The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

There's been an effect.

Cui Liansheng's goal was to provoke Tang Guozheng; this way, the accountability mechanism could be activated.

Even if Chen Fang wasn't peeled of his power, his prestige would be greatly affected, which, for a leader, is even more terrifying than direct accountability.

Just imagine.

As a leader, there are definitely many who would actively try to ingratiate themselves to him.

Among his peers, there would also be those who would seek to establish good relations.

But if Tang Guozheng openly rebukes him, those beneath him would be cautious, and naturally, they would distance themselves from Chen Fang.

In this way, it would become impossible for him to establish his presence in Shangqing City.

No matter how much power a lone commander may have, it's ultimately just a facade.

"Leader, I spoke with Secretary Chen on the phone; he said he'll be here in another five minutes."

At this moment.

Yuan Jun returned.

He whispered to Tang Guozheng.

Although his voice was indeed low, everyone present heard it.

"Ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous! What is this? We're supposed to wait for him for a standing committee meeting, it's outrageous."

Cui Liansheng seized the opportunity.

He loudly rebuked.

The others mostly were not familiar with Chen Fang.

So naturally, no one spoke up for him.

Under Cui Liansheng's constant instigation, Tang Guozheng also seemed to lose patience.

Turning to Yuan Jun, he said: "Call again, if he's not here within three minutes, forget about it."

"Alright."

Yuan Jun turned and left.

Actually, those with discerning eyes could see it clearly.

Tang Guozheng just wanted to assert his authority.

With this back and forth, Chen Fang might arrive any moment.

The meeting today was originally about discussing issues in Guangshou County; without Chen Fang, what was there to discuss?

Sure enough.

After Yuan Jun paced around outside for a few minutes.

When he returned, Chen Fang was with him.

"Sorry, sorry, I'm late, I'm late, there was a traffic jam on the road, it delayed me a bit."

After apologizing sincerely.

Chen Fang went to his seat and sat down.

Before he even settled in, Cui Liansheng gave a cold snort and said, "Comrade Chen Fang, you really have a lot of nerve, making us all wait for you to start the meeting; you think just a simple sorry suffices?"

"Then... Comrade Cui, what would you have me do?"

Chen Fang naturally heard the tone.

He looked towards him and asked.

Cui Liansheng was not polite either, barking: "What to do? Of course, you should review your actions, not only for being late but also regarding the issues in Guangshou County."

"Why should I review the issues in Guangshou County?"

Chen Fang asked.

Cui Liansheng was instantly enraged.

Slapping the table, he roared, "What are you pretending for? Arresting the County Party Secretary of Guangshou County is such a big deal; did you report to the standing committee? This is acting on your own initiative, showing no regard for the organization or discipline."

Regarding the reprimand of Chen Fang.

Cui Liansheng was most enthusiastic.

At this moment, he felt a sense of satisfaction.

A feeling akin to getting revenge.

"Oh, you mean that matter. At the time, the situation was urgent, and I didn't have the chance to report to all the leaders here, but I did report to Secretary Tang and Mayor Liu; they approved my actions."

Upon hearing this.

Tang Guozheng and Liu Yi both froze.

They exchanged a glance.

Not having time to speak.

Cui Liansheng angrily said, "Comrade Chen Fang! Not only do you disregard organization and discipline, but you also spew nonsense. As the Disciplinary Committee Secretary, do you have no shame? With Secretary Tang and Mayor Liu both here, you still dare to talk nonsense, you... you are simply lawless!"

While Cui Liansheng was scolding with fervor.

Chen Fang didn't stay idle.

He took out two documents from his briefcase.

One was handed to Tang Guozheng, the other to Liu Yi.

The two of them were clueless.

So they read them carefully.

Chen Fang then returned to his seat and asked Cui Liansheng, "Comrade Cui, if you don't believe me, you can ask Secretary Tang and Mayor Liu. It was indeed approved by both of them. Without investigation, there is no right to speak. You're wrongly accusing me..."

Cui Liansheng was so angry he was almost exploding.

Just about to rise in fury.

Liu Yi suddenly put down his document and said, "Comrade Liansheng, what Comrade Chen Fang said was not false. He did report to me before taking action, and I was aware."

"That's right, after knowing the entire process of the operation, I also agreed and approved this action. At the time, the situation was urgent, so there was no record kept."

On the side, Tang Guozheng also spoke up.

Directly voicing his support for Chen Fang.

Cui Liansheng was astonished.

Not only him, the others present were equally bewildered.

Before Chen Fang arrived, Tang Guozheng was clearly angry.

And for Cui Liansheng's harsh words, Liu Yi didn't refute.

How come after looking at one document, their attitudes did a complete 180-degree turn?

This was simply unbelievable.

Seeing everyone with puzzled expressions.

Tang Guozheng cleared his throat and said, "Today's meeting is about discussing the handling of Pan Shougu, Ma Xu, and Lou Youhua in Guangshou County. Given the current clear evidence, my opinion is to directly dismiss them from their positions. For such behavior, Shangqing Municipal Committee and Government have zero tolerance. Mayor Liu, what do you think?"

Liu Yi also unhesitatingly nodded.

He said, "I also agree with Secretary Tang's opinion. Shangqing Municipal Committee and Government firmly combat corruption and decadent occupational crimes, which is a principle we always uphold. In this matter concerning Guangshou County, Comrade Chen Fang's work has been outstanding and deserves recognition."

At this moment, Cui Liansheng.

His expression was as ugly as it could get.

Tang Guozheng's stance was one thing.

But even Liu Yi switched sides.

What distinction did his earlier actions have from acting like a clown?

Originally, he wanted to undermine Chen Fang's prestige, but instead, his own credibility got trampled; this time, it was an enormous embarrassment.

Afterward.

There was a burst of applause.

Everyone clapped.

Cui Liansheng had no choice but to follow with a couple of symbolic claps.

The case had been determined.

As the Disciplinary Committee Secretary, Chen Fang reported the case to the entire standing committee.

When they learned that a mere township Party Secretary was embezzling and accepting bribes to the tune of over seventy million, everyone was stunned.

Not to mention the part about developing a performance troupe into his private harem.

According to Pan Shougu's confession, over the years, the value of cash and valuable items Lou Youhua bribed him with exceeded ten million, along with Ma Xu's excess of six million.

This case was the largest corruption case handled in Shangqing City in more than a decade.

The meeting went on for a good hour or so.

Once the meeting concluded.

Cui Liansheng did not bother to stay.

He immediately knocked on Liu Yi's office door.

He simply couldn't hold it any longer; he needed to get to the bottom of things.