Courtyard Houses: From Bronze Compasses to Global Reach

Chapter 371 Clash of the Century

"We were just discussing how to handle things, but we haven't considered how to manage people. Once capital enters the domestic market, it will only affect the economy in the short term, but over time, people's minds will definitely be corrupted. After all, it's a fact that the quality of life in Western countries is currently far higher than in China. Soon, some people will want to go abroad, or even be bought off by foreign institutions and turn against us. What will you do then?"

The moment Lin Yan posed this question, the air in the study instantly shifted from the tension of the previous economic bargaining to a deeper, more suffocating heaviness. The brows of the elderly men furrowed even more deeply. This wasn't a matter for negotiation; it was a fundamental question that directly addressed the fate of the nation and the hearts and minds of the people.

The chief designer put down his teacup, his gaze fixed on Lin Yan like that of a hawk: "Do you have any 'international practices' to refer to regarding this issue?"

Lin Yan did not answer immediately. He walked to the window, pushed it open a crack, and the cold autumn wind blew in, dispersing some of the smoke.

"Commanders, there are no 'conventions' for this issue, only lessons. The lessons of the Soviet Union and some Eastern European countries are right before our eyes." He turned around, leaning against the window, his face somewhat blurred in the backlight, only his eyes shining brightly.

"What capital brings is never just machines and dollars, but also a whole set of lifestyles, values, and standards for measuring success. When our young people see Western skyscrapers on TV and in magazines, mountains of goods in supermarkets, and cars and villas owned by ordinary people, when they discover that a skilled engineer abroad may earn several times or even dozens of times more than a professor in China... the psychological impact of the material gap is more direct and cruel than any theoretical preaching."

He walked back to his seat, his fingertips unconsciously tapping the table, as if striking a historical alarm bell.

"It is inevitable that people's hearts will change, and even that they will turn outwards. Some people will vote with their feet and try every means to leave, and that cannot be stopped. Among those who stay, some will also have doubts and waver, wondering if we have taken the wrong path and thinking that the moon is always brighter in foreign countries. What is more dangerous is that a very small number of people who have certain resources, information or power will be hit by carefully designed 'sugar-coated bullets' or promised huge personal benefits, so that they will plant spies for us from within."

Chen Yun slowly said, "Then how should we deal with this? Tighten up again and close the door? That would cut off our path forward."

"No, we can't shut it down." Lin Yan shook his head, his tone resolute. "Giving up because of a minor setback is the worst possible strategy. The key is how we can avoid being defeated in this inevitable clash of ideas and talent war, and instead become stronger."

He glanced at everyone and offered his proposed solution:

"The first layer is 'damming and diversion'—building strong dikes while widening one's own river channel."

"We must immediately set about establishing a robust and efficient national security and talent protection system. This is not only aimed at espionage, but also at potential 'legitimate lobbying' and 'academic infiltration' by capital aimed at influencing decision-making and public opinion. The laws must be sound, and enforcement must be strong, so that those who act improperly pay an unbearable price. This is 'building a dam'."

"At the same time, we must be bold and adept at 'attracting talent.' For ordinary talents who simply seek a better life and leave the country, it's better to guide than to block. We can try to establish more flexible international talent exchange channels, and even proactively send the most outstanding young people abroad to study, but this must be accompanied by strong ideological ties and a recall mechanism. Let them see the country's determination to catch up and the unique stage for personal development it provides—not as a senior employee in a Western company, but as someone who participates in creating an era. For example, in special economic zones or key projects, we can provide returning talents with research conditions, management authority, and living security that are no less than, or even better than, those abroad."

"The second level is 'competition and self-reliance'—facing the material gap head-on and narrowing it through concrete development."

"The most fundamental cornerstone of the ideological defense line is the continuous strengthening of the material foundation. It is not enough to just talk about patriotism; we must let the people, especially young people, see that living in their own country means a bright future and tangible improvements."

"This requires us to be extremely clear-headed and adhere to our core objective in our cooperation with capital: to develop productivity and accelerate industrial upgrading. We must not merely become assembly plants, but rather do everything possible to absorb technology, cultivate the local industrial chain, and foster our own competitive enterprises and brands. When our factories can produce high-quality goods, our researchers can achieve world-class results, and the income of our ordinary workers can steadily increase, the myth that 'foreign countries are better' will naturally fade away. This is our most powerful weapon against ideological corruption."

"The third and deepest layer is 'narrative and self-confidence'—reshaping our own spiritual banner and value coordinates."

Lin Yan's argument became profound and compelling: "After opening up, we will face an unprecedented 'narrative war.' The West will spare no effort to promote the 'superiority' of its system and the 'end' of history. If we merely defend ourselves passively and explain why we are 'not good enough,' it will be extremely difficult."

"We must proactively construct and disseminate our own powerful national and civilizational narratives. These narratives should not merely recount the hardships of the past revolutions, but also depict the blueprint for future rejuvenation; they should not only emphasize collective dedication, but also respect and highlight the achievements and value of individuals in this great cause; they should not shy away from current shortcomings, but clearly demonstrate the inevitability, uniqueness, and bright prospects of the path we have chosen."

"We must make the people, especially the younger generation, understand that we are not participating in a simple race to imitate the West, but rather on a more arduous and greater path of our own—a path that combines a massive population, ancient civilization traditions, and modernization. Every step forward we take on this path is far more significant than success achieved under rules set by others. This requires extremely high political wisdom and propaganda skills, and it requires cultivating our own thinkers, cultural masters, and media teams."

He concluded, "Therefore, dealing with ideological shocks cannot rely solely on 'control' and 'blocking,' as that would be counterproductive. A comprehensive approach is necessary: ​​'safeguarding the bottom line' with strict laws and discipline, 'strengthening the foundation' with rapid development and tangible gains, and 'shaping the soul' with lofty ideals and a confident culture. This is a more complex and long-term systemic project than introducing production lines or negotiating joint venture terms, requiring immense strategic patience and resolve."

Li Xiannian sighed, "The resources required for this are probably no less than those needed for economic development."

"Yes," Lin Yan nodded, "National security, ideology, and cultural development are also crucial components of comprehensive national strength, even components that 'oversee the whole situation.' While opening up the economy, investment and development in these areas must be strengthened simultaneously, and even planned ahead of time. Otherwise, the economic achievements may be lost due to the loss of ideological ground."

After a long silence, the chief architect slowly said, "It seems that opening up is not just an economic issue, but also a comprehensive and profound transformation and test. Governing a country is like cooking a small fish, but it is a thousand times more complicated."

Zhou Enlai's gaze swept across everyone's faces, finally settling on the deep night outside the window. Her tone was as firm as a mountain: "It may be difficult, but we must do it. And we must do it well. Because this path concerns the fate of the nation and the future of the people. Xiao Yan, what you said tonight has served as a wake-up call for us, and also pointed us in the right direction. Next, we need to discuss in detail how to address the specific issues of 'upholding the bottom line, strengthening the foundation, and shaping the soul,' and how to implement it effectively."

Lin Yan touched his chin.

"Hmm... everyone, perhaps I can offer some help..."