The outcome was already decided.
The bitterness in Yang Gang, the County Party Secretary of Yanbei, was beyond measure. He was reluctant and had much to argue, but with the City Party Secretary setting the tone, they had no room to alter the decision. The matter had no way of being reversed, so Yang Gang could only take his people down the mountain in defeat, helping the injured officers who had been beaten, carrying the equipment brought up just an hour ago for excavating the ancient tomb. Every face was as gray as ash, like a stray dog walking down the mountain.
This time, Yanbei County suffered losses—their efforts ended in vain. They had hoped to use the tension between the city and Jiaolin County to grab the ancient tomb group under their name and gain political achievements. Still, they were beaten badly by Dong Xuebing’s people as soon as they arrived. Finally, the ancient tomb was still approved for Jiaolin County. Yanbei County lost face and gained over a dozen injured, not gained any benefits. It would be hard for them to feel comfortable.
“It serves them right.”
“Finally, they’ve left.”
“This bunch, they just had it coming.”
“They destroyed our stuff, and now they’re quiet, huh?”
The workers from Jiaolin County were very satisfied, talking in low voices.
But Dong Xuebing’s words still carried weight. At this moment, in Jiaolin County, Dong Xuebing was a dominant figure with near-absolute authority. The people below respected him.
Su Yan immediately arranged for people to go down to help.
Jiaolin County sent out five or six people to assist Yanbei County.
Even the people from the city noticed Jiaolin County’s actions. They glanced at Dong Xuebing’s face with some surprise.
Could Dong Xuebing help them?
Those who knew him understood—this guy wasn’t a warm-hearted person.
But Dong Xuebing still did it, displaying incredible generosity and leadership. This made it evident that Dong Xuebing was no longer that impulsive youth. He had matured, despite likely still harboring his own emotions and thoughts. At least he could keep up appearances now, leaving no room for anyone to criticize him.
“What are you doing?”
“You don’t need to help.”
“Stay away. We can walk on our own.”
“I said, don’t touch us. Do you hear?”
Angry voices from Yanbei County could be heard from the lower part of the mountain. It seemed they didn’t appreciate the help at all. Instead of accepting Jiaolin County’s goodwill, they rebuffed them with harsh words.
Finally, the people from Jiaolin County who went to help returned, looking miserable. “Secretary, they…”
Dong Xuebing said, “I heard. Just go down with them. If they need help somewhere, help them. After sending them down the mountain, come back. After all, these people are our comrades. Regardless of any misunderstanding, we still have to take responsibility.”
Those few people were very reluctant, thinking, why help them when they were biting the hand that offered? But they would obey Dong Xuebing’s orders. They went back once again.
Su Yan also looked on, rather impressed with Secretary Dong.
With a smile, Chu Laozi turned to Mu Zhengzhong and said, “This Xiao Dong, Secretary.” He then gave a thumbs-up.
The leaders from the city saw and heard it all clearly, and couldn’t help but shake their heads slightly. Compared to Jiaolin County’s style, Yanbei County seemed a bit petty. Emotions could be understood, but the overall situation was clear—Yanbei County lost out to Jiaolin County the entire time. More accurately, Yang Gang lost to Dong Xuebing.
Regardless of anything else, this was a very shrewd person.
Being so young and already in this position was certainly not a coincidence.
It was already eleven-thirty.
Qian Litao and the leaders from the city had inspected nearly everything and were ready to head down the mountain. So Dong Xuebing invited Mu Zhengzhong and the other two teachers, Zhang Dongfang and a few Jiaolin County officials, to accompany the leaders down the mountain for a meal. Having the leaders come from afar only to head back again wouldn’t be proper. Hospitality was a must. The teachers also had been busy since yesterday; they came early this morning, went up the mountain before dawn, and hadn’t had a proper hot meal. Dong Xuebing had to make the arrangements warmly. The only ones left on the mountain were some Jiaolin County cultural relic protection team staff and a dozen provincial cultural department personnel arranged by Xiao Dongnan, who would also be stationed on Qingluan Mountain from today. Xiao Dongnan himself, along with several provincial cultural bureau officials, ate with them.
The group gradually made its way down the mountain.
The cellphone signal was strong again as they neared the mountain’s base.
Busy people were always busy; there were many things to attend to. The phone or messages buzzed incessantly, with the leaders answering calls or texts as they walked down.
Dong Xuebing was discussing where to have the meal with Zhang Dongfang. After all, this was a joyous occasion—the successful acquisition of the ancient tomb. Everyone was in a good mood today and wanted a proper meal. With so many leaders and essential figures present, the meal couldn’t be lavish.
Just as he was saying this, Dong Xuebing’s phone rang. He quickly told Zhang Dongfang about the restaurant arrangements and then took the call. “Mom.”
On the other end was Luan Xiaoping’s call. “Son, what are you up to?”
“I’m busy, Mom. Anything you need? Otherwise, let’s talk later,” Dong Xuebing said.
Luan Xiaoping laughed. “Of course I do. I tried calling you for a while, but there was no signal.”
Dong Xuebing sighed, “I’m on the mountain, just came down. What’s up?”
Luan Xiaoping said, “Did your in-laws talk to you? Hui Lan’s mother insists that our family take the lead and organize a big celebration. They’re planning a hundred-day banquet for Xiao Dong. The time’s already set for this Saturday. I’m calling to let you know. You need to come to Beijing this Friday. Don’t worry about anything else. Your mother-in-law knows you’re busy, so we’ll handle the rest.”
Dong Xuebing clicked his tongue. “Why bother with all that? It’s such a hassle. If it’s too much, you all can handle it. I won’t go.”
“What hassle? You didn’t do a full month celebration, so a hundred days is necessary. It’s a custom,” Luan Xiaoping huffed. “If you don’t come, what kind of father are you for not being there for your son’s hundred-day celebration?”
“I’m busy; I can’t get away.”
“Don’t care, you have to come back.”
“Fine, fine, I’ll try.”