"Old leader, Zhang Hao seems to be deeply involved with the big financial groups in Europa. Coupled with his frequent actions recently, he seems to be getting more and more out of control..."
Fan Zhenxiang expressed his concerns.
Ji Zhangqiu immediately comforted him: "Actually, this is normal. He is a big capitalist himself, and it is expected that he would prefer those big consortiums. Didn't we elect him to the position in the first place just to win over the Europeans?"
"But what if he..."
"what are you worried about?"
"Old leader, I'm not being alarmist. After all, Zhang Hao is not the same as us. If he has second thoughts, the consequences will be endless. We should take precautions early."
Fan Zhenxiang's words are sincere and sincere.
Ji Zhangqiu frowned and said bluntly: "Is the Secret Service thing irritating you?"
Fan Zhenxiang nodded: "It's true. I originally thought that he was not interested in power, or that he was willing to cooperate with us. Now it seems that he has obviously miscalculated."
"It's not that serious. As long as you sit in that position, you will have some thoughts. This is human nature. There is no need to worry too much.
Judging from the current situation, Zhang Hao should not have such big ambitions, everything is under our control, and the Secret Service itself is under the jurisdiction of the Consul's Mansion, so it is understandable that he wants to replace it with one of his own, so don't think too much about it."
Ji Zhangqiu patiently advised.
Fan Zhenxiang still did not give up his concerns: "Old leader, things are not that simple. We originally wanted to temporarily kick him out of the center of power through a global inspection. Now looking back, this is definitely a stupid move."
"Oh? How do you say that?" Ji Zhangqiu asked curiously.
"Sigh, Zhang Hao was originally a political amateur, and his foundation in the political world is very shallow. It can even be said that he has no foundation at all. Even if he is kept in the center, he may not be able to achieve anything.
But after more than a year of traveling around the world, I found that he has established quite a foundation overseas, especially being very close to the navy, which is a headache."
Fan Zhenxiang said worriedly.
If the navy completely turns to the consul, it will quickly change the current political situation and have far-reaching consequences.
Ji Zhangqiu let out a long sigh, and then said with a serious face: "Old Fan, this is indeed due to my lack of consideration. To be honest, this global expedition does more good than harm to Zhang Hao.
But the matter is now over, and it’s too late to regret. I hope you can adjust your mentality in time and stop treating him as a puppet or a competitor."
"Old leader, what do you mean?"
Fan Zhenxiang couldn't help being surprised.
"Zhang Hao is the federal governor after all, and we must give him the minimum respect." Ji Zhangqiu paused, and then said earnestly: "We have all underestimated the power of capital. Zhang Hao has become a trend. I hope..."
Fan Zhenxiang directly interrupted: "Old leader, what do you mean by this, I don't understand?"
"In the past year, I have thought a lot..."
Ji Zhangqiu picked up the teapot and took a sip of tea.
Fan Zhenxiang did not interrupt the other party, but pretended to ask for advice humbly.
Ji Zhangqiu continued: "The current situation is no better than ten years ago. On the contrary, the situation is getting worse. To be honest, I am pessimistic about the future."
"Old leader..."
"Listen to me." Ji Zhangqiu waved his hand, "Under such a severe situation, the most important thing we should do now is to unite all the forces that can be united to overcome the difficulties together, and avoid fighting for power and gain, or even falling into endless internal friction."
"Old leader, why is this happening?"
Fan Zhenxiang's eyes widened.
Ji Zhangqiu sighed deeply: "A person's energy is limited. Just a state-owned enterprise reform takes up too much of your energy. This is not acceptable."
The old man took a breath and solemnly warned:
"Lao Fan, you need a helper, and Zhang Hao is the most suitable candidate."
Fan Zhenxiang fell into deep thought for a moment, and it was not until more than ten minutes passed that he slowly nodded.
When Ji Zhangqiu saw this, he couldn't help but breathed a sigh of relief.
Then he reached out and patted the other party's shoulder, and immediately promised: "Lao Fan, if the situation does not fundamentally improve in the next few years, I will push Congress to amend the constitution, clear both of your terms, and allow you to make an exception and be re-elected for two more terms.
.”
Fan Zhenxiang was immediately delighted: "Will this work?"
"Why not? There have been cases in history."
Ji Zhangqiu said with confidence.
During the federal civil war, the then consul served three consecutive terms until the end of the civil war.
"This this……"
"Okay, when Zhang Hao comes back, I will find an opportunity to have a good chat with him. We are all our own people. There is no need to fight. If you have any problems, you can talk about it."
"I see."
Fan Zhenxiang was finally convinced.
…
After Fan Zhenxiang left, Xia Congwen came one after another.
Ji Zhangqiu was a little surprised: "Lao Xia, you haven't been here for a long time. If I remember correctly, the last time we met was during the Dragon Boat Festival, right?"
"With the consul away, everything is weighing on me and I can't escape at all."
Xia Congwen looked very casual.
After all, the two have been partners for decades.
"Haha, the outside world is spreading rumors that you are the shadow consul. It seems that this statement is true!"
Ji Zhangqiu's half-truth and half-false way.
Xia Congwen spread his hands and said: "Old man, we are wise people and don't tell secrets. If you want to be the shadow consul, it should be Dean Fan. What kind of shadow consul am I? You think too highly of me.
"
"What? Are you dissatisfied with the current situation?" Ji Zhangqiu asked casually.
"That's not true." Xia Congwen shook his head, "I won't hide it from you. It was me who suggested the Secret Service matter. On the contrary, the consul was afraid of causing misunderstandings and has been hesitant."
"Yeah?"
Ji Zhangqiu chuckled and showed an expression that said, "Guess I believe it or not?"
Xia Congwen didn't explain much and immediately changed the topic: "I just saw Dean Fan's car at the door. Did he come here to complain?"
"What? Are you two having a conflict?"
"No, no, I'm mainly afraid that Dean Fan will be deceived by villains and do things that will hurt his relatives and make his enemies happy."
Xia Congwen shook his head repeatedly.
Ji Zhangqiu poured a cup of tea for his old friend and asked casually: "Tell me, what do you want from me?"
"Didn't Director Lu of the Secret Service resign? The Consul intends to let the current captain of Marine One, Li Weiting, take over. However, the Navy Department is unwilling to let him go, so I would like to ask you to say hello."
Xia Congwen replied.
In fact, the so-called "Admiralty will not release the person" is just an excuse. The main purpose is to take the opportunity to test the other party's attitude to avoid embarrassment.
Ji Zhangqiu said without hesitation: "Okay, I'll call you later and ask, but as a retiree, the Navy may not be willing to listen to me."
"Old man, stop joking."
Xia Congwen said with a half-smile.
"That's not certain. I heard that Zhang Hao is very close to the Admiralty. Besides, isn't it the most normal thing for people to leave and have tea? Is there anything strange about it?"
Ji Zhangqiu expressed his dissatisfaction slightly.
Xia Congwen quickly explained: "You have misunderstood. The consul has absolutely no intention of getting involved in military power. The reason why he chose Li Weiting is because..."
"You don't need to explain it. No matter what the reason is, this matter has nothing to do with me. Besides, the consul is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. There is nothing to avoid."
Ji Zhangqiu said casually.
Xia Congwen pursed his lips and felt a little entangled in his heart. It seemed that military power was the old guy's bottom line. He needed to pay attention to it in the future to avoid misunderstandings.
After Ji Zhangqiu's slap, he needed to give another date to comfort him, so he talked about extending his term.
Xia Congwen perked up: "Is this true?"
"Of course, things are difficult and people are distracted. In order to cope with the increasingly severe survival crisis and to maintain the continuity of policies, it is very necessary to extend the term.
Apart from anything else, Project 925 is our last trump card and cannot be interrupted no matter what. I am afraid that if someone else comes to power, there will be variables."
Ji Zhangqiu patiently explained.
Xia Congwen said in surprise: "I don't understand. If you have this idea, old man, why did you retire last year? Why bother?"
"Well, I didn't want to tell you at first, but since you asked, I won't hide it from you." Ji Zhangqiu paused for a moment, and then said slowly: "I suffered from lymphoma three years ago.
Morning, no one will die, but it will definitely be impossible to continue working."
"What? Is it serious?"
Xia Congwen quickly expressed concern.
"I just had an operation last year and I'm almost healed. I should be able to survive for another ten years."
"No wonder you didn't show up for a while last year. I thought you were deliberately avoiding suspicion? I didn't expect..." Xia Congwen said with great realization.
At the same time, he couldn't help feeling a little regretful. If he had known this, he should have encouraged the consul to seize power. After all, no one would be loyal to a "cancer patient."
"The tree falls and the hozen scatters" is the most normal result.
Ji Zhangqiu casually touched his white hair and couldn't help but sigh: "You can see what I'm like now. If I want to live for two more years, I have no choice but to retire."
"Actually, it doesn't matter if you step back. You usually work too hard and your body will collapse sooner or later."
Xia Congwen immediately echoed.
"That's true, but Zhang Hao and Fan Zhenxiang are still young. They will definitely be able to work for another ten years."
Ji Zhangqiu showed a hint of envy unconsciously.
When choosing his successor, he specifically selected two young candidates, especially Zhang Hao, who was only in his early forties and could have served for five or six years.
Xia Congwen smiled bitterly: "I'm definitely not going to make it anymore. At most, I will retire after this term."
"How can one term work? At least two terms. Zhang Hao can't live without you now."
"I will try my best!"
…
Time flies quickly, and a week passed quickly.
As the Europe-Africa Summit is about to be held, Libeauville has gathered a large number of European political and business celebrities.
Zhang Hao was not idle either. He took the time to meet with the heads of several large financial groups. The two parties were ready to have an honest exchange. After all, some things cannot be avoided.
As the host, Governor Colin helped introduce: "Consul, this is John Morgan, the current patriarch of the Morgan family, and also the chairman of the Morgan-Reuben Group."
"Mr. Morgan, I have long admired you!"
Zhang Hao reached out and shook hands with the other party.
Chairman Morgan had a smile on his face: "Consul, we have all heard about the relocation of the headquarters. Thank you for helping us get a better plan."
"You're welcome. In fact, what I can do is very limited. After all, there is a real Lafayette above."
Zhang Hao pointed at the top of his head.
"It's already very good. If Fan Zhenxiang is allowed to do whatever he wants, we may not even have a chance of winning."
Mr. Morgan shook his head slightly.
Zhang Hao shrugged and explained helpfully: "Actually, I can't blame Dean Fan entirely. The central government is currently carrying out the reform of state-owned enterprises, and it is true that it is unable to do its job well."
"When it comes to the reform of state-owned enterprises, President Fan is indeed very courageous and admirable!"
Mr. Morgan immediately changed his attitude.
Because the reform of state-owned enterprises is equivalent to loosening the reins of private enterprises, of course they support it with both hands.
Governor Colin continued to introduce: "Consul, this is Mr. Bernard Arnault, the chairman of LVMH Group."
"Mr. Arnault, long time no see!"
This is an old acquaintance of Zhang Hao.
The first time the two of them interacted was about ten years ago. Shuguang Company recruited a lot of talents from Europa, and finally took advantage of each other's yacht to return to the mainland.
Later, Mr. Arnault sold the yacht and settled in Zhucheng, the capital, and the two quickly became friends.
Later, with the boom in the development of oil fields in the Middle East, Mr. Arnault made a comeback and became a famous new energy tycoon.
However, since the Middle East oil fields were nationalized, I haven’t heard of any new actions from the other side.
Mr. Arnault hugged Zhang Hao and kissed him on each cheek:
"Zhang, the world is changing so fast. I never thought that when we meet again, you would already be a consul."
"I only got this position by chance. You must have heard that I, as a consul, am a big parallel importer and am controlled by others. Sometimes I think about it, I might as well go home and do my business honestly."
Zhang Hao joked to himself.
Mr. Arnault waved his hands repeatedly: "Zhang, you can't give up on yourself. To use your Oriental saying, everything is difficult at the beginning. With our support, you can go ahead and do it! Ji Zhangqiu and Fan Zhenxiang will never keep suppressing you."
"I'll lend you some good words!"
Zhang Hao pretended to be excited.
The two of them only have a cooperative relationship, and he is stupid enough to help the other party deal with his own people.
Governor Colin stood up again, pointed to a middle-aged woman and introduced: "Consul, this is Ms. Olivia de Rothschild, the current head of the Rothschild family. Their family is
Europa has centuries of history.”
"Miss Rothschild, nice to meet you!" Zhang Hao gave a kiss on the hand.
This man looked to be only in his thirties, but he didn't expect that he was already the head of the family, and he was also the famous Rothschild family.
Speaking of which, although the Rothschild family is not as exaggerated as the self-media said, it is indeed a powerful and powerful conglomerate with profound foundations that should not be underestimated.
"Archon, you look more handsome and younger than on TV."