Chapter 951: Continue the Preemptive Layout

Zhou Laozi seemed to think his authority was being challenged. Whether it was these so‑called old customs or the clan's order, it had always been his decision; no one could raise objections, not even Zhou Weiguo, who could only tacitly accept it in the past.

But this time, the clan's second‑generation core—Zhou Weiguo, who is destined to become a political star, and the person who has always regarded Su Yang as the third‑generation core, together with Zhou Tong, the solid arm of that third generation—came to discuss the matter with him.

He therefore had to consider carefully and make the right decision; otherwise, the very foundation of the clan would be harmed.

He stared at the three before him for a long while before saying, "Is your old squad leader reliable? I don't demand exceptional military skill, only loyalty and righteousness—someone who can face death without fear and step forward at critical moments."

"He stood with you and shielded you from bullets; as your squad leader in the unit, that is his duty and obligation."

"But if it's about helping your brother‑in‑law, he has no such duty; it would rely purely on the friendship he feels in his heart."

"Or, to put it bluntly, he must be willing to risk everything."

Zhou Tong pounded his chest and said, "Grandpa, rest assured on that point; my old squad leader's character can certainly stand the test. When my brother‑in‑law was in danger in Lieshan Xian, he led a few armed police to lie in ambush nearby and opened fire at once to break the siege."

"That was, in a sense, risky as well, but he didn't even think twice before agreeing to my brother‑in‑law's request."

Zhou Weiguo added from his seat, "Regarding this comrade, I have conducted a thorough investigation; he was indeed a rare talent in the unit, but after that injury he was transferred to a civilian post. His political acumen is rather lacking, frankly making it hard for him to hold a regular position."

"Positions such as Public Security Bureau Director or Political Commissar are beyond his capability; at most he could serve as a Party Committee member or Deputy Chief while concurrently holding a role in a criminal police brigade or Special Police Team."

"Nevertheless, such posts are already sufficient; even in the Public Security Bureau, it's a matter of ability."

Su Yang was startled deep inside; Old Zhou had never mentioned this before—when did this even happen?

From this, he also came to believe the rumors that every associate and every incident surrounding the scions of the major Jingcheng families is investigated to the bottom. He had originally been skeptical, thinking everyone has their own circle and others couldn't possibly uncover everything; but now it seems that if someone wants to know, they can know with 100% certainty.

Zhou Laozi gave a slight nod and said, "Su Yang's words are spot on: to keep the clan's prosperity, you cannot rely on external forces or various connections; you must be strong yourself, you must be able to stand on your own feet to be credible."

"Zhou Tong, if you truly want that, I need to say a few things up front. Your father's current post is Deputy Chief of Staff; whether he can later attain a regular position in the military region is uncertain."

"But if your father does reach that point, you will lose all external support; everything will depend solely on your performance in the unit. That's why alliances through marriage are necessary—what your own family can't provide, another family can, and without that you effectively cut off one of your paths."

"The reason I can offer your father some resource support is that his generation faced few constraints, and everyone was secretly breaking the rules. But in your generation, there are rules at times; you can't just do whatever you want."

Zhou Tong said, "Grandpa, I have no regrets. To me, every honor must be earned on my own, especially in the military; if achieving merit still requires someone else's help, I'd rather forgo the credit altogether."

"As a soldier, I despise those who use any means to obtain credit and promotion. I will earn it honorably through my own blood, sweat, and by defending the motherland and its people."

Zhou Laozi was very pleased, because Zhou Tong had been a troublemaker since childhood and later became the notorious ruffian of the entire Jingcheng. Zhou Laozi later recognized his potential as a soldier, sending him straight into the troops at sixteen; over the years he has indeed earned many merits, thanks in part to the care of some senior subordinates in the unit.

He then spoke slowly, "If that's the case, I'll agree to your proposal this time and hope you achieve greater success through your own efforts in the future. Without external assistance, everything must rely on you."

"All our resources are limited to my generation and Lao Qiao's; it's hard to say what the next generation will face. So we must advance step by step, solid and steady."

"I've met Sun Chengjun. The 'Song…' brother you mentioned is that old squad leader of yours; if there's a chance, I'd like to meet him."

"Also, keep an eye out in the unit for someone aged twenty‑five or twenty‑six, who doesn't need political savvy but has exceptional individual combat quality and has been forced to transfer out for various reasons. When your brother‑in‑law reaches a certain rank and needs a dedicated driver, have him transferred to serve as his driver."

"Your brother‑in‑law is now not only our clan's hope but, to some extent, a future pillar of the nation. The state's leadership wishes him to develop rapidly, though they can't state it publicly, as it would be unfair to other families."

"The more this is the case, the more people will oppose his rapid rise, even resorting to despicable tactics to completely bring your brother‑in‑law down."

"Your brother‑in‑law is already a key cadre being cultivated by the state, with stringent assessment standards; if anyone deliberately targets him, his progress will become arduous. The clan must stay united and concentrate all resources and effort."

Zhou Weiguo said, "Understood; I've been mentally prepared for this for a while."

Zhou Tong said, "Grandpa, rest assured, I will devote myself to development within the unit. If a day comes when it's truly necessary, I can also transfer out."

Su Yang felt overwhelmingly moved; in a normal clan, at this point they would concentrate more resources on Zhou Weiguo, allowing Old Zhou to smoothly make the next breakthrough, thereby securing the clan's future and letting the great ship ride the wind and waves.

But Zhou Laozi's insight was unique; he was essentially cultivating the core of both the second and third generations of the clan simultaneously.

However, he acted thus mainly because of Lao Qiao; Lao Qiao devotes his lifelong energy and effort to Old Zhou, reducing the pressure on Zhou Laozi's own cultivation of Old Zhou. Consequently, in the competition among these great clans, Zhou Laozi is ahead by roughly half a step.

Zhou Laozi said, "Stay true to your original intention, do your work well, and don't disappoint anyone's expectations—that's enough."

Su Yang gave a firm nod.

At that moment Zhou Weiguo said, "Dad, I'm heading back to the province tomorrow; let Su Yang and Ruo Han stay with you for a while, let them finish the fifteenth before going back."

"Zhou Tong, you as well—I've heard your girlfriend is currently staying at your brother‑in‑law's house; spend more time with her and also return after the fifteenth."

They were still speaking when Su Yang's pocket phone suddenly rang.