Chapter 15: Undercurrents (Part V)

Yin Sen visibly wilted. The chilling warning delivered by the other party struck him like countless small flying knives aimed straight at his face.

For a long moment, Yin Sen remained silent. He raised his slender neck high, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on Teng Deming.

This grim expression was likely anticipated by Teng Deming, or rather, he seemed to favor such an atmosphere of exchange. He continued calmly:

“There’s a trendy saying nowadays: ‘Creep along with your tail tucked.’ It’s easy to say but much harder to truly embody. In fact, ‘tucking your tail’ isn’t meant for the common folk—they have no desires to begin with, walking about bare-backed, so they have no tail to tuck. The ones who must always remember this phrase are those with expectations and ambitions, especially those like you, languishing in deputy roles, yearning for promotion. A single misstep can brand you as a ruthless, unscrupulous grabber amidst the crowd. Of course, that includes me as well. Heh…”

Teng Deming curled his lips, shaking his head with an air of triumph.

“Yes, I shall take this to heart as a junior!”

Yin Sen bowed deeply, almost ninety degrees, displaying utmost humility.

Teng Deming said no more in reply, instead continuing:

“Compared to other departments, the financial system’s positions inherently possess distinct characteristics, notably that deputy roles at various levels wield a certain degree of decision-making power—that is, the authority to independently approve business matters.

For example: approvals for expense disbursements, loan allocations, or even personnel adjustments within business roles—all fall under this authority. Fundamentally, this unique resource is an intangible asset that helps you establish a secure foothold in society. Of course, skillful use and development of such resources require precise and appropriate judgment from the individual involved.

Take your position as deputy head of the city branch: as long as you have no open conflicts with the ‘top leader,’ your opinions can directly influence decision-making to a certain extent. Within your authorized limits, you can personally approve loans. This is the clearest explanation and demonstration of what authority means, since your actions fully comply with the normal scope of business.

However, authority is not a one-edged sword; it is often double-edged! While you savor the power’s thrill, you risk cutting yourself if not careful. So never overlook the negative consequences of authority! To fully leverage the deputy position’s powers, you must first build a platform: ensuring your relationship with the ‘top leader’ is intertwined and mutually dependent. Or to put it another way: if he is well, so are you—but never better than him; if he feels pain, you must feel it too, and even more deeply. You must make sure he genuinely senses your true state.

Young man, can you grasp the true meaning of these two statements?

Of course, such expressions reflect a long history of official interactions, mutual blending of interests, and tacit exchanges.

First, don’t always expect to share sweetness with the ‘top leader’; rack your brain to share hardships instead! This is a tactical skill, a mutual consolation, an unspoken understanding, a realm where trivial gains do not cause undue effort. To reach this elusive state, you must master the rules of the game: ‘knowing when to advance and retreat, balancing tension and relaxation, distinguishing tightness from looseness, and discerning right from wrong.’

‘Knowing when to advance and retreat’ means that in the face of responsibility and achievements, as a deputy, you must be cautious and adaptable, poised and willing to shoulder responsibility. When the team succeeds, never rashly intervene; outwardly maintain a humble stance, stepping back three paces and treading on thin ice. Whether or not you have a share in the triumph, never be quick to reach out, especially never take the initiative—this is crucial! Always prioritize the ‘top leader’s’ dignity and the team’s image. Your attitude must be consistent both publicly and privately, and especially behind closed doors, adhere firmly to this stance! Never lightly reveal your inner thoughts to anyone. Always remember: in any group, positive public opinion centers around the top leader. If you emit even a slight discordant note, as a deputy, you will sooner or later be overwhelmed! Therefore, you must shadow the ‘top leader’ closely, like an inseparable shadow. Only then will he not guard against you in his heart. This benefits your future development and progress in countless ways.

If mistakes or problems arise, be the first to step forward, beating your chest boldly; proactively shield the top leader! Of course, this responsibility must be measured to avoid jeopardizing your own position. If your timely and courageous assumption of blame rescues the top leader from peril, your sacrifice will be rewarded handsomely and immediately, yielding twice the result with half the effort, and the top leader will promptly regard you as a trusted confidant and strategist.

‘Balancing tension and relaxation’ essentially refers to your subjective control over work input. Everyone stresses that work comes first, but who can endure constant strain? Especially for cadres like you, transferred from afar and living alone. You must constantly observe the top leader’s emotional changes and pay attention to his personal needs. Though these matters may not be in your job description, they are vitally important.

I hear you enjoy reading Qing dynasty history. I suggest you spend time studying the stories of Qianlong, Heshen, Liu Yong, and Ji Xiaolan. If you understand them well, they offer invaluable lessons. Though history books abound with dramatizations, the subtle truths revealed in human relationships therein eternally embody the essence of Chinese wisdom.

Wherever people dwell, countless relationships arise, involving the distribution and redistribution of interests, filled with the art of communication and hidden intricacies. Mastering the complex web of connections in all directions will surely keep you adept and versatile, invincible in any situation. History shows that so-called loyal ministers and treacherous officials are but fleeting shadows; there is no absolute loyalty or eternal treachery in this world—only relative positions or serving different masters.

From a broad perspective, our history is a journey where loyalty and treachery coexist. Without either, our history would be incomplete or collapse entirely.

Therefore, I never use fixed molds to judge or define a person. The world is ever-changing; you today are not the you of yesterday, nor will you be the you of tomorrow. One’s status and circumstances are never static; those stronger or weaker than you are temporary and relative. As the old saying goes, ‘victors become nobles, the defeated become traitors,’ and ‘after three days apart, one must look anew.’ These remind us always to maintain reverence and remain modest in all things!”

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