Chapter 598: The Old Master's Test

Although Grandma said that, it's easy to see from her eyes that she appreciates Su Yang. She too endured hard days with Grandfather back then, step by step, and seeing how dedicated Su Yang is, she feels somewhat relieved.

After Su Yang opened the can, he could smell a faint fragrance. Old Master didn't wait for anyone to bring chopsticks; he lifted it and took a sip, then pinched a piece with his fingers to taste: 'Hmm, the taste is good, indeed the pure natural flavor. You try it too.' He then handed it to his wife.

He then wiped his hands and greeted Su Yang to sit: 'Please sit down; our family Ruo Han still has good judgment. I used to worry she'd meet people with ill intentions, trying to use our family's status to get into officialdom, but since she found you, I can finally relax.'

I heard you're very willing to take root in places with tough conditions, right? Even the Qiao Family arranged for you to go get gilded at a company, but you refused.

Su Yang nodded and said: 'Yes, Grandfather, I originally come from the countryside, so I want to take root at the grassroots and do more practical things for the grassroots common people. Because I know what they need and what I can give them. Of course, the "I give them" I speak of is actually the Party giving them, the government giving them; I am merely the executor.'

Although my time working in Flower Field Town and Xiushui Xiang has been short, I still strive to change the local work style, develop local resource enterprises, so that the common people can escape poverty and live happy lives.

Old Master listened with a smile as Su Yang talked about his work, hearing him out for nearly half an hour before saying: 'Your work is fine, your performance is qualified. But how do I hear you're not a team player? People call you an "officialdom killer"; some grit their teeth at the mention of you.'

You're only a Section Chief Level cadre working in townships, yet you've already offended people in the city and even the province. If this continues, your situation will become extremely difficult. Down below you might not feel it, but the higher you climb, the more pressure you'll feel, and the more people will target you.

You were born in a western province, in a backward township; the cadre resources there are limited, and truly top‑talented, capable people won't go west. In our era we all shouted to support western development and develop the west, and we really went.

But now I see many people just shouting slogans, unwilling to let their juniors or children suffer in the western provinces. They mouth 'dedication' all day, then turn around and secretly enjoy themselves. So what you see are the most basic political opponents you now and will face.

Of course, you can still change now. Going with the flow, sleeved‑sleeve good dance, the middle way—these are the officialdom rules for the vast majority of cadres, because they know only by uniting more cadres around you can you harness that force to accomplish more, while also relying on performance to rise.

Of course, these people might have a few flaws in conduct or reputation, and may even have some illegal or disciplinary violations, yet they turn a blind eye. Everything is for their own climb; only by climbing higher can they do more practical things for the common people.

Don't rush to refute, because most people rise this way. Since within the system it's not black and white, with no clear demarcation, as long as you achieve results, many past matters will be wiped away.

But if you keep this attitude of not tolerating any impurity, seeing white as white and black as black, with sharp edges, not to mention wanting to rise—just stepping out of the township circle will feel extraordinarily difficult. So shouldn't you change this original intention, or call it integrity?

Su Yang said: 'Grandfather, I know what you say is certainly correct; in officialdom it's indeed so—only those who go with the flow and practice sleeved‑sleeve good dance can win everyone's favor. Such people also more easily produce results, and superiors like to promote them, but this inevitably tolerates some corruption and other phenomena.'

If this continues, bad phenomena will quickly grow, and once they reach a certain stage, they will become a cancer on society.

Although my approach will earn everyone's resentment, even cause exclusion and behind‑the‑back slander and contempt, as long I am answerable to the Party and the people, what does it matter if I bear more burdens or have my career cut off?

Old Master heard this, nodded heavily: 'Indeed not bad; you young man have a hint of arrogance and domineering air—just that, the State of Defending the Nation can't compare to you. But you and he are not of the same era; his stage has its own code of conduct and methods.'

What you just said makes perfect sense; right now is an era of great economic development, many places will do anything to develop the economy, as long as someone is skilled at economic work—even if they've made mistakes or are currently making mistakes—superior departments will unhesitatingly promote them.

This leads to many instances of official‑business collusion, using business to support officials and officials to protect business. Going on like this, an interest chain will form, and in the end they will surely harm national and popular interests.

But if it were truly as you said—cannot tolerate any impurity in your eyes, and you let no illegal or disciplinary violation go unpunished—then you might become a truly lonely person.

Take your two cases: your performance is actually quite excellent, yet each time you are removed from office and suspended. Moreover, the lower‑level cadres don't know—do you think the provincial officials don't know your relationship with Ruo Han? They actually do, but that's how the system works.

Besides politics, they also need balance; people like you often become the one being balanced. And your achievements will become a cake that others naturally strive for.

Why? Because the vast majority dislike you; even if a few people secretly support you, it's useless. But if you were like the vast majority, I believe, with your ability added, you would advance very quickly. Won't you consider that a bit more?

Su Yang spoke resolutely: 'Grandfather, I will not change my original intention; whoever harms the nation and the people's interests, I will fight them to the end, even if it means forsaking so‑called performance. An official who does not serve the people might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes—every common person knows this truth; shouldn't I understand its meaning even more?'

Zhou Laozi nodded heavily: 'Good, good, very good; this point you are exactly to my taste. As long as you strive for the people's and the nation's interests, I will back you behind the scenes no matter what difficulties arise—go ahead and act boldly. Besides your past work, what do you think of the upcoming work? Any ideas?'