Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

The banquet was lavish, but Gao Yuliang's attention was clearly not on the food.

He pulled Gu Mingyuan aside and asked him all sorts of questions.

"Mingyuan, Liping, have the people truly accepted your innovative management methods?"

"We accept it because we are open and transparent, allowing the people to supervise us."

"Isn't such a thorough anti-corruption campaign worried about affecting stability?"

"Anti-corruption is for better development, to eliminate corrupt officials, to lighten the burden on cadres, and to gain greater trust from the people."

Gao Yuliang nodded repeatedly: "The thinking is clear and the measures are effective."

"Mingyuan, you're much more mature than you were in school."

After the meal, Gao Yuliang called Gu Mingyuan to his study.

The study is large, with bookshelves on three walls, filled with books.

Gu Mingyuan glanced at them; most were history-related, especially the history of the Ming Dynasty.

"Sit down." Gao Yuliang brewed a pot of tea.

"Mingyuan, you also have an interest in history, we can have a good chat about it."

"I wouldn't call it research; I just enjoy reading it."

Which period of history do you prefer to read?

"History of the Ming Dynasty."

Gao Yuliang's eyes lit up: "Oh? Why?"

"The Ming Dynasty lasted 276 years, rising from humble beginnings to end at Coal Hill. During that time, there were too many lessons to be learned from its rise and fall, including periods of order and chaos," Gu Mingyuan said slowly.

"In particular, the governance of officials in the Ming Dynasty still has reference value for us today."

"Well said." Gao Yuliang became interested.

"So, what do you think was the biggest problem with the bureaucracy in the Ming Dynasty?"

Gu Mingyuan pondered for a moment: "The students believe it is systemic corruption."

"In the early Ming Dynasty, Emperor Taizu's anti-corruption efforts were considerable, including skinning people alive and stuffing them with straw, and imposing severe punishments."

"But in the later stages, corruption became increasingly rampant. Why? Because it only addressed the symptoms, not the root cause."

"However, even so, the Ming Dynasty was still the glory of our Han Dynasty."

"How can we address the root cause?"

"The fundamental solution lies in checks and balances," Gu Mingyuan said.

"The Ming Dynasty abolished the position of prime minister and established the Grand Secretariat, which seemed to strengthen imperial power, but in reality it undermined the balance of power."

"Unchecked power inevitably leads to corruption."

"Therefore, the students believe that the fight against corruption cannot rely solely on severe punishments and harsh laws, but also on institutional checks and balances, transparency, and public oversight."

Gao Yuliang listened intently: "Continue."

"Another point is that the Ming Dynasty's official evaluation system placed too much emphasis on moral character and literary skills, while neglecting practical abilities."

"Many officials only know how to write formulaic essays and don't understand the economy and people's livelihood."

"This is also one of the reasons why the Ming Dynasty was poor and weak in its later years." Gu Mingyuan paused.

"Therefore, in Liping, we place special emphasis on the practical skills of our cadres."

"Investment attraction, project construction, and public relations are all key performance indicators."

Gao Yuliang remained silent for a long time, then sighed, "Mingyuan, your insights are more profound than those of many experts and scholars."

"In particular, the viewpoint on checks and balances is very insightful."

He stood up and took a book from the bookshelf: "This book, 'A Study of the Political System of the Ming Dynasty,' is my culmination of many years of research. I'm giving it to you in the hope that it will be of some help to you."

Gu Mingyuan accepted it with both hands: "Thank you, Teacher Gao."

"Mingyuan, you and Qi Tongwei are both my best students." Gao Yuliang suddenly mentioned Qi Tongwei, his tone complicated.

"He took a shortcut out of desperation, while you always followed the right path."

"We scholars who serve as officials must always maintain our integrity."

Gu Mingyuan didn't know how to respond.

Gao Yuliang waved his hand: "Let's not talk about him anymore, I just have some feelings."

"Mingyuan, remember this: the way to be an official is to not only understand history, but also to be grounded in reality."

"We must have both ideals and a pragmatic spirit."

"You did a great job in Liping, keep it up."

"Students, please remember this."

The cadres from Liping had gained a great deal from their trip back from Lüzhou.

With a broader perspective, more open-minded thinking, and greater enthusiasm, we have become more motivated.

Gu Mingyuan seized the opportunity and convened a meeting to exchange learning outcomes.

"Comrades, what did you all gain from your trip to Lüzhou?" Gu Mingyuan asked directly.

The cadres spoke enthusiastically.

"My biggest impression is that cadres in developed regions are professional, open-minded, and pragmatic."

"Their service awareness is so strong; they truly treat the company like royalty."

"We can learn from the industrial chain investment promotion model of the development zone."

Gu Mingyuan listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

After everyone finished speaking, he concluded: "The experience of Luzhou is valuable, but it cannot be copied blindly."

"We must learn its essence, combine it with reality, and find a development path that suits Liping."

He outlined the next steps: learn from the experience of Luzhou, improve investment attraction policies, optimize the business environment, and enhance the professional capabilities of cadres.

"Starting today, we will launch an efficiency revolution."

"All departments must streamline processes and improve efficiency."

"Whoever shirks responsibility, whoever demands bribes or kickbacks, I'll take their hat off!"

The hall erupted in enthusiastic applause.

In late May, Zhong Xiaoai officially reported to the Liping County Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

She didn't use any connections; she relied on her education and work experience to become an ordinary staff member of the county's Federation of Literary and Art Circles through the normal recruitment process.

On her first day at work, Old Zhang, the chairman of the literary and art federation, was a little nervous: "Comrade Zhong... Comrade Zhong Xiaoai, welcome to work at the literary and art federation. Does Secretary Gu know?"

Zhong Xiaoai smiled: "Chairman Zhang, don't be nervous."

"I'm here to work, not to enjoy myself. You can just call me Xiao Zhong."

Old Zhang finally breathed a sigh of relief: "Alright, alright, Comrade Xiao Zhong."

"Our work at the Federation of Literary and Art Circles is relatively relaxed; we mainly organize cultural activities and edit internal publications."

"You're a college student with good writing skills, so this is a good opportunity for you to utilize your talents."

Zhong Xiaoai was assigned to the editorial department of "Liping Literature and Art" to be in charge of editing work.

The publication was a quarterly, so the workload wasn't heavy, but she did it very diligently.

On her first day at work, she arrived at the office early to organize documents and familiarize herself with the work.

Her colleagues were initially a little reserved, but they soon discovered that the wife of the county party secretary was approachable, down-to-earth, hardworking, and highly competent.

"Xiao Zhong, take a look at this draft. Is it usable?"

"I think it's okay, but the ending needs to be changed; it's too abrupt."

"Xiao Zhong, how are the arrangements for this field trip?"

"I suggest going to Yunwu Township. The tea culture there is unique, and you could write an article about it."

Zhong Xiaoai quickly integrated into the team and became very adept at her work.

After get off work, she goes home to take care of Pengpeng.

My son is almost two years old. He can run and jump, and he can say "Dad," "Mom," "Grandpa," and "Grandma."

"Mom!" Pengpeng rushed into her arms.

"Pengpeng, were you a good boy today?" Zhong Xiaoai picked up her son.

"Good boy! I want to sing a song," Pengpeng said in his childish voice.

"Little Swallow, wearing a flowery dress..."

Zhong Xiaoai smiled and kissed her son's little face.

This kind of life is simple yet fulfilling.

In the evening, Gu Mingyuan unusually left work on time and went home.

The family sat around the dining table, enjoying a happy time together.

"Xiao Ai, how was work today?" Gu Mingyuan asked.

"It's great. My colleagues are all very friendly, and the work is going smoothly." Zhong Xiaoai served food to her husband.

"As for you, I heard you went to the countryside again today?"

"I went to Qingshi Township to check on the breeding base, and it has expanded again," Gu Mingyuan said with a smile.

"Now the whole township raises chickens, and there are also 10,000 black pigs, making it a major livestock breeding township in the county."

"Secretary Gu, you've worked hard," Zhong Xiaoai said playfully.

"Mom works hard too," Pengpeng interjected.

The couple looked at each other and smiled.

After dinner, Gu Mingyuan's parents, Gu Yun and Ling Fei, took turns cleaning the house.

The elderly couple came to Liping from Lincheng to take care of their grandson and support their son's work without any complaints.

"Dad, Mom, thank you for your hard work." Gu Mingyuan felt a little guilty.

"What's so hard about it? We're happy to see your family doing well." Gu Yun didn't say much, but every word was sincere.