Mentioning Old Master Yang brings to mind a formidable figure. In his youth, he had repeatedly ventured onto the battlefield, where his extraordinary courage and ruthless decisiveness in combat earned him numerous honors and a reputation that once commanded great respect. Had he remained in the military, he surely would have become one of the most prestigious generals in the ranks.
However, Old Master Yang refused. He resolutely declared that he wished to return to his hometown to do meaningful work for his fellow villagers, a gesture that garnered much praise at the time. Upon returning home, he was immediately appointed to important positions. Thanks to his exceptional ability and shrewd tactics, he occupied the seat of County Party Secretary within six months. Any obstacles that stood in the way of his ascent were swiftly sent away, and for a time, no one in the county was unaware of his iron-fisted methods.
Within just a few years, Old Master Yang had navigated the social circles with ease, building a web of power by befriending key figures in both political and business spheres. If not for the sudden and severe flare-up of an old ailment, he would not have retired so early. Otherwise, one dare not imagine what kind of massive power structure he might have built in Qingshan County, given his capability and ambition. After all, when he returned, he had come with the intention of "reigning supreme"—to be a local emperor in this land and become an authority whose word was …
Chapter 75