Thinking this over, Qiu Tu's mind raced as he speculated about the purpose of the Tang family sending Guo Huai this time.
Was he here to understand the situation?
Was he here to persuade me to leave Tang Feifei?
Or did he see potential in me and want to recruit me into the family?
It couldn't be... that they had already guessed I was the true Domain Master and wanted to collaborate with me, could it?
Perhaps detecting Qiu Tu guessing his purpose, Guo Huai sat upright in his chair and slowly poured himself a cup of tea...
As the tea gurgled into the cup, Guo Huai began to speak slowly, "Don't be nervous."
"I come with no ill will."
He said, "Just like the text message I sent you, I'm here to inform you of crucial intelligence."
After a moment, when he had finished pouring, Guo Huai lifted the teapot and set it aside. He sat looking at Qiu Tu calmly and said, "The matter of Tang Feifei's promotion to Deputy Speaker was settled this morning."
"By tonight, or at the latest tomorrow morning, Xinjie City will receive the related notice."
He said expressionlessly, "But... this promotion has met with strong opposition from Huang Shangzong and Li Tingdong."
"Both believe that with Dongye State's recent establishment and ongoing development, a new Deputy Speaker should not be added so quickly."
"This could impact the overall stability of Dongye State just now."
"It is just... because Elder Tang pressed the issue, and Tang Feifei indeed met the stringent requirements for the Deputy Speaker position, in the end, the appointment was passed."
Having said this, Guo Huai picked up his teacup, took a sip, and looked at Qiu Tu with a profound gaze.
"But... in the end, Huang Shangzong and Li Tingdong still made two demands."
"First, Tang Feifei would have only a nominal title without any real power."
"Even though she can become Deputy Speaker, she is not able to divide power from the current Deputy Speakers."
"Second... Tang Feifei must make political achievements within half a year to contribute to Dongye State and prove her capabilities."
"This kind of achievement includes, but is not limited to, aspects such as public welfare, security, economy, military, and more."
If someone else heard this, they would mostly feel that Huang Shangzong and Li Tingdong were deliberately making it difficult for Tang Feifei, giving her missions that were impossible to complete.
After all... giving Tang Feifei a role with no actual power indicates that she has no sphere in Dongye State to utilize her abilities.
She is like rootless Fuping, without subordinates, without structure.
Under such circumstances, she is simply unable to do anything, let alone accomplish achievements.
But... hearing this in Qiu Tu's ears gave him a different taste.
A hint of deep thought flashed in his eyes, then he looked at Guo Huai and asked, "Is this Huang Shangzong and Li Tingdong demanding resources from the 'Fengtian Faction'?"
Seeing that Qiu Tu had unraveled the mystery so quickly, a flash of admiration crossed Guo Huai's eyes once more.
He did not deny it but nodded seriously, "Yes."
"Huang Shangzong and Li Tingdong know that with the strength of the 'Fengtian Faction,' it is too easy to help Tang Feifei achieve political success."
"So, they sideline her from interfering in any affairs of Dongye State but still demand that she shows political merits."
"In fact, they are demanding external resources from the 'Fengtian Faction,' letting Tang Feifei start from scratch to access these resources to make accomplishments and enhance Dongye State's strength."
Qiu Tu nodded slightly, just as he had speculated: in the hands of top politicians, there are no personal grudges or impulsive reactions, only interests.
Tang Feifei met the promotion requirements and had the 'Fengtian Faction's backing—unstoppable.
So, all of Huang Shangzong's and Li Tingdong's tactics ultimately aim to gain benefits.
Thinking this, Qiu Tu couldn't help but curiously ask, "But what does this have to do with me?"
"What kind of deal are you planning to make with me?"
Guo Huai meticulously lifted his teacup for a sip then said, "Of course, it relates to you."
"Because... this time, Tang Feifei's aggressive move against the family has angered Elder Tang."
"Elder Tang ultimately chose to support Tang Feifei's promotion to Deputy Speaker but has forbidden the 'Fengtian Faction' from providing her with any more resources."
"The title of Deputy Speaker is granted to her, but whether she can keep it is now up to her."
Upon hearing this, Qiu Tu was slightly startled. Then he couldn't help but look at Guo Huai.
Sensing that look from Qiu Tu, Guo Huai inwardly sighed again at how keen Qiu Tu's perceptions were.
He nodded slightly, affirming Qiu Tu's guess.
"That's correct, my visit is on behalf of Member of Parliament Tang Jiye."
"He hopes to strike a deal with you. Help Tang Feifei achieve this political goal."
"In exchange, he will vacate the position of Xinjie City Bureau Chief for you, allowing you to act with the powers of the Bureau Chief during this half-year."
"Whether you have the ability to make it permanent, that will depend on your own capabilities."
Hearing Guo Huai's words, Qiu Tu couldn't help but laugh.
He... finally understood the game.
Indeed, it was a deal, but it was completely different from what Guo Huai had described.
To put it clearly... the Tang family and Huang Shangzong, Li Tingdong were no different.
They all recognized that Tang Feifei's promotion couldn't be stopped, so they simply shifted their thought process, hoping to use this event to gain more "interests."
Or rather... they wanted to test Qiu Tu's mettle.
They wanted to see, without the Tang family's support, what kind of resources and political achievements Qiu Tu could secure for Tang Feifei.