The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

Before Chen Fang came to Shangqing City.

The Disciplinary Inspection and Supervision Committee did not have much presence, as previously mentioned.

After Chen Fang arrived, first he removed Pan Shougu with thunderous means, then Deputy Mayor Ji Shuzhen was involved in an incident, and until now, her position remains vacant.

The storm hasn't passed long.

Another heavyweight, Executive Secretary Ye Fuqiang, was arrested, causing a commotion akin to an officialdom earthquake in Shangqing City.

Chen Fang had just settled in his seat.

Tang Guozheng and Liu Yi almost simultaneously walked in.

This had never happened before.

After all, the struggle between the two factions was at a fever pitch.

Perhaps Chen Fang's assertiveness prompted the two to begin aligning on the same front.

"Comrade Yan Bingxiu of the Military Sub-district couldn't make it due to an issue, so let's start the meeting. Before the meeting, we have a leader joining us, please stand and welcome Vice Chairman Liu of the Provincial Political Consultative Conference."

After everyone returned to their places.

Tang Guozheng didn't immediately sit down.

But instead offered this introduction.

All Standing Committee members immediately stood up.

Amidst a round of grand applause, Liu Jian slowly walked in, wearing a smile, yet conveying a slight coldness.

Tang Guozheng immediately offered his prime seat.

Liu Jian waved his hand and said, "I'm here just as an observer, the actual meeting should be held by your team, I'll sit on the side."

After speaking.

He voluntarily sat down on a chair in the corner.

Though he spoke of observing.

But attending in the capacity of a leader.

In plain terms, it was putting pressure on the other Standing Committee members.

These old tricks of officialdom were familiar to everyone present.

Everyone in Shangqing City's officialdom was aware of the relationship between Ye Fuqiang and Liu Jian, even without stating it, Liu Jian's stance was more than clear.

"Alright, since it's so, let's begin the meeting. Today's meeting has only one agenda, which is concerning Comrade Ye Fuqiang being taken away by the Disciplinary Committee. Comrade Chen Fang, regarding this matter, shouldn't you be giving the Standing Committee an explanation?"

The meeting started.

Tang Guozheng actively launched an offensive.

Pay attention to the word choice.

He didn't say "report," but rather "explanation."

Clearly, this implied accountability.

Chen Fang certainly knew that this Standing Committee meeting was targeting him.

He didn't intend to avoid it either.

Slowly stood up.

Said, "Then let me give everyone a detailed briefing on the case."

"Comrade Chen Fang, I think you might have misunderstood. The case matters are for your Disciplinary Committee. Secretary Tang just mentioned wanting an explanation from you. Comrade Ye Fuqiang is a City Committee Member and the head of Shangjiang District. Did you put him under 'shuanggui' without the City Committee's consent? Did you consider the impact of this matter?"

Chen Fang hadn't finished speaking.

Liu Yi tapped the table, looking solemn while speaking.

Two top officials' consecutive interrogation.

Made Liu Jian, on the side, show a smug smile.

In his view, he still had influence.

Thinking back to Chen Fang's arrogance in front of the unfinished building, this repression felt very satisfying to him.

If it weren't for the public setting, he would surely point at Chen Fang's nose and ask, "Aren't you very formidable? Come! Show me how formidable you can be again?"

Indeed.

Officialdom has its procedures.

Even if Chen Fang is the head of the Disciplinary Committee.

To take action against subordinates, he must get the Party Committee's approval.

Otherwise, he'd be labeled as someone who disregards higher authorities.

This label.

No matter how strong one is, it can't be borne.

"Ahem, ahem…"

At this moment.

Cui Liansheng suddenly cleared his throat, attracting everyone's attention.

He sat up straight.

Spoke, "Secretary Tang, Mayor Liu, this matter doesn't blame Comrade Chen Fang. If there's blame, then blame me. The situation was urgent at the time, Comrade Chen Fang rushed to arrest someone and asked me to report to the two leaders, and I was negligent and forgot Comrade Chen Fang's reminder. I'll take responsibility for my actions, no matter the political consequences, I, Cui Liansheng, am willing to bear them."

Suddenly.

Everyone was stunned.

Each like a Monk being clueless.

One should know; Cui Liansheng was an avid anti-Chen Fang pioneer.

Also, because of Chen Fang, he was investigated by the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee for a long time.

He should be the person who detests Chen Fang the most.

Why did he suddenly come forward to shield him now?

Cui Liansheng was an old hand.

He didn't care about such accusations at all.

Seeing this situation, Liu Jian got a bit anxious.

He warned from the side, "Comrade Liansheng, such jokes should not be made lightly, if this is true, then you're guilty of negligence in your duty and should face disciplinary action."

Cui Liansheng looked indifferent.

Said, "After all, I already have a disciplinary action on me; another one doesn't matter. I said it; no matter the political consequences, I can bear them, I'm responsible for what I say."

A simple sentence.

The direction changed dramatically.

Tang Guozheng and Liu Yi, who had brought a prepared speech, suddenly couldn't say anything.

The two exchanged glances.

Both felt a chill in their hearts.

The worst situation emerged.

Chen Fang already had allies in Shangqing City.

And the most unexpected ally is Cui Liansheng.

After a brief silence.

Tang Guozheng looked at Liu Jian in the corner.

For a moment, didn't know what to do.

Just as Liu Jian was about to speak, Chen Fang suddenly asked, "Secretary Tang, Mayor Liu, is today's Standing Committee meeting about discussing Comrade Ye Fuqiang's issues?"

"Uh…"

Tang Guozheng hesitated for a moment.

Hadn't managed to speak.

Chen Fang said, "According to the Disciplinary Committee's work regulations, when discussing a case, those with a stake in the suspect, including relatives and friends, should recuse themselves. As far as I know, Vice Chairman Liu is Comrade Ye Fuqiang's brother-in-law, belonging to the recusal list. If it's to discuss Ye Fuqiang's questions, Vice Chairman Liu shouldn't be present."

After saying this.

He turned to look at Liu Jian.

Said, "Vice Chairman Liu, you are a provincial leader, surely you're clear about basic work principles, right?"

Liu Jian suddenly found himself speechless.

If clear, then he should tactfully leave.

If unclear, that's a slap in his own face, leaving this provincial leader unable to qualify.

Originally thought this meeting would be a fierce pressure assembly.

Unexpectedly, Chen Fang already had countermeasures.

First, he diverted the conflict using Cui Liansheng.

Then used procedural rules to entrap self.

Now it's making him look bad, caught in a dilemma.

Just as Liu Jian's face turned red.

Not knowing how to respond.

Chen Fang suddenly chuckled softly and said, "Vice Chairman Liu, I'm kidding, you're a leader, how could you not know these rules? You risk violating regulations to attend this meeting, surely it's with an intention of sacrificing for justice, right? I propose everyone give Vice Chairman Liu a round of applause, for having such a selfless leader in Jiuhai Province!"