Chapter 42: Secret Chamber Negotiations

  The braised pork belly had not been served yet, but seeing the expression of Wang Youfu, the director of the reception office, made Liu Jun feel relieved.

  This Wang Youfu is a standard self-interested person, changing his face faster than a Peking Opera actor, with a smile all over his face, constantly bowing to us, like a chicken pecking at rice, as if he had already forgotten the incident that happened twenty days ago at the reception desk.

  Yinghe and Ruan Bixiu raised their faces, completely ignoring him. Yan Yuchen and Liu Jinchai, on the other hand, smiled and greeted him. It's unknown whether the two female hosts had informed them of this matter.

  However, even if they knew, Yan Yucheng and Liu Jinchai would not give Wang Youfu any face.

  After all, they have become the helm of a county, and their minds and cities should be deeper. Because everyone knows that Wang Benqing and Yan Yuchen, Liu Jincheng are sworn enemies, it is even more impossible to put on airs in front of Wang Youfu. Otherwise, people who don't understand will not say how Wang Youfu is, but will secretly scold the two new directors for having no tolerance.

  Liu Jun is still young and doesn't have so many worries.

  In my previous life, I was often bullied and had no room to fight back. As the saying goes, "swallowing blood and teeth". This life, if I'm not careful, I'll become a "government official" at a young age, so shouldn't I make some waves?

  "Hello, Director Wang!"

  As he walked past Wang Youfu, Liu Jun smiled and nodded in greeting, but his eyes were as sinister as a snake.

  "Hello hello."

  Wang Youfu didn't recall for a moment which kid this was, but since he came in with Director Yan and Director Liu, they were either relatives or acquaintances, so he couldn't be neglectful.

  Jian Liu Jun called out warmly, Ruan Bi Xiu and He Ying couldn't help but turn their heads back, looking quite surprised.

  "You may have forgotten me, huh? Tsk tsk, Director Wang is indeed a noble person who forgets many things. My name is Liu Jun, I'm the little brother of Liu Jincai!"

  Liu Jun smiled slyly and emphasized the three words "little rascal" particularly heavily.

  Wang Youfu's face suddenly looked as if he had swallowed a few flies.

  "Uncle Yan, Father, that day, when you were under isolated inspection, Mother and Aunt Jie came to deliver things to you, but Director Wang not only wouldn't let us see each other, he even wanted the security personnel to come and drive us away..."

  Liu Jun's teeth were clenched tightly as he recounted what had happened that day.

  "I don't even know if those things were given to you later, or if one or two items are missing."

  "There is no, absolutely no..."

  Wang Youfu's forehead was covered in cold sweat, and he stood there frozen, not even daring to wipe it away.

  Yan Yucheng and Liu Jinchai's expressions also stagnated for a moment before returning to normal.

  "Xiao Jun, don't talk nonsense. Wang Shouzhang is also upholding principles."

  Yan Yucheng's tone turned serious and he began to speak in an official manner.

  "Right, right, right, stick to the principle, stick to the principle."

  Liu Jun smiled and didn't say anything else, pulling Fei Fei's soft little hand, skipping into the small dining hall. Perhaps Liu Jun's demeanor had moved Fei Fei's heart, and she surprisingly didn't shake off his hand.

  The newly appointed head and deputy director of the Revolutionary Committee brought their families to dine at a small restaurant in the reception building for the first time. Everyone was on high alert, and the chef was particularly motivated, bringing out his best dishes. In no time, a full table of delicious food was laid out.

  "Want some wine?"

  Yan Yucheng consulted Liu Jinchai's opinion.

  Liu Jinchai nodded: "As you wish."

  "Hmm, is it the sorghum wine brewed by our county's winery?"

  Liu Jincai was shocked: "So ruthless?"

  Xiangyang County is located in a remote area, with inconvenient transportation and scarce products. Industry is even more barren. The winery built in 1973 can be considered a large-scale enterprise, and it can only brew one kind of wine - 55-degree sorghum wine.

  "It's just for fun, don't take it too seriously, no need to force it."

  This rule is not for show, but rather aimed at Director Yan's own family. His drinking capacity isn't that great either.

  I want to drink a beverage.

  Liu Jun said casually.

  Everyone was at a loss, unsure of what it meant.

  Sweat!

  It's 1978 now, what kind of beverage is there? It's just the most ordinary soda water, and even Xiangyang County didn't appear until '81.

  Facing the strange gaze of the crowd, Liu Jun's face turned red and he felt extremely embarrassed, hurriedly covering up by saying: "I was referring to sweet wine."

  What is called sweet wine is a homemade drink made by farmers with glutinous rice fermentation, which needs to be boiled and add some sugar to drink.

  Ruan Bixiu said: "On such a hot day, what sweet wine is there to drink? Let's eat!"

  "Oh."

  Liu Jun obediently lowered his head. As soon as everyone made a move, he immediately and unceremoniously scooped up a large piece of braised pork belly into his own bowl and ate it with gusto.

  "What's going on with Wang Youfu?"

  Yan Yucheng drank less than two liang of sorghum wine and his face turned red like Guan Gong, then he casually asked about Wang Youfu's situation.

  Xie Ying had been holding back a belly full of grievances, just waiting for this moment, and so she carefully recounted the events of that day. Ruan Bi Xiu had originally been hesitant about whether or not to tell her father, but seeing Xie Ying speak up, she too let go of her inhibitions and chimed in from the side.

  If Wang Youfu was hiding outside and heard this, wouldn't he faint on the spot?

  Without Wang Benqing's backing, it would be easy for Director Yan and Director Liu to deal with him. Although it might be a bit difficult to thoroughly investigate him, it wouldn't be hard to casually assign him to some remote commune where birds don't even shit, to struggle for three to five years.

  Yan Yucheng and Liu Jinchai's faces looked unpleasant.

  No matter how big a person's temper is, when his wife and children are bullied by others, he can't help but lose control.

  "This Wang Youfu is too deceitful!"

  Yan Yucheng slapped the table.

  Liu Jun's eyes lit up with a burst of inspiration, and he smiled at Yan Fei, saying: "Fei Fei, want to hear a story?"

  "Alright, what's the story?"

  Ruan Bixiu hastily stopped him, saying: "Xiao Jun, Uncle is speaking, don't interrupt."

  Yan Yucheng gave me a glance and scolded with a smile: "You little brat, speak directly, don't beat around the bush."

  Every time this happens, Liu Jun wants to tell a story or ask about some allusion, always with profound meaning. Yan Yucheng is already familiar with this routine.

  Liu Jun ignored him and continued to smile at Yan Fei, saying: "It's said that after the Chu-Han War, Liu Bang defeated Xiang Yu, the King of Chu, and became emperor... Do you know about Liu Bang and Xiang Yu?"

  Poor Yan Fei, a ten-year-old girl, where had she ever heard of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu? Naturally, she shook her head with her beautiful phoenix eyes wide open.

  It's too exhausting to explain. Helpless, Liu Jun had no choice but to give up. Anyway, this story wasn't meant for her ears; she was just a cover.

  "After Liu Bang became emperor, he delayed rewarding his meritorious officials for a long time. Those high-ranking generals and ministers under him were all secretly afraid..."

  "What are they afraid of?"

  Yan Fei asked curiously.

  I, Liu Jun, am overjoyed. This little girl is surprisingly well-versed in the art of listening to stories. Although she doesn't quite understand, at critical moments she knows how to play along.

  "They feared that Liu Bang would kill their leaders. When the cunning rabbit dies, the running dog is cooked; when the flying birds are gone, the good bow is hidden. So these people gathered together to discuss what to do..."

  Yan Yucheng and Ruan Bixiu exchanged a glance, and they already had some understanding in their hearts.

  The story of "Liu Bang granting a title to Yong Chi".

  "When they were discussing together, they happened to be seen by Liu Bang and Zhang Liang. Zhang Liang was the military advisor of Liu Bang. Liu Bang was very curious and asked Zhang Liang what these people were talking about. Zhang Liang said mysteriously that they were discussing rebellion..."

  At this point, everyone put down their chopsticks and listened intently as Liu Jun told his story.

  "Liu Bang was startled and hastily asked Zhang Liang what to do."

  "What should I do?"

  This time it was Liu Hua who asked the question. She was in her third year of junior high school and knew a bit about history.

  "Zhang Liang was an extremely intelligent person and immediately came up with a plan, telling him to reward the meritorious officials, especially to reward Yong Chi..."

  "Who is Yong Chi?"

  Yan Fei seemed to understand and yet not understand, but also came with interest.

  Yong Chi was one of Liu Bang's subordinates, who had previously offended Liu Bang. As soon as Liu Bang heard this, he became unhappy and said, "This Yong Chi, I was just about to behead him, and now you want to reward him? How nice!" Zhang Liang then warned Liu Bang that if he killed Yong Chi, the people outside would really rebel.

  Yan Yucheng and Liu Jinchai exchanged a glance again, their faces turned solemn.

  "Did Liu Bang really kill Xiang Yu?"

  "No. Liu Bang was also a very intelligent person, he understood Zhang Liang's meaning and immediately granted Yong Chi the title of Marquis of Shiying. The other meritorious officials saw that even Yong Chi had been rewarded, so they didn't have to worry about anything else. They all calmed down and no longer thought about rebelling. Liu Bang's throne was thus stabilized."

  Yan Fei asked: "Finished speaking?"

  "Uh-huh."

  Liu Jun nodded.

  Yan Fei pouted and looked very disappointed: "It doesn't sound good at all."

  Liu Jun's face turned red. Although it wasn't intentional, he was trying to curry favor with her, and the first time he told a story, he got such an evaluation, really losing face. Fortunately, his skin was thick and he didn't feel too embarrassed.

  Yan Yucheng drained the remaining wine in his cup and laughed: "Good kid, you told a good story. Later, come with your dad to Uncle's house for a visit."

  For the invitation from Yan Yucheng, Liu Jun didn't pay much attention at first. The two families were so close that it was normal for him to invite his own grandfather over for a chat. It wasn't until he brought up the matter of personnel adjustments in person that Liu Jun suddenly realized that this invitation had far-reaching significance for himself. The newly appointed second-in-command discussing personnel adjustments in the county, and actually letting a young whippersnapper like him listen in, showed that Yan Yucheng not only took him seriously as a pawn, but probably also as a big deal like a whole roasted lamb!

  Jieying understood the rules and adhered to the creed of "ladies do not interfere in politics". She poured everyone a few cups of tea, washed a few apples and put them on the desk, then exited Yuchen's study room and supervised Yanfei doing her homework in the living room.

  At that time, TVs were extremely rare. Even in the homes of individual deputy directors of the county revolutionary committee, there weren't any. Yan Yucheng had just become the director of the revolutionary committee and hadn't yet purchased such a "luxurious" home appliance. In the living room was placed a tape recorder.

  Yan Yucheng has a son and a daughter, his 17-year-old son Yan Ming is a boarding student at Yanggu First Middle School in the county seat, and will take the college entrance exam next year. He doesn't often come home to live. Therefore, one of the three bedrooms in the suite can be vacated for Yan Yucheng's study.

  "Jin Cai, let's discuss this together and see how we should proceed with our work from now on."

  The words were directed at Liu Jincheng, but Yan Yucheng glanced at Liu Jun. The implication was that the words were also meant for him to hear. Perhaps Yan Yucheng thought that a child who could use the story of "Liu Bang's appointment of Yong Chi" to advise him, despite being only nine years old, already qualified to participate in such discussions.

  This is nothing strange, when Gan Luo met his lord, he was only twelve years old.

  "I'm listening to you."

  Liu Jinchai was also decisive. Moreover, regardless of Yan Yucheng's identity as the first-in-command, in their combination, Yan Yucheng had always been in a dominant position.

  "En... I think that political propaganda work should be put first. Cadre adjustments can wait a bit, stabilize the situation first."

  As usual, the adjustment of cadres should be carried out before and after the People's Congress. Wang Benqing and Zheng Xingyun had originally reached an agreement, but due to Liu Heqian's unexpected intervention, Liu Jincan automatically gave up his qualification as a representative of the People's Congress, making Zheng Xingyun completely uncredited in this matter. The benefits that Wang Benqing had previously promised were naturally not fulfilled. Zheng Xingyun was unhappy and took advantage of his convenience in being in charge of organizational personnel work to create difficulties for Wang Benqing. After going back and forth, the matter was put on hold, with only a small adjustment made locally. Although Yan Yucheng had only been acting as the top leader for a few hours since this afternoon, Organization Department Minister Wu Qiuyang came to see him and directly raised the issue of cadre adjustment.

  Yan Yucheng did not respond to Wu Qiuyang in person, but his heart was stirred. To demonstrate the authority of a leader, there is indeed no more effective way than adjusting personnel. He had just taken on important responsibilities and wanted to make a big show of his abilities. After listening to Liu Jun's words at the dinner table, his somewhat fevered brain finally calmed down.

  Liu Jincai nodded: "Wang Benqing and Zheng Xingyun have been operating in Yangyang County for many years, with all sorts of complicated relationships intertwined. For the time being, it's indeed not suitable to make a big move. Let's observe first and feel out the situation, which is more stable."

  "This time we were able to get to this position, to put it bluntly, all thanks to Teacher Zhou's three articles. Therefore, I think that in the future propaganda work, we still have to rely on him at the helm."

  In the midst of a fierce battle, Yan Yuchen was unreserved and spoke bluntly.

  Liu Jinchai furrowed his brow and said, "It's just that the problem of personnel allocation is hard to solve."

  Yan Yucheng waved his hand: "What kind of arrangement do you want? It's still the old way of Hongqi Commune, to find a temporary job placement for the teacher in Xiangyang Town. The teacher is an open-minded person and won't care about these empty titles."

  Liu Jun smiled lightly.

  Yan Yucheng glared and said: "If you've got something to say, spit it out!"

  It's probably only in front of me that Director Yan, who is usually strict and serious, would be so unguarded.

  "Great idea, Director!" Liu Jun teased him before getting to the point: "Old Man Zhou indeed doesn't care about fame. But I think this plan should be implemented as soon as possible. Otherwise, it might be too late."

  "What does it mean?"

  Four big eyes stared at me simultaneously.

  "You two can get to this position, it's clear that the wind direction in the central government is about to change. The hat on Governor Zhou's head may be taken off at any time. Once he resumes work, he will immediately return to the provincial city. If you want to ask for his help, you'll have to run to Danning City in the future."

  Danning City is the provincial capital of N Province.

  Yan Yucheng and Liu Jinchai were taken aback, this was something they hadn't thought of.

  "I said, Director Yan and Director Liu, aren't you being a bit too selfish?"

  Liu Jun continued to tease, this time even sweeping his old man in together with him.

  "What did you say?"

  "Mr. Zhou helped you so much, you should also have some repayment. Day and night thinking about how to take advantage of others is not the behavior of a hero. In my opinion, you should quickly make a report to the higher-ups, requesting that Mr. Zhou be rehabilitated. It's also a way of showing gratitude."

  Liu Junyi said with a straight face, where is there even half a bit of that little kid's appearance?

  Yan Yucheng glanced at Liu Jinchai and sighed, "Jinchai, Xiao Jun is right. It seems that the two of us are indeed not decent."

  Liu Jincai also smiled bitterly: "Isn't it? This report needs to be rushed."

  Mr. Zhou was rehabilitated sometime after 1979, but Liu Jun didn't know the exact time. Perhaps this report will help him return to work sooner and repay a debt of gratitude.

  Not repaying kindness is not what a gentleman does.

  Yan Yucheng said, "The report will be ready tomorrow. But it's not necessarily going to have results. The teacher still needs to arrange for the county seat first. In addition, other cadre adjustments can be delayed, but your propaganda department cadres need to be fully equipped immediately. Many people gather firewood and flames rise high, only with collective wisdom and collective efforts can we quickly open up the publicity work."

  Liu Jinchai nodded in agreement.

  When it comes to the propaganda mouthpiece cadres, Liu Jun suddenly thought of someone. This person is called Jiang Youxin, who is good at writing articles and doing propaganda. At this time, Liu Jun thought of him, but there was another reason. A reason that only a reborn person would know.