Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

"The older one went to work after graduating from elementary school, while the younger one is still in school, but the school is far away, requiring a two-hour walk along mountain roads."

Gu Mingyuan felt a heavy weight in his heart.

He recalled his childhood; although he was poor, he wasn't this poor.

That night, while staying at the township government, Wang Dashan reported on the township's situation: there were no industries, no enterprises, and the only thing they relied on was growing corn and sweet potatoes.

The only advantage is the good ecological environment, with a forest coverage rate of over 80%.

"With such a beautiful ecosystem, haven't you thought about developing tourism?" Gu Mingyuan asked.

"We've thought about it, but we don't have the money to build the road. It's an 80-kilometer mountain road from the village to the county seat, and it takes four or five hours to drive there. Who would come?"

Gu Mingyuan marked the route on the map: "Is it possible to build a secondary road to connect Yunwu Township with several neighboring townships, forming a tourist loop?"

"That would be great! But where will the money come from? The county's finances are struggling to even cover basic expenses."

"I'll figure out the money." Gu Mingyuan closed the map.

"Old Wang, take me to see the most beautiful scenic spot in your village tomorrow."

Over the next month, Gu Mingyuan traveled to all eighteen townships in Liping County.

He climbed the highest mountains, walked the most dangerous roads, and visited the poorest villages.

The notebook was filled with densely packed details: what resources each township had, what talented people each village had, which road most needed repair, which school was the most dilapidated...

Every night when he returned to his dormitory, he would organize his research notes, often staying up late into the night.

Chung Hsiao-ai advised him to take care of his health, but he said, "How can I make decisions if I don't understand the situation? Giving blind orders will harm the people."

Zhong Xiaoai was given a job at the county's Federation of Literary and Art Circles, which was relatively easy, allowing her to focus mainly on taking care of her children and family.

She quickly adapted to life in the county and got along well with her neighbors.

On weekends, she would take Pengpeng to play in the county government compound. The families of the cadres all liked this unpretentious wife of the county head.

By the end of November, Gu Mingyuan had gained a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Liping County.

He identified several key problems: poor transportation, lack of industry, backward education, inadequate medical care, and a stagnant cadre of officials.

Secretary Zhou Haitao was very supportive of him, but it was also possible to sense that this old secretary was conservative in his thinking, sought stability and feared chaos, and had concerns about large-scale reforms.

Other members of the team are either eager to get things done but lack ideas, content with the status quo and unwilling to take action, or observing and waiting.

Gu Mingyuan knew that reform required consensus, but even more so, it needed a breakthrough.

He decided to start with the most urgent and unifying tasks.

On December 5th, Gu Mingyuan chaired an executive meeting of the county government to specifically study transportation construction.

"Comrades, I have visited eighteen townships in the past month, and my deepest feeling is that Liping is poor, and its poverty is due to transportation."

"Many villages still lack roads, making it impossible to transport agricultural products out or bring in production materials."

"Children have to walk for hours along mountain paths to get to school, and villagers have to be carried dozens of miles to see a doctor."

He opened the map: "I suggest we focus our efforts on three things: First, secure the provincial highway renovation project to open up access to other parts of the county. Second, launch a three-year action plan for rural roads to ensure every village has access to a road. Third, plan a tourist loop to connect several towns with tourism resources."

Executive Deputy County Head Liu Zhijun frowned: "County Head Gu, the idea is good, but where will the money come from? You know the state of our county's finances; we're struggling to cover salaries and operations, let alone afford to repair roads."

"I'll figure out the money." Gu Mingyuan was prepared.

"We can secure provincial funding for provincial highway upgrades, poverty alleviation and work-for-relief funds for rural roads, and attract investment for tourism loop routes. The key is that we need to have plans and projects."

"Even if we have the money, the project is very difficult. We are in a mountainous area, and the cost of building one kilometer of road is two to three times that of building one kilometer of road in a plain area."

"No matter how difficult it is, we must build it. Without building roads, Liping will never escape poverty," Gu Mingyuan said firmly.

"I have done a preliminary calculation with the Transportation Bureau. If it is implemented over three years, it will require an investment of about 50 million each year. I will find a way to pay for it."

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan began traveling around.

He went to the city to approach the Transportation Bureau and the Development and Reform Commission to try and secure project funding.

I went to the provincial capital, contacted old classmates and connections, and tried to gain their support.

He even called his classmates who worked in Beijing to learn about the latest developments in the national poverty alleviation policies.

A week later, he brought back good news: the Provincial Department of Transportation had agreed in principle to include the Liping County exit road in next year's renovation plan, with a total investment of about 80 million yuan, of which 60% would be provided by the province.

The news boosted the morale of the cadres.

This young county magistrate seems to be quite capable.

In mid-December, Gu Mingyuan began to work on the overall economic development plan for Liping County.

He conducts research during the day and writes articles at night, often working through the night.

Zhong Xiaoai would always see the study light on when she got up in the middle of the night.

"Mingyuan, it's midnight, time to sleep."

"It'll be ready soon. You go to sleep first."

Zhong Xiaoai sighed and heated up a cup of milk for him, placing it on the table.

She understood her husband; Liping was too poor, the people were too suffering, and the burden on his shoulders was too heavy.

On December 20, Gu Mingyuan presented the "Three-Year Action Plan for Economic and Social Development of Liping County (Draft for Solicitation of Opinions)".

This 50-page plan covers various aspects, including transportation, industry, education, healthcare, and culture, and includes goals, pathways, and measures.

After reading it, Zhou Haitao exclaimed, "Mingyuan, you've done more work in this month than some of our cadres do in a year. This plan is clear in its approach and practical in its measures. I fully approve of it."

"Secretary Zhou, I am still young and inexperienced, and I need your guidance."

"I wouldn't call it giving pointers, but I'm sure I'm offering support," Zhou Haitao said, patting him on the shoulder.

"Go for it! I'm retiring next year. The future of Liping depends on you young people."

Gu Mingyuan sent the plan to various townships and departments to solicit opinions.

At the same time, he convened symposiums with retired cadres, entrepreneurs, and representatives of the masses to solicit opinions widely.

On December 28, the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee held a special meeting to discuss this plan.

Gu Mingyuan gave a detailed report, and the Standing Committee members present had a lively discussion.

"I support developing tourism, but the investment is large, the return is slow, and it is difficult to see results in the short term."

"Educational investment needs to be increased, but where will the money come from? Teachers' salaries have been two months in arrears."

"Attracting investment is a good thing, but with our conditions, which company would want to come?"

In response to the questions, Gu Mingyuan said, "Tourism is a long-term investment, but it can drive multiple industries such as catering, accommodation, and transportation, and it is a wealth-generating industry."

"Investment in education cannot be spared; no matter how poor we are, we cannot neglect education; no matter how hard life is, we cannot let our children suffer."

"We can seek social donations and reduce administrative expenses. We need to be strategic in attracting investment; we can focus on our ecological and resource advantages and introduce preferential policies."

The meeting lasted a full day.

Finally, Zhou Haitao concluded: "After thorough research and extensive consultation, I believe Comrade Mingyuan's plan is feasible."

"Liping can't wait any longer; if it does, the gap will only widen."

"I suggest that this plan be approved in principle and submitted for review in January next year."

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan stood by the window of the county committee building, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains.

As the sun sets, it bathes the mountains in a golden glow.

Zhong Xiaoai walked over carrying Pengpeng: "I heard the plan was approved?"

"Yes, the Standing Committee has approved it in principle."

"Congratulations," Zhong Xiaoai said gently.

"But you also need to take care of your health. Look at you, you've lost ten pounds in the past month."

"It's okay, I'll gain weight back once the plan is implemented and Liping has developed." Gu Mingyuan took his son.

"Pengpeng, Dad wants to show you a different Liping."

The little one waved his little hands and giggled.

The phone rang; it was Pei Yihong calling.

"Mingyuan, I heard your three-year action plan was approved by the Standing Committee?"

"Secretary Pei is really well-informed. It was just approved."

"Good! You have ideas and drive; that's what young cadres should be like," Pei Yihong said with satisfaction.

"However, I must remind you that getting the plan approved is only the first step; implementation will be much more difficult. There will be resistance, difficulties, and unexpected problems. You need to be mentally prepared."

"I understand. But we must do it no matter how difficult it is. Liping cannot afford to wait, and the people cannot afford to wait."

"It's good that you have this determination. The municipal party committee supports you. If you need any coordination, just give me a call anytime."

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyuan felt even more confident.

He recalled his own words: "If you are an official, you should bring benefits to the people in your jurisdiction."

Now, he has a stage to realize his ambitions and an opportunity to change this land.

The year 1995 is approaching.

For Gu Mingyuan, this will be the first year of his administration in the region, and also the starting year for Liping County to bid farewell to poverty.

The road ahead is still long and the challenges remain severe, but he is full of confidence.

Because he was not fighting alone—he had the trust of the organization, the support of his leaders, the cooperation of his colleagues, the companionship of his family, and the expectations of 400,000 people in Liping.

As night deepened, the lights in the county committee building were turned off one by one, except for the light in Gu Mingyuan's office, which remained on.

He was revising the details of the plan and thinking about the work arrangements for next year.

Outside the window, the starry sky over Liping is exceptionally bright.

The mountains stood silent, as if awaiting a new dawn.