Power and Wealth

Upstairs.

In the corridor.

"Thanks, Dad."

"Give it a try."

"I'll make sure to handle everything else."

After these two sentences, Xie Guobang didn't ask more questions and turned away.

Dong Xuebing hadn't expected his father-in-law to be so accommodating, agreeing to his seemingly "unfathomable" decision in their eyes. Nevertheless, he had already staked everything on this. Regardless of how difficult things might be or whether it was in the Fang family's territory, Dong Xuebing had to make this happen. As a regular county or city-level official, opportunities like this came perhaps once in many years. He was determined to seize it; Dong Xuebing wouldn't easily give up on this opportunity for a Deputy Bureau Director level promotion.

Elsewhere.

In a room.

Han Jing was waiting for Xie Guobang. When he entered, she asked, "How did it go?"

"I told Xiao Bing to handle it himself. If he manages to make the connections, I'll help him clear the remaining obstacles and give a heads-up to the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection," Xie Guobang said, taking a seat.

Surprised, Han Jing asked, "You agreed to it?"

Xie Guobang nodded, "Yes, I did."

"Why does he want to go to such a small county?" Han Jing inquired.

"I don't know," Xie Guobang replied calmly. "I didn't ask him."

Han Jing was speechless for a moment. "So you agreed to this...?"

"You've said it yourself. Our son-in-law can't be measured by common sense. He always has his reasons for doing things. He's grown up now; he must have thought this through. He wouldn't propose something randomly without a rationale. Since that's the case, let's respect his opinion. Besides, you always treat him like a child, worrying unnecessarily. Children have their minds. As parents, all we can do is support them. Let him try if he wants to go to the grassroots level now."

"But what if..." Han Jing started.

"Xiao Bing is still young and capable. Even if he makes the wrong choice, there's room for correction. It might not necessarily be bad for him," Xie Guobang reasoned.

"I feel uneasy about him visiting northern Shaanxi, which is practically the Fang family's territory. Are you really okay with this?" Han Jing blinked.

"Let the child explore and experience. But first, he needs to figure out how to deal with the Fang family's influence," Xie Guobang pondered.

Han Jing added, "And also the Central Organization Department. He was promoted just two or three months ago. Trying to transfer now will face significant resistance."

After 1 AM.

Dong Xuebing returned to his room. Most people hadn't left yet today. They'd be back tomorrow for New Year's Day at Grandpa's place anyway, so there was no rush to return. Besides, although the villa was large, it couldn't accommodate many people. So tonight, Dong Xuebing shared a room with Xie Hao. Xie Hao had just returned from setting off firecrackers, thoroughly enjoying himself and smelling gunpowder. As soon as he entered the room, he cheerfully went to take a shower. Dong Xuebing lay on the bed, casually watching TV, focusing entirely on the transfer matter.

Fang family

Central Organization Department

Han Jing and Xie Guobang had already considered it, and Dong Xuebing knew as well that this matter wouldn't be easy. It required practical steps; even if Xie Guobang agreed to help him navigate, the Discipline Inspection Commission might have allowed the move, but there were no personnel transfers or vacant positions available in Jiaolin County. Moreover, the Central Organization Department relationships hadn't been smoothed out either. Such a large-scale inter-provincial transfer was almost impossible to accomplish. Following standard procedures was also impractical. After all, from the perspective of qualifications and his recent promotion, Dong Xuebing's move didn't align with the principles of transfer. Under normal circumstances, there was no hope. He had to explore other avenues.

After thinking for a long time, Dong Xuebing finally sat up on the bed, took out his phone, and, after a moment's consideration, called Han Zhenghe, the father of Han Fei. He only had a slight connection with Han Zhenghe at the Central Organization Department due to his promotion of Han Fei. With this relationship, Dong Xuebing believed there might be some room for maneuvering in this matter. At least, in his opinion, Han Zhenghe owed him a small favor.

Ring, ring, ring.

The call went through.

"Hello, Director Dong," Han Zhenghe said.

Dong Xuebing smiled, "Am I disturbing your rest, Director Han?"

Han Zhenghe chuckled, "Not resting yet, still celebrating the New Year."

"Happy New Year to you. I don't have any other business; I just wanted to wish you a happy New Year and all the best," Dong Xuebing said.

"Thank you, and I wish you success in all your endeavors," Han Zhenghe replied.

"Oh, by the way, do you have time during these first and second days of the New Year? I want to invite you and your wife to dinner. I don't know if I have the honor," Dong Xuebing asked.

Han Zhenghe hesitated slightly but graciously replied, "If Director Dong has spoken, then I certainly have time. How about the evening of the second day?"

"Alright, I'll make a reservation at a restaurant then," Dong Xuebing said.

"No need, come to my house. I still haven't properly thanked you for my daughter's matter. I mentioned inviting you over for a meal last time. Better late than never. Come over and taste my wife's cooking," Han Zhenghe said, adding, "But don't bring anything, we don't do that here."

Dong Xuebing readily agreed, "Great, I'll visit tomorrow."

"Okay, it's settled. See you then," Han Zhenghe said before hanging up.

During the New Year, leaders were undoubtedly busy. However, for someone of Han Zhenghe's level to personally invite Dong Xuebing, a "junior leader," to his home for dinner indicated that he valued not just Dong Xuebing himself but also the background he represented. As the son-in-law of the Xie family, Han Zhenghe couldn't afford to neglect him, especially since Dong Xuebing had been instrumental in Han Fei's recent promotion.

Afterward, Dong Xuebing hesitated for a while before calling Fang Ping.

"Hello, Director Fang," Dong Xuebing said.

Fang Ping replied coldly, "What's the matter?"

Dong Xuebing smiled, "Just calling to wish you a happy New Year."

Fang Ping gave a non-committal "hmm" and said, "If there's something, just say it." She understood Dong Xuebing's style well.

Dong Xuebing continued, "No problem, just wanted to visit you in a couple of days to exchange New Year greetings. When do you think would be convenient for me to come?"

Fang Ping replied, "You're wishing me a happy New Year? Isn't that surprising?"

Dong Xuebing huffed internally but replied calmly, "You're my superior. It's only right to wish you a happy New Year. I won't impose for a meal. How about I come on the evening of the second day?"

Fang Ping remained indifferent, "As you wish."

"Alright, that's settled then. See you tomorrow," Dong Xuebing said.

Fang Ping wasn't keen on engaging further and promptly hung up.

Dong Xuebing didn't mind; his interactions with Fang Ping had always been like this.