"Chen Feng, you truly are a rising star in the Chinese political arena. Even before I've said anything, you've guessed I have something on my mind. Since you've figured it out, I won't beat around the bush. I saw your calligraphy work, 'The Art of War.' Without a doubt, your calligraphy is exceptional. More importantly, your personal insights conveyed through your calligraphy of 'The Art of War' have piqued my interest. Judging by the aura of your 'Art of War' calligraphy, you must have a deep understanding of it. Otherwise, your work couldn't possibly exude such profound meaning. As I am very interested in 'The Art of War,' I'd like to ask you some questions about it…"
Inoshita Matsunobu explained earnestly.
"I wouldn't have thought a Japanese person would be so interested in Chinese culture," Chen Feng replied with a sigh.
"Chen Feng, perhaps you don't quite understand Japan yet. Let me put it this way: to be an excellent Japanese person, one absolutely must understand China. Frankly, Japan is a replica of China. Throughout history, Chinese influence has permeated every aspect of Japanese society."
Inoshita Matsunobu elaborated.
"Miss Inoshita, isn't that debatable? In modern times, Japan has been learning from the West, and its relationship with Chinese culture has grown increasingly distant, wouldn't you say?" Chen Feng said deliberately.
"It's undeniable that Japan has been emulating the West in modern times. However, Chinese civilization is the main subject, and Western civilization is the secondary. No matter how Japan learns from Western civilization, its roots are in Chinese civilization; this is an unchangeable fact," Inoshita Matsunobu replied seriously.
"Hmm, that's a very insightful analysis. So, tell me, which move from 'The Art of War' would you like me to explain?" Chen Feng asked, following suit.
"I'd like you to thoroughly explain '欲擒故纵' (Yù Qín Gù Zòng) from 'The Art of War' for me."
"'Yù Qín Gù Zòng'? That is indeed a formidable strategy in 'The Art of War.' Inoshita, if I'm not mistaken, you no longer wish to be the official in charge of culture and tourism, but rather an official in charge of the economy, correct?" Chen Feng asked point-blank.
Inoshita Matsunobu was instantly stunned.
Good heavens, Chen Feng's acuity in the political arena was too formidable! The slightest shifts in the political landscape couldn't escape his notice.
"Yes, Chen Feng. Since you know my intentions and understand the 'Yù Qín Gù Zòng' strategy from 'The Art of War,' you must have a way to help me enter the economic power circle, right?" Inoshita Matsunobu asked tentatively.
"Miss Inoshita, let me first explain 'Yù Qín Gù Zòng' from 'The Art of War.' I must say, Sun Tzu is truly China's greatest military strategist and tactician, and his mastery of 'Yù Qín Gù Zòng' is perfectly displayed. To put it simply, if I want to achieve something, I deliberately claim I don't, to make the opponent let down their guard, and then achieve my goal in one fell swoop. Taking you as an example, you want to become an official in charge of the economy. However, this path is not easy. Because the economic leadership positions are highly sought after, many eyes are watching. If you widely publicize your desire to become an economic official, then unfortunately, there will be many obstacles in the shadows. Open arrows are easy to dodge, but hidden darts are difficult to defend against, and in the end, you'll have to obediently remain in your position overseeing culture and tourism. To reduce resistance, you deliberately demote yourself to a grassroots economic official. When high-level officials move to grassroots positions, no one will hinder them. Even if you go to the grassroots to oversee the economy, no one will try to trip you up. In this way, you can use the grassroots as a springboard…"
Chen Feng explained patiently.
"Chen Feng, your words have enlightened me. Ah, if only I had met you sooner. If I had met you earlier, I would already be a high-ranking official in charge of the economy," Inoshita Matsunobu exclaimed.
"Miss Inoshita, you don't need to be too regretful. Although you haven't been in charge of the economy for the past few years, your time in the cultural and tourism department has also been a form of training. Whether in the Japanese or Chinese political arenas, meteoric rises are impossible. One must accumulate experience and have a track record. Without experience, forcefully pushing into important positions will only lead to a humiliating ousting," Chen Feng consoled Inoshita Matsunobu.
"Right, Chen Feng, since you've been so helpful, could you also teach me how to manage the economy at the grassroots level and achieve political achievements?" Inoshita Matsunobu asked earnestly.
"Miss Inoshita, among the many fields in the political arena, the economic sector is the easiest place to achieve political success. To put it plainly, economic achievements simply require economic development. With this 'Yù Qín Gù Zòng' strategy, by deliberately taking a demotion to a grassroots economic official, you can focus on developing the local economy. As for how to develop it, that depends on which grassroots level you choose to go to. Developing the economy requires addressing the specific needs; different places have different economic development models."
Chen Feng explained seriously.
"Chen Feng, this time when I go to the grassroots to manage the economy, I want to go to my hometown. I have many acquaintances there, and it will be easier to work," Inoshita Matsunobu admitted frankly.
"Your hometown? I recall your hometown isn't in the coastal region, but in the hilly terrain, isn't it?" Chen Feng countered.
"Yes. My hometown is in a hilly region, and the economy has never been able to develop. The economy has always been stagnant," Inoshita Matsunobu said, looking at Chen Feng with admiration. Chen Feng, this young man, has such a broad range of knowledge; he's clear about every issue. This is perhaps why Chen Feng's ability in the political arena is so extraordinary. To use a Chinese saying, "The sea embraces all rivers, and its capacity makes it great; it accumulates and then bursts forth!"
"Your hometown has always wanted to develop industry, of course, it can't develop! Hilly terrain can only develop agriculture, tourism, and services. This is especially true for Japan." Chen Feng explained directly.
"Chen Feng, I'm very curious, why can Japan's hilly areas only develop agriculture, tourism, and services?" Inoshita Matsunobu asked curiously.
"If it were China, hilly areas could still barely develop some industries because China is vast and abundant, with very rich resources. Japan is different; it has limited land and even fewer resources. Furthermore, it's hilly terrain and lacks resources. Wanting to develop industry there is absolutely impossible," Chen Feng explained.
"Chen Feng, are you a political official, or a business magnate? Why do I feel your economic talent is even more astounding than your political talent? In just a few words, you've solved an economic problem that has troubled me for decades!" Inoshita Matsunobu said with profound admiration. People used to say China was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers, and she didn't believe it then. What Chen Feng, this young man, was doing now made her utterly convinced. China is so powerful, and its talent is so extraordinary. If any country in the world were to try and suppress China now, they would truly be out of their minds.
"Miss Inoshita, actually, the political arena today is entirely different from the political arena of ancient times. The political arena today is centered on economic development. Everything depends on economic growth. A person who lacks economic capability and wants to navigate the political arena is destined to fail. Therefore, to develop in politics, one must brace oneself and learn economic knowledge every day. The more you learn, the more your economic talent is gradually developed."
Chen Feng explained seriously.
"Alright, Chen Feng, since you've taught me so thoroughly, I will proceed according to your advice. I am confident that there will be unexpectedly positive results. As for you, prepare for your Traditional Chinese Medicine lecture tomorrow; I've made all the arrangements." Inoshita Matsunobu said with a happy smile.
"Oh, and also, you should thoroughly review Traditional Chinese Medicine tonight. Many famous Japanese doctors will be attending your TCM lecture tomorrow, and they will surely ask many tricky medical questions. You know the Japanese way; they like to cause trouble for Chinese people…" Inoshita Matsunobu added.