Investment Advisor Reference

Author: Du Yongming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features: Leveraging the Light: Using Refracted Light to Illuminate
In the year of Chiang Kai-shek's death, Chiang Wei-kung held the rank of major general, which was already his 14th year in that position. According to the Kuomintang's regulations, if a major general had not been promoted to a full general after 14 years, they were required to retire and have their rank revoked. However, a full general rank was a lifelong position. President Chiang Jing-kuo had no intention of promoting Chiang Wei-kung, so Chiang Wei-kung devised a plan. The mourning period for Chiang Kai-shek had ended, and Soong Mei-ling was preparing to move to the United States for retirement. On the day she was set to leave, the Chiang brothers went to bid her farewell. Chiang Wei-kung arrived at the official residence early, breaking his usual habit of wearing a suit. Instead, he dressed in a military uniform and wore all his medals and decorations. As soon as he entered, he saluted Soong Mei-ling with a military salute.
In the past, the Chiang family would gather annually on the birthdays of Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling, during the New Year's Eve reunion dinner, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival, and everyone would dress in civilian clothes. Therefore, Soong Mei-ling was very surprised by Chiang Wei-kung's actions.
Chiang Wei-kung replied solemnly, "Because soon I will no longer be qualified to wear a military uniform, so today, as I bid Mom farewell, I wanted her to see me in my military attire." Soong Mei-ling asked, "Why?" Chiang Wei-kung briefly explained the military's mandatory retirement system based on age limits. While in mainland China, Soong Mei-ling had never been involved in military affairs, and the same was true in Taiwan. She had never heard of age-limited retirement before, so she asked, "Then why can Ho Ching (Hsieh Cheng-chih) continue to wear his uniform?" Chiang Wei-kung replied, "He is a full general, with a lifelong rank." Soong Mei-ling understood.
At that moment, Chiang Jing-kuo arrived as well. Chiang Wei-kung greeted him with another military salute. Chiang Jing-kuo frowned and said, "What are you doing in uniform at home?" Before Chiang Wei-kung could reply, Soong Mei-ling spoke up, "Can Wei-kung still be a good soldier?" Chiang Jing-kuo, unaware of the situation, casually said, "He is a soldier by nature, and he has done an excellent job!" Soong Mei-ling asked, "If he is such an excellent soldier, why is he applying for retirement?" Chiang Jing-kuo realized the issue at hand and said, "Chiang Wei-kung's term as a major general has expired, but I will soon prepare to arrange for his promotion to full general." And just like that, Chiang Wei-kung was promoted from major general to full general.
The "light" Chiang Wei-kung used for his promotion was both direct, such as his background, and indirect, such as his eloquence, attire, and other qualities. Specifically, the "light" one can leverage is not always direct. Some "light" may seem less obvious, but it still holds significant power and should not be underestimated. Here are a few more examples:
(1) Leveraging the Light of Ancestors Several Generations Removed
Chinese people value lineage and tradition, often tracing their family histories and claiming descent from famous figures. Even though Liu Bei was merely a humble mat-weaver and shoe seller, he claimed descent from the imperial family, earning the title of "Imperial Uncle." Figures like Zhuge Liang and the generals Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun, Ma Chao, and Huang Zhong followed this banner and managed to carve out one-third of the empire.
For ordinary people, having descendants is a matter of personal and family concern. However, when it comes to famous figures, the lack of descendants becomes a national. The saying goes, "There are three kinds of disrespect toward one's parents, and the greatest is failing to have descendants." Similarly, there are three ways to commemorate the deceased: their former residence, their graves, and their descendants, with descendants being the most important. Although descendants may not be able to fully inherit their ancestors' virtues and talents, for the world, having a bloodline connection is invaluable.