Chapter 903: Sitting Beside the Old Master

The old master had already spoken, but Su Yang still delayed putting his butt down; in this kind of situation, if he really sat down, others would say he lacks manners.

At this moment, Zhou Ruohan said beside him: "Grandfather told you to sit, just take the seat; it's fine. Originally this seat was for Dad, but he won't be back until tomorrow evening, and when he returns it'll probably be late at night, maybe he'll still have to go out visiting and consoling something tomorrow."

So just go ahead and sit.

At this moment, a rather imposing man sitting next to the old master said: "Go ahead and sit, this seat next to your grandfather—I've been fighting for it for decades and still never got to sit in it, but you kid, you just came and took the seat."

Zhou Ruohan introduced beside him: "This is Second Uncle."

Then she promptly added: "He currently serves as Deputy Chief of Staff in the Jingcheng Military Region."

Su Yang felt a jolt inside; indeed, it seems this Second Uncle inherited the old master's wish to join the military, now looking about forty-odd years old, able to hold the position of Deputy Chief of Staff in the Jingcheng Military Region—that's quite impressive.

Others also chimed in: "Go ahead and sit, you are our family's new son-in-law; according to northern rural custom, if you eat in the countryside you have to get on the kang (heated brick bed)."

Of course, to get to the table you have to drink.

Yeah, yeah, I didn't expect Ruohan's taste to be so good—this young man is handsome and sunny, his physique is not bad either, just a bit dark.

At this moment the old master coughed, dissatisfied, saying: "What do you mean a bit dark? It's from working all day at the grassroots, wind and sun tanning you from busy work; unlike you all, who are either in companies or in ministry offices, you wouldn't know the hardships of grassroots cadres."

Saying this, the old master lifted the cup before him: "Originally this should be a reunion moment; in past years Zhou Weiguo should have been back by now, but this year his burdens are heavy—he has to go pay New Year's calls to veteran cadres and also go out visiting and consoling personnel at grassroots enterprises and institutions."

So we won't wait for him; we'll just treat it as an early reunion.

Over the past year, you've done alright; although your achievements don't match your older brother's, at least you haven't embarrassed me or held me back.

But please remember, your older brother's position today isn't because of how much effort we've put in or how many resources the clan has piled up; it's entirely due to his personal ability being recognized by superiors, especially in certain policy areas and development plans, which at one point were adopted by leadership and brought to meetings.

Going forward, these next two years will be most critical for him; outsiders say he's young, a genuine Young and Strong Faction, but even the Young and Strong Faction fears delay.

Moreover, those competing with him for the same position are basically four or five years older than him, so these people don't hope that in the next two years of adjustments he can continue to go so smoothly.

As for him personally, there's no problem at all—whether it's work ability or moral character, everyone speaks highly of him.

But you all must do your jobs well, uphold your conduct, and absolutely avoid dragging things back because of you.

Your respective work can also apply for transfers when necessary, with moderate concessions; we can't have it both ways—this is my stance, and I want others to see our family's attitude.

You might not have felt it yet, but Su Yang's side has already started: they specially sent that Zhang family kid to Su Yang's workplace to take charge, and he's also serving as a high-ranking Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, clearly intending to restrain Su Yang.

This might seem like nothing in your eyes—just delaying Su Yang for a year or so, at most that's all.

But in fact it's not that simple; some people have venomous eyes, knowing that Weiguo cares deeply about Su Yang, always trying to find a breakthrough from Su Yang.

Su Yang at his age hasn't experienced much political maneuvering, but anyone with some struggle experience and a deep background can easily find something to hold against Su Yang.

It's not that Su Yang himself has problems; rather, these people will create problems.

Su Yang has always placed the common people's interests first; this is our Party's purpose, and it's what we people wish to see, but some won't bother with so many scruples—they'll use this point of Su Yang to achieve some goals.

So I'm mainly saying this to Su Yang as well: in future work you must get the balance right, starting from the common people's interests—this is most basic, and also the bottom line.

But in terms of uniting comrades, you still need to put in some effort; don't let them think you're really the rumored officialdom assassin—if anyone else joins this term's team, it won't be good for you, even if you yourself haven't made a mistake.

Some things I say like this, you might not quite get; let me tell you another way, and also tell everyone here: if a white swan falls into a flock of crows and isn't stained black, then he is guilty.

So protecting oneself is very important, especially for you elders; you must constantly keep an eye on Su Yang's situation, and if necessary, definitely lend a hand—absolutely cannot let various matters drag Weiguo into it.

Besides you elders paying attention to Su Yang, your younger generation should also unite and assist Zhou Tong, interact frequently, and maintain high consistency on major issues of principle.

Lastly, Su Yang and Ruohan's wedding is set for Saturday, to be held at the Xijing Binguan; you all should free up your time in advance.

Alright, I've said enough; now it's time to eat and drink.

The old master spoke very solemnly; everyone took it to heart, and they also knew what the next one or two years would mean for the whole clan.

It seems the old master wants to guarantee the present while looking to the future, allowing no slip-ups at either end.

During this period, everyone will inevitably toast the old master; he's in a good mood today and has actually drunk quite a bit.

Perhaps because of his age, the old master actually went to rest after just a few bites.

Once the old master left, the crowd immediately became lively, everyone surrounding Su Yang asking this and that, giving Su Yang the feeling of being a bit like a gorilla.

Zhou Tong's interest wasn't high, because from start to finish Su Yang never got a chance to speak for him; mainly after the old master finished speaking, ate a few bites and left, they couldn't possibly keep the old master around.

But that's no problem; anyway the old master will surely find him for a private talk later, and then talking about this won't be too late.

But there is one person who is genuinely unhappy, both in body language and speech: the son of Third Uncle's family, Zhou Kai.

He kept his head down eating, only occasionally glancing at Su Yang; it seems in this setting he's somewhat out of place.

When dinner ended, Zhou Ruohan received a call from Liu Zixuan, saying we have a gathering at the club tonight and asking whether Su Yang and they will go.

Zhou Ruohan originally didn't want to go, but she still told Su Yang about it.

Of course, Su Yang is even more unwilling; after all, they haven't seen each other in a long time, just having returned, they ought to have a good chat to relieve their longing.

However, Zhou Tong became interested: 'Otherwise let's just go; I heard Zhang Jiangbo will be there tonight, and maybe he's the one who had the little demon girl call the brother-in-law.'

Moreover, I heard this is also everyone's last round before the year ends; I reckon this kid wants to take this chance to find a venue.

Better to go over first and give him a show of force, so that when he later works in the county he'll have to behave with his tail between his legs.