Chapter 891

Su Yang seemed to have thought of something; yeah, given the current way of working, it seems too stiff, and it's time to consider being a bit gentler.

Going head‑on works at the grassroots level, but when faced with someone who has a stronger background, greater energy, and a more aggressive stance, it may not be effective.

Moreover, the term "officialdom killer" has been brought up more than once, and this time, even if Zhang Jiangbo makes a small move, he must absolutely not let the relevant people be implicated by himself.

When necessary, let family members take action.

For now, the incoming Secretary Zhao, Mayor Wang, and Department Head Lu surely support his leadership; even if Zhang Jiangbo wants to cause trouble, it probably won't be that easy.

He was thinking about that when he heard Huang Dacheng say: "They say you've always had a good relationship with Fang Jingwen, and you also have contacts with Minister Fang. When you return to Jingcheng this year, go pay an early New Year's visit to Minister Fang."

"Although he says he's still in the Vice Department Head position, the value of that post goes without saying. Normally, even a Vice Provincial Governor from the national level might not manage to see him. During the New Year his place will surely be packed, so you should go as early as possible—it'll be to your advantage."

Su Yang said: "Thank you, Uncle Huang. I'll get in touch with Comrade Fang Jingwen ahead of time to see when it's suitable to visit Minister Fang's home for a New Year's call; Minister Fang has always looked after me as well."

Huang Dacheng laughed and said: "Although Minister Fang currently has little say or influence in the ministerial‑level deliberations, he carries considerable weight in the deputy‑ministerial sphere. Of course, I'm talking about deliberation and suggestions; the final call is made above."

Su Yang said: "Then I should definitely go pay a New Year's visit to Minister Fang, and I'll also invite him to my wedding."

He understood even more clearly that Uncle Huang still earnestly wants to advance, even though his time in Ganzhou Sheng has been short; according to him, not everyone needs to grind seniority in a fixed post.

Indeed, some people move slowly at the grassroots or even at the bureau level, but when an opportunity arises they shoot up like a rocket, and such people basically can reach the top‑level round table.

Uncle Huang's age is excellent for his position, but if he hopes to keep climbing to meet the threshold for that round table, he must quicken his pace; otherwise, waiting another five years will leave him behind.

After seeing off the various leaders, Su Yang returned to his office and went through his tasks one by one; the work that needed to be done was already finished.

From now on, as long as nothing unexpected happens, just proceed step by step to finish those projects that have already been launched.

But he also knows that once someone like Zhang Jiangbo shows up, there will surely be trouble, and the things he stirs up may not actually go according to plan.

In the evening he still called Zhou Ruohan and briefed her on the situation here.

Regarding this matter, Zhou Ruohan didn't say much either, since it's beyond her normal understanding; Old Zhou is at this juncture, and nobody knows what step he'll take next.

But she still exclaimed in shock: "How come I didn't know? Our dad never told me before—didn't he say you at least have to serve a full term? Even if it's less than a term, it's supposed to be three or two years; how could he be transferred so quickly?"

"In such a case, unless an accident occurs—say, some major local leaders run into trouble and need replacements—"

"And according to what Uncle Huang said, those places seem all to be directly administered—how could that be? Normally one would expect to succeed Secretary Jia, then wait for the next term to see where to go, and all of this presupposes that one's administrative ability stays in line with superiors' and wins high approval."

"Uncle Huang hasn't explained this fully to you; once you reach his position, whether you can advance further isn't decided by one person alone—it requires a meeting."

Su Yang suddenly had a strange thought and asked: "If, following Uncle Huang's words, there really is an adjustment in the second half of next year or around October, where would you most like our dad to go? I hope he continues heading south."

Zhou Ruohan was startled by Su Yang's idea: "Don't talk nonsense—the leadership of that place was already decided long ago; they're now in other posts, and you'll only see clues after the next term."

"Our dad has only risen to prominence in these past few years, and frankly our family lacks deep foundations, so that's not possible."

"If he were really to be transferred after just one year in Jiangnan Province, the chance of going south would be higher. Anyway, don't dwell on these thoughts—lucky for us we live in a civilized society; in feudal times this would be meddling in state affairs, and anyone with ill intent hearing you say this could sue you behind your back, leaving you to suffer the consequences."

"Get your work sorted out quickly. Back when you were in the townships, you'd often finish only half a task before being shifted away for one reason or another; this time I hope you can stick with it for a year or two and actually finish what you're doing now, because otherwise everything ends up half‑done, which isn't necessarily a good thing."

"And from now on, never mention this matter again—not even when you're home. Although I don't fully understand, I know that people in their positions always keep such things tightly sealed; only when it's truly decided might a hint leak out, and besides, it's a settled fact that won't be spoken of until the announcement is imminent."

Immediately afterward, Su Yang outlined the impending personnel changes in the province and the situation in the city.

He said triumphantly: "Zhang Jiangbo is coming—what can he do? Although he's one rank higher, the top two leaders in the city will back me, and the province has Uncle Huang, unless he's gone mad."

Zhou Ruohan first stayed silent, then said: "You shouldn't be too optimistic either; in this situation the lower your profile the better. If it's not touching the bottom line or infringing core interests, endure if you can and stay low‑key. If everything turns out as you described, you'll be transferred elsewhere directly."

Su Yang was dumbfounded: "Why? They allow Zhang Jiangbo to come down and suppress me, but they won't let me spend a few peaceful days in comfort?"

Zhou Ruohan said: "Above all, they want a balance, not one family dominating. So you should endure what you need to endure, and combined with your past notoriety, keep everything low‑key. Otherwise, even if you could match wrists with someone and even if you won, the eventual result might be your transfer to a tougher post. Don't think I'm joking or trying to scare you—you'll find out soon enough."