Chapter 182 of "New Urban Farmers": The Battle for Out-of-Town Positions
The conflict between Jiang Lihan and Liang Xin was prominent, so Jiang Lihan wanted to use Wen Hongli as bait to "pressure" Liang Xin, the executive deputy director. His purpose was obvious. But things were not so simple. The reason was that Liang Xin was appointed by the municipal bureau as the executive deputy director, which reflected the municipal bureau's influence over the branch bureau. Therefore, once the matter of this branch bureau's inspection point was settled, everyone was withdrawn to the branch bureau. Any matters should be handled at the bureau level.
One can imagine that the branch office will soon be embroiled in a power struggle.
Lin Yue, the deputy director and captain, set a precedent. No one who wanted to see a joke unfold expected Lin Yue to be so ruthless in her actions. She caught Mr. Yang and the four assailants red-handed in the bar and hospital, leaving many speechless. What was this "Young Master Wei" or "Deputy Mayor Wei"? Lin Yue arrested them without any hesitation.
As soon as Jiang Lihan returned to the branch office, he immediately convened a meeting of the branch party committee. This time, he had his sharpened knife ready to wage war against Liang Xin.
However, Liang Xin, the executive deputy director, was no pushover. He had his own strategies and planned to focus on whether the enforcement was correct. He didn't care about anything else. "Hmph, you're just a district head's secretary, what kind of shady bar are you going to without even identifying yourself? It's obvious you're here to cause trouble." And Liang Xin, the executive deputy director, wasn't one to be trifled with.
The entire High-tech Zone sensed a power shift was quietly unfolding.
Of course, these matters had little to do with Zhang Guodong. He didn't want to know how they were fighting. Political struggles were extremely brutal. Luo Jianhui didn't hold any seats on the Standing Committee; in fact, including himself, there were only three seats. The top leader, the Party Secretary, had one more seat than him. Now, someone from the Public Security Bureau was trying to interfere, which Luo Jianhui would never allow.
So this contest was initiated by the fat man, but it had been brewing for a long time.
After Zhang Guodong and Fatty left the police station, Fatty happened to receive a call from Luo Jianhui. Luo Jianhui asked a few questions with concern before hanging up.
"Guodong knows you have a lot of questions. I'll tell you the whole story right away." Fatty looked at Zhang Guodong with some dissatisfaction and immediately gave a bitter smile.
Indeed, the power struggle at the top made Zhang Guodong, the fat man, quite ashamed. If this isn't explained clearly, Zhang Guodong will probably explode!
"Hmph, then just say it. You're making a big fuss over nothing. I know you people have a lot of tricks up your sleeves!" Zhang Guodong said.
The fat man gave an awkward laugh and then slowly revealed some inside information.
Zhang Guodong suddenly realized, but was more confused. He concluded, "Your goal is to be transferred to a township as the top official? Is that right?"
The fat man nodded and said, "That's how it is. You don't know about the power struggles at the top. People at my level are caught in the middle, and it's easy for me to become cannon fodder. I learned a lot about this when I was back home. Besides, being someone's secretary, although it broadens my experience and exposes me to the various aspects of officialdom, is not my wish. This time, the top two leaders of several townships in the district are going to be reassigned, and I'm tempted to do so!"
Zhang Guodong knew that the fat man's father's background had influenced him greatly. Judging from the fat man's ease in serving as Luo Jianhui's secretary, he had indeed absorbed a lot of this influence, and his experience over the past six months was probably even more profound.
Zhang Guodong exclaimed in surprise, "You were only recently promoted to section chief, weren't you? I've heard that the top leaders of townships under the provincial capital are at the deputy division chief level." "Heh heh, it's not difficult, why would it worry me?" the fat man rolled his eyes. "Right now, I'm trying to figure something out. As long as the Standing Committee approves adding 'section chief' after 'top leader' is possible!"
"Oh? You can do it like that?" Zhang Guodong asked, intrigued.
"Special case! The top two leaders of those three townships in the district are somewhat dissatisfied with the consecutive years of economic growth reaching a certain level. Hehe, this adjustment is a special case!" the fat man said.
No wonder special cases are handled so readily; if someone strongly supports it, it's understandable. However, Zhang Guodong was worried about the fat man. This guy seemed to have no experience as a top local official, not even a deputy. Would a sudden transfer there be easy? Besides, there's the added burden of being transferred twice a year. It's definitely going to be difficult!
“Fatty, I can’t help you. Who decides your appointment? You should know best who to lobby for!” Zhang Guodong laughed.
"It's not that simple!" the fat man said with a rare sigh.
Luo Jianhui needs his own people right now, so it's difficult to send him out on a mission. Getting past Luo Jianhui is a tough hurdle. Otherwise, the fat man will give Luo Jianhui a bad impression, which would be a loss. The fat man has already gone to great lengths; if he directly brings this up with Luo Jianhui, he probably won't even need to ask for a transfer. He'll have to be exiled.
Not only that, the fat man not only needs Luo Jianhui's approval to leave, but also his support. That's the most crucial point.
Of course, it would be easy for the fat guy to use his dad's strength, but that wouldn't be exercise. So the fat guy doesn't want to do that.
"However, if we can take down Liang Xin and give Brother Jiang full control of the Public Security Bureau, it will be a greater help to District Chief Luo. With this incident, it will be much easier for me to leave!" the fat man suddenly said excitedly.
Zhang Guodong seemed to understand the fat man's intentions at this moment and sighed that the officialdom was really complicated. Many things were simply incomprehensible to people if they were not explained.
"By the way, Guodong, how did you notify Brother Jiang? Brother Jiang said you called him?" Fatty asked, staring at Zhang Guodong, as if remembering something. He'd just witnessed their phones being confiscated. However, this actually helped Fatty and Jiang Lihan, catching the other side off guard.
Zhang Guodong, feeling uneasy under the fat man's gaze, chuckled and said, "What's so strange about that? I usually carry two or three phones with me. If I can't find one, the others will still work!"
"Damn, don't tell me you were just lucky to take down four guys at the bar!" the fat man said. This guy is getting more and more mysterious! Zhang Guodong's skill in taking down four people is incredibly high; the fat man now finds it unbelievable. When did this guy learn kung fu?
"Haha, wasn't one lesson enough? There's an old man at the news square every morning who's been teaching me for over six months. If I can't even handle these thugs, how can I possibly succeed?" Zhang Guodong said. "Stop thinking about me, think about your own business!"
The fat man looked at him with an "I see" expression. He'd heard that Zhang Guodong did his morning exercises every day. More than half a year... If you really encounter a master teacher, you can indeed develop skills.
His face immediately fell.
"Of the nine standing committee members in the district, five support the move, and three are able to get through, including District Chief Luo. I still need to mobilize two more. These two are the neutral standing committee members: Secretary Sun of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission and Minister Tong Zhan of the District People's Armed Forces Department. Only by getting these two in line will I have a chance!" the fat man said listlessly.
Zhang Guodong had heard of Secretary Sun of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission. Jiang Lihan had recently taken on the additional role of Deputy Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission. Secretary Sun, who was aiming for this position, was nearing the end of his term but remained neutral.
As for Tong Zhan, the district's People's Armed Forces Minister, he rarely participates in Standing Committee meetings, including those where voting is required, hence his last-place ranking. However, this Standing Committee seat shouldn't be underestimated. He holds a single vote that can sometimes be crucial.
However, Zhang Guodong also sided with Xiao Xuyu after hearing this. He didn't know these people. "Guodong, shall we go to the hospital?" the fat man suddenly said.
Zhang Guodong looked at him in surprise: "What do you want? Who's sick?"
"Secretary Sun had a high blood pressure and fainted at home a few days ago, but he's fine now. It wouldn't hurt to go and check on him!" the fat man said helplessly.
Zhang Guodong sensed that the fat man's situation was also precarious. Had the original nine Standing Committee members been added?
The two bought some fruit outside and went straight to the district people's hospital.
A group of district leaders had just left the special care ward when they saw that Secretary Sun looked tired, so they stopped. Sun Zhenfu's wife, Chu Qiuqin, had a lot of complaints about this.
Chu Qiuqin complained with heartache to the old man, "You might as well retire early! You can't even rest peacefully while you're recuperating!"
Sun Zhenfu lay on the hospital bed, silent but smiling, and said, "You, I'm almost at my destination, can't you even hold on for a little while longer? You expect me to desert? Besides, it's just a kind gesture from them!"
Chu Qiuqin curled her lip and said, "Signature? I'm afraid someone wants to get promoted and is trying to curry favor with you, old man. You old man, when you get to your destination, say a few words to the leaders and try to get a promotion or two. They'll give face to their own people. These people are probably just trying to curry favor, right? And I heard that Director Jiang, who also became the deputy secretary, didn't even give you a second glance?"
Sun Zhenfu smiled helplessly.
He naturally understood these principles. However, he was of age to retire, so he didn't ask for much. Besides, his children were all grown up and had their own families. He didn't need to worry about them, so he might as well retire. As for Jiang Lihan, Sun Zhenfu didn't have much of an opinion. Jiang Lihan's usual respect for him made him quite satisfied.
The position of police chief can be very busy at times.
He was very relaxed.
The district is in turmoil now that there's a new Party Secretary and a new District Head. However, these are things he can't influence.
"Knock knock knock!" Someone was knocking on the door.
"Someone's here again!" Chu Qiuqin frowned, clearly annoyed. "Why are these people so inconsiderate? Don't they let people rest?"
Sun Zhenfu frowned and said, "Let's go see who it is. Just stop anyone!"
But when she opened the door, it was Fatty and Zhang Guodong. The two young men surprised Chu Qiuqin.
"Hello Aunt Chu, my name is Wang Kang. I'm here to see Secretary Sun. This is my friend Zhang Guodong!" The fat man immediately greeted him with a smile.
This smile only made Chu Qiuqin more irritable. However, she didn't dare ask who the fat man and Zhang Guodong were, or what their workplaces were.
"Oh, hello. Old Sun is resting and it's not convenient for him to receive you right now!" Chu Qiuqin said, her eyes full of doubt.
At this moment, Sun Zhenfu said from inside the ward, "Is that Xiao Wang? Old Chu, let them in!"
Chu Qiuqin was puzzled and helpless. What was wrong with this old man? Did he know these two young people?
The fat man was delighted but also puzzled as to how Secretary Sun knew him. Although this visit would disturb his rest, he had no choice but to come, so he gritted his teeth and made the visit.
"Secretary Sun, Aunt Chu, I'm so sorry to disturb your rest!" the fat man greeted respectfully.
Sun Zhenfu leaned against the bedding, smiling as he watched the fat man glance at Zhang Guodong, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
"What does Xiao Wang want with me?" Sun Zhenfu asked.
Zhang Guodong could tell that Sun Zhenfu might know the fat man? Otherwise, he wouldn't have such a face, right? Did he want to see the younger generation? But the fat man looked completely bewildered.
Upon hearing this, the fat man blushed deeply. He had indeed sought out Sun Zhenfu with a favor to ask, but he hadn't expected the man to ask so directly. The fat man had studied Secretary Sun quite a bit; he didn't belong to any faction. He was rather straightforward and worked in discipline inspection and law enforcement.
The fat man, though embarrassed, got straight to the point: "Secretary Sun, I really have something I need your help with. I'm thinking of getting a position in a township!"
"Oh?" Sun Zhenfu said in surprise. "I remember you were promoted to section chief six months ago? Although it's a short time, there are currently three townships' top two leaders being reassigned. You're also the deputy director of the district government office and the district head's secretary, so you can handle special matters. However, you can't compete for the top position, but you can compete for the second position. It's just that the rank is hard to adjust. Besides, District Head Luo won't let you go, will he?"
Zhang Guodong was astonished. The fat man had actually stated his purpose directly? And Secretary Sun actually supported the fat man's transfer to another post? Was this still a dialogue between political figures?
The fat man was overjoyed upon hearing this. He could naturally tell from Secretary Sun's support that he had thought this hurdle would be difficult to overcome. He hadn't expected to get through it so easily.
"Secretary Sun, I just caused some trouble for District Chief Luo, and now the Public Security Bureau is in a bad mood," the fat man said with a wry smile. "I don't want to get involved in the power struggles at the top; I just want to get things done." He then briefly explained the situation.
It's immediately clear to anyone who Secretary Sun is that this is an opportunity for Luo Jianhui to take control of the Public Security Bureau. Don't be fooled by Jiang Lihan's position as the top official in the Public Security Bureau; remember, Liang Xin is the executive deputy director from the municipal bureau! Moreover, he's a veteran with influence no less than Jiang Lihan.
However, the fat man's role in all of this was that of a catalyst, placing him at the center of the controversy.
Secretary Sun narrowed his eyes for a moment, then opened them and said, "Your idea is right. Young people should be ambitious and down-to-earth. Taking up a post in a township will be a good experience for you!"
Looking tired, the fat man hurriedly said goodbye: "Secretary Sun, thank you! Please rest!"
The fat man bowed, but Zhang Guodong didn't move immediately. He looked at Sun Zhenfu and said, "You..."
"?" The fat man looked at Zhang Guodong in surprise. Chu Qiuqin looked at Zhang Guodong with delight, but a hint of doubt flashed in her eyes.
"Young man, are you telling the truth?" Chu Qiuqin asked.
"Guodong, you fatso don't know what to say. How come he didn't know Zhang Guodong knew medicine? It seems my brother has changed a lot. There are many things I don't know."
"I'll have Fatty bring some things over later. His high blood pressure should heal in a month or two with proper care," Zhang Guodong said calmly.
Is this Sun Zhenfu's way of repaying the fat man for his support? But it left Secretary Sun and his wife completely stunned.
"Farewell!"
Zhang Guodong nodded to them and pulled the anxious fat man away from the hospital.
As soon as they left the hospital, the fat man asked anxiously, "Guodong, how do you know how to cure illnesses?"
Zhang Guodong laughed and said, "Haven't you eaten enough of the vegetables and fish I provided? Haven't you heard? Eating these for a long time is very good for your health. It's also effective for high blood pressure, and the effect is quite noticeable!"
"Damn, you should have told me sooner! I forgot! Haha!" The fat man immediately became happy. Although Green Treasure Pavilion was mostly closed, Zhang Guodong's special trick really worked!
Comparison: First, four thousand words in the first chapter, Heavenly Dao continues to write at dawn.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com