The Tempting Road to Becoming an Official

Chen Fang waved his hand and said, "Of course, these are just my speculations, not something to count on."

Cui Liansheng hastily asked, "Are you planning to make a move on this front?"

Chen Fang smiled and said, "Lifestyle issues are things of the past, no longer something that can be used against someone. Even if you threaten Zhou Jibai, it won't have much effect now. I'm just trying to see what kind of person Zhou Jibai is, and whether his backing is solid."

Cui Liansheng frowned, pinched his chin and said, "For Shi Zhan to get ahold of him it shows that Zhou Jibai's backing isn't that strong. Otherwise, a small matter like this would not require transferring him from Lin Chuan City. What else can you tell from this?"

"It also shows that Zhou Jibai's self-restraint isn't very strong. Since Zhong Ni succeeded, it implies that similar things might have happened more than once. An opponent whose stance is not very firm should not be difficult to deal with."

"So, what do you plan to do?"

Cui Liansheng asked.

Chen Fang pondered for a moment.

Said, "At its core, this matter lies in the alliance between Tang Guozheng and Liu Yi. There are two reasons for them to join forces despite being old enemies: firstly, the dissatisfaction of higher-ups towards me, and secondly, the need for mutual benefit."

"The key player here must be Liu Yi. Ever since his patron Qi Shouting fell, his career has lost upward momentum. Hence, although this alliance fulfills the needs of both parties, Liu Yi must have instigated it."

"Therefore, to resolve this issue thoroughly, the key can't be found in Zhou Jibai; instead, one must start by breaking this partnership."

Chen Fang finished speaking.

Cui Liansheng nodded repeatedly.

Said with a difficult expression, "Since the alliance was formed due to mutual benefit, dissolving it won't be easy."

"Tang Guozheng and Liu Yi have been fighting for years. Even though they've formed a temporary alliance, they're still wary of each other. In other words, their alliance isn't solid at all; hence, as long as discord arises between them, the problem will be solved."

"You already have a plan, don't you?"

Cui Liansheng asked.

Chen Fang nodded and said, "In the current situation, the one who must feel the least secure is Liu Yi. He wants to suppress me yet fears Tang Guozheng seizing the greatest benefit, so..."

Then, he leaned closer to Cui Liansheng's ear.

And whispered his plan.

Cui Liansheng, upon listening.

Gave Chen Fang a thumbs up.

Said, "Ingenious, truly ingenious. Rest assured, I'll take care of this. I'll invite Zhou Jibai to dinner tonight."

...

That evening at six o'clock.

In a private room at a luxurious hotel in Shangqing City.

As soon as Zhou Jibai walked in, he saw a table full of seafood.

Additionally, two bottles of Maotai stood at the center.

He said to his host Cui Liansheng, "Secretary Cui, you're too kind, this spread seems a bit excessive, doesn't it?"

Cui Liansheng chuckled and said, "There's a set standard for official banquets, but it's just the two of us brothers sharing a meal. Nothing about exceeding or not exceeding standards. I'm just hoping to make friends with you, Jibai, and share good food, is that too much?"

"Not at all, not at all, Secretary Cui's words are overwhelming for a junior like me."

Zhou Jibai said the customary pleasantries.

He naturally had his own hidden concerns.

Having been in officialdom for many years, he understood the principle that unsolicited favors never come without a reason.

Moreover, he was aware of Cui Liansheng's relationship with Chen Fang.

He believed that this dinner was Cui Liansheng helping Chen Fang plead his case.

Before coming.

He had already prepared the words to respond.

Through the dinner, he intended to just play dumb, not giving any direct response, and thus keep maneuvering between the two sides as the agreeable person without much difficulty.

Initially.

Neither side mentioned any serious matters.

Just drinking, chatting, and bragging.

After three cups.

The conversation naturally opened up.

Cui Liansheng, seeing the timing was right.

Clinked glasses with Zhou Jibai and said with lowered posture, "Comrade Jibai, the proposal you submitted in today's committee meeting was excellent. I personally strongly support your work, and I'm stating it right now that I raise both hands in approval for this matter!"

Upon hearing this.

Zhou Jibai was stunned.

What's going on?

Isn't Cui Liansheng supposed to be sided with Chen Fang?

The positions that are being changed, aren't they Chen Fang's people? Shouldn't he be against it?

Turning it over in his mind.

Said, "Thank you, Secretary Cui, for supporting my work. Let me offer you a toast to express my gratitude."

The two clinked their glasses and drank together.

Subsequently.

Cui Liansheng's expression suddenly turned melancholy.

Said, "Brother Jibai, you might have heard, I've had some issues lately, still carrying a penalty on me, and climbing up seems unlikely now. You've just arrived in our Shangqing City, and we hit it off instantly. If you want to establish yourself here, your brother has some experience."

"Oh, please enlighten me, Brother."

Zhou Jibai said.

Cui Liansheng spoke mysteriously, "The political situation in our Shangqing City is somewhat complicated, but no matter what, as long as you cling to a powerful figure, everything will go smoothly."

"Brother, who is this powerful figure you're talking about?"

"Isn't it obvious? It's got to be Secretary Tang. Look, Mayor Liu's patron Qi Shouting has fallen. Although he's second-in-command, his influence has weakened. Secretary Tang is different; being the top leader, his support is still intact. By following him closely, everything will go smoothly."

Cui Liansheng said.

This comment left Zhou Jibai puzzled.

Scratching his head, he said, "Brother Cui, don't be offended by my directness. Since you know that following Secretary Tang is promising, why..."

He was questioning why Cui Liansheng would align himself with Chen Fang.

A hint of regret flashed across Cui Liansheng's face.

He said, "It's a long story. I hung around with Mayor Liu for a long time, and he stabbed me in the back. I definitely don't want to go back to him. But to turn to Secretary Tang now seems impossible, after all I've helped Mayor Liu fight against him for years. If I were to follow Secretary Tang, wouldn't people be pointing fingers behind my back?"

This made sense.

Zhou Jibai thought it over carefully and agreed.

Immediately, he asked with interest, "Brother Cui, how could I gain Secretary Tang's favor and become part of his inner circle?"

Cui Liansheng knew at once that Zhou Jibai had taken the bait.

He smiled and said, "During this personnel change, there's one position that's very crucial, which is the county chief of Guangshou County. Do Secretary Tang and Mayor Liu have any particular arrangements for this position?"