Volume One, Chapter Two: The Wind Blows in Wealth

It is often said that the course of society’s development is never dictated by individual wills.

Little did Maimaiti know that just yesterday, while he was being harshly reprimanded and left humiliated, a grand conference was underway several blocks away in the vast meeting hall of the Xinjiang Water Resources Department. The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region’s Electricity Industry Development Strategy Seminar was in full swing.

Representatives from the older, middle, and younger generations were engaged in a heated debate centered on “the proportion and methods of investment in Xinjiang’s wind power projects.”

“Stop wasting my time with useless talk! The central government’s stance is clear: investment is not the issue, but how much you get depends entirely on your own capabilities! The Rongcheng wind farm project is far more important than yours, yet it required the Shandong Economic Commission to beg around before securing 400,000 yuan from the Aviation Industry Ministry—and in the end, they had to reluctantly add another 300,000 themselves to complete the construction. Do you think national funds just fall from the sky? And you’re asking for 800,000? In US dollars, no less!” Wan Guoliang, Director of the Planning and Programming Division under the National Economic Commission’s Water and Electricity Department, barked in a low voice. Known as a “calculating accountant,” he was widely recognized in the industry as a stubborn conservative.

“Director Wan, I’m not here to haggle. Let’s discuss science and realities straightforwardly. Rongcheng’s wind farm budget is lower because it benefits from having a dock and cargo ships, giving it a transportation advantage. Moreover, the Vestas V15-55/11kW wind turbines they introduced from Denmark are low-power models suited for plains, which naturally makes them cheaper. If the Economic Commission believes these turbines can withstand Xinjiang’s fierce winds and generate enough electricity for experimental research, then approve the budget accordingly. But let me be clear: if the turbines arrive, get assembled, and then break from the wind, or barely function without adequate supporting test facilities for in-depth study, you’ll have to explain that to the central government yourselves. I will take no responsibility.” Wang Xiquan, a hydraulic expert from the Autonomous Region’s Water Resources Department, retorted without backing down.

At fifty-four years old, Wang had been designing hydropower stations within the Water Resources Department for twenty-seven years, making him a seasoned veteran in China’s hydropower sector. This experience gave him the confidence to face off against officials from the capital. Another reason for his bold stance was that he had been personally appointed by the Minister of Water and Electricity to spearhead the promotion of wind power technology in Xinjiang, thanks to the practical wind power experience he had accumulated over the years resolving power supply issues in pastoral areas.

Though his wind power devices had so far been modest experimental efforts, in a country still without substantial wind power expertise, Wang’s prominence and favor with department leaders had grown rapidly.

“That won’t do. Promoting wind power in Xinjiang relates to China’s energy strategy—if anything goes wrong, no one can be held accountable!” Wan Guoliang replied coldly, shaking his head. “But the budget you proposed is simply unacceptable to the Economic Commission. At most, you’ll get 400,000 yuan like the Aviation Industry Ministry did!”

Wan Guoliang held up four fingers, emphasizing the unit: “RMB!”

“You want a horse to run fast but don’t want to feed it grass. What kind of good deal is that?”

Sitting next to Wang Xiquan, senior engineer Xie Shiqi, also a technical expert, was about to argue again but was stopped by Huang Jianghui, Director of the Autonomous Region’s Economic Commission.

Huang Jianghui was a rare “young and vigorous” cadre within the regional leadership. Graduated from Renmin University with a major in Planned Economics, he had accumulated rich experience in economic affairs over recent years. Though only in his early forties, he already served as Director of the Autonomous Region’s Economic Commission and concurrently as Vice Chairman of the Regional People’s Government.

Participating in this electricity industry development strategy seminar as a regional leader effectively meant he was the final voice representing local interests.

Signaling Xie Shiqi to hold his tongue, Huang cleared his throat to draw everyone’s attention and spoke with a kindly demeanor:

“What Director Wan just said is accurate. A few years ago, when the nation launched modernization efforts, the scale of projects was too vast, with many regions rushing to approve key projects, resulting in stretched funds. Considering urgent livelihood needs and future investment plans, the central government decisively terminated many projects, including well-known ones like the Hongqi and Yun-10 aircraft programs. Under these circumstances, the Economic Commission’s frugal approach to major projects is understandable—national funds are limited and demands are many. The 400,000 yuan is likely the result of careful calculation by Director Wan.”

Huang’s words struck a chord with Wan Guoliang, who nodded repeatedly.

“However, Old Wang also faces difficulties,” Huang shifted tactfully. “Xinjiang’s winds are fierce enough to blow cattle and sheep across borders. Especially in the nine major wind zones, the wind seasons turn these areas into absolute no-go zones. If we procure turbines like Rongcheng, and as Old Wang warns, they fail, then the money will have simply been blown away. So, for us, there is only one option now. Director Wan, I recall the central government recently issued a trial policy on collective investment in power generation, stating that to encourage collective investments, the local contribution does not crowd out local investment plan quotas, which the National Economic Commission will arrange separately?”

Wan Guoliang was wary of this sudden mention of collective investment in power generation and, to avoid falling into a trap, coldly snorted, “Yes, but that refers to traditional hydro and thermal power plants, which must be reported to the Water and Electricity Ministry—”

Suddenly, he realized Huang’s intent—was he trying to redirect the Economic Commission’s investment quotas for hydro and thermal power development toward wind power?

His suspicion was soon confirmed.

“Old Wang, you just said that wind power research requires 500,000 US dollars, which at the current exchange rate is 1.7 million yuan. Subtracting the 400,000 yuan approved by the Economic Commission leaves 1.3 million yuan,” Huang Jianghui calculated decisively. “I suggest we pool together the Autonomous Region’s existing foreign exchange reserves along with funds from local prefectures’ trade revenues originally earmarked for hydro and thermal power development. For the quota issues, please draft a detailed report and submit it directly to the Water and Electricity Ministry. I believe they will not oppose this plan. Right, Director Wan?”

Wan Guoliang was still stunned by Huang’s boldness and decisiveness. When he heard the question, he met Huang’s resolute gaze and felt a chill run down his spine.

Is this the style of the so-called “reformers” within the system nowadays?

If this momentum continues, the “conservatives” like himself might soon have to step aside quietly.

Thinking this, Wan replied casually, “As long as the procedures and regulations are in order, there’s no problem.”

Satisfied, Huang withdrew his gaze but suddenly noticed the Autonomous Region Water Resources Department Director, Xiao Guodong, sitting silently in the corner, head lowered and idly scribbling on paper.

From the start, Xiao Guodong had been skeptical about Wang Xiquan’s wind power initiatives and had expressed opposition privately multiple times.

Huang had heard about this before, but he hadn’t expected that even now, at this critical juncture, Xiao’s views had not shifted. This bordered on “going against the collective.”

Upholding the principle of “family matters should not be aired in public,” Huang could only suppress his anger for the moment, planning to give Xiao a stern talking-to during the upcoming closed-door meeting.

With the investment proportion and methods for wind power development settled, the “Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Electricity Industry Development Strategy Seminar” drew to a close.

The National Economic Commission and the Water and Electricity Ministry’s joint research team prepared to embark on a week-long inspection tour of power enterprises.

The provincial authorities could not afford neglect during such a high-profile visit, and the midday banquet was arranged at the well-known Urumqi Hotel.

Once seated at the table, all earlier tensions dissolved amid the sumptuous food and fine wine.

“Old Wan, you must try our stuffed tripe—our top master chef Aili personally prepared it; the cooking technique is authentic to a fault,” Huang Jianghui warmly introduced the various dishes to Wan Guoliang.

Although Huang’s rank was slightly higher than Wan’s, Wan had the advantage of being a ministerial appointee, carrying additional prestige. Thus, Huang treated him with due respect.

After three cups of wine and the rich flavors of mutton, beef, lamb, and horse meat mingled on the palate, Wan Guoliang set aside previous disputes.

“I’d heard for a long time that Xinjiang’s cuisine is world-renowned. Today, I’m truly having a feast,” Wan said, praising the stuffed tripe after a bite. “This lamb is especially fresh. By the way, you said the chef is Aili? I remember he took second place in last year’s national chef competition. Looks like I’m lucky today.”

Huang smiled in agreement.

He then deftly steered the conversation toward the hotel itself. “Old Wan, back when this Urumqi Hotel was still a state-run guesthouse, it was losing money so badly it was almost unbearable. If not for a central policy introduced later, it would have long since closed down. Old Wan, can you guess what policy that was?”

“That’s just teasing. You and I both work in economics; surely you know about the shift from profit to tax and from appropriations to loans?” Wan answered bluntly.

“Haha, yes, the central policy was like riding the wind of reform. But the wind alone isn’t enough,” Huang spread his hands, teasingly holding back the rest.

“Just spit it out. I can sense there’s more to what you’re saying,” Wan pressed.

Lowering his voice, Huang revealed, “Last year, the People’s Bank, following central instructions, allocated 300 million yuan in ‘local economic development loans’ to Xinjiang for key projects, with a monthly interest rate of only 3%. The initial contract for Urumqi Hotel’s operations was funded by a portion of these loans. That’s a full 300 million yuan quota—surely the Economic Commission approved that, right?”

Wan understood Huang’s implication and began to hedge. “Let’s separate things. That was a directive to the People’s Bank. The Economic Commission only plays an advisory role. You’re wasting your breath with me. I took the 400,000 yuan budget knowing full well I’d be getting scolded when I returned.”

As he spoke, Wan stuffed a piece of beef brisket into his mouth. Noticing Huang’s slight frown and hearing a sigh, he continued:

“Let me be honest. Wind power is an emerging industry. Although it touches on energy strategy, it’s still a new thing. No one can predict the future. If I open the floodgates now, other provinces will follow suit. Do you think I’ll approve it or not? And if I approve too much, Shandong’s Economic Commission will be the first to object!”

Having said that much, Huang refrained from pressing further and courteously resumed drinking and chatting with Wan.

After lunch, most of Wan’s party were pleasantly tipsy. Under the hotel staff’s guidance, they retired to the most luxurious rooms to rest.

This gave Huang the perfect opportunity to convene a closed-door meeting with Wang Xiquan, Xiao Guodong, and others.

“The situation is as I’ve described. The National Economic Commission will not budge,” Huang said gravely, massaging his temples. “For now, the only way is the method I outlined this morning: allocate funds from the Autonomous Region’s fiscal quotas. Old Wang, one last question: do you have confidence in successfully promoting wind power in Xinjiang?”

Wang Xiquan straightened his increasingly stooped back with effort, his gaze firm. “I guarantee success! But I have two suggestions—or rather, two conditions.”

“What conditions?” Huang asked, somewhat surprised, noting the complex expression flickering in Xiao Guodong’s eyes nearby.

“First, I must not be removed before I accomplish the wind power project. Second, if I fail, I alone will bear all responsibility. No one else should be implicated.”