Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Old Wang's eyes grew brighter and brighter. He picked up his teacup but didn't drink it. Instead, he asked, "Have you read 'The Essentials of Governance in the Zhenguan Era'?"

"I've read it." Gu Mingyuan nodded.

"The dialogue between Emperor Taizong of Tang and Wei Zheng still has relevance today. Wei Zheng said that the ruler is like a boat, and people are like water. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. When we talk about serving the people wholeheartedly, it is essentially the same principle—power comes from the people and must be used for the people."

"Well said!" Old Wang put down his teacup, a smile of approval on his face.

"It's rare to see such insight in a young person!"

He turned to Zhong Zhengguo: "Zhengguo, your son-in-law is no ordinary man. He's not only pragmatic, but also thoughtful. Nowadays, few young cadres can settle down and study history, and even fewer can connect history with current issues."

Zhong Zhengguo was beaming with pride, but humbly replied, "Mr. Wang, you flatter me. He still has much to learn."

Old Wang waved his hand and said to Gu Mingyuan, "Young Gu, let me ask you another question. If you were the governor now, facing the problem of uneven development across the province, what would you do?"

This is a big and sensitive issue.

Everyone present held their breath, eager to hear Gu Mingyuan's answer.

Gu Mingyuan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Old Wang, I have never been a provincial governor, so I can only offer some immature thoughts from the perspective of a county party secretary."

"I believe that unbalanced development is the norm, and the key is how to promote relative balance in the process of development."

He stood up, walked to the map of China in the courtyard, and pointed to the central mountainous region: "For example, in our Hanjiang Province, the eastern plains have a good industrial base and are developing rapidly. The western mountainous areas have poor conditions and are developing slowly."

"Simply demanding that everything progress at the same pace is neither realistic nor scientific. My idea is: to provide guidance based on categories and promote differentiated development."

"What are the specifics?" Old Wang pressed.

"Plain areas need to transform and upgrade, and develop high-tech industries. Mountainous areas should leverage their strengths and avoid their weaknesses, and develop green industries such as ecological agriculture and rural tourism."

"At the same time, the province should increase transfer payments to address the shortcomings in infrastructure and public services in mountainous areas," Gu Mingyuan said with a firm gaze.

"More importantly, we need to establish a cadre exchange mechanism so that cadres from developed regions can take up positions in less developed regions and bring new ideas and methods."

"We also send cadres from underdeveloped areas to work in developed areas to broaden their horizons and improve their abilities."

The Guanzi states in the chapter "Shepherd of the People": "When the granaries are full, people know etiquette; when they are well-fed and clothed, they know honor and shame."

"Economic development is fundamental, but we cannot neglect spiritual civilization."

"I have a deep understanding of this in Liping: when people's pockets are fuller, their demand for cultural life, education and medical care increases."

"Therefore, we must grasp both aspects and promote the coordinated development of material and spiritual civilization."

Old Wang listened quietly, nodding slightly from time to time.

After Gu Mingyuan finished speaking, the old man remained silent for a long time before slowly saying, "He who does not plan for the whole cannot plan for a part. He who does not plan for eternity cannot plan for the present."

"Xiao Gu, it's good that you can think from one county to an entire province, and from the present to the future."

The question-and-answer session lasted for half an hour.

Old Wang asked questions based on classical allusions, and Gu Mingyuan not only answered fluently but also shared his insights in light of the realities at the grassroots level.

The retired leaders in the living room listened intently, nodding occasionally.

Finally, Old Wang leaned back in his chair and exclaimed, "Zhengguo, your son-in-law is quite good. In my opinion, he's better than you! So young, yet not only is he hardworking, but he's also knowledgeable. It's rare, truly rare."

Zhong Zhengguo smiled broadly: "Mr. Wang, you flatter me. He still needs more training."

"Training is necessary, but such promising talents need to be nurtured properly," Old Wang said earnestly, looking at Gu Mingyuan.

"The grassroots level is the best place to train people. Do your best in Liping."

"Remember, when you are in office, you should bring benefits to the people in your jurisdiction."

"This is our duty and our responsibility."

Gu Mingyuan nodded and said, "Thank you for your guidance, Elder Wang. I will keep it in mind."

As he was leaving, Old Wang suddenly said, "Wait a minute."

He suddenly stood up and said to his secretary, "Bring me my pen and ink."

Everyone was taken aback.

Mr. Wang has profound calligraphy skills, but he has rarely written in recent years, and even less so as to give calligraphy as gifts.

Today is...

The secretary quickly brought Xuan paper and writing brush and ink.

Old Wang picked up his brush, dipped it in ink, pondered for a moment, and then wrote four powerful characters: "Dragon Soars Amidst Clouds".

The brushstrokes are fluid and powerful, conveying a sense of grandeur and strength.

After finishing writing, Old Wang put down his brush and said to Gu Mingyuan, "This calligraphy is for you."

Everyone present was astonished.

As everyone here knows, many people desperately seek out and cannot obtain Mr. Wang's calligraphy.

The fact that I presented this gift to a young county party secretary today is of extraordinary significance.

Gu Mingyuan was also deeply surprised and quickly bowed, saying, "Elder Wang, this is too precious. I am unworthy of it."

"You deserve it." Old Wang looked at him with deep eyes.

The phrase "Longxiang" comes from the "Biography of Han Shu": "When the clouds rise, the dragon soars, and it transforms into a marquis or king."

"I give you these four words not so that you may pursue high office and great wealth, but rather I hope that you can soar like a dragon, make a name for yourself in the great tide of the times, and bring benefits to the people."

He paused, then said earnestly, "Remember, no matter how high your official rank, you must not forget your roots."

"Hang this calligraphy in your office as a constant reminder: power is given by the people and should be used to serve the people."

"I will remember Elder Wang's teachings!" Gu Mingyuan said solemnly as he accepted the words with both hands.

It was already late when we left Mr. Wang's residence.

Sitting in the car on the way back, Zhong Zhengguo couldn't hide his satisfaction: "Mingyuan, you did very well today. Old Master Wang rarely appreciates a young person so much."

"Dad, Old Wang, he..."

Zhong Zhengguo waved his hand: "Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask. All you need to know is that Old Wang is a true leader who served the country and its people."

"You must keep his words in mind."

"Take this calligraphy back, frame it properly, and hang it in your office."

"These are not just ordinary words; they represent recognition and, more importantly, expectation."

Gu Mingyuan nodded, a heavy sense of responsibility welling up in his heart.

On the eighth day of the first lunar month, Gu Mingyuan and his family returned to Liping.

Before leaving, Zhong Zhengguo gave him some more instructions: "Mingyuan, now that we've set the goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties, we must go all out to achieve it."

"But remember what Mr. Wang said: we cannot engage in formalism for the sake of political achievements."

"The satisfaction of the people is the greatest political achievement."

"Dad, I understand," Gu Mingyuan replied solemnly.

On the way, Zhong Xiaoai asked softly, "Were you nervous when you met Old Wang that day?"

"A little, but more than that, I feel honored." Gu Mingyuan hugged his son.

"Old Wang asked about the principles of governing the country, and I was able to answer them because I have indeed been thinking about these issues over the years."

"Dad said that Old Wang rarely appreciates young people like this."

"So we must not let them down." Gu Mingyuan gazed at the scenery rushing past the car window.

"Xiao Ai, we need to get to work in Liping. We've set the goal of becoming one of the top 100 counties, so we need to take concrete action."

It was already evening when we got back to Liping.

The county government compound was quiet, but Gu Mingyuan knew that it would be bustling with activity in the new year.

The next morning, Gu Mingyuan convened a meeting of the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee to specifically study the implementation plan for becoming one of the top 100 counties.