The Official Ladder: I ascend to the pinnacle of power, wielding the power of life and death.

"Mayor Wei is fond of calligraphy. He writes a few pieces of calligraphy whenever he has free time to practice. Many people want to ask him for a piece of calligraphy, but none of them have succeeded."

"But you're lucky. You didn't even have to ask. Mayor Wei gave you one on his own initiative. I bet those officials will be green with envy when they find out."

Have you thought about how to use this calligraphy?

"If you frame this calligraphy and hang it in your office, many people will treat you with more respect and it will attract more attention."

"I want to hang it in my bedroom to constantly remind myself."

Jiang Yiming said.

Ma Qiyun nodded and said, "It's good that you think that way. I also don't agree with you hanging Mayor Wei's calligraphy in your office."

"Secretary, is there any explanation for this?"

Jiang Yiming humbly asked for advice.

"Mayor Wei is a very pragmatic person and doesn't like people who are ambitious and eager for quick success. Naturally, he also doesn't like subordinates who are ostentatious. I think this is both an encouragement and a test for you. If you publicize this calligraphy everywhere and hang it in your office in a grand manner, it will be like you are using someone else's power to intimidate him. If he finds out, he will definitely be unhappy. You will lose all respect in his eyes."

"Thank you for the reminder, Secretary. I will pay attention."

Jiang Yiming said earnestly.

"I don't need to tell you, you probably already understand."

Ma Qiyun laughed and said, "Your quick thinking in the office just now was quite good; you got me out of that predicament in time."

"It's still early. I have some personal business to take care of. You can find a suitable place to have dinner tonight."

"Yes, Secretary, I'll go find it right now and report back to you as soon as I find the location."

Instead of asking around, Jiang Yiming called Du Hongyuan directly.

After all, the people attending this dinner party today are all of high status, and the seating arrangement is a matter that is neither too big nor too small.

If it's arranged well, that's fine; but if it's not arranged well, that's a big problem.

Comrade Du is a tycoon with a net worth of nearly ten million, and he must know the hotels in Yiyang City like the back of his hand.

"Brother Du, are you at the company? I've arrived in the city and I'd like to pay you a visit."

“I’m out, but now that Brother Jiang is here, I’ll put aside even the most important things. Here’s what we’ll do: you know where the company is, go over there first, and I’ll arrange for someone to meet you. I’ll head back now, and I should be there in about half an hour.”

"Okay, see you later."

Jiang Yiming called Jiang Yongchen and asked him to come pick him up.

More than ten minutes later, Jiang Yongchen drove up with Sun Jun.

"Brother Yiming."

Sun Jun smiled憨厚ly.

"Xiao Jun, did Brother Chen tell you everything?"

“He told me he wanted me to drive for your uncle and you.”

Sun Jun said, "My dad and the others are very happy and want me to work hard with you."

What are your own thoughts?

"I want to work with you guys too."

Sun Jun said, "I will do my best."

"it is good."

Jiang Yiming nodded and said to Jiang Yongchen, "Fifth Brother, let's go to Hongyuan Publishing House first."

"it is good."

When the car arrived at the company, a young woman with a good figure and wearing a business suit walked over.

"Hello, is this Mr. Jiang Yiming?"

"Yes."

Jiang Yiming said, "Did President Du Hongyuan send you to meet us?"

"Yes, I am Mr. Du's secretary, Xiao Li. You can just call me Xiao Li."

The young woman said, "Please come with me to Mr. Du's office."

Jiang Yiming nodded and had Jiang Yongchen and the other man carry two cases of special-supply liquor and two cartons of Zhonghua cigarettes.

"Please enjoy your meal."

After the pretty secretary poured tea for the three of them, she left.

Not long after, Du Hongyuan returned.

"I'm sorry to have kept you all waiting."

Du Hongyuan laughed and said, "Brother Jiang, you didn't even call ahead before you came to the city. I would have been waiting for you at the company."

"I left in a hurry and didn't have time to call."

Jiang Yiming said, "Brother Du, let's get down to business first. Can you recommend a place to eat? Our county secretary and leaders from municipal departments are getting together tonight."

"Yala Private Kitchen, Yunqinzuo, and Wankai are high-end hotels with elegant environments and delicious food. The only drawback is that they are expensive."

Du Hongyuan said, "I have the contact information for all three hotels. You can choose one, and I'll call you to reserve a private room in advance."

"Then let's have Ya Lai's Private Kitchen. Could you also recommend a few of their signature dishes?"

Jiang Yiming thought for a moment and then said.

"Okay, I'll call them and let them know."

Du Hongyuan took out his phone and called the owner of Yalai Private Kitchen.

After hanging up the phone, he laughed and said, "The private room is 777. The food will be served around six o'clock. I've already ordered a few of the signature dishes for you. You can order the rest yourself."

"Thank you, Brother Du. I'll report to our Party Secretary first."

After Jiang Yiming went outside, he reported his location to Ma Qiyun.

Ma Qiyun personally called to invite the guests to dinner that evening.

"Is it done?"

Upon seeing Jiang Yiming return, Du Hongyuan laughed and said, "It's not easy being an official like you. Although you may be powerful in front of your subordinates, you have to act like a grandson when you encounter someone with a higher rank."

"Brother Du, you really know how to describe things."

Jiang Yiming rolled his eyes and said, "I'm having lunch with some old friends, mainly people from the health system. Are you free?"

"I'd better not go. After all, you are all officials. If I, an ordinary citizen, go, I'll have to serve you like a grandson."

Du Hongyuan pointed to the wine and cigarettes and laughed, "You're already here, why are you being so polite by bringing me things?"

"Here's a new special edition wine for you to try."

Jiang Yiming said, "There's a case that's a mix, containing three different kinds of liquor. Take some time these next couple of days to bring your buddies to try them and see if you have any suggestions."

"They even made three kinds of special-supply liquor?"

Du Hongyuan opened the mixed box and saw that the three bottles of liquor were gold, silver, and bronze respectively. He laughed and said, "You didn't actually classify them as gold liquor, silver liquor, and bronze liquor, did you?"

"Brother Du, you were right."

Jiang Yiming laughed and said, "When I was helping the leaders with their receptions, I noticed that no matter how big or small the leader was, they all used the same special-supply liquor. This doesn't show how important the leader is."

"So I suggested to Fifth Brother that he divide the special supply liquor into different levels, for example, different levels of leaders drink different liquors."

"Fifth Brother produced three varieties of liquor: gold, silver, and bronze, with differences in alcohol content and taste. He also labeled the liquor boxes as 'for use by leaders at the division level and above,' 'for use by leaders at the department level and above,' and 'for use by leaders at the ministerial level.'"

"This method is good. It highlights the difference and makes the leader feel more dignified."

Du Hongyuan asked doubtfully, "But most of the cadres in your county are below the section level, and your lowest grade is labeled as special supply for leaders at the division level and above. Does that mean they are not worthy of drinking special supply liquor?"