Chapter 606: Request an Imperial Sword

Within three to five years, we need to replace all operating trains, which requires massive manpower and financial support; it must be said that the Railway Ministry's resolve is great.

At that moment, Tang Qiusheng perhaps had a nicotine craving, instinctively reached into his pocket for a cigarette pack, but upon noticing Lei Zhan'ge coughing, he slipped it back in.

He patted his pocket and said, "Our country's economy is lagging, largely because our railway transport efficiency can't keep up."

"So updating the trains' internal combustion engines is necessary and urgent; as for finding a person in charge…"

Tang Qiusheng said this while looking at Lu Cheng.

"I think Comrade Xiao Lu is a perfect candidate; from R&D to production, Xiao Lu has always been the main responsible person and participant, and no one knows the whole process better than him."

Minister Meng was pleased with Tang Qiusheng's recommendation, turned his head, and looked at Lei Zhan'ge.

"Lao Lei, what's your opinion?"

Lei Zhan'ge, due to health reasons, hasn't been on the job for a long time and has no idea about the department's recent direction.

Now, the next step of the department's work is to develop toward internal‑engine reform.

As for keeping Lu Cheng here today, it's to let Lu Cheng make an impression before this minister.

But through Minister Meng's thinking and Tang Qiusheng's suggestion, it's clear that the young Lu Cheng is to be given a heavy responsibility.

And before coming, Minister Meng and Tang Qiusheng had clearly already discussed it.

The reason for coming to see him is partly to visit the patient, and also to bring up this matter, since Lu Cheng was promoted by him single‑handedly.

It was only that Lu Cheng happened to be on site, so the topic was gradually introduced.

Lei Zhan'ge felt delighted inside and, excited, couldn't help coughing violently.

Lu Cheng hurried to pat his back; after a pause, Lei Zhan'ge felt able to speak, though he looked very weak.

"Lu Cheng is still too young, Minister Meng overestimates him; such an important task, I'm afraid he may not be able to handle it."

Lei Zhan'ge certainly hopes Lu Cheng will be given a key role, but he says this because the department's expectations for Lu Cheng are too high, preventing later shortcomings and sparing others from strong criticism.

If he dies, there will be no one left to protect Lu Cheng.

The second is a veiled warning to Lu Cheng to remain modest before the minister, never speak too confidently.

Lu Cheng clearly understood Lei Zhan'ge's meaning and also replied.

"Indeed, Minister Meng, this burden is too heavy; whether in ability or seniority, there are many in the department far more suitable than me."

Lei Zhan'ge nodded approvingly at Lu Cheng's words; he knew the kid got the point immediately.

Minister Meng instead laughed, "Comrade Xiao Lu, that's very true; indeed many comrades in the department can take on this task, but many are conservatives. I think everyone understands what I'm saying."

The few of them exchanged looks; from each other's eyes, it was clear they understood the meaning.

In the 1980s, at the early wave of reform, the nation, to transform its economy, launched a series of reform policies, but when conveyed downwards, the effect was often greatly reduced.

This is because many people didn't know how to implement them, or were too afraid to execute them thoroughly.

They are mostly senior cadres who lived through the revolutionary era, with the mindset of planned economy and class struggle deeply imprinted.

So they always have many reservations: will that wind blow back? Does this go against planned economy? Will this act show capitalist tendencies?

Therefore, many adopt a wait‑and‑see attitude when implementing specific policies: don't rush, wait a bit longer, see how others act; waiting a while should never lead to mistakes…

This waiting often misses many opportunities and slows the nation's catch‑up speed considerably.

After a pause, Tang Qiusheng said, "Speaking of conservatives, I must self‑examine; in fact I also have a slight tendency toward that, and from now on I will definitely strengthen my political study."

Minister Meng waved his hand and said, "No, no, today is not a criticism meeting. What I mean is that for conservatives, the first step is to change their thinking, but that's a long process; habits formed in the mind aren't easy to alter. Therefore, it's better to actively select a group of open‑minded, active comrades—that's the most efficient method right now, and Comrade Lu Cheng fits that talent selection perfectly."

Seeing Minister Meng's insistence, Lei Zhan'ge went along and said, "Since Minister Meng trusts Lu Cheng, let him try. Lu Cheng, you may share any thoughts right in front of Minister Meng."

Lu Cheng indeed had ideas; first, the task is extremely arduous, otherwise Minister Meng wouldn't have personally arrived.

The toughest part is offending people; it's easy to offend some conservatives.

Frankly, this task is hard to do; a single slip could give someone a foothold to make a big fuss.

But refusing isn't an option; clearly this was pre‑arranged by Minister Meng and Director Tang to have Lu Cheng lead the charge.

The minister's words are a command.

"Minister Meng, since you trust me so much, if I keep shirking, it would seem I don't appreciate the favor and that I'm not proactive…

You can let me do it, but Minister Meng surely knows this is a job that offends people, so…"

At this moment, Tang Qiusheng stopped Lu Cheng's words: "Lu Cheng, how can you speak to Minister Meng like that? What do you mean by a job that offends people? This is the organization's trust in you; many people would fight for this honor but can't obtain it."

Tang Qiusheng thought Lu Cheng was too bold; other comrades, if they saw Minister Meng, would tremble and at least be able to speak neatly.

This kid shows no fear of the minister's authority at all; Tang Qiusheng even regretted recommending Lu Cheng for this task—so daring, he truly doesn't know whether it's a good or bad thing.

Hearing Tang Qiusheng, Lu Cheng politely shut his mouth; indeed, as a Junior Police Officer, he has no right to haggle with the minister.

"Sorry, Minister Meng, this kid has always been bold, speaking without weighing his words."

Fortunately Minister Meng didn't mind, his deep voice laughing, "No problem, he's a young man; he should have that drive. State any conditions you have."

Lu Cheng glanced around, and after Tang Qiusheng gestured, he finally spoke with confidence.

"First, I'm not bargaining; indeed, as Director Tang said, this is a task assigned by the organization, and I feel honored—still haven't had time to express it.

I also simply want to accelerate railway reform; otherwise I'd feel I'm betraying the mission the organization gave me."

Minister Meng nodded, "Hmm, go on."

So that the task proceeds smoothly, I would like to request an Imperial Sword from Minister Meng…

Lu Cheng said, "So, in order for the mission to proceed smoothly, I would like to request an Imperial Sword from Minister Meng…"