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The brink of stability arrived in early 1977, highlighted by Deng's re-election as Vice Premier, which catalyzed a more liberal approach within the party’s agenda. Despite the presence of factions resisting innovative policies, Deng forged ahead, slowly dismantling the framework of Maoism and encouraging meritocracy. The "Two Whatevers" policy, which called for unwavering loyalty to Mao’s principles, began to lose ground as Deng promoted a results-oriented culture.
Amid internal party shifts and emerging grassroots movements urging reform, the 11th Party Work Conference in late 1978 served as a crucial battleground for competing ideologies. The population, awash in a newfound desire for political and social flexibility, rallied behind Deng’s departing vision for China.