Chapter 378: The Task Assigned to You

Zhou Ming's sudden question caught both Yang Dingguo and Du Zhongyuan off guard. Despite their high positions, they struggled to keep up with Zhou Ming's line of thought. They had just been discussing how to address the traditional forces rising after dealing with the Tan family, and now Zhou Ming was asking about plans for the Spring Festival. The two subjects seemed unrelated.

However, people like Yang Dingguo and Du Zhongyuan were known for their composure. Even though their minds were in turmoil, they maintained a calm exterior.

Yang Dingguo and Du Zhongyuan looked at Zhou Ming for a moment before Yang Dingguo asked, "Why are you asking about my plans for the Spring Festival?"

"If you don't have any plans, I suggest you take some time to visit different places around the country. This will allow you to personally experience the significance of reform and opening up for the entire nation and observe the implementation of these policies in various regions. It will strengthen your confidence in reform and opening up and silence those who hold opposing views," Zhou Ming said.

Zhou Ming's words seemed light-hearted, but they carried a weight that Yang Dingguo and Du Zhongyuan could not ignore.

Du Zhongyuan slammed the table and said angrily, "Nonsense! Yang Lao is a pillar of the state and should prioritize stabilizing the central government. How can you casually suggest he go out? And considering Yang Lao's age, it's not suitable for him to travel across the country. Do you think this is as simple as walking from Zhongnanhai to the Great Hall? Do you think Yang Lao would discuss textile business at this time? You're speaking without thinking!"

Despite Du Zhongyuan's scolding, Zhou Ming remained firm, "Chairman Du, I don't see it that way. Reform and opening up have had a tremendous impact on the country and people's lives. The changes in cities undergoing reform and opening up can't be seen just from reports in the office; you must go out and see for yourself."

"Stop making excuses, Zhou Ming!" Du Zhongyuan suddenly stood up and shouted, "Are you criticizing the central government's work style? Are you accusing the central government of bureaucratism?"

Du Zhongyuan's words hit Zhou Ming like a heavy blow, leaving him gasping. Next to him, Du Peng kept tugging at Zhou Ming's sleeve, trying to get him to stop talking, but Zhou Ming, seemingly undeterred, gritted his teeth and said, "Chairman Du, I'm not criticizing the central government's work, nor am I accusing anyone of bureaucratism. I'm just discussing the matter at hand, believing that for reform and opening up to continue, Yang Lao must go out and see for himself."

This time, Du Zhongyuan didn't respond but stared coldly at Zhou Ming, making the room feel icy. Zhou Ming and Du Peng could feel the temperature drop, and they were shivering.

Even so, Zhou Ming stood tall and faced the nominal head of state, which only heightened the tension in the room.

After what felt like an eternity, Yang Dingguo finally moved. Ignoring the tense atmosphere, he casually took out a cigarette and lit it. The sound of the lighter made everyone turn to look at him.

Yang Dingguo smiled and asked Du Zhongyuan, "Comrade Zhongyuan, do you believe me now?"

Du Zhongyuan's stern expression relaxed into a smile, and he shook his head, "It seems Yang Lao understands this young man better. He's grasped his thoughts accurately."

With Yang Dingguo and Du Zhongyuan smiling, the previously frigid atmosphere in the room thawed. However, Zhou Ming and Du Peng were still stunned, unable to understand why these two senior statesmen had suddenly changed their demeanor.

Du Zhongyuan returned to his seat and told Zhou Ming, "You don't need to look at us with such big eyes. Actually, before you arrived, Yang Lao and I had already discussed how to handle the current situation. Yang Lao himself agreed that going out to see things from a non-leadership perspective, as an ordinary party member, would be beneficial."

Despite all his mental preparations, Zhou Ming couldn't help but be amazed when he heard this. History often seemed astonishingly similar.

Zhou Ming recalled that in his previous life, a similar situation had occurred when conservative forces attempted to deny the achievements of reform and opening up. Yang Lao had then made a nationwide tour, which had clarified the direction of reform and led to rapid economic development.

This southern tour marked a crucial turning point in history. No one who experienced it would forget such a major historical event.

Zhou Ming wasn't an exception. He vividly remembered how his own business and local conditions had significantly changed after that southern tour. Therefore, his first reaction when learning of the central government's action against the Tan family and the rise of conservative forces was to hope for Yang Lao to conduct a similar tour.

Zhou Ming had not expected that Yang Lao and Du Zhongyuan had already discussed this. In his memory, the southern tour had been delayed by three years.

But it was understandable. Yang Lao was not an ordinary person; he wouldn't have overlooked these things. The three-year delay didn't mean Yang Lao hadn't considered it three years earlier.

This time, Zhou Ming's appearance had altered many things from the previous trajectory. Some conspiracies had been thwarted, and scandals had occurred earlier. The Tan family had been dealt with before it fully formed, making it easier for Yang Lao to act decisively.

However, Zhou Ming was surprised by Yang Lao and Du Zhongyuan, but they were equally surprised by him.

Perhaps to Zhou Ming, Yang Lao's southern tour was an inevitable major event from his memories, but to Yang Lao and Du Zhongyuan, it was a decision made after careful consideration of the central and national situations. Zhou Ming's ability to pinpoint the critical aspect of the matter amazed them.

Among those present, Du Peng might have been the most relaxed, despite his revolutionary background and insights. Without knowledge of the central government's intricate matters, it was difficult for him to fully grasp the significance of the southern tour.

At this moment, Du Peng felt a sense of relief as the pressure on his shoulders lifted. He finally took a deep breath.

Then, Du Peng felt a sticky sensation on his back and realized he was drenched in cold sweat.

He glanced at Zhou Ming and saw his calm demeanor. In his heart, he marveled at Zhou Ming's audacity. While he felt like he was suffocating, Zhou Ming dared to argue with the elder statesman. He couldn't imagine how Zhou Ming was able to handle it.

Yet, Zhou Ming's ability to casually mention Yang Lao and Chairman Du's plans was remarkable. If he didn't have this capability, he wouldn't have achieved such a remarkable feat.

Everyone in the room had their own thoughts. Zhou Ming sighed, with a pained expression, "So Yang Lao and Chairman Du already had a plan. What did you call me here for?"

This made Du Zhongyuan scold him again, "You've caused a big mess for the central government. Is it not enough that we scold you?"

Zhou Ming quickly raised his hands in a surrender gesture, "Chairman Du, I don't dare to say that. I just don't understand why you called me here so urgently if you already had a plan?"

Zhou Ming's question was reasonable. No matter how confident he was, he didn't naïvely believe that Yang Lao and Chairman Du were seeking his advice.

Firstly, this was a major issue concerning the country's future. What could the opinion of a twenty-something young man be worth? Secondly, Yang Lao and Chairman Du were top leaders with unparalleled vision, methods, and decision-making abilities. They could make decisions among themselves without needing the opinion of a young man. This wasn't a child's game.

But Zhou Ming didn't know that, in reality, his opinion carried significant weight with the two elderly leaders.

Du Zhongyuan had acted so sternly earlier to elicit Zhou Ming's true thoughts, to extract his genuine views. Before, the southern tour was merely a private discussion between Yang Dingguo and Du Zhongyuan. It was Zhou Ming's remarks that had solidified their decision.

Fortunately, Zhou Ming was unaware. If he knew, even with his excellent psychological qualities, he would have been elated. But he didn't realize there was even more astonishing news ahead.

Hearing Zhou Ming's question, Du Zhongyuan's expression grew serious. He said, "Actually, we have an important task for you. Tell me, did you set up a township industrial park in your hometown?"

Zhou Ming nodded, and Du Zhongyuan continued, "I know it was temporarily halted for some reasons, but Yang Lao and I are very interested in your development model. We hope you can resume and develop the township industrial park project after you return. We've already made arrangements in Jingchu."

Du Zhongyuan's words made Zhou Ming immediately realize something astounding.