“Yes, Secretary Parker, I understand. But I believe that only a team of qualified cadres with firm faith is the foundation of everything. This must never be neglected at any time. If we ignore this work now, in the future we may have to spend a hundred or even a thousand times more effort and cost to reverse the situation, and it still might not be effective. Once a new vested interest group is formed, it becomes extremely difficult to shake. Especially if we rely on a small portion of this group to sway and change the views of the majority, asking them to give up their acquired interests—it becomes even more challenging. The building and supervision of the cadre team is always the top priority. To govern the country, one must first govern the officials!”

Henry Foster said slowly.

Mason Parker was truly shocked.

To govern the country, one must first govern the officials!

An eternal truth.

He never expected these words to come from Henry Foster’s mouth.

In that instant, Mason Parker even felt a sense of “monstrosity.”

“So, you really came here to give me a lesson?”

After a long pause, Mason Parker finally spoke, a bitter smile flashing across his face. He suddenly realized that he was actually a bit moved by Henry Foster.

“Secretary Parker, why can’t political ideologies merge and complement each other? Why must it always be either-or? Struggle is to find the right direction, to better carry out our work. Mutual integration and learning can achieve the same goal.”

As Henry Foster said this, he hesitated slightly, then showed a look of determination.

“Secretary Parker, forgive my arrogance. In times of political instability, principles must of course be upheld. But the greatest principle is to protect oneself. As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn. The great leader once taught us: ‘If the people survive but the land is lost, both can be recovered; if the land survives but the people are lost, both are lost.’ Please, Secretary Parker, think carefully!”

If you get “taken out,” no matter how many principles or ideals you have, it’s all for nothing!

Mason Parker’s eyes widened in an instant.

A monster!

This time, he truly felt it.

Henry Foster was actually hinting that there might be major changes in the upper echelons of the political scene.

Such boldness!

“So, this really is your own idea?”

“Yes!”

Henry Foster answered without hesitation.

“Secretary Parker, politics is essentially a war without gunpowder. To keep fighting after repeated defeats is the exception, not the rule. Life is short.”

You’re already forty-six. Have you forgotten your experience at the Fanzhuang Cadre School those years ago? If it happens again, are you sure you’ll get another chance to make a comeback?

Henry Foster was certain that he had made himself clear enough.

How Mason Parker chose was not up to him.

He could only do his best.

Just as Mason Parker was about to speak, the red secure phone on the desk rang again.

Before Mason Parker could say anything, Henry Foster gave a slight bow and withdrew. Watching Henry Foster’s tall and upright figure, Mason Parker was momentarily lost in thought. A few seconds later, he reached out and picked up the receiver.

“Hello, this is Mason Parker.”

“Hehe, comrade Mason, hello.”

On the other end of the line came a slightly aged but commanding voice.

“Secretary Rowe, hello!”

Mason Parker couldn’t help but straighten up.

On the other end was none other than the Party Secretary of Qingshan Province, George Rowe.

For George Rowe to personally call Mason Parker at this moment, the meaning was self-evident.

“Comrade Mason, I just read your article. Very good, very insightful. The arguments are solid, the logic is rigorous, and most importantly, the overall direction is correct and the central idea is clear. Excellent!”

George Rowe said with a smile, giving Mason Parker high praise without reservation.

Mason Parker couldn’t help but give a wry smile.

The article revised by Henry Foster, just as Ethan Ray had said, was almost a deep elaboration of the spirit of George Rowe’s recent speech at the provincial party committee secretaries’ meeting, with a thorough understanding of its essence.

No wonder Ethan Ray was furious.

To Ethan Ray, this was a blatant betrayal by Mason Parker.

For a moment, Mason Parker didn’t know what to say.

“Comrade Mason, as a leading Party cadre, you should have this spirit of seeking truth from facts and being down-to-earth. Your article is very well written and right on point. I’ve already asked comrades from the provincial propaganda department to recommend it to ‘Masses Daily’ and ‘Horn’ magazine. If necessary, you may need to go to the capital in person to explain your views face-to-face to the responsible comrades at the newspaper and Party journal.”

George Rowe said slowly, his tone leaving no room for doubt.

It seemed that every word he spoke was an order that Mason Parker had to obey.

Mason Parker took a deep breath.

After all, George Rowe was the provincial Party secretary—his political maneuvering was masterful, leaving no time to breathe or chance to “struggle.”

Once this article appeared in ‘Masses Daily’ or ‘Horn’ magazine, Mason Parker would have no way out. Although his position wasn’t that high, his influence in the province was considerable, and he was seen as one of Ethan Ray’s most capable lieutenants. George Rowe personally calling him was precisely because of his reputation as a “theory master.”