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

Chapter 172 Successor of the Han University Gang

Xia Qing caught a key word.

ideal.

Once upon a time, Gao Yuliang was a professor at Handong University.

Isn't he just a scholar full of ideals and beliefs?

Perhaps Gao Yuliang's ideals have never changed; it's just that since he entered politics, he has become increasingly clear about how to realize his ideals.

That is, to climb higher and higher, so that ideals can be gradually realized.

Xia Qing's thoughts gradually became clear.

As Gao Yuliang rose through the ranks, his actions, though receiving mixed reviews, were all driven by his ideals.

While achievements may include both public and private aspects, they are able to be combined and progress together.

Therefore, Gao Yuliang boarded the Zhao family's boat but refused to disembark for two reasons.

Firstly, it was Zhao Lichun's patronage that helped Gao Yuliang rise to the position of a member of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee.

Report your favor on the golden platform, and bring Yulong to die for the king.

Secondly, Gao Yuliang genuinely believed that to achieve great things, one person's strength is insignificant; one must rely on the strength of the masses and move towards the same goal in order to move mountains and fill seas, and build a strong fortress with united will.

So he became a faction leader, and the Handong gang also emerged.

Gao Yuliang also knew that his own faction was merely an appendage of a higher faction; those who depended on him might also be from other factions, but ultimately they would all consider him their leader.

Qi Tongwei has already found a new stronghold under Gao Yuliang's instructions, but what about the rest of the Han University gang?

Gao Yuliang cannot fall easily, nor can he give up the Zhao family's territory.

Otherwise, all those who look up to him will be left helpless and their futures ruined in an instant.

This may be why Gao Yuliang did not disembark.

After much deliberation, Xia Qing arrived at what he considered to be the conclusion that best reflected Gao Yuliang's inner thoughts.

Xia Qing looked at Governor Liu and slowly said:

"What Secretary Yuliang wants is... to destroy and then build."

Governor Liu was stunned.

He pondered Xia Qing's words repeatedly, and combined with his years of working with Gao Yuliang, his understanding of the other party gradually came to an answer in his heart.

Governor Liu said with a wry smile:

"There has to be a Gao Yuliang... right?"

Xia Qing was amazed by Governor Liu's political wisdom, nodded admiringly, and said:

That's exactly what I meant.

Governor Liu sighed and said:

"So, Yu Liang... knew he couldn't resist the tide of the times, and he knew he was trapped in the Zhao family with no way out. What he wanted was never to support the Zhao family, but simply someone to take up the banner of his Han University gang?"

Xia Qing also said in a deep voice:

"Yes. Secretary Yu Liang placed his hopes on Qi Tongwei, but later discovered that Qi Tongwei did not have the ability. Therefore, clearing the way for Qi Tongwei was the last thing he could do for him."

Governor Liu nodded vigorously. He knew Qi Tongwei all too well, and therefore strongly agreed with Xia Qing's deduction.

Qi Tongwei was a good disciple and an excellent executor, but not a qualified decision-maker, much less a politician like Gao Yuliang.

The banner of the Han University gang will not be handed over to Qi Tongwei.

Governor Liu then remembered something and asked:

"Then...why didn't Yu Liang hand him over to Secretary Sha?"

Xia Qing shook her head and smiled helplessly:

"Secretary Ruijin has just arrived in Handong and is eager to make achievements. His first step is to suppress the Handong University clique, hoping to wipe them out completely. Do you think Secretary Yuliang will hand this banner over to Secretary Ruijin?"

Governor Liu was taken aback, then remembered that such a thing had indeed happened, and could only laugh awkwardly to cover up his helplessness.

Xia Qing actually had another guess in her mind.

But he wouldn't tell Governor Liu.

The guess is that Gao Yuliang chose himself as the successor to the Han University gang.

Organization Minister, Xia Qing.

It should be noted that Zhao Lichun had been operating in Handong for many years and had long since built a large-scale political network.

Later, Gao Yuliang was appointed as his representative in Handong, and his students and former officials were spread all over Handong and even the whole country.

If we can really take over the banner of the Han University gang from Gao Yuliang and gain their support.

Xia Qing's prestige in Handong will reach an unprecedented height.

He controlled the Han University clique and was also the organization minister who could decide "positions".

Xia Qing couldn't even imagine how terrifying her influence would be.

At that time, the decisions made by the provincial party committee, the provincial party committee, and the discipline inspection commission secretary will likely still need to be approved by me, the organization minister.

Cadres like Xia Qing, who come from large families, lack the support of their local community the most.

This kind of support from local forces was something that Sha Ruijin didn't have, Tian Guofu didn't have, and Hou Liangping certainly didn't have either.

Not only did they not have it, they were also very afraid that Gao Yuliang might have it.

Otherwise, Sha Ruijin wouldn't have been in such a hurry to suppress the Han University gang.

But Xia Qing was very clear-headed; he firmly believed that power and responsibility are equally important.

When that day comes, I must be even more cautious and meticulous.

It can only be about gaining their support, not about actually taking over the Han University gang, let alone becoming a new faction.

Finding the right balance requires a high level of political wisdom.

But now is not the time to talk about those things, and we certainly cannot reveal our guesses to Governor Liu.

Who is Governor Liu? He is a governor who has stood firm under Zhao Lichun's rule, a true master who has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties.

He also guessed Gao Yuliang's intention to have Xia Qing take over the Handa gang, and he also guessed that Xia Qing would not reveal this guess.

Sometimes, things that are understood without being said don't need to be said.

Then, Governor Liu smiled meaningfully and said:

"Minister Xia, you'll probably be even busier from now on, so please hang in there."

Xia Qing also responded:

"Thank you, Governor. Xia Qing will remember this."

The conversation between two men with terrifyingly keen political instincts has come to an end here.

After the two had finalized their plans, Xia Qing was about to get up and leave.

There was a rapid knocking on the door.

Governor Liu nodded, and Xia Qing got up to open the door.

Qi Tongwei was standing outside the door. He was momentarily surprised when he saw Xia Qing, but quickly regained his composure and saluted:

"Minister, I have an important matter to report to the governor."

Xia Qing knew the matter was of great importance, so she quickly stepped aside.

After Qi Tongwei entered, Governor Liu gave the following instructions:

"Tongwei is here? What's the matter? Speak here, Xia Qing, you listen too."

Xia Qing nodded and stood aside.

Qi Tongwei cleared his throat, held the folder, and said in a deep voice:

"Last night, Liu Xinjian, the former chairman of the oil and gas group, was found dead in his home. Preliminary investigation has determined it to be a homicide. This is the relevant information."

As he spoke, Qi Tongwei handed the folder to Governor Liu with both hands. Governor Liu took it while frowning and saying:

"What happened? A high-ranking official at the department level, the head of a state-owned enterprise, was murdered just like that? Have you found any leads on the killer?"

Qi Tongwei replied:

"The investigation is still ongoing. What we can confirm is that the assassination was carried out using a sniper rifle. We have already scouted the sniper positions and expect to have a conclusion by this afternoon."

Governor Liu moved the documents closer to Xia Qing so that he could look at them together.

After glancing through the document, Xia Qing rested her chin on her hand and said thoughtfully:

"I remember Liu Xinjian was detained in the anti-corruption bureau for a month or two before being released. How come he's in trouble now?"

Qi Tongwei then replied:

"We are already questioning suspicious individuals."

Xia Qing nodded and said:

"Perhaps Liu Xinjian really is hiding something..."