The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

"Alright, I see everyone is here. Let's start the meeting."

Tang Guozheng glanced around and said.

"Today's regular Standing Committee meeting has only one agenda item, which is about implementing the Provincial Government's directives on appointing and deploying technical cadres. Let me first convey the essence of the Provincial Committee's and Provincial Government's documents to everyone..."

What followed was a period of standard learning.

Approximately half an hour passed.

Learning concluded.

Tang Guozheng cleared his throat and said, "Alright, today's meeting is done. If anyone has anything to bring up, please do so now. If not, let's adjourn."

Just as he was about to tidy up the documents in front of him.

The newly appointed Director of the Organization Department, Zhou Jibai, suddenly raised his hand and said, "Secretary Tang, I have something to say."

Zhou Jibai took office three days ago.

Arriving a day later than Director of the Propaganda Department, Pei Xing.

The city held a grand welcome ceremony for the two of them.

Chen Fang also attended that night.

He had a pretty good impression of this person.

Considered polite, and his speech and actions were low-key; they even toasted several times together that night.

This person is 49 years old and has practically always worked in organizational roles, making him a seasoned expert in organizational work.

"Oh? Comrade Jibai, go ahead."

Tang Guozheng responded.

Only to see Zhou Jibai pick up a document.

He said, "Regarding the Provincial Government's appointment and deployment of technical cadres, I did some deep study before coming here, and over the last three days, I heard some opinions and suggestions from colleagues in the Organization Department. I feel that our Shangqing City is still adhering to the old personnel principles, so I want to present some opinions at this meeting. Everyone can consider whether it's feasible."

As soon as he finished speaking.

Mayor Liu Yi nodded and said, "Comrade Jibai, you've worked in the organizational system for many years. I believe your opinions are objective and fair, so please speak freely. If there's anything incorrect, we'll change it. Democratic centralism is not about having one person make all the decisions."

Upon hearing the last sentence.

Chen Fang suddenly felt a bad foreboding.

He instinctively looked at Cui Liansheng diagonally across.

Only to see Cui Liansheng also wore a look of confusion, having no idea what was happening.

"Alright, then I'll say it. Please don't laugh."

After saying this.

Zhou Jibai picked up the folder and said, "Firstly, the person I'm mentioning here is Comrade Yang Qunjie, who was appointed Guangshou County Mayor a few months ago..."

Mentioning Yang Qunjie's name.

Chen Fang's heart shuddered.

"Guangshou County is the city's designated tourism-focused county, with the main development direction centered around tourism. Modern tourism is entirely different from decades ago. I've reviewed Yang Qunjie's resume; he has no education or experience related to tourism, and placing such a person in the position of Guangshou County Mayor seems inappropriate to me."

After saying this lengthy paragraph.

Zhou Jibai paused.

Only to see Tang Guozheng show a thoughtful expression on his face, then pause and say, "Comrade Jibai's opinion is very reasonable, in my personal view. When we appointed Comrade Yang Qunjie, indeed we didn't consider so many aspects — we must admit, it was our oversight."

Liu Yi also slightly nodded.

Saying, "Indeed, the position of Guangshou County Mayor needs to lead the economic development of the entire county. Guangshou County, being a major tourism county, should have someone more knowledgeable in tourism at this position to better facilitate progress. I agree with Comrade Jibai's opinion."

The words from both top leaders.

Set the tone for this matter.

The people below, even if not informed beforehand, understood their intention.

Deputy Mayor Zou Yibin, also a former Director of the Organization Department, said, "That responsibility also falls on me. Back then, during cadre evaluation, I didn't think comprehensively. Comrade Jibai's words are enlightening; it seems we need to be more meticulous in our work in the future."

What is this called.

It's called advancing by retreating.

On the surface, humbly admitting one's mistakes.

In reality, it's about supporting Zhou Jibai strongly.

By this point.

Chen Fang saw the trend.

Zhou Jibai's supposed impromptu proposal was probably orchestrated by Tang Guozheng and Liu Yi.

Their goal was to adjust Yang Qunjie's work.

Cui Liansheng was also a veteran in the officialdom.

He saw through this trick too.

Paused and said, "Comrade Jibai, I support your opinion. However, it seems there are still issues. The position of County Party Secretary in Guangshou County remains undecided, and if we adjust Comrade Yang Qunjie's work now, Guangshou County will be without leadership."

Zhou Jibai slightly smiled.

He said, "Regarding this, Secretary Cui need not worry. The Organization Department is already working on nominating the County Party Secretary for Guangshou County, and a list will be out in these two days."

This sentence effectively shut Cui Liansheng's mouth.

For a moment.

He had nothing to say.

At this time, Tang Guozheng said, "Comrade Jibai, besides the position of Guangshou County Mayor, is there anything else?"

"Yes, I have several representative cases here."

After saying this.

Zhou Jibai turned a page in his document.

He said, "Another is the Deputy Director of the Public Security Bureau and the head of the Criminal Investigation Brigade in Shanghu District, Comrade Liang Manhua. I've reviewed her resume; her investigative capabilities are average, and she has two cases over ten years old that remain unsolved. Personally, I believe the position of head of the Criminal Investigation Brigade should be filled by someone more capable."

As soon as Liang Manhua's name was mentioned.

The doubts in Chen Fang's mind were instantly resolved.

Liang Manhua was recommended for Chen Fang's utilization by Cui Liansheng, and they have been close recently. Chen Fang personally nurtured her as part of his clique.

Yang Qunjie was one case; Liang Manhua was another.

The purpose here is clear: to sever Chen Fang's arms.

The reason proposed is quite absurd.

For instance, the two unsolved cases over ten years old — one of them is nearly twenty years old; Liang Manhua hadn't graduated from police school at the time of the incident. Holding her responsible is akin to smearing dirt.

"The third example is Comrade Mei Yiru from our City's Disciplinary Committee. Everyone knows Comrade Mei Yiru's ex-husband was the former County Party Secretary of Guangshou County, Chai Xijiang. There's no need to explain Comrade Chai Xijiang's issues. As a cadre of the Disciplinary Committee, unable to detect the crimes of her ex-husband, do you think such an individual is really suitable for work in the Disciplinary Inspection and Supervision Committee?"

After finishing the matter of Liang Manhua.

Zhou Jibai flipped another page in his document.

This time, he has stretched his hand into Chen Fang's main territory.