Qi Tongwei: Sign-in relationship started during student days

Chapter 1008 The Power of the Xia Family

As people grow older, they often can't help but look back on the past, both as a remembrance of their youth and as a tribute to that glorious era.

Xia Guangwu was no exception.

He often remarked on the extraordinary and eventful nature of his life.

He came from a poor family and joined the Red Star Party with his younger brother to participate in the revolution.

Amidst gunfire and trials of war, it witnessed the birth of a great nation.

Moreover, and very fortunately, he also became one of the masters of this country.

Now that he is in his twilight years, his lofty ambitions have not diminished in the slightest, only now they are tinged with selfishness.

A selfish desire to pave the way for future generations.

However, this selfish desire often lingered in his heart, like a fishbone stuck in his throat.

He lived through that era and witnessed the greatness and brilliance of several pioneers.

He admired this, and in his early years, he even followed in the footsteps of those who had pioneered this path, dedicating their lives selflessly to the country.

However, as time went by, his belief became less firm.

To seal the wolf's lair and bring blessings to future generations.

Isn't this the most basic wish of every ordinary person since ancient times?

He's just like most people these days.

Moreover, dedication and benefiting future generations are not contradictory.

Having grasped this concept, Xia Guangwu felt a little more at ease. With a slight flick of his wrist, the brush moved across the rice paper like a dragon or snake.

Two powerful characters leap off the page.

"nation!"

As soon as the characters were finished, the three juniors who had been standing quietly beside him immediately clapped and praised them.

“Uncle, your calligraphy is becoming more and more masterful!” a young man said first. “‘Nation’, what a wonderful word! What wonderful calligraphy! It has profound meaning and is full of spirit. Your work can be called a masterpiece in this world.”

“That’s right, Grandpa’s calligraphy is getting more and more powerful!” A bright-eyed girl next to him chimed in, “Every stroke seems to contain boundless power, giving people a strong sense of awe.”

“Yes, Uncle’s calligraphy is full of spirit and charm, and has become a style of its own.” The last middle-aged man nodded in agreement.

Xia Guangwu put down his pen and laughed, "You little devils, stop flattering me. I'm not buying it."

The girl said sweetly, "Grandpa, we're not flattering you at all. If you don't believe us, take this calligraphy to the calligraphy world and show it off. You'll see how many people will be amazed."

For ordinary people, the elder's words are like a talisman; if they were to be passed down, they would be worth a fortune.

Xia Guangwu smiled and gently stroked the girl's head with affection in his eyes. "Oh, when did our little girl become so well-behaved and sensible, learning to speak nicely to her grandfather?"

Upon hearing this, the girl pouted coquettishly, nimbly ducked to avoid Xia Guangwu's large hand, and complained unhappily, "Grandpa, look, you've messed up my hairstyle."

As she spoke, she tidied her disheveled hair.

"Hahaha." They all laughed.

Xia Guangwu waved his hand, "Alright, Xiaoyu, I need to talk to your two uncles about some work. Could you go next door and frame this calligraphy for me, okay?"

"How boring." The girl stuck out her tongue, then tactfully picked up the calligraphy and painting and left the room.

Looking at these outstanding younger generations of the family, Xia Guangwu felt more and more that he had not done anything wrong.

After two generations of hard work, the Xia family has finally gained a foothold in this land.

Although he has been retired for many years, the Xia family's influence has not diminished.

The eldest son, Xia Guanghuai, has long been involved in local governance. He served as the governor of a major economic province for eight years and was known for promoting industrial transformation and upgrading and deepening reforms to improve people's livelihoods. After stepping down as governor, he retired to the second line but continued to serve as a member of the National Development Advisory Committee, contributing his wisdom.

The second son, Xia Guangyuan, took up a new post as Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee of Bianxi Province this year, in charge of Party building and political and legal affairs. He is only fifty years old and has a bright future ahead of him.

The younger generation has lived up to expectations and now holds high positions, providing shelter and protection for the future generations of the family.

Unfortunately, he will step down from his post after this term ends.

The three nephews also each demonstrated their strengths. The eldest nephew, Xia Guangde, served as a vice minister in a ministry, focusing on science and technology and innovation policies, and leading the layout of a national-level laboratory system. He performed his duties steadily and solidly.

Xia Guangming, the second nephew, has been navigating the business world for over two decades, founding Guangming Tianyu Technology, Yuanhang International Logistics, and Green Energy Group, leading three multinational companies with assets approaching 10 billion yuan.

Rong, who is recognized by Forbes as the richest man in China, has a total asset of 8 billion yuan, but in the eyes of his high-ranking family, it's just so-so.

Although young, Xia Guanglei, the youngest nephew, is politically astute and mature in his skills. He once served as the director of the provincial reform office and led many major reform pilot projects. He is currently the director of the management committee of a new district in the east, holding the official rank of director-general. He is the most valued and expected person by the family.

In addition, his subordinates, whom he had promoted over many years in politics, were spread across several northern provinces.

It can be said that the Xia family is now one of the most powerful families in China.

Xia Guangwu was determined to test his two juniors.

"Guangming, Guanglei, tell me, what is the meaning behind my writing these two characters today?"

Xia Guangming and Xia Guanglei exchanged a glance, both understanding.

Xia Guangming said, "The two words my uncle just said represent two meanings: one is the country, and the other is the family."

My uncle meant that one should embody the nation in one's family, love the people as one's own children, and consider the family as a reflection of the nation; if one cannot sweep one's own house, one is not qualified to sweep the world.

Xia Guangwu smiled and nodded, then looked at Xia Guanglei, "Guanglei, tell me your thoughts."

Xia Guanglei pondered for a moment, "I think what my uncle meant was that family, country, and the world are all interconnected; family is the country, and the country is also family."

Xia Guangming seemed to understand something, and smiled calmly, "Guanglei, don't you mean the same thing as me?"

Xia Guanglei smiled, but didn't answer. Instead, he looked at Xia Guangwu.

Xia Guangwu asked knowingly, "Yes, what's the difference?"

Xia Guanglei said, "Yes, Second Brother said that the country and the family are of paramount importance, while the family is of lesser importance."

The family is like the country but not the country. The family represents the country, but the country is still the country and the family is still the family. The two are related but very different.

When I speak of the nation and the family, I mean both; I am a citizen of the nation and a family.

Our Xia family, starting with my eldest uncle, has long since dedicated itself to this country.

What is the point of having a small family? You and I are both part of this country.

For us, serving our family is serving our country; there is no difference between the two. Our family prospers, and so does our nation.

Xia Guangwu suddenly felt a glimmer of hope. He had been influenced by several prophets and always carried some psychological burdens, believing that he was planning for the family, but the beliefs he had upheld at the beginning were different.

Deep down, he felt a sense of betrayal, so Xia Guanglei's words gave him a feeling of satisfaction.

"Guanglei, are you done?" Xia Guangwu asked when Xia Guanglei stopped.

"More or less," Xia Guanglei replied.

"What do you mean by 'almost'?" Xia Guangming was very dissatisfied with this term.

Xia Guanglei laughed and said, "I think Uncle has another meaning, but it's better not to say it, I'm afraid you'll get angry, Second Brother."

Xia Guangming was taken aback. "Why am I angry? Just say what you have to say. Why are you being so long-winded?"

Xia Guanglei spread his hands, "Second brother, think about it, if we want the family to prosper and the country to flourish, then..."

Xia Guangming suddenly realized, and feigned anger as he flicked his sleeve, saying, "You rascal, stop worrying about me."

Xia Guangming is forty years old this year and is still unmarried, which has always been a topic of great concern to the Xia family.

The Xia family had considered arranging marriages for the other party and introducing them to some children of political and business figures, but in the end, none of these plans came to fruition.

Despite being over forty, Xia Guangming is actually the most rebellious member of the Xia family and is extremely opposed to this kind of marriage.

Otherwise, a high-ranking official's family like theirs wouldn't have a businessman as its offspring.

Throughout history, the traditional social hierarchy of scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants has been a serious matter.