Nominal: The pinnacle of power began in the sixth province of Handong.

Chapter 148 Gao Yuliang's Awakening

Easy to learn?

At first, everyone was puzzled.

But he quickly realized Gao Yuliang's intentions.

Previously, Sha Ruijin had promoted Yi Xuexi so that he could serve as a vanguard and break through the defenses set up by the Zhao family.

The environmental inspection team even appointed Yi Xuexi as the team leader to investigate Gao Yuliang's problems.

Now that Sha Ruijin has run into trouble, Gao Yuliang has suggested that Yi Xuexi investigate.

Yi Xuexi is a stubborn person who doesn't listen to reason. Even if you ask him to be more mindful of his words, he won't listen.

In addition, in order to facilitate the promotion of projects, Sha Ruijin sent Yi Xuexi from acting mayor of Lüzhou to Jingzhou as secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission.

Yi Xuexi had been holding back a lot of anger for a long time.

This time, Yi Xuexi is going to investigate the project team and find out about Sha Ruijin's problems. I can't even imagine how ruthless he will be.

Isn't this just giving them a taste of their own medicine?

Gao Yuliang was too ruthless.

Unfortunately, no one dared to object.

After all, nobody wants to be the deputy group leader. In some ways, it would be easier to let Yi Xuexi take the role.

In addition, Gao Yuliang's reasons were also very convincing.

Governor Liu could not refuse Gao Yuliang again.

Therefore, it was almost a certainty that Yi Xuexi would become the deputy group leader.

Before Tian Guofu could speak, Governor Liu said:

"Then please have Comrade Yi Xuexi make a trip to Luzhou. Comrade Guofu, Comrade Dakang, is that alright?"

Li Dakang shrugged and said:

"I have no objection."

In fact, he had long lost patience with Yi Xuexi, who was constantly managing him in Jingzhou.

He was born with a natural talent for learning, fearless and invincible, and incredibly fierce.

Li Dakang really couldn't do anything about Yi Xuexi, and even toned down his one-man show.

Li Dakang was more than happy to send Yi Xuexi to Luzhou for a period of time.

As for Tian Guofu...

Governor Liu made the decision, and he didn't have much to say.

Perfect timing! Let Yi Xuexi handle the task that might offend people.

All are happy.

Therefore, Tian Guofu also said:

"I will follow the arrangements."

Governor Liu nodded and said:

"Alright, it's settled then. The project task force investigation team, led by Tian Guofu and with Yi Xuexi as deputy leader, along with personnel from other departments who need support, must be in place this week and immediately deployed to the front line of the Crescent Lake project in Lüzhou City to begin the investigation. We must give the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection a satisfactory answer."

Once the work arrangements were completed, the meeting naturally came to an end.

The Standing Committee members left one after another. Gao Yuliang looked at Xia Qing, who was tidying up her notebooks, and said:

"Minister Xia, do you have a moment? I'd like to have a chat with you."

Xia Qing was taken aback, as he also had many questions he wanted to ask Gao Yuliang.

Since that's the case, let's talk about it.

Xia Qing replied:

"Okay, Secretary Yuliang, shall I go to your office?"

"Please." Gao Yuliang stood up and gestured for him to proceed.

The two arrived at Gao Yuliang's office and had some tea.

Gao Yuliang said:

"Minister Xia, you must have a lot of questions for me."

Xia Qing got straight to the point:

"Secretary Yuliang, then I'll get straight to the point. You're aware of the exclusive franchise rights attached to the food court, right?"

Gao Yuliang said slowly and deliberately:

"Minister Xia thinks the resort project is a trap I set?"

"No, that's not it. I was just wondering why Secretary Yuliang knew but didn't report it." Xia Qing's eyes flashed with a sharp light as he stared directly at Gao Yuliang and said:

"Furthermore, was the exclusive franchise agreement for the Crescent Lake area signed between Zhao Ruilong and Lüzhou City legal and compliant? What were your considerations in signing this agreement with him?"

Gao Yuliang nodded, and said with considerable emotion:

"Minister Xia's insight is indeed sharp. You're trying to find a breakthrough by focusing on the exclusive franchise itself, in order to quell this incident while protecting the resort project. That's a very precise angle. Sometimes I think, Tongwei is almost ten years older than you. If he had your artistic political skills, I could really trust him."

Xia Qing listened attentively, but dared not let her guard down.

He clearly sensed that Gao Yuliang's mindset and direction had undergone subtle changes since he promoted Qi Tongwei to vice-provincial level.

Gao Yuliang now seems to be heading toward a clear but dangerous goal.

What exactly does Gao Yuliang want to do? What is his purpose?

Xia Qing had no idea.

But he understood that today's conversation might very well determine the future direction of their relationship.

Having thought this through, Xia Qing said even more solemnly:

"Secretary Yuliang, you flatter me. I would still like to hear your thoughts on exclusive franchise rights."

"What if I told you that granting the Zhao family the exclusive franchise rights was one of the best things I've ever done?" Gao Yuliang replied calmly.

"How many jobs and how much tax revenue has this food city provided for Luzhou City? Xia Qing, you haven't seen any of that."

Xia Qing shook his head and said:

"Even so, you shouldn't have failed to disclose the exclusive franchise rights. Now that the project has collapsed, Secretary Yuliang, you definitely knew about it. I really want to know, why did you insist on going along with the Zhao family?"

Gao Yuliang sighed deeply, then slowly took off his glasses and said:

"Since you want to know, fine, I'll tell you."

Xia Qing's heart skipped a beat.

Behind the glasses, Gao Yuliang's eyes were incredibly clear and sharp, sparkling with wisdom and tranquility, his gaze restrained yet gentle and ordinary.

That's the look of a politician.

Gao Yuliang stood up, put his hands behind his back, looked at Xia Qing's back, and said slowly:

"In this mighty torrent of reform and opening up, I should be standing at the forefront. Opportunities and risks have accompanied me through decades of ups and downs in my official career, with excitement and confusion lingering in my heart. In the past, I saw the future far less clearly than I saw the past. But now, a magnificent blueprint has been drawn before me, guiding me to move forward steadfastly, even if it means being shattered to pieces."

With a smile on his face, Gao Yuliang spoke eloquently and boldly, uttering a long passage of text. This infectious energy made Xia Qing feel as if he were there, as if he could clearly see the fleeting glimpse of Gao Yuliang's journey from scholar to official, from the executive level to the decision-making level.

With Xia Qing's cultivation level, it was not difficult for him to understand that this was Gao Yuliang's summary of his political career in the first half of his life, and also a message to Xia Qing that there was no turning back on Gao Yuliang's path.

Xia Qing thought about it carefully, then asked with utmost seriousness:

"Is there anyone else on this road besides you?"

Gao Yuliang was stunned.

He looked at Xia Qing in disbelief, joy and pain intertwined on his face. Even for just a moment, Xia Qing could keenly perceive his complex emotions.

Gao Yuliang was glad that he was able to get to know Xia Qing.

To someone with limited experience, his words sound like a formulaic essay or a useful interview speech.

Only he himself knows the inner turmoil he felt when he said those words, and the deep affection and expectations they contained.

Therefore, when Xia Qing understood his words, she asked a question that directly addressed his innermost thoughts.

Gao Yuliang felt only gratified and satisfied.

He let out a long sigh and said slowly:

"On this road, there is no one else."

Xia Qing understood.

This means that before Xia Qing came, Gao Yuliang was almost driven to the brink of despair.

After Xia Qinglai arrived, Gao Yuliang was able to turn his life around, escape unscathed from the siege of the Sha family gang, and successfully promoted Qi Tongwei to the vice-provincial level.

With this, Gao Yuliang had no more worries.

What he had to do was stay with the Zhao family, this ship that was already riddled with holes, until the very end.

There is absolutely no regret, and there is no going back!

Xia Qing remained silent for a long time.

He now understands very well that Gao Yuliang must have an irreplaceable reason for being with the Zhao family.

Belief? Friendship? Insult? Integrity?

Countless reasons intertwined, like a giant spider web, firmly binding Gao Yuliang to the Zhao family's big ship.

Faced with Gao Yuliang's realization, Xia Qing offered absolute respect and understanding.

He believes that Gao Yuliang is very clear about the path he is on.

Anyone who tries to dissuade him is insulting to Gao Yuliang's awareness!

Since that's the case, let's keep going.

Each person is pursuing their own destiny on their own path.

Thinking of this, Xia Qing stood up and said with utmost sincerity:

"I understand, Secretary Yuliang."

Gao Yuliang then slowly put his glasses back on his nose and smiled:

"No need to see me off, Minister Xia."