Guide to Rising to Power as a Wife in Beijing's Elite Circle

It snowed in Jingjing on the third day of the Lunar New Year.

Fine snowflakes drifted down from the leaden sky, weaving a hazy veil outside the car window.

Fang Jingxiu sat in the back row, looking at the soldiers standing guard at the entrance. Their young faces were red from the cold, and a thin layer of snow had accumulated on their shoulders, but their posture remained upright.

As the vehicle slowed down to pass the checkpoint, the soldiers stood at attention and saluted. Fang Jingxiu nodded slightly through the vehicle window.

The car entered the main road and merged into the sparse traffic. Today is the third day of the Lunar New Year, and most people are still celebrating, so the streets are much quieter than usual.

"We're going to Old Wang's house today," Fang Zhenguo said from the passenger seat, his voice steady. "Watch your words."

"I know," Fang Jingxiu nodded.

Mr. Wang, also known as Wang Wenhan, has held several key positions and has students and associates all over the country. Even after retiring for many years, he remains a significant figure in Jingjing's social circles. His wife is the heiress to the Huarong Group, a prime example of successful balancing politics and business.

Fang Jingxiu looked at the street scene flashing past the window without saying a word.

The car drove into an old alleyway area within the second ring road. It looked ordinary, but those in the know understood that no family could maintain a separate house and courtyard within the second ring road without some extraordinary circumstances.

The car stopped in front of an inconspicuous vermilion gate. Above the gate hung a plaque with the two characters "Jingyuan" written in vigorous and powerful strokes.

Fang Jingxiu got out of the car, snowflakes falling on the shoulders of his black overcoat.

The door opened, and a middle-aged man dressed simply but neatly came out to greet them: "General Fang, General Manager Lin, Director Fang, please come in. Old Master Wang is waiting for you in the study."

The three followed the man into the courtyard.

It's a typical courtyard house, but after careful renovation, it retains its ancient charm while also offering modern comfort. Several red lanterns hang under the eaves, looking especially warm against the snowy backdrop.

In the study of the main house, Wang Wenhan was sitting in a grand chair drinking tea. He was seventy-eight years old this year, with completely white hair, but he was in good spirits and had sharp eyes like an eagle.

"Zhenguo is here." Old Wang put down his teacup, smiled, and stood up. "And Wanqing and Jingxiu are here too. Please sit down, everyone."

After exchanging pleasantries, the servant served tea.

Old Wang took a sip of tea, his gaze falling on Fang Jingxiu: "Jingxiu, I heard you're getting a promotion next year?"

"It depends on the arrangements," Fang Jingxiu replied in a standard and conventional manner.

"You're too modest," Old Wang laughed. "Who doesn't know you have a bright future? Your father is also going to take a promotion next year. Your Fang family is going to produce two outstanding fathers and sons."

Fang Zhenguo waved his hand: "Mr. Wang, you flatter me."

Old Wang then changed the subject, "Jingxiu, by the way, the committee has been discussing that plan recently, what's your opinion?"

coming.

Fang Jingxiu paused, his hand holding the teacup still.

He knew this wasn't an ordinary inquiry; it was a test of his stance, or rather, an attempt to force him to take sides.

But the Fang family never takes sides, never lends a hand, and always remains neutral.

Because taking sides means making enemies, it means putting all your eggs in one basket.

One glory and one glory.

Fang Jingxiu put down his teacup and slowly said, "The plan itself has a good intention and is in line with the national development strategy. However, in its implementation, we need to fully consider the actual local conditions and avoid a one-size-fits-all approach."

This statement is essentially meaningless; it affirms the plan while emphasizing its prudence, thus offending neither side.

Old Wang looked at him with deep eyes: "Jingxiu, sometimes being too cautious can cause you to miss opportunities."

"Timing is important, but a solid foundation is even more important." Fang Jingxiu met his gaze. "Without a solid foundation, you won't be able to seize the opportunity when it comes."

The study was quiet for a few seconds.

Then Old Wang smiled and said, "As expected of a child from the Fang family, his words are impeccable."

He paused, then said, "Jingxiu, sometimes being too neutral can backfire and please neither side."

"The commander's teachings are correct," Fang Jingxiu nodded. "But my father often told me that when doing things, we should focus on the issue, not the person. Policies should be decided as they should be, without worrying about who's in charge."

These words were spoken with conviction, but everyone present understood them.

The old leader laughed, then turned to Fang Zhenguo and said, "Zhenguo, your son is even more resolute than you were back then."

"Young man, you don't know your own limitations." Fang Zhenguo said this, but there was pride in his eyes.

"It's good to have backbone." The old leader picked up his teacup again. "In this world, there are too many spineless people. Only by having backbone can you go further."

The topic was successfully steered off course.

The rest of the time was spent chatting about trivial, everyday things.

Fang Jingxiu listened most of the time, occasionally interjecting a word or two, but every word he said was spot on.

An hour later, the three said their goodbyes. Old Wang personally saw them to the door, shook Fang Jingxiu's hand, and said, "Jingxiu, do a good job. The future belongs to you young people."

"Thank you, Elder Wang." Fang Jingxiu bowed slightly.

As I walked out of Jingyuan, the snow was still falling.

Once inside the car, Lin Wanqing let out a long sigh of relief: "Just now... what Old Wang said was forcing us to make a statement."

Fang Zhenguo said, "It's just a test. To see just how confident the Fang family really is."

These families, which combine political and business interests, ensure that their descendants either live a carefree life abroad, with green cards as a safety net, and their assets are secure for three generations.

Either you're looking for a good future, or you can get into a company that most people dream of with just a few words.

Fang Jingxiu closed his eyes.

He grew up in this industry and knows these rules all too well. He's also trying to change things, at least within his capabilities, and to be as fair as possible.

If he hadn't been born into the Fang family, what would he be like now?

Perhaps they're working their way up in some company, watching their boss's mood, and emptying the savings of six family members just to afford a house. Or maybe they're working 996 in a private company, constantly worried about being laid off.

This is reality.

He was born into the Fang family, so he had a choice.