak of the big picture, discipline, principles, and obedience. Institutional reform should follow the principle of 'first put in place, then adjust; first operate, then perfect.'"

At the same time, the guidance team will increase supervision, and for those who seek personal gain through power, violate rules and discipline, or obstruct reform in the institutional reform process, we must resolutely investigate and deal with them according to law and regulations. Comrade Yifan, you are a veteran comrade; surely you have this awareness and principle?

Translate: "At the same time, the guidance team will increase its inspection efforts, and for those who seek personal gain through power, violate rules and discipline, or obstruct the reform in the institutional reform process, we will resolutely investigate and deal with them in accordance with laws and regulations. Comrade Yifan, you are a veteran comrade; surely you have this awareness and principle, right?"

Then Zuo Yifan set down a file folder and said: 'Department Head, when Provincial Party Committee Secretary Li Mingyang served as mayor of Bianliang, I was vice mayor, responsible for urban construction, transportation, and other fields. At the time, out of helplessness, I made some decisions that violated principles, realizing the problem was very serious. I feel ashamed to have let down the organization's high expectations, its important trust, and its cultivation. Now I am truthfully reporting my personal problems to the organization, hoping the Department Head can give me a chance to turn over a new leaf. From now on, I will work hard, abide by discipline and law, and absolutely not betray the trust of the organization and the people.'

Translate: "Then Zuo Yifan set down a file folder and said: 'Department Head, when Provincial Party Committee Secretary Li Mingyang served as mayor of Bianliang City, I was the vice mayor, responsible for urban construction, transportation, and other fields. At the time, out of helplessness, I made some decisions that violated principles, realizing the problem was very serious. I feel ashamed before the organization's high expectations, ashamed before its heavy trust, and ashamed before its cultivation. Now I am truthfully reporting my personal problems to the organization, hoping the Department Head can give me a chance to redeem myself. From now on, I will certainly work hard, abide by discipline and law, and absolutely not betray the trust of the organization and the people.'"

Lu Fan soothed: 'Nobody's perfect; who can be without fault? Mistakes aren't scary; what's scary is repeating them. The policy of learning from past mistakes to prevent future ones and curing the disease to save the person is consistently applied to comrades who err. Trust the organization, be loyal to it, and proactively explain the problem to the organization—that's the only correct choice! You may go back now; take the materials and hand them to Secretary Zhao Lingyun of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission.'

Translate: "Lu Fan soothed: 'Nobody is a sage; who can be without fault? Mistakes themselves are not frightening; what is frightening is repeating them. Punishing past errors to prevent future ones and curing the disease to save the person is the consistent policy toward comrades who make mistakes. Believe in the organization, be loyal to it, and actively explain the problems to the organization—that is the only correct choice! You may go back now; take the materials with you and hand them over to Secretary Zhao Lingyun of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee.'"

Note: Zhao Lingyun; Discipline Inspection Committee. So "Secretary Zhao Lingyun of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee."

After everyone left, Lu Fan showed a look of shame; at the bureau level, a leader's background cannot be hidden. Zuo Yifan's ability to serve as mayor was entirely due to Li Mingyang's full support.

Translate: "After the person left, Lu Fan showed a look of disdain; at the bureau level, the background of leading cadres cannot be concealed, and Zuo Yifan's ability to serve as mayor was entirely due to Li Mingyang's full support."

Nowadays, as soon as a little gossip spreads, Zuo Yifan can't wait to "throw stones at someone who's already down," stabbing them in the back; Lu Fan will definitely keep his distance from such people.

Translate: "Now, as soon as a bit of gossip leaked out, Zuo Yifan couldn't wait to 'throw stones into a well,' stabbing him in the back; Lu Fan would certainly 'keep his distance' from such a person!"

Soon after, Wu Zhengyu, head of the Bianliang Municipal Party Committee Organization Department, arrived; the two were classmates at the party school and had a good private relationship.

Translate: "Soon after, Wu Zhengyu, head of the Bianliang Municipal Party Committee Organization Department, arrived; the two were classmates at the party school and had a good private relationship."

Soon after, Wu Zhengyu, head of the Municipal Organization Department, arrived; the two were classmates at the party school and had a good private relationship.

After going inside, Wu Zhengyu said, "Department Head, the night is long and it's still early; how about we go check out the night market, enjoy the night scenery of Bianliang, and have a couple of drinks?"

After entering, Wu Zhengyu said: 'Department Head, the night is long and it's still early; how about we go stroll the night market, enjoy the night view of Bianliang, and have a couple of drinks along the way?'

Lu Fan replied with a smile, "Bianliang has a long history and is rich and colorful; we definitely should go see it, but I'm a bit tired today—could you accompany me tomorrow afternoon for a walk along the city walls?"

Translate: "Lu Fan replied with a smile: 'Bianliang has a long history and is rich and colorful; we definitely should go see it, but I'm a bit tired today—could you accompany me tomorrow afternoon for a walk on the city wall?'"

Lu Fan replied with a smile: 'Bianliang has a long history and is rich and colorful; I definitely want to see it, but I'm a bit tired today—could you accompany me tomorrow afternoon for a walk along the city walls?'

Translate: "'Of course no problem, Bianliang also has many snacks; I'll bring you to try some.'"

Of course no problem, Bianliang has many snacks; I'll take you to try some.

Translate: "Lu Fan sighed: 'Bianliang is one of China's eight ancient capitals, once the capital of the Northern Song, nurturing the Song culture that inherits Han and Tang and ushers in Ming and Qing; it is a charming ancient city with profound foundations, where every brick, tile, and alley has a story. Developing cultural tourism enjoys unsurpassed advantages, yet the current development is less than satisfactory—GDP is only over 200 billion, fiscal revenue less than 16 billion, and last year's public budget expenditure actually reached as high as 415 billion; institutional reform is therefore imperative! Zhengyu, the Organization Department is the 'main force' in the reform of public institutions; you must hold the line, show vision and courage, and complete Bianliang's reform in one go.'"

GDP is only over 200 billion; fiscal revenue is less than 16 billion; last year's public budget expenditure actually reached as high as 415 billion.

Lu Fan sighed: 'Bianliang is one of China's eight ancient capitals, once the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, nurturing Song culture that inherits Han and Tang and ushers in Ming and Qing; it is a charming ancient city with deep foundations, where every brick, tile, and alley has a story. Developing cultural tourism enjoys tremendous advantages, yet current development is disappointing: GDP is only over 200 billion, fiscal revenue less than 16 billion, and last year's public budget expenditure actually reached as high as 415 billion—institutional reform is urgently needed! Zhengyu, the Organization Department is the main force in public institution reform; you must hold the line, show vision and courage, and complete Bianliang's reform in one go.'

Translate: "Wu Zhengyu replied: 'Please rest assured, Department Head, I will strictly follow the city's *Reform Plan*, increase supervision efforts, and urge all departments and counties to complete the reform with high quality.'"

Wu Zhengyu replied: 'Please rest assured, Department Head, I will strictly follow the city's reform plan, increase supervision, and urge all departments and counties to complete the reform with high quality.'

Translate: "Lu Fan nodded and said: 'Bianliang possesses clear advantages in historical culture, location and transportation, resource industries, manufacturing development, and the integration of cultural tourism and cultural creativity strategies; these advantages can provide strong impetus and support for Bianliang's economic and social development, so please pay more attention to the economic aspects of the work.'"

Lu Fan nodded and said: 'Bianliang has clear advantages in historical culture, location and transportation, resource industries, manufacturing development, and the integration of cultural tourism and creative industries; these strengths can provide strong momentum and support for the city's economic and social development—you should pay more attention to economic work.'

Translate: "Wu Zhengyu immediately understood; as the solemn head of the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department, every word he spoke carried deep meaning."

Wu Zhengyu immediately understood; as a senior official of the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department, every word he says carries deep meaning.

Translate: "Lu Fan then asked: 'How is Zuo Yifan doing?'"

Lu Fan then asked: 'How is Zuo Yifan doing?'

Translate: "Wu Zhengyu thought for a moment and replied: 'He has rich experience in political struggle, but his mind is not on pursuing development; he is enthusiastic about urban construction, pays the most attention to government investment projects, acts high-profile while keeping a low personal profile, and has a very low presence among the populace.'"

Chinese: "……"

This is an ellipsis line. We need to translate it as "……" or maybe keep as "……". Since it's just ellipsis, we should output the same ellipsis. The instruction: translate faithfully, never skip. So we output "【23】 ……". Keep the ellipsis as is.

The next morning at nine, Bianliang City held a mobilization meeting for deepening public institution reform; Municipal Party Committee Secretary Li Jiaxing chaired the meeting, and Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee member and Organization Department Head Lu Fan attended and delivered a speech.

Translate: "The next morning at nine o'clock, Bianliang City convened a mobilization meeting for deepening the reform of public institutions; Municipal Party Committee Secretary Li Jiaxing presided over the meeting, and Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee member and Organization Department Head Lu Fan attended and delivered a speech."

Li Jiaxing emphasized in his speech that the entire city must unify thinking, raise awareness, and strengthen confidence; following provincial requirements, we must properly clean up and standardize public institutions, ensuring the task is completed within two months. Starting today, the city will freeze personnel matters and halt the acceptance and approval of new public institution organizational structures.

Translate: "Li Jiaxing emphasized in his speech that the entire city must unify thinking, raise awareness, and strengthen confidence; following the provincial requirements, we must properly carry out the cleanup and standardization of public institutions to ensure the task is completed within two months. Starting today, the city will freeze personnel affairs and uniformly cease accepting and approving new public institution establishment plans."

Provincial Party Committee Organization Department Head Lu Fan emphasized that in this reform, Bianliang must strictly control the total number of fiscally funded public institution positions; according to work needs, assign new public welfare functions to public institutions, scientifically determine position numbers and names, ensure "everyone has something to do, and every task has someone assigned," fully achieve the provincial party committee's reform goals, streamline institutions by 45%, and reclaim 6,500 positions.

Translate: "Lu Fan, head of the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department, emphasized that in this reform Bianliang City must strictly control the total number of fiscally subsidized establishment positions, assign new public-service functions to public institutions according to work needs, scientifically determine the number and names of posts, ensure 'everyone has something to do and every task has someone to do it,' fully achieve the provincial party committee's predetermined reform goals, streamline institutions by 45%, and recover 6,500 establishment positions."

After the meeting, all departments and counties sprang into action; a transformative reform was launched across Bianliang! No one dared to take it lightly, because the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department Head himself was on site in Bianliang, with the sword of oversight hanging high.

Translate: "After the meeting, all departments and counties sprang into action; a transformative reform was launched on the land of Bianliang! No one dared to take it lightly, because the head of the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department personally took charge in Bianliang, with the sword hanging high!"

After dinner, accompanied by Wu Zhengyu, Lu Fan went to climb the city walls.

Translate: "After dinner, accompanied by Wu Zhengyu, Lu Fan went to climb the city wall."

The ancient city wall, as a landmark historic building of the old capital, holds considerable status in Bianliang's urban culture; it has witnessed the city's glorious history and splendid, enduring culture, and is a deep-seated sentiment in the hearts of Bianliang's people.

Translate: "The ancient city wall, as a signature historical building of the ancient capital, holds considerable status in Bianliang's urban culture; it has witnessed Bianliang's glorious history and long, splendid culture, and is a deep-seated sentiment in the hearts of Bianliang's people."

Strolling along Bianliang's city walls feels like traveling through a thousand‑year time tunnel, with the generations‑passed‑down local accents and ancient melodies.

Translate: "Strolling along the Bianliang city wall, one feels as if passing through a thousand-year time tunnel, hearing the ancient folk accents passed down through generations."

Lu Fan sighed: 'In different people's eyes, the ancient city wall has different charms—perhaps majestic, perhaps solemn, perhaps leisurely. I now recall the lyric from a TV drama I watched as a child: "Bianliang has a Bao Qingtian, impartial and iron‑faced in distinguishing loyalty from treachery."'

Translate: "Lu Fan sighed: 'In different people's eyes, the ancient city wall has different charms—perhaps majestic, perhaps solemn, perhaps leisurely. I now recall the lyric from a TV drama I watched as a child: 'Bianliang has a Bao Qingtian, impartial and unbiased in distinguishing loyalty from treachery.'"

We desperately need a large number of self‑less, fearless of power, clean and people‑loving "Bao Qingtian" officials!

Translate: "'We now desperately need a great many selfless, fearless of power and influence, clean and people-loving 'Bao Qingtian'!'"

Wu Zhengyu replied: 'Back then, someone compared him to the "clear Yellow River," describing his selflessness and unyielding spirit. Bao Zheng, as an official, motivated himself with "spilling his liver and gall, daring to offend dignity, knowing no taboos, fearing neither resentment nor hatred." Officials like him—unafraid of the powerful and iron‑faced—are rare in history; for centuries they have been praised without decline, and they are a source of pride for the people of Bianliang.'

Translate: "Wu Zhengyu replied: 'Back then, someone compared him to the 'Clear Yellow River,' describing his selflessness and unyielding spirit. Bao Zheng, as an official, motivated himself with the words 'expose liver and gall, offend dignity, know no taboos, fear no enmity.' Officials like him who fear no nobles and are iron-faced and impartial are exceedingly rare in history; for centuries they have been praised without decline, and they are the sentiment Bianliang people are most proud of.'"

Amid the flowing lights, sampling snacks, taking a boat ride to enjoy music, and watching performances make the ideal way to experience nighttime Bianliang!

Translate: "Amid the flowing light of the splendid lamps, sampling snacks, taking a boat ride to listen to music, and watching performances is the ideal way to enjoy a night tour of Bianliang!"

The "Great Song Never‑Sleeps City" resplendent with lights recreates the prosperous scene of Northern Song Dongjing.

Translate: "The nonstop city of the Great Song, with its brilliant lights, recreates the prosperous splendor of the Northern Song's eastern capital."

The Qingyuan Night Market recreates the culinary delights of the Great Song; it stays open until the third watch, then reopens at the fifth watch.

Translate: "The Qingyuan Night Market recreates the tongue-tip Great Song; the night market stays open until the third watch, then reopens at the fifth watch."

Almond tea, stir‑fried chilled noodles, sweet potato mash, lamb‑baked flatbread, soup‑filled buns… traditional cooking techniques and authentic hundreds of snacks are all found in the bustling Dongjing food workshops…

Translate: "Almond tea, stir-fried liangfen, mashed sweet potato, mutton baked pancake, soup-filled bun… Traditional cooking techniques and authentic hundreds of snacks are all found in the bustling Tokyo food workshops…"

After eating their fill, the two found a teahouse by the water, sat down to sample tea snacks, enjoyed the gentle evening breeze, chatted freely about life, and experienced the refined leisurely lifestyle of Song‑era people.

Translate: "After eating their fill, the two found a teahouse, sat by the water, sampled some tea snacks, enjoyed the gentle evening breeze, chatted freely about life, and experienced the elegant leisurely life of Song people."

Lu Fan spoke with feeling: 'Zhengyu, objectively speaking, the Song Dynasty was the era when commoners enjoyed the highest living standards in history, with a population exceeding one hundred million and grain output also increased. Moreover, many traditional cultures emerged—take stir‑frying, for example; all major cuisines originated in the Song, giving the populace great culinary freedom to eat as they pleased without restriction.'

Translate: "Lu Fan exclaimed: 'Zhengyu, speaking frankly, the Song dynasty was the era in history when the common people enjoyed the highest standard of living, with a population exceeding one hundred million and grain output also increased. Moreover, many traditional cultures were formed, such as stir-frying dishes; all major cuisines originated in the Song dynasty, the common people were truly blessed, able to eat however they wished without restriction.'"

Wu Zhengyu echoed: 'Throughout the long river of history, ordinary people's lives have had their ups and downs in every dynasty, but overall the Song Dynasty truly had the highest living standards, and its comprehensive national strength was among the strongest in history. Yet at the same time it was also the most weak and embarrassed dynasty, a lasting "wound" that the Han ethnicity has never been able to heal.'

Translate: "Wu Zhengyu echoed: 'In the long river of history, among all dynasties, the people's lives have had their ups and downs, but overall the Song dynasty indeed had the highest standard of living, and its comprehensive national strength was also the strongest in history. Yet at the same time it was also the most embarrassed dynasty in history, a wound that the Han ethnicity has never been able to heal.'"

Lu Fan nodded and said: 'The more comfortable life becomes, the less rulers dare to have enemies. Since they dare not have enemies, there's no need to maintain a strong army. This was the Song Dynasty's governance logic, implementing the policy of "emphasizing civil education, suppressing military affairs."'

Translate: "Lu Fan nodded and said: 'The more peaceful the times, the less the rulers dare to have enemies. Since they dare not have enemies, there is no need to maintain a strong army. This was the Song dynasty's governance logic, implementing the policy of 'emphasize civil education, suppress military affairs.'"

In fact, having enemies is not about actively seeking them. In this world, as long as competition exists, survival of the fittest is an immutable law. For a nation to survive and develop, it must have a sense of threat and continually cultivate the courage and disposition to fight; otherwise its economy and culture have nothing to rely on. A nation's ability to defend its home and country through military prowess is the very foundation of its existence and survival.

Translate: "In fact, having enemies is not about actively seeking them. In this world, as long as competition exists, survival of the fittest is an eternal law. For a nation to survive and develop, it must have a sense of enemy threat and continually cultivate the courage and disposition to fight well; otherwise its economy and culture would have nothing to rely on. A nation's ability to defend home and country through military prowess is the very foundation of its existence and survival!"

As they were chatting, Lu Fan's phone rang; seeing the number, it turned out to be Secretary Xiao Bin calling.

Translate: "While they were chatting, Lu Fan's phone rang; upon checking the number, it turned out to be a call from Secretary Xiao Bin."

Secretary Xiao Bin

He hurriedly answered, and Lu Fan asked: 'Secretary Zhang, hello!'

Translate: "After hastily answering, Lu Fan asked: 'Secretary Zhang, hello!'"

Secretary Zhang

'Lu Fan, where are you? I'll be at Huayuan in a little over an hour; do you have time to meet up?'

Translate: "'Lu Fan, where are you? I'll be at Huayuan in about an hour and a bit; do you have time to meet up?'"

Lu Fan rose and said: 'Secretary Zhang, are you flying or taking the high‑speed rail?'

Translate: "Lu Fan rose and said: 'Secretary Zhang, are you coming by plane or by high-speed rail?'"

'High‑speed rail.'

Translate: "\"High-speed rail. \"" Keep quotes.

High-speed rail.

Okay, I'll go pick you up!