Power and Wealth

New Year's Eve.

It was past eleven o'clock.

Downstairs, people were still happily watching the Spring Festival Gala. Dong Xuebing came down from upstairs, lost in thought, his mind churning.

"Xuebing, you came just in time."

"Mom, what's up?"

"Haha, come watch this sketch, it's really funny."

"Alright, let me see. Xiaohao, move over there. Make some room for me."

Dong Xuebing sat down and joined everyone watching the sketch, laughing for a while. But in reality, his mind had long drifted away. He had already burned those newspapers to avoid leaving evidence, but the contents were firmly etched in his mind. He wouldn't forget the news about the discovery of the ancient tomb and the local county being upgraded to a county-level city. These thoughts lingered in Dong Xuebing's mind, refusing to dissipate. He knew this was his only chance to quickly elevate himself to the position of Deputy Bureau Director. If he followed the usual procedures, it would take at least three years. But if the entire county was being upgraded, it was akin to the institutional reforms undertaken by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection—a blanket promotion not based on individual qualifications but on being in the right place at the right time. Even if qualifications and other conditions were lacking, it wouldn't matter.

Was there a better opportunity than this?

Therefore, Dong Xuebing was in extremely high spirits. Though he wasn't sure about the feasibility, his hope grew stronger. It wasn't like before when he felt hopeless. Moreover, he hadn't wasted all those days of spare time for nothing. Indeed, this gamble and effort seemed to be the right choice.

The sketch ended.

Han Jing happily went to pour herself some water.

Dong Xuebing quickly grabbed a glass of water and handed it to his mother-in-law as she approached. He whispered, "Mom, I want to talk to you about something. In private."

Han Jing smiled, "What's the matter?"

"You'll see when you come." Dong Xuebing moved aside.

Han Jing followed him, somewhat resigned. "Is it about the Deputy Bureau Director position again?"

Taking a turn, Dong Xuebing found a deserted corner of the corridor and turned back. "Not exactly. I just wanted to ask if it's alright for me to make a transfer now."

Han Jing was taken aback. "Transfer? How so?"

"Just a lateral move, keeping my current position." Dong Xuebing blinked.

Han Jing asked, "Why would you want to transfer now, especially right after your promotion? You already hold a significant position as a department head with real authority. It's practically the peak. Why would you want a lateral move?"

Han Jing was somewhat exasperated with her restless son-in-law. "Right now, what you need to do is build your qualifications. Didn't I tell you earlier? Stop thinking about other things and focus on solidifying your position here. You'll be firmly set for the Deputy Bureau Director position in a few years."

Dong Xuebing smiled wryly. "It's not about the Deputy Bureau Director position. I want to move where I can utilize my skills and serve the people well."

Han Jing didn't believe him, giving him a sidelong glance. "Then tell me, where do you want to go?"

Dong Xuebing hesitated momentarily, then coughed, "I was thinking of going to Jiaolin County."

Han Jing was speechless. "Where? I've never heard of that place."

Even Dong Xuebing, who had heard countless names of counties and cities in the Republic, was hearing about this county for the first time today. After all, there were too many counties and cities in the country to remember each one. Plus, he didn't even have a clear impression of its name. It was an obscure small county in northern Shaanxi.

Han Jing asked curiously, "Why suddenly think of going there?"

"I've heard about it. I always wanted to go, Mom. Do you think it's possible?"

Dong Xuebing didn't give a direct answer.

Han Jing disagreed, saying, "It's not that I'm against you, but firstly, you've just been transferred. It's not advisable to make continuous adjustments so soon. Secondly, going to such a place has no meaning at all. Why don't you stay at the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, where everyone knows you? It's pointless for you to go down to the grassroots level. Are you idle and sick?"

Dong Xuebing justified, "I want to serve the people. My true value can only be realized at the grassroots level."

Han Jing retorted, "Your value can be realized anywhere. You can't keep going back to the grassroots. Spend a few years at the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, and then you'll be guaranteed the Deputy Bureau Director position. But if you go to that Jiao whatever county, even if you become the county party secretary, it's a demotion. Can a place like that compare to the Second Section of the Ninth Supervisory Office of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection? I don't understand what you're thinking."

Dong Xuebing's friend was thinking about the Deputy Bureau Director.

But this Dong Xuebing couldn't explain to his mother-in-law.

"So, Mom, what do you think? The Deputy Bureau Director is not working, but this transfer is still right. I don't want to ask for anything else, the county party secretary."

Han Jing still disagrees, "But you have had much basic experience. You don't need to go there for this. It is such a county you go to the equivalent of a demotion, even if the county party secretary, it cannot ensure that you can take the Deputy Bureau Director for three years in Beijing; this is our home. Anything can be easily operated, but the grassroots is not the same; our family's hands cannot be extended so long, and many things cannot help you; I do not understand why you want to go to that corner."

Dong Xuebing said, "Mom, I don't need help from home; you still don't know my ability; just take me over; if the Party secretary doesn't work; the county Mayor is also possible." Because of the position, it is not easy to say, so if it has to be, he can only ask for his next choice; in any case, Dong Xuebing all has to go.