Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

Early morning, the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. Above the tall gate of the Hongxing Steel Rolling Mill, red slogans stood out conspicuously in the cold wind.

In the factory area, the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival had not yet completely dissipated, and the majestic music of "We Workers Have Strength" was playing from the loudspeakers.

Wearing new or old cotton-padded coats, the workers, with the relaxed and smiling faces unique to the New Year, pushed their bicycles or walked in small groups, passing through the gate one after another, heading to their respective workshops. The air was filled with the vibrant energy of a new year.

Liu Jianguo had just sat down in the deputy director's office of the security department, and hadn't even taken a sip of his tea, when the internal phone on his desk rang.

He picked up the receiver and heard the voice of the factory's Party Committee Secretary Nie's secretary:

"Director Liu? Secretary Nie requests that you come to his office now. The commendation order for the anti-espionage case before the New Year has been issued, and the Secretary wants to speak with you personally."

"Okay, I'll be right there." Liu Jianguo put down the phone, straightened his collar, and looked calm. He knew the main event was about to begin.

Upon arriving at Secretary Nie's spacious office, Secretary Nie warmly invited Liu Jianguo to sit on the sofa, personally offering him a "Da Qianmen" cigarette and having his secretary make tea. After a few pleasantries, Secretary Nie's face revealed a perfectly balanced expression of satisfaction and unease as he pushed an official document in front of Liu Jianguo.

"Comrade Jianguo, first of all, I have some good news to share with you! The Ministry and the Municipal Bureau have issued their commendation decisions regarding your successful cracking of the enemy spy case before the New Year! You will be awarded a First-Class Merit! This is a weighty honor!"

Liu Jianguo stood up and took the documents with both hands, his tone calm and steady:

"Thank you for the trust and training of the organization, and also thank you for the strong leadership of Secretary Nie and the factory party committee. This is the result of the joint efforts of all comrades in the security department."

Secretary Nie nodded in satisfaction and gestured for him to sit down.

Then, he changed the subject, leaning forward slightly, lowering his voice, and making the "troubled" look on his face even more obvious:

"Jianguo, your achievements are outstanding, and the organization has taken notice. However... there is a personnel change that I need to inform you of in advance."

He paused, as if carefully choosing his words, "After careful consideration, the higher authorities have decided to strengthen the leadership of our factory's security department. An experienced comrade will be transferred here soon to serve as the department head."

He observed Liu Jianguo's reaction and said in a reassuring tone, "The factory's Party Committee will give full consideration to your arrangements. Comrade Jianguo, if you have any thoughts or requests, you can tell me now. As long as they are within a reasonable range, the organization will try its best to accommodate you."

Although he had expected it, Liu Jianguo's heart sank when he heard the words "parachuted-in section chief." An uncontrollable anger and resentment surged to his head, and his face instantly turned ugly.

He clenched his fists instinctively, but reason immediately prevailed over emotion.

He knew full well that in personnel arrangements at this level, Secretary Nie probably only had the right to make suggestions; the real decision-making power lay with those higher up. Even if he had powerful connections, slamming his fist on the table to vent his dissatisfaction would only embarrass Secretary Nie and label him as "lacking in common sense," bringing him no benefit whatsoever.

"Isn't this just blatant self-serving and a way to maintain balance?" he thought to himself with a sneer, but he could never utter these words aloud.

Liu Jianguo forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart, forcing a smile that was both understanding and tinged with bitterness. He took a deep breath and said in a tone that was both assertive and tactful:

"Secretary Nie, I will resolutely obey the organization's decision. I am still young and have much to learn. I have no objection to continuing to hone my skills as deputy director and cooperating with the new director."

He changed the subject, his tone becoming solemn and earnest, "However, Secretary Nie, the brothers below really risked their lives to capture the enemy agents this time. The credit belongs to the collective, and I can't take the award myself and let the brothers who shed blood and sweat feel disheartened."

He looked at Secretary Nie with a sincere gaze:

"Therefore, I have a personal request. Could we take advantage of this commendation to make some adjustments within the department, which would be a recognition of the meritorious service of those at the grassroots level? For example, could Comrade Li Bing, who performed outstandingly in this operation, be appointed as the head of the Security Section; Comrade Li Wu as the deputy head of the Security Section; Comrade Li Cheng as the head of the Public Security Section; and Comrade Li Liang as the deputy head of the Public Security Section?"

He paused, then added, his tone showing a greater consideration for the bigger picture:

"In addition, this incident also exposed that our department is still a bit short-staffed. I happen to have some reliable sources, many of whom are descendants of martyrs and veterans. They are politically reliable and also very skilled. There are about thirty of them."

Could we take this opportunity to recruit them into the security department, strengthening our frontline capabilities? This way, with the new director's arrival, we can get things moving more quickly. My personal honor is secondary; the department's team building and improved combat effectiveness are of paramount importance.

These words sounded entirely selfless, for the sake of the work and for his brothers, but every sentence contained a hidden barb, both pointing out the price of his concessions and giving Secretary Nie a reason to explain to his superiors. He struck the perfect balance.

After listening, Secretary Nie did not answer immediately. Instead, he picked up his teacup, slowly blew on the foam, and pondered for a moment.

He knew perfectly well that Liu Jianguo was trying to firmly grasp actual control of the security department. He was using the position of deputy director to gain leadership of four key departments, and then stuffing in thirty people who would absolutely obey him. This move was a classic case of feigned retreat followed by strategic advance, quite shrewd indeed.

He put down his teacup, a weighing expression on his face, and nodded:

"Comrade Jianguo, I understand your feelings, and I think your plan is very well thought out. In principle, I think it's feasible and beneficial to the stability of the department and subsequent work."

However, this involves the appointment and removal of department-level cadres and a large number of staff positions, so I need to consult with Director Yang and several other standing committee members. Wait for my reply.

Near the end of the workday in the afternoon, Secretary Nie called.

His voice softened slightly: "Comrade Jianguo, Director Yang and I have discussed it. Your suggestion is excellent, fully demonstrating your style and sense of responsibility."

The factory's Party Committee agrees with your suggestion. The appointment of comrades Li Bing, Li Cheng, Li Wu, and Li Liang, as well as the acceptance of thirty key personnel, are settled.

As for the former heads of the Security Section and Public Order Section, the organization will make proper arrangements, transferring them all to other sister factories and mines at the same level to assume corresponding leadership positions, which can be considered an affirmation of their work over the years.

These words were tantamount to formally approving Liu Jianguo's "deal." Transferring the original section chiefs "laterally" both saved face for Liu Jianguo, allowed him to place his people in the position, and prevented the escalation of conflict, giving the new director a "clean" team. This is indeed a common, unspoken balancing act in officialdom.

Liu Jianguo emerged from Secretary Nie's office with a calm expression.

Back in his office, he immediately asked Li Bing to summon Li Wu, Li Cheng, and Li Liang. After closing the door, he succinctly recounted the content and outcome of his conversation with Secretary Nie to the four of them.

"The matter is settled."

Liu Jianguo's gaze swept over the four men. "Li Bing, you are appointed as the head of the Security Section; Li Wu, deputy head; Li Cheng, head of the Public Security Section; Li Liang, deputy head."