Although the outside world had always believed that the party and the military were not closely connected. But the state machinery must be controlled by the party to ensure its ruling status, so the relationship between the party and the military actually was quite close.

Jiang Xiaochuan had heard about differences between the party and the military before. Furthermore, he had experience in his previous life and a deep understanding of partisanship.

The political views of Yue Qingci in front of him were somewhat different from his. People on their military side were at odds with the former mayor Wang Aidi, who vigorously promoted Jiang Xiaochuan. To put it bluntly, it was all a matter of alignment.

Wang Aidi was now on the Provincial Standing Committee, and Jiang Xiaochuan was the person he promoted. Normally, he and Wang Aidi shared similar ideas. So, coupled with the influence of Qian Qiming, the resigned deputy mayor, it was expected to encounter some hidden difficulties here.

Yue Qingci just mentioned the issue of military rank, but Jiang couldn’t follow what he said. He simply withdrew his hand lightly and said, “Major Yue, you have a great sense of humor. Let’s focus on the task at hand. I’m here for a routine inspection and will naturally follow the military region’s arrangements.”

These words were quite clever. Yue Qingci then stepped aside to lead the way, still aiming to showcase his skills.

When Jiang Xiaochuan referred to Yue Qingci’s humor, it indicated his disagreement with the previous comment. By mentioning ‘doing official business’ and ‘following the arrangements of the military region,’ he subtly conveyed his dissatisfaction with someone of his rank being assigned to receive him.

In today’s official circles, lengthy and convoluted sentences were quite common. If Yue Qingci couldn’t grasp this, it wouldn’t be his issue as a major.

Yue Qingci explained, “The military region has arranged for a political commissar to accompany you on the inspection. However, the political commissar is currently engaged in ideological and political work with other division personnel and can’t be available right away. Since this is just an ordinary inspection and not as grand as a military parade, Mayor Jiang, I hope you won’t mind.”

For an official at the department level like Jiang Xiaochuan, the military region should ideally assign a department-level officer of a similar rank. This wasn’t to belittle Yue Qingci; he understands that this person would likely rise through the ranks swiftly in the future, thanks to his background.

However, for the time being, he held the rank of a major, which was a formal level.

The political commissar Yue Qingci mentioned, if the military region wished to maintain a good image and not lose face, would probably send an officer with the rank of deputy division commander.

Nonetheless, this political commissar was not an easy individual. Corruption was rampant in military regions across China, and this region wasn’t an exception. In his previous experience, when he came to discuss business, the political commissar adeptly practiced Tai Chi, and Yue Qingci stood by and observed the situation.

In reality, during this inspection, the military region focused on Yue Qingci. Sometimes, the party, government, and military needed to collaborate. Government officials sought support from individuals in the military region, and the military region desired effective execution of their requests. After a change in office, they naturally look for potential candidates who can be influenced, and Yue Qingci was sent to evaluate Jiang Xiaochuan.

In these evaluations, they first considered the abilities and potential for development of the person being evaluated, which was Jiang Xiaochuan. Second, they assessed the vision of the one seeking support, in this case, Yue Celadon. In both respects, it appeared that they were suitable candidates, and only after such evaluations could success be determined.

However, these matters were typically kept discreet. The rule was that individuals from the government and the military should not engage in contact beyond official duties.

What happens behind the scenes is often a different story.

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As Jiang Xiaochuan followed Yue Qingci through the shooting range, observing soldiers training on the school field, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of cynicism welling up within him.

Raising his eyebrows in surprise, he pondered why he could still experience these emotions. He had undergone so much in his previous life and should have been accustomed to such scenes, but still, it felt somewhat unfamiliar.

Should he be thankful that his loyalty to the party remains intact and his moral compass remains strong?

During their walk, he asked a series of minor questions about the military region. He inquired about the unit currently undergoing training, recent military region arrangements, the progress of the training, and any challenges they might be facing. Occasionally, he would speak in the official language of the military, emphasizing their responsibility to protect both the nation and its citizens.

Jiang Xiaochuan asked the right questions, and Yue Qingci, being astute, provided clear and concise answers throughout the journey. He was not limited to addressing only what was asked but often elaborated just enough to touch on the topics Jiang Xiaochuan had raised. In his view, Yue Qingci exhibited impressive conversational finesse.

The two conversed with ease, and they were followed by several government and military personnel. However, they maintained a discreet distance, making it difficult for them to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Unbeknownst to him, Jiang Xiaochuan started to feel like he was traveling back in time. In his previous life, this was where he had first met Yue Qingci. That initial encounter had led to a deepening connection between them. However, the last time they had met, they were on opposite sides of high walls and iron fences, wearing prison uniforms, and separated by an uncrossable three-step divide.

Ironically, he had been nervous when it all began, but now he found it amusing. Their fate seemed sealed, but he viewed it as a means to escape tragedy in this life rather than a chain that bound him.

In a calm tone, he remarked, “Major Yue, your knowledge of the military region is quite thorough. You’re young and talented, and I believe you have a promising future.”

Internally, Yue Qingci furrowed his brow, wondering why Jiang Xiaochuan had suddenly shifted the conversation in this direction. Jiang Xiaochuan’s true background was still a well-kept secret, and no one would divulge such information to the outside world. His connections were relatively limited, according to public information. At most, the former mayor could put in a good word with the Provincial Standing Committee, but why mention that now?

“Mayor Jiang, at your age, holding a department-level position, it’s quite remarkable, isn’t it? I don’t recall seeing it reported in the newspapers when you were elected.” Yue Qingci commented, a mix of praise and probing in his tone.

Yue Qingci awaited Jiang Xiaochuan’s response, but the latter simply smiled and replied, “Major Yue, you are joking.”

Jiang Xiaochuan had been nominated by the current mayor, Fu Peng, to run for office and received approval from the National People’s Congress. Officially, only the Municipal People’s Congress had to participate in the mayoral election, and a recommendation from twenty representatives was something nearly anyone could secure. However, the intricacies of the process ran much deeper.

Fu Peng had assumed the role of the former mayor, suggesting potential political cooperation between the two. Jiang Xiaochuan speculated that he had influential support that had helped him reach his current position.

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The political commissar’s office was reached swiftly, and it appeared that a substantial discussion was taking place inside. Initially, Jiang Xiaochuan hesitated to interrupt.

However, Yue Qingci reassured him, saying, “It’s alright. This is just part of an inspection. It’s a routine task for the division.”

His statement was accurate, akin to officials from the Education Bureau attending school lectures.

Yue Qingci opened the door, and Jiang Xiaochuan entered. Inside, the political commissar was in the midst of a stern speech, emphasizing, “During the previous inspection, it was your regiment that had issues. Why did the soldiers in your regiment cause so much trouble? Do you think our military region can tolerate this? Don’t offer excuses, and we must address the excessive leave…”

When they noticed Jiang Xiaochuan and the others, the discussion continued briefly before they proceeded with another training session. Several individuals seated around the table, with epaulettes showing two stripes and three stars, stood up and snapped to attention, giving a crisp military salute. The political commissar reciprocated the salute, and the interaction concluded.

At that moment, Jiang Xiaochuan could only think of one word: performance.

He thought so then, and he still holds that perspective now. However, back then, he didn’t ponder the situation as deeply as he did today. He now understands what the future holds, speculating that the current investigation pertains to him.

He briefly inquired about certain issues, such as the excessive leave mentioned by the political commissar earlier, provided some brief feedback, and concluded the meeting rapidly.

In reality, the so-called inspection was mainly a formality. As the deputy mayor, he wasn’t the one responsible for the actual inspection. Everyone understood this and participated out of obligation.

Initially, Jiang Xiaochuan had no intention of being closely involved with the military region. Yet, he recognized that he would require the support of individuals like Yue Qingci and others in the military region for future endeavors. He ruminated on this matter throughout the return journey.

Yue Qingci had a keen ability to read between the lines without needing explicit words.

Even in the military region, Yue Qingci stood out as an exceptionally handsome figure, boasting the most striking features among many female soldiers. His maturity and adeptness in dealing with people allowed him to form strong relationships with various individuals in the military region. These connections would also lay the groundwork for his future promotions.

“In the military region, is the issue really just about taking excessive leave?” Jiang Xiaochuan suddenly posed a bold question.

His calm demeanor while asking this question made it seem enigmatic.

Yue Qingci was momentarily perplexed. Previously, this man’s palms were visibly sweaty, but now he exuded the poise of someone who had navigated the intricacies of bureaucracy for many years. The gravity of his question was palpable, and it left him momentarily at a loss for words.

Jiang Xiaochuan suddenly realized how absurd his initial nervousness had been. The Yue Qingci before him was not the same person he would come to know later. Presently, Yue Qingci was still relatively junior, and his knack for strategy was not as finely honed as it would be in the future.

A wave of relaxation suddenly washed over him.

What couldn’t he overcome?

He had made the firm decision not to become a corrupt official, to live up to his father’s early teachings, uphold his conscience, and honor the oath he had passionately sworn under the party’s banner. No matter the sacrifices required, he wouldn’t hesitate.

Of course, he might have to resort to certain methods because the realm of officialdom often forced individuals to teeter on the edge of wrongdoing, straying beyond legal and party boundaries. Yet, all he desired was to remain in harmony with his own conscience.

He said, “I hope you don’t mind my straightforwardness. Our military region is generally in good order, and this inspection is likely to conclude here. There will be ample opportunities for further interactions in the future. I look forward to receiving your guidance, Major Yue.”

He had freed himself from restraint.

Even though the person standing before him was someone he had once desperately wanted to please, everything had now been turned upside down.

Back then, he had staunchly refused to reveal Yue Qingci’s identity, despite all attempts to extract it. If it weren’t for the affidavit Lian Cheng had produced, perhaps—his infatuation might have persisted.

In this life, could he prevent those tragic events from recurring?

Yue Qingci stood still, donning an officer’s hat and the epaulets of his rank. He studied Jiang Xiaochuan with a probing gaze for a while, then remarked, “To achieve such a high position at your age, you must be quite exceptional.”

Jiang Xiaochuan could already sense that they were putting on a performance to test him.

He hadn’t anticipated Yue Qingci’s forthrightness. As he gazed at the current Yue Qingci, he saw a young man without the depth and calculation that would later define his gaze. This Yue Qingci was less refined and, at this moment, appeared genuinely sincere.

Tears welled in his eyes, but he managed to maintain a well-timed smile. “The future is uncertain. Who knows what lies ahead?”

“That’s true.”

Jiang Xiaochuan’s words genuinely resonated with Yue Qingci. Despite his substantial background, it wasn’t an unconditional guarantee of his fate. He wasn’t the sole descendant in their family, and who could foresee the future’s twists and turns?

Even Jiang Xiaochuan, who had experienced his previous life, couldn’t fully control the course of his destiny.

He had expected that when he saw Yue Qingci again, he would be overwhelmed by heartbreak and misery.

Yet now, it felt like nothing more than a distant memory.