Power and Wealth

Seventh Day of the New Year

Tuesday Morning

Though the New Year celebrations were over, it was time for the government offices to resume work, and the usual firecracker sounds had ceased.

Around seven in the morning, at the Number One Villa in the Beijing City Committee Family Compound, Dong Xuebing got up. After brushing his teeth and washing up, he came downstairs, where the smell of breakfast wafted towards him: soy milk, fried eggs, and sausages. This instantly lifted his spirits, and he happily went down to eat. Last night, he had dinner at his mother-in-law's house and, since it was late, decided to stay over instead of returning to his place.

"Mom."

"Oh, Xuebing, you're awake?"

"Yeah, is breakfast ready?"

"Hehe, just in time. Come and eat; I made it myself."

"Wow, you could've just asked the maid or called me. I feel bad making you busy so early in the morning."

"Hehe, alright. I love your cooking."

"Eat more if you like it. Your father is awake too; he's coming down."

"Okay, I'll wait for him so we can eat together."

After exchanging a few words with Han Jing downstairs, Xie Guobang also came down. The three of them sat at the dining table for breakfast. Dong Xuebing had been very busy dealing with superiors and entertaining subordinates during the New Year, so he was exhausted. He enjoyed this leisurely time much more than living alone. Here, he didn’t have to do anything upon waking up—breakfast was ready, and this was family. Dong Xuebing deeply valued these moments of family care. Sometimes, you don’t need to say or do anything. Just seeing your loved ones brings a certain peace of mind.

What is family?

To Dong Xuebing, this feeling was the answer.

During the meal, Han Jing smiled and asked, "How is it? Tasty?"

Dong Xuebing, full of food, mumbled, "Mmm, anything my mom cooks is delicious. It's amazing."

Han Jing chuckled, "You always know what to say. Such a sweet talker."

Xie Guobang, who was a quiet man, especially during meals, continued eating silently. Well, he was usually quiet anyway.

Han Jing placed a fried egg on her son-in-law’s plate and said, "Eat more if you like it. It's the first day back at work, so you need the energy and a good mental state. Remember, the morning sets the tone for the whole day." She paused and added, "By the way, I meant to tell you something last night, but you went to bed too early. Your request to transfer to Jiaolin County is pretty much settled. The current county party secretary will be reassigned after the fifteenth, and you can take over then."

Dong Xuebing was surprised, "So soon?"

"I didn't expect it to be this fast either," Han Jing replied, looking at him. "Isn't Jiaolin County within the Fang family's influence? How did you manage to get this arranged?"

Dong Xuebing coughed and said, "My current boss is Fang Wenping."

Han Jing frowned slightly, "I know her, quite a notorious woman from the Fang family. We've met a few times; she's quite a tough character."

At this point, Xie Guobang spoke, "Are you close with Fang Wenping?"

Dong Xuebing stammered, "Not close. It's just... um, she owed me a favor from before and decided to help me this time."

Xie Guobang nodded, “Dealing with the Fang family requires caution. Just be aware and stay alert.”

Han Jing added worriedly, “It's not just about being cautious; you need to be extra vigilant. Did you hear me? The grudge between our family and the Fang family runs deep and cannot be resolved easily. I’m sure you’ve heard about some things that have happened. Fang Wenping helping you might not be out of goodwill. You know what she’s done. Can she be this kind-hearted in repaying a favor? Even if she does help you, remember that you’re still in their territory. It won’t be easy for our family to intervene. They might plan to get you there and then slowly make things difficult for you. Be mentally prepared and aware of this possibility so you won’t be caught off guard and unable to return.”

Dong Xuebing knew the stakes. Despite Fang Wenping’s brutal reputation, he saw her as straightforward. People didn’t like her because they didn’t understand her. Dong Xuebing believed they were similar in character, and he understood her well. In the eyes of outsiders, he might seem like a maverick in the political arena, but his family still loved and cared for him. It was all about perspective. “Dad, Mom, don’t worry. I know what I’m doing.”

Han Jing wasn’t convinced, “I hope you do. Honestly, I never agreed with you going to Jiaolin County. Even if considered a good county, it’s still in Northern Shaanxi, where development is slow. The best county there can’t compare to any random county here regarding economy, culture, and history. I don’t understand why you insist on going there, especially since you specifically requested it. Xiao Bing, let me ask you one last time: are you sure you’ve thought this through? Once the transfer is finalized, there’s no turning back. If you stay with the CCDI, you could be promoted to deputy director level within three years. If you go there, it might take five years without any guarantee of promotion. It’s Fang’s territory, after all.”

Dong Xuebing replied firmly, “I’ve thought it through. I need to go.”

Five years without a promotion? Maybe others thought that way, but Dong Xuebing had already planned his path with his knowledge of future events.

Han Jing sighed, truly concerned for her son-in-law, “Xuebing, it’s not that I don’t trust you, but the transfer is almost finalized. Your father and I have spoken to your superiors. You won't get another chance if you don’t change your mind now.”

At this point, Xie Guobang finished eating and put down his chopsticks, interrupting, “He’s made his decision. We should support him. It would be best if you didn’t always try to control others’ wishes and decisions. It’s disrespectful to the children. Since Xuebing wants to go, let him. If there are problems, we’ll deal with them then.”

Han Jing shot him a look, “Huilan is rarely around, and it’s great having Xuebing back in Beijing and visiting us. I don’t want him to suffer either. That place doesn’t offer many opportunities. I haven’t even told Huilan about this yet. If she knew, she’d be upset. Xiao Bing, think about what I’ve said. Your uncles have heard about it too, and none want you to go to Northern Shaanxi.”

Dong Xuebing smiled wryly, "Mom, I’ve thought this through. I know you care about me, but you'll see that I’ve made the right choice in the future."

Han Jing sighed and said nothing more.

Xie Guobang added, "Do what you think is best. We support you here at home, so don’t worry about anything. We believe in your ability to handle your work."

Dong Xuebing was genuinely touched, "Thanks, Dad."

When Dong Xuebing first talked to Xie Guobang about this matter, his father-in-law didn’t ask many questions and expressed his support. Now, reiterating his support, Dong Xuebing felt very grateful. He wouldn't let his father-in-law's trust go in vain. Although he couldn't explain it now, Dong Xuebing was confident he'd achieve a Deputy Bureau director-level position quickly, which would be his way of repaying the family's trust in him.

After breakfast, Xie Guobang left first. Dong Xuebing tidied up and briefly chatted with Han Jing before driving to his office.

The festive atmosphere at the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) compound lingered with red banners still up. People gradually returned to work, looking tired than usual—a common sight after the long holiday break. Some were still visibly excited from the celebrations.

Dong Xuebing parked his car and got out. Ahead, his former superior in the Eighth Office, Zhu Weiye, was about to enter the office building. Spotting Dong Xuebing, Zhu Weiye stopped and greeted him, "Director Dong, here you are."

Dong Xuebing quickly walked up, "Oh, Director Zhu, happy belated New Year!"

"How was your holiday? You look well-rested," Zhu Weiye commented.

Dong Xuebing chuckled, "It was alright, not much rest."

Zhu Weiye nodded, "I heard you were working until the end, only getting six days off. By the way," he paused, looking around to ensure no one was nearby before continuing, "What's the deal? You just got promoted to Director of the Second Office and are now being transferred?"

Dong Xuebing feigned ignorance, "I’m not sure either."

Zhu Weiye didn’t buy it, "Come on, I’ve heard the news. Others probably know, too."

Dong Xuebing sheepishly smiled, "I honestly don’t know. I follow the arrangements. I'll go wherever I’m assigned."

"Going to the grassroots level?" Zhu Weiye asked.

"Seems like it," Dong Xuebing replied.

Zhu Weiye sighed, "Well, keep in touch. Before you leave, let’s have a meal together at my place if you have time."