[Urban] Made in China - 7-9

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Chapter 6 Betrayal and Loyalty

"Inspections, spending money—everyone scrambles for these good opportunities, believing it's their right. But when it comes to taking responsibility, there's no one to hold them accountable. Deputy Director Wang 'sacrificed' himself, leaving no one to carry on his legacy, and a mess was dumped on Pingyang. Reporter Li, tell me, what am I supposed to do? This mess wasn't dumped on Pingyang, it wasn't dumped on the provincial capital, it's dumped on Beijing! Besides, I didn't know I'd encounter this situation back then, and I made some boastful promises, so I had no choice but to bite the bullet. I swallowed my pride and cleaned up this mess, repeatedly pleading and begging the provincial and Beijing bureaucrats for additional budgets and timely funding from national ministries and the province. Reporter Li, you're not..." I know, even a section chief or division chief can lecture me, the mayor. To be honest, once when I returned to the guesthouse, I smashed a window, and they thought I was crazy! And that's not all. Every time I go, I spend money, providing welfare for those departments with the power to control us, treating those section chiefs and division chiefs to drinks time and time again. In ten years, I've spent over 673,000 yuan! Some people say he feels the pinch, but don't I? My heart is bleeding! Reporter Li, now, you can check the list I provided and see if that 673,000 yuan can be recovered. I'm telling you, it will only be more, not less! Oh, I didn't shed tears, just some dust in my eyes—old documents, the dust is too heavy!

"Of course you can photocopy the list; I'll have Secretary-General Tian copy it for you. Okay, I'll continue. I'm the mayor, and I also have the title of commander-in-chief. Although I'm angry, I still have to consider the overall situation. Not only can I not talk about these things myself, but I can't let others talk about them either. If it gets out, it will affect our country's image of reform and opening up, and it will offend many people." Reporter Li, I can tell you something here: the leader in charge of that national ministry who was calculating political gains back then is now the governor of our province. She's a woman, yes, Comrade Chen Honghe. That's why Secretary Jiang Chaolin repeatedly told me: "Comrade Chunming, let's just endure the humiliation and bear the burden. Don't say anything more, just get the rolling mill up and running, and we'll have a clear conscience." At the beginning of this year, we finally managed to build the steel mill, but then we lost the market opportunity. The steel market was in a complete slump, and we lost money as soon as we started production. Who dared to start production? So, after two months of trial production, we stopped again, and it's been stopped ever since. Reporter Li, you may know that one of the most difficult industries in our country right now is steel; almost the entire industry is suffering losses.

"As for the workers' fundraising, the situation was like this: Initially, I didn't advocate fundraising at all. It was a key national investment project, a genuine large-scale state-owned steel rolling mill. We didn't need a few million when it first started, so why would I raise funds? Wouldn't that just be asking for trouble? But later, I realized that we really couldn't do without collecting some money. Everyone was optimistic about this rolling mill, everyone wanted to jump into the country's reliable iron pot, their enthusiasm was unbearable. At this point, the factory director, He Zhuoxiao, suggested collecting some money, nominally called a risk deposit. So, we collected several million—yes, four million three hundred and twenty thousand—three thousand or five thousand each time. I have the records here. Just as I never imagined that 1.2 billion would be thrown into the water, the workers never imagined that the country's big business would be unreliable, that the 'iron rice bowl' would burn your mouth." The comrades naturally objected. Since last year, some have raised the issue of returning the raised funds. I heard there was even a self-organized liquidation leadership group that went to the municipal government several times. My view is: this money cannot be returned now, at least not until a solution is found for the steel rolling mill. Since it's a risk deposit, it should be shared with the state, so everyone has a sense of risk and doesn't think this "iron rice bowl" is so easy to enjoy. Of course, Reporter Li, we will consider your opinion. The workers have it tough, but how to resolve this matter is not up to me personally; our municipal party committee and government need to discuss it carefully. Here, I have a preliminary idea: First, after the rolling mill finds a solution, the principal and interest should be returned in one lump sum; second, those who wish to leave immediately can pay in full when completing their resignation procedures.

"That's roughly the situation. I didn't want to say anything before, but if you don't speak up, people will, and you can't just endure the humiliation. So you have to take it seriously. Does this mean we're disregarding the overall situation? No." Today is not the past. The old system that caused the predicament of the rolling mill is being broken down. The central government is very determined. So many ministries have been merged, and their functions are different from the past. The province is also making moves. So, in this context, it is a good thing for us to summarize the lessons of the rolling mill. At least it can provide everyone with some in-depth reflections. Okay, reporter Li, since you also have this understanding, then you should 'shoulder the responsibility of morality and write a brilliant article'. You can send me your article to see, or you can not send it to me. You are responsible for the content, and I will take responsibility for the facts..."

At 11:00 AM on June 26, 1998, when Wen Chunming of Pingyang Municipal Party Committee was talking with Li Xinxiang, Gao Changhe was handing over his duties with Jiang Chaolin in the Municipal Party Committee office.

In the process of the handover, Liu Yiru rushed in and said, "Secretary Gao, Secretary Jiang, I'm so sorry to bother you. Something has happened—the gate of the Municipal Party Committee is blocked by workers from the rolling mill. It looks like there are five or six hundred of them. They want to see Secretary Gao and are holding a sit-in." Gao

Changhe and Jiang Chaolin were both greatly surprised.

Jiang Chaolin asked, "What do the workers want to see Secretary Gao for?"

Liu Yiru said, "They want Secretary Gao to make a decision and return the money they raised back then."

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand, "Tell them to go find Mayor Wen!"

Liu Yiru said, "Mayor Wen is currently receiving a Xinhua News Agency reporter; I've already called him."

After saying that, she glanced at Gao Changhe and then stammered, "It's said that yesterday that Xinhua News Agency reporter spent the whole day at the rolling mill and held two meetings accompanied by our Deputy Secretary-General Tian Liye. The workers thought there was hope for a refund..."

Jiang Chaolin was stunned for a moment, then suddenly became furious: "Director Liu, what do you mean by that? I agreed to Tian Liye accompanying that reporter to the rolling mill for the interview. Are you saying that I instructed Tian Liye to make things difficult for Comrade Gao Changhe? How can you speak so irresponsibly!"

Liu Yiru dared not speak. Jiang Chaolin said to Gao Changhe with a gloomy face, "

Comrade Changhe, we were just discussing the grand strategy for Pingyang's future development, how to strive towards becoming an international metropolis. I haven't had a chance to talk to you about more specific issues like the Pingyang Rolling Mill. It's not that anyone is deliberately making a fuss about the Pingyang Rolling Mill; it was a few of our comrades who leaked it behind the back of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee! It's outrageous! They gave gifts totaling 670,000 yuan! What a huge case!"

Gao Changhe waved his hand to let Liu Yiru leave first, and then said to Jiang Chaolin, "Secretary, don't be angry. I only found out today that Comrade Sun Yadong leaked that internal report. I have already seriously criticized him and told him that this violates organizational principles and discipline."

Jiang Chaolin snorted, "I'm afraid it's not just a violation of organizational principles and discipline, is it?"

After thinking for a moment, he said, "Comrade Changhe, how about this, I'll personally host a welcome dinner for you tonight. I'll have Deputy Secretary-General Tian Liye arrange it, and I'll ask him to report to you in person on the interview with the Pingyang Rolling Mill."

Gao Changhe nodded and said, "Okay, it's settled then. Don't worry about the wine. My father-in-law asked me to bring you two bottles of 'Wuliangye,' so I'll treat myself to your 'Wuliangye' this time!" Just

then, the phone rang again in the office, saying that Mayor Wen Chunming had arrived at the municipal party committee gate, and the workers were clamoring for him to see Gao Changhe. They asked if Gao Changhe would see him.

Gao Changhe considered it for a moment and agreed to go.

There were quite a few workers protesting at the municipal party committee gate, plus onlookers, numbering well over five or six hundred. Not only was the gate blocked, but the road in front of it was also blocked. Many comrades from the Public Security Bureau arrived and set up cordons on the street and inside the municipal party committee compound. Mayor Wen Chunming, accompanied by several comrades from the government office, was loudly speaking to the workers.

The workers didn't listen at all and chanted rhythmically, "Pay back the debt, pay back the debt..."

Just then, Gao Changhe arrived in front of the workers.

Wen Chunming saw him and first said to Gao Changhe, "I've already called He Zhuoxiao and the others to come and get him." Then he said loudly to the workers, "

Comrades, stop arguing, Secretary Gao Changhe is here to see you!"

The workers who were sitting quietly immediately fell silent and all turned their hopeful eyes to Gao Changhe.

Gao Changhe waved his hand: "Comrades, as you all know, I've just started working in Pingyang, and today is my first day. I'm not entirely familiar with the situation at the rolling mill yet. However, I can make one thing clear: debts must be repaid, of course! The country will not default on a single penny of your debts! Absolutely not!"

His words were followed by silence, then a burst of enthusiastic applause.

Amidst the applause, a middle-aged worker with graying hair broke through the cordon, ran to Gao Changhe, and knelt down before him, his wrinkled face looking up as he repeatedly cried out, "Gao Qingtian!" "Secretary Gao, Gao Qingtian! You and the new municipal committee must stand up for us! Gao Qingtian..."

Just as Gao Changhe was about to help the middle-aged worker up, a whole group of workers outside the cordon knelt down, and the cries of "Gao Qingtian!" resounded throughout the area...

The scene was truly breathtaking.

Gao Changhe felt a rush of blood to his head, and his eyes welled up with tears. He shouted, "Comrades, get up! Get up! What are you doing? You are the working class, how can your knees be so weak! Comrades, stand up, all of you, stand up!"

The workers then stood up one after another.

Gao Changhe composed himself and said, “Don’t call me ‘Gao the Upright Official,’ the era of upright officials is over, long over! Today’s Pingyang is not Pingyang ruled by men, and today’s China is not China ruled by men. We are a society governed by law. What does a society governed by law rely on? It doesn’t rely on the wisdom of any one person, but on a complete set of legal systems and a sound system adapted to today’s situation! Comrades, you only see your own funds being thrown into the water, but have you not thought that the country’s 1.2 billion yuan investment has also been lost? From my preliminary understanding, this has little to do with the incompetence of any leader, but rather a great deal to do with our old system! It is precisely because of this that we must unswervingly follow the path of deepening reform, and reform those unreasonable old systems that are not adapted to the development of the current socialist market economy, so that the situation of the Pingchao plant, which harms the country and the people, will never happen again!”

Another round of enthusiastic applause rang out.

A worker shouted from the crowd, "Secretary Gao, please tell us, how should this reform be carried out? How should it be deepened?"

Gao Changhe said, "Comrades, to be honest, I'm not sure about the rolling mill either. You need to give me some time, give our current leadership team some time, and at the same time, think of solutions together. If you have any constructive suggestions, you can report them to the factory, or to Mayor Wen and me personally, okay? Comrades, everyone go back now. I'll emphasize again, the country will definitely not default on your debts!"

The workers, however, were unwilling to leave, their hopeful eyes still fixed on Gao Changhe.

Someone else in the crowd asked loudly, "Secretary Gao, when exactly will you repay our investment money?"

This question was too specific, and Gao Changhe didn't know how to answer it for a moment.

Wen Chunming immediately interjected, "Secretary Gao only sets a general principle; he can't manage such specifics!"

At this moment, He Zhuoxiao, the director of the rolling mill, arrived, sweating profusely. He first apologized to Gao Changhe and Wen Chunming repeatedly, and then yelled at the workers, "You've been asking me for your raised funds! When have the municipal party committee and government ever taken your money? What are you doing here? Are Secretary Gao and Mayor Wen not working? Go back, go back, everyone come back with me!"

The workers' emotions flared up again, and they started arguing with He Zhuoxiao.

Looking at the chaotic crowd in front of the gate, Gao Changhe felt a pang of resentment. He said sullenly to Wen Chunming, "Mayor Wen, I think the problem at the rolling mill can't be dragged on any longer. We need a thorough solution!"

Wen Chunming replied expressionlessly, "Fine, fine, Secretary Gao, I'll wait for your decision!"

Gao Changhe was furious, but in front of so many workers, he couldn't say much. He glanced at Wen Chunming with displeasure and then shouted loudly to the workers, "Comrades, please stop making a scene! I'll say it again, please give me some time! Give me some time..."

At 5 PM on June 26, 1998, after the handover between the Pingyang Municipal People's Congress and Gao Changhe was completed, Jiang Chaolin returned to his office from the Municipal Party Committee office. To his surprise, he found many brightly colored banners of varying sizes on the front wall of his office. Each banner bore his name and inscribed with words of praise such as "Public Servant," "Through Thick and Thin," and "Selfless Dedication." Among those presenting the banners were organizations and individuals, even a group of former laid-off workers. The director of the Municipal People's Congress office said, "Director Jiang, there are quite a few banners here today, and many haven't been hung yet."

Jiang Chaolin felt a surge of warmth in his heart, but said aloud, "Don't hang them all. It's not good. The work of the past ten years wasn't done by me alone; it was done by everyone. We can't attribute the achievements to just one person..."

Before he could finish speaking, Wen Chunming entered: "—What's wrong with it? Old Secretary, people are willing to give you banners, which means they care about you. The world is a scale! Hang them up, hang them all up, let everyone see if our old secretary has been practicing rule by man for the past ten years, and if this vast Pingyang only has a rolling mill!"

Jiang Chaolin immediately sensed the hidden meaning in Wen Chunming's words and asked, "What is it now, Chunming?"

Wen Chunming snorted, "Nothing..." "They reported it to you? They told the workers at the rolling mill that the era of 'righteous rule' is over, Pingyang is no longer a society ruled by men, and they're here to resolve the issues at the rolling mill. They repeatedly emphasized that the workers should give them some time."

Jiang Chaolin laughed: "Chunming, Gao Changhe's words aren't very good. Where did he go wrong? Was Pingyang a society ruled by men in the past? Were you and I officials from the feudal era? No, we are all Communist Party members, state cadres. You, sometimes, are just too sensitive!"

Wen Chunming complained: "But Pingyang doesn't only have one rolling mill..."

Jiang Chaolin nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, there's the international development zone, the private industrial park, the cross-sea bridge, the international exhibition center, and rows of high-rise buildings. There are plenty, who can't see them? It doesn't matter if you can't see them for a while. Just because you can't see them for a while doesn't mean you'll never see them." "Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it doesn't exist,"

Wen Chunming said. "It's not that I'm being sensitive, but I just feel there's more to it than meets the eye."

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand and said, "Be more open-minded. Don't jump to conclusions like that; it's not good for cooperation. Oh, by the way, Chunming, I'm hosting a welcome dinner for Comrade Changhe tonight in my personal capacity. Would you like to join me?"

Wen Chunming shook his head: "Forget it, old secretary, I won't go. Comrade Changhe just gave me a wise instruction an hour ago: 'Flood control and prevention are of paramount importance,' telling me to be on high alert. I dare not neglect my duties! I'm going to the river embankment tonight to inspect the flood control." He

gave a bitter smile and said self-deprecatingly, "Old secretary, you old municipal party secretary sit at the bow of the boat, and the new municipal party secretary is still sitting at the bow, while poor old Wen is still walking on the shore!"

Jiang Chaolin laughed: "Chunming, don't be so heartless. I'm just sitting at the bow of the boat, not with you." "Walking on the shore? I've never helped you pull the tow rope before? Huh? Whenever there's a conflict, you come to me immediately, never letting it go overnight! Who spoke on your behalf when you offended all the local lords? Think about it!"

Wen Chunming smiled sheepishly, "I hope Gao Changhe can have the same spirit of pulling the tow rope as your old secretary!"

Jiang Chaolin said, "How do you know he doesn't have that spirit? Maybe he's even better at it than me. Oh, this flood control is indeed a top priority, we can't be careless. Comrade Changhe just arrived and doesn't know much about the flood control situation, you must communicate with me more, we can help him make some decisions."

Wen Chunming nodded, "Then you all have a good drink, hopefully you can drink to your heart's content."

After Wen Chunming left, Jiang Chaolin immediately instructed the director of the Municipal People's Congress Office to take down the banners that had already been hung on the wall and put them all in the warehouse along with the banners that hadn't been hung yet.

On June 26, 1998, at 6 PM, Liu Yiru's family in Pingyang learned that her daughter, Jinhua, had returned from Lieshan and had been waiting for her at home. Breaking with tradition, Liu Yiru left work before Gao Changhe left his office. Before leaving, she said goodbye to Gao Changhe, who didn't seem to mind, glancing at his watch and saying, "It's six o'clock, time to go home. From now on, just leave on time, no need to tell me again." He also instructed her: "Under normal circumstances, don't schedule work after work hours, and try to avoid meetings at night if possible."

This led Liu Yiru to notice the difference between the old and new Party Secretary: the old Secretary, Jiang Chaolin, had no concept of work hours; he would start meetings whenever he wanted, even in the dead of night. Sometimes, a municipal Party committee standing committee meeting or a decision-making meeting on a major project could last from late at night until dawn. The standing committee members and lower-level cadres all said that Jiang Chaolin liked to "keep the birds burning the midnight oil," but Jiang Chaolin said, "This is called revolution plus relentless effort." To be honest, it was precisely because of Jiang Chaolin and the relentless effort of the Pingyang cadres that Pingyang was able to take off in those ten years. The new Party Secretary, Gao Changhe, was much more carefree. He only had a few minutes of free time in the afternoon before asking her about large-scale concerts in Pingyang and whether the Pingyang Football Club's "grand" team had a chance of being promoted to the Jia-A League. As Liu Yiru answered these questions, she thought to herself, "This new Party Secretary is a real 'playboy,' far worse than the old one!" The old Party Secretary was obsessed with work, while the new one was obsessed with concerts and football, and he was reluctant to work overtime. She suspected that his talk of "creating new glories" was just empty promises from the bureaucracy.

However, Liu Yiru dared not express her suspicions. No matter how capable the old Party Secretary Jiang Chaolin was, he was no longer the Party Secretary; Gao Changhe, whether a "playboy" or not, was still the powerful Party Secretary. As the office director, she had no choice but to adapt to Gao Changhe.

When she got home, the old-fashioned middle school principal was still at work. Her daughter, Jinhua, was already impatient and complained as soon as she saw her, "Mom, look at you! You rushed me back, and now that I'm home, you barely even see me! If you hadn't come soon, I was going back to Lieshan!"

Liu Yiru said, "Don't go back to Lieshan. Go to the municipal party committee tomorrow and report to Gao Changhe. I think Gao Changhe probably needs your report. Your Lieshan County Party Secretary, Geng Zijing, has reached the end of his career!"

Jinhua said smugly, "Mom, that's my judgment too! Gao Changhe always has to make a splash when he first takes office!"

Liu Yiru ignored Jinhua's comment and continued according to her own line of thought, "Go and report first thing tomorrow morning." "The focus of the report should be on Geng Zijing. I think we shouldn't discuss Zhao Chengquan's issue yet."

Jin Hua asked, puzzled, "Why? Zhao Chengquan also gets a share of the dividends."

Liu Yiru said, "Have you read the newspapers these past few days? Didn't you notice the big article in the provincial newspaper praising Zhao Chengquan?"

Jin Hua said dismissively, "I did notice. Geng Zijing even mentioned it at yesterday's Standing Committee meeting. But I know Geng Zijing is just trying to cover something up. I saw through it immediately!"

Liu Yiru shook her head, thoughtfully saying, "You didn't see through it. Zhao Chengquan is a veteran model worker; he's been publicized before, and he's being publicized again now. Don't worry about Geng Zijing's motives for now. You just need to... " Remember this: those we've highlighted in our publicity campaigns are generally not easily dismissed by higher authorities. Zhao Chengquan definitely has problems, but how he'll be dealt with ultimately depends on the municipal party committee's attitude. So, don't create difficulties for the municipal party committee and Gao Changhe; let them discover Zhao Chengquan's problems themselves. You, on the other hand, should focus on the economic development company as a breakthrough point, urging the relevant departments to immediately detain Lin Ping to prevent her from breaching the accounts.”

Jin Hua said eagerly, “Or, I could report to Gao Changhe tonight…”

Liu Yiru shook her head: “Don't be so hasty. Gao Changhe is different from Jiang Chaolin; he doesn't like people contacting him after work. Reporting to him at night won't be as effective.” "Tonight, prepare a written statement. If things aren't clear with Gao Changhe in person, you can use the written statement to explain. Also, you need to clarify the irregular promotion of that county township enterprise bureau director. I suspect it's selling official positions, and I don't know how many have been done before..."

Jin Hua remembered and said, "Oh, right, Mom, there's something else I forgot to mention. The 8,000 yuan bonus Lin Ping gave me has been taken back. It seems we still lack solid evidence..."

Liu Yiru said, "Don't worry about that. As long as Lin Ping is arrested quickly, there will be plenty of evidence!"

At this moment, her husband, Jin Dahong, the vice principal of No. 23 Middle School, returned, followed by two students in school uniforms. Liu Yiru knew that this model principal was going to give her and her daughter another night of trouble, so she quickly closed her bedroom door and sat down with Jin Hua in front of the computer to help Jin Hua draft the report.

Unexpectedly, just as Liu Yiru finished typing a few lines of the complaint, Jin Dahong pushed open the door and came in, saying, "Yiru, have you helped us with the new school building? Teacher Wang from our infrastructure office came to see me again today."

Liu Yiru said irritably, "Aren't you annoying? Didn't I tell you, I can't interfere in these kinds of things? You should go to the Education Commission yourselves! Building a school building is official business, it's the Education Commission's job!"

Jin Dahong sighed and said, "Yiru, you know how things are these days? People look to their superiors. We teachers don't have the same influence as your municipal party committee! The report was submitted a long time ago, and we haven't heard anything since. If you could get Secretary Jiang to approve the report, we..." "All green lights all the way."

Jin Hua turned around from his computer desk and interjected, "Dad, look at you, you never read books or newspapers, do you? Secretary Jiang is gone, and Gao Changhe is now the Party Secretary of Pingyang City, do you know that?"

Jin Dahong said, "Then please ask Gao Changhe to approve our report!"

Liu Yiru flatly refused, "Secretary Gao just took office, and I'm already pulling strings for you? What kind of impact would that have? Ah!"

Jin Dahong paused for a moment, then rubbed his hands together, "That's true, that...that's true!"

At this moment, a male student's voice rang out in the living room, "Teacher Jin, can you take a look at this question?"

Jin Dahong replied, "Coming, coming."

He went out the door.

After Jin Dahong left, Jin Hua smiled quietly and asked her mother, "Mom, what made you fall for Dad?"

Liu Yiru felt a pang of jealousy, but said, "What's wrong with your dad? He's honest and kind!"

Jin Hua rolled her eyes and commented bluntly, "Honest and kind is just cowardly and incompetent!"

Liu Yiru got really angry: "Don't talk about your dad like that—get back to work, you dictate and I'll write it down!"

On June 26, 1998, at 7 PM, Jiang Chaolin, the former Party Secretary of the Pingyang International Exhibition Center, was going to host a dinner. Tian Liye dared not be careless and carefully selected several locations, finally settling on the banquet hall of the International Exhibition Center located by the sea. The general manager of the International Exhibition Center, upon hearing that the old and new Party Secretaries were both attending, became highly nervous and busied himself with Tian Liye's preparations. He insisted on hosting the dinner himself, saying that the old Party Secretary had laid the foundation stone and cut the ribbon for the International Conference Center, but had never eaten there, and the center had to treat him at least once. Tian Liye was happy to save the old Party Secretary money, so he said, "Okay, just quietly sign the bill then, don't let the old Party Secretary know."

At 6:30, Jiang Chaolin arrived first, followed closely by Gao Changhe.

As soon as Gao Changhe got out of the car, he exclaimed, "Hey, our International Exhibition Center is so impressive!"

Jiang Chaolin, quite pleased with himself, immediately introduced it with a cheerful smile: "This center took over three years to build. The government invested 130 million yuan, and we attracted 500 million yuan in investment, for a total of 630 million yuan. That doesn't even include the cost of land reclamation. Changhe, do you know? This very spot we're standing on was originally right by the sea. We reclaimed 1,500 meters of land from the ocean, which created the seaside boulevard and this massive plaza, which is 0.1 square kilometers larger than Tiananmen Square. Last year, we held an international beer festival and an international fashion festival here—it was a resounding success! Famous beer manufacturers from all over the world and French fashion masters and models all came. CCTV even did a special feature on it."

Gazing at the magnificent plaza bathed in the glow of the setting sun, Gao Changhe couldn't help but praise, "Old Secretary, I'm truly impressed! No wonder Secretary Hua Bo praised you as a hero of the Party and a national hero!"

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand: "The people are the real heroes. This achievement was made by the people of Pingyang!"

After taking the sightseeing elevator to the banquet hall on the twelfth floor, the accompanying CEO and other entourage members all stepped down, and Tian Liye also stepped down. Jiang Chaolin grabbed Tian Liye, saying, "Hey, Tian Xiucai, don't go! Have a good drink with Secretary Gao. It's on me, and the wine is from Old Liang—Wuliangye!"

Tian Liye looked at Jiang Chaolin, then at Gao Changhe, "Is it alright for me to be here while your leaders are talking?"

Jiang Chaolin laughed, "What's wrong with it? Secretary Gao is just waiting to hear your report! It's alright that you went to the rolling mill with that Xinhua News Agency reporter, but the workers have come knocking on our door today!"

He then introduced Tian Liye to Gao Changhe, "Oh, Changhe, this is our famous Tian Liye, the great scholar of Pingyang City. He's a real scoundrel, the deputy secretary-general of the municipal party committee, but he's not doing his job properly. He's only interested in writing sarcastic articles, supposedly called 'miscellaneous essays,' like 'daggers and javelins.' I've been trying to reform him for six years, but I still haven't succeeded. Changhe, you have a long way to go. Keep trying to reform him. If you're worried about being hurt by his 'daggers and javelins,' send him to our Municipal People's Congress so this old man can..." "Comrade, keep nagging him! Hey, hey, I say, Tian Xiucai, did you bring your books today? Why don't you give one to Secretary Gao for his 'refining'?"

Tian Liye was a little embarrassed: "Old Secretary, what are you joking with me? Secretary Gao has written so many articles, they've all been published in the *People's Daily* and *Guangming Daily*. How dare I show my little collection of stinky tofu to Secretary Gao? That would be like showing off my skills in front of Guan Yu!"

Gao Changhe was quite pleased and laughed: "Oh, Secretary-General Tian, you've actually read my articles?"

Tian Liye quickly said: "Yes, yes, I admire your article on the 'three-sided' problem the most. The title of the article seems to be 'Let's talk about science and the rule of law—Reflections on the Three-Sided Phenomenon,' which was published for half a page. In the article, you talked about how the simultaneous design, construction, and approval in our economic construction is actually a disorderly and rule-by-man phenomenon, a derivative of the unscientific, rapid development of the past ultra-leftist era, which is extremely harmful. From a legal perspective, however, it is..." "Serious illegal acts. I originally thought you were an economic expert, but later I learned that you were the deputy secretary of the provincial and municipal party committee, and later the deputy secretary-general of the provincial party committee..."

Gao Changhe became even happier: "Shouldn't the deputy secretary of the provincial and municipal party committee and the deputy secretary-general of the provincial party committee know a little about economics? However, the reflections on the trilateral issue are not very well written, and they have caused me a lot of trouble. Some comrades in the provincial capital who are in charge of economics are not happy. In fact, my most proud article has not been published yet for various reasons. It is an analysis of the Pingyang private industrial park. Our old secretary has provided me with a lot of materials and ideas. If it is published, it will give them a big surprise!"

Jiang Chaolin did not expect that Tian Liye would seriously read Gao Changhe's article. Seeing that they hit it off so well as soon as they met, he said: "Good, good, you two great scholars have met. It seems that you should drink a thousand cups of wine when you meet a kindred spirit! Come, come, Changhe, Scholar Tian, sit down and talk while you eat. You two should have a 'plum wine discussion on heroes'." " We should also learn from you,"

Gao Changhe laughed. "Old Secretary, you're the old leader of our Pingyang Municipal Party Committee. We should be learning from you! Look how well you've done this great project on the International Exhibition Center! This one project alone is enough for me to study for a while! I said at yesterday's Party and government cadre meeting that we should be students first and learn well."

Tian Liye blurted out without thinking, "Good, good, only by learning well can we improve every day."

Jiang Chaolin rolled his eyes at Tian Liye: "You've been ditched again, haven't you? Who are you talking to?"

Gao Changhe laughed again: "Old leader, isn't this your personal treat? It's not a working dinner for the Municipal Party Committee. There are no foreign guests or domestic guests. At the dinner table, let's relax and not talk about official positions or use bureaucratic language. Come, come, Secretary-General Tian, let's toast the old leader first, to the great projects he has written on the land of Pingyang!"

Tian Liye obediently responded to Gao Changhe's call and downed a full glass of Wuliangye in one gulp.

Jiang Chaolin joked with Tian Liye again: "Tian Xiucai, that sip of yours has cost the laid-off workers one or two days' living expenses! Shouldn't you write an article to satirize yourself?"

Tian Liye picked up a piece of food and ate, saying sarcastically, "Old Secretary, do you think I don't know the plight of laid-off workers? I can't tell you, it's all 'the laughter of the distressed.' My sister was laid off, and I bumped into her on the night tram last night, which made me furious. I was just saying, I'll write an article in the next few days about how to respect laid-off workers."

Gao Changhe immediately said, "Excellent! This article should address two aspects: First, society should respect and help laid-off workers; second, our laid-off workers should also be confident and self-reliant. Also, there's a basic principle that needs to be made clear: we can't attribute the layoff problem to reform." "The layoffs of some state-owned enterprise workers are not due to reform, but to the old system. We are paying the price for history today,"

Jiang Chaolin said. "Yes, it's heartbreaking to think about. Under the planned economy, some of our state-owned enterprises never made a profit from the start. First, we relied on government funding, then on loans. What can we do now? We can't repay the loans, and the more we produce, the more we lose. How can we not make a firm decision to restructure the industry? This will inevitably lead to the temporary sacrifice of some workers."

Tian Liye said sullenly, "The workers are making sacrifices, but what about the cadres? Why aren't they sacrificing themselves?"

Gao Changhe laughed, "Don't worry, it'll be soon. The central government is taking big steps, and it'll be our turn soon. If you, the deputy secretary-general of the municipal party committee, don't do your job properly, I might sacrifice you."

Tian Liye's heart skipped a beat, and he fell silent.

Jiang Chaolin chimed in, "If we don't streamline personnel, that's fine. But if we really streamline personnel, we'll have to weed out a bunch of comrades who aren't doing their jobs properly, like this Tian Xiucai. Hey, Tian Xiucai, before you accompanied the reporter to the rolling mill, didn't I tell you to report to Secretary Gao? Did you report it? How come Mayor Wen said you took the reporter to Jinghu City to freeload?"

Tian Liye, suppressing his anger, said, "It wasn't me who sent reporter Li. It was Hu Zaoqiu, the executive vice mayor of Jinghu, who abducted her. Old Secretary, you know that Hu Zaoqiu is cunning and shrewd. She wanted to organize reporters from major Beijing newspapers to visit Jinghu." "Conducting a large-scale interview campaign..."

Jiang Chaolin laughed, then introduced to Gao Changhe, "That Hu Zaoqiu from Jinghu is also a bit of a slacker, let's say the second-best. He doesn't act like a county-level cadre at all, and he's as close as our Tian Xiucai as if he'd die for him. However, this comrade is better than our Tian Xiucai in one aspect: he gets things done. Their mayor is in poor health and has been hospitalized for the past few years, so he's been doing all the work for the Jinghu government. Look, he's seized another opportunity to promote Jinghu!"

Gao Changhe thought for a moment and said to Tian Liye, "Secretary-General Tian, I have to criticize you for this! Hu Zaoqiu is incredibly shrewd, how come you're not?" "You clever fellow! You're the Deputy Secretary-General of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, right? Why don't you let the reporters take a look at Pingyang too? See the great undertaking that our old secretary led nine million people to accomplish? Pingyang isn't just about Jinghu Lake; there are many places to see! Places like Binhai City and Lieshan County are doing quite well! Oh, by the way, there's a county head in Lieshan named Zhao Chengquan. He collapsed at a project meeting in the provincial capital. He had a terminal illness but insisted on working. His story is very touching; it was recently published in the provincial newspaper!"

Tian Liye immediately said, "Okay, okay, Secretary Gao, since you have this instruction, I will carry it out. Tell him to call Hu Zaoqiu..." "If they stop, we'll organize a 'Capital Reporters Visit Pingyang' event!"

Gao Changhe said. "We can't let them stop either. Let's not play the 'ranking official crushes the subordinate' game; we must respect their right to invention. Let's hitch a ride. I'll talk to the Municipal Propaganda Department tomorrow. Come on, let's drink again, Secretary-General Tian. This drink is for you, for reading so many of my articles! By the way, I also want to read your articles, and I also want to see the articles by that female reporter from Xinhua News Agency. I've already told Mayor Wen about this."

Tian Liye asked sensitively, "Secretary Gao, does that mean you'll be reviewing the reporters' articles?"

Gao Changhe nodded and looked at Jiang Chaolin: "Interrogate with the old squad leader."

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand: "Changhe, I won't interrogate. The facts are there. Let the reporters write whatever they want. Don't you scholars who write articles have a saying? 'You are responsible for your own words.' I think that's good!"

Gao Changhe shook his head: "Old squad leader, to be honest, I don't quite agree with publishing this article. I said this morning that Comrade Sun Yadong was not calm enough in dealing with the issue of the rolling mill, and acted somewhat emotionally, while you, old squad leader, have always maintained a clear head. You are right. The issue of the rolling mill is too complicated and involves too many aspects. According to several investigations, the difficult situation is not caused by the personal corruption of any one person, but by the unclear investment entity and unclear responsibility, which is caused by the old system of the planned economy. I also told this point to the workers who came to the group visit today. Now I also want to say: Old squad leader, you old comrades in the 20th century..." "The rich experience gained in the reform practice over the past twenty years is a valuable asset for us new comrades."

Jiang Chaolin laughed, "Changhe, don't flatter me. We've gained some experience in the past twenty years, but we've also learned a lot of lessons! The rolling mill is a big lesson! You cross-century cadres should face these lessons squarely while inheriting the wealth! So, my opinion is: support that Xinhua News Agency reporter in publishing the article."

Gao Changhe laughed, "Old squad leader, can you tell me the truth?"

Jiang Chaolin also laughed, "Changhe, do you doubt what I just said?"

Gao Changhe took a sip of wine and shook his head, "Old squad leader, do you think that now that you've retired, you don't care about our lives anymore? Watching us make a fool of ourselves in the province and in Beijing? You're so angry about Comrade Sun Yadong's lack of composure?"

Jiang Chaolin laughed frankly, "Changhe, to be honest, at first, I was a little angry, not only about Comrade Sun Yadong, but also about Comrade Ma Wanli. " Zhi felt that they wouldn't even allow us to endure humiliation, which was really bullying. But after calming down, he realized he couldn't blame them; they meant well and were being responsible! From another perspective, if he were in their shoes, he would also ask: How did 1.2 billion yuan end up in the water? How did 673,000 yuan get given away? — Tian Liye, you must report this situation to Secretary Gao!

Tian Liye nodded: "Okay, I'll follow Secretary Gao's arrangements."

Gao Changhe didn't make any arrangements at all, not even looking at Tian Liye, but only at Jiang Chaolin: "Old squad leader, let's drink first! My father-in-law told me that you have a good capacity for alcohol. You two used to drink together often, right? I think it was in the little red building where I live now, right?"

Jiang Chaolin took a sip of wine: "That's true. Sometimes when we talked about work late, we would have a couple of drinks with peanuts. Back then, there was no Wuliangye, just bulk wine that cost 85 cents a pound." Once, after drinking too much, he slept on a makeshift bed in Old Liang's living room. Now that he's old, he can't do it anymore. If it weren't for this welcome party, he wouldn't have drunk a single drop of baijiu. Come on, Changhe, let me toast Old Liang with his wine. You drink it for him, okay?"

Gao Changhe nodded, downed his drink, and suggested, "Secretary-General Tian, shall we sing a song for our old squad leader?"

Jiang Chaolin was taken aback and paused for a moment before saying, "Changhe, you're quite talented?"

Tian Liye, whether mocking Jiang Chaolin or Gao Changhe, gave Jiang Chaolin a forced smile and said, "Old Secretary, do you think everyone is like you, only good at work and not at life?"

With that, he and Gao Changhe got up, picked up the microphone, and began to sing: "In the ancient East, there is a dragon, her name is China..."

While Tian Liye and Gao Changhe sang, Jiang Chaolin sat blankly at the table, his unfocused eyes neither on the two amateur singers nor on the television screen, looking quite bored. After the song ended, Jiang Chaolin's eyes regained their usual sparkle, and he politely clapped, saying, "Well sung, well sung!"

Gao Changhe pointed to Tian Liye: "Secretary-General Tian sang well, I think it's professional enough!"

Tian Liye was pleased: "Then I'll dedicate another song to the two leaders! 'Spring in the North'—"

As Tian Liye sang with gusto, Gao Changhe relentlessly brought up the rolling mill again, earnestly saying to Jiang Chaolin, "Old squad leader, can't you consider the issue of the rolling mill from my perspective?"

Jiang Chaolin sighed and said, "Changhe, I have considered it from your perspective. Don't you think about it? If the issue of the rolling mill isn't resolved, how will you deal with Ma Wanli and Sun Yadong? Will you just endure it like me? Will you make Wen Chunming endure it too? Besides, I've thought about it for you. The situation is different now than before. After the 15th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, with the major actions of the Central Committee, the country..." The ministries don't have as much power as they used to, and it's not so easy for anyone to try and obstruct Pingyang anymore. As for involving individual provincial leaders, my opinion is: first, try to avoid involving them; second, if they are involved, there's no need to be afraid. We just need to learn from the lessons, not target anyone in particular. Even that Deputy Director Wang who died in the car accident, I don't think we should criticize him too much. With that kind of unreasonable system, there will inevitably be a large number of irresponsible 'Deputy Director Wangs.' Changhe, don't you think so?"

Gao Changhe thought for a moment, and whether he truly understood or was just putting on an act, he finally nodded and said, "Old squad leader, you've seen everything clearly! You're right, Deputy Secretary Ma Wanli and Comrade Sun Yadong also want a thorough investigation. Today I criticized Comrade Sun Yadong, and he's very upset and emotional. He might even report to Deputy Secretary Ma Wanli; he's very stubborn!"

Jiang Chaolin said meaningfully, "So..." "Well, Changhe, you can't get around the rolling mill!"

Gao Changhe said calmly. "Then I'll think about it some more, and I'd also appreciate it if you could help me think about it some more, old squad leader."

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand. "Forget it, to make your work easier, I'd like to find a place to hide for a while and take a break. Changhe, how about we make a gentleman's agreement? When Comrade Hua Bo was the municipal party secretary, I led hundreds of thousands of laborers to repair the sea dike and river dike. I wouldn't dare call myself a water conservancy expert, but I still have some prestige among the laborers. This year, the flood came early and is quite severe, so I'll take care of the flood prevention. Apart from flood control and prevention, you'd better not come to me."

Gao Changhe shook his head. "Old squad leader, you really don't care about our lives?"

Jiang Chaolin said, "I'm done for, don't try to rule from behind the scenes!"

At this moment, Tian Liye had finished singing "Spring in the North," and after sitting down at the table, he inadvertently interjected, "Old secretary, Secretary Gao keeps calling me 'old squad leader'." "You, the old squad leader, don't you check on the beds often, tuck Secretary Gao in? Aren't you afraid he'll catch a cold?"

Jiang Chaolin glared at Tian Liye. "Tian Xiucai, why can't you control your mouth? Look at what you're saying, it's so rude! Do you even have the demeanor of a deputy secretary-general? Do you really want to be a laid-off cadre?"

Gao Changhe didn't seem angry on the surface, and even laughed, saying, "Tian Xiucai, don't worry—look, I'm calling you Tian Xiucai now too. I won't fire you for saying such barbed things at the dinner table, that would be too petty. Right? But you also have to remember this: work is work. If you really do what the old squad leader said, not doing your job at work but just writing sarcastic articles, then I, the municipal party secretary, will handle this strictly. Don't think I'll be polite to you, even if you're a scholar or a high-ranking official!"

Although he said this with a smile, Tian Liye sensed a hidden murderous intent in his words.

Tian Liye then regretted his actions, thinking that he had probably drunk too much and that Gao Changhe would likely have to rush to make him tiny shoes after the banquet. So, he continued to act even more foolishly, singing a song for the old Party Secretary one minute and a song for the new Party Secretary the next, turning the welcoming banquet into a solo concert, driving Jiang Chaolin to his wits' end. Jiang Chaolin invited Tian Liye over for a drink. Tian Liye then used his eccentricities at the table once again. He toasted the old Party Secretary one minute, then the new Party Secretary the next, downing more than half a bottle of Wuliangye liquor in one go. Gao Changhe, with a mocking look, praised his incredible drinking capacity, asking if he wanted to emulate the poet Li Bai and write a hundred poems after a few drinks. Tian Liye, as arrogant as an ox, replied, "A hundred poems are too few; I want a thousand!" Back home, Tian Liye increasingly felt that the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee had "changed completely." His relationship with the old Party Secretary Jiang Chaolin was well-known, and he was convinced that Gao Changhe would never tolerate him. Therefore, under the influence of alcohol... In a daze, he wrote a transfer request overnight, voluntarily requesting to be transferred to the Municipal People's Congress to "make new contributions to the people's congress system of our country and the local legislative work of Pingyang." He threw down his pen, still as strong as an ox, and reeking of alcohol, he shouted at his wife Jiao Jiao: "Wife, let me tell you, I, Old Tian, have no intention of serving this Pingyang Municipal Committee! Back then, Li Bai wrote a book to frighten the barbarians while drunk, and today I, Old Tian, am drunk and beating up a transfer request..."

Fearing that his voice would be heard outside and have a bad influence, his wife Jiao Jiao went up and pulled his ear, telling him to lower his voice.

Tian Liye then imagined Jiao Jiao as Gao Changhe, and his shouting became even more enthusiastic: "Comrade Gao Changhe, don't overestimate your abilities! Who do you think you are? Haven't you just written a few empty articles? Do you really think you can guide us, the cadres and masses of Pingyang? Look at Pingyang today, whose territory is it really? If you ask me, it's not necessarily your territory, Gao Changhe's territory, not necessarily..."

After this ridiculous rant, Tian Liye didn't even wash his face or feet before collapsing onto the bed and falling fast asleep, infuriating the fastidious Jiao Jiao who cursed him as a "dirty pig" and punched and pounded him. They twisted and wrung, but couldn't drag him up to wash his face and feet...

At 8:05:08 on June 27, 1998, Gao Changhe arrived at the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee office. Before he could even sit down, Liu Yiru came over with the day's schedule and reported to him: 8:30 was the routine meeting between the Municipal Party Secretary and Mayor; 9:00 was the Municipal Party Committee office meeting; 10:00 was the experience exchange meeting on re-employment for laid-off workers and the opening ceremony of the self-reliant market; 10:30 was the commendation meeting for spiritual civilization construction; 11:30 was a meeting with representatives of the Asian Development Bank; and a reception banquet was held at 12:00. These were the main activities for the morning. The main afternoon activities were: 2 PM, the groundbreaking ceremony for the second base of the central air conditioning city, a joint venture between the private Hongda Group and Japan; 3 PM, a visit from local military leaders and officials from central ministries and enterprises stationed in Pingyang to the new municipal party committee; 4:10 PM, a central leader making a brief stop in Pingyang on a long-distance trip; 6 PM, a farewell ceremony for the central leader; 7 PM…

Gao Changhe couldn't hold back any longer and waved his hand to interrupt Liu Yiru: “Alright, alright, let’s not talk about anything after 7 PM. We get off work at 7 PM, it’s not within today’s work schedule.”

He took the schedule and wrote down the events: the commendation meeting for spiritual civilization construction, the re-employment experience exchange meeting, and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hongda Group. He crossed it out, and said unhappily, "Director Liu, didn't I already say yesterday that I wouldn't attend these three events?"

Liu Yiru smiled and said, "Secretary Gao, spiritual civilization and re-employment are both major issues at present. These two meetings were scheduled to be held long ago, and all the members of the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee will attend. Would it be appropriate for you not to go? Especially the issue of re-employment, which is of great concern from the Central Committee to the Provincial Party Committee. The news broadcast talks about the re-employment of laid-off workers every day. Besides, this is also what the people care about most. There are 100,000 laid-off workers in Pingyang. If you don't appear at these meetings, won't it have a negative impact?"

Gao Changhe thought for a moment, agreed with Liu Yiru's analysis, and circled the re-employment meeting.

Liu Yiru seemed encouraged and said again, "Secretary Gao, the construction of spiritual civilization cannot be ignored either..."

Gao Changhe said impatiently, "I know, I know, the spiritual civilization meeting is also very important, but I just arrived in Pingyang. The most important thing is not to get bogged down in endless meetings and paperwork, but to go to each place, get more information, and seriously solve some practical problems, such as that rolling mill!"

Liu Yiru fell silent.

Gao Changhe, however, seemed unsatisfied: "Director Liu, let me give you a heads-up. I'll be saying this at the Party Secretary-Mayor meeting and at the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee meeting soon. From now on, meetings that are optional should be avoided. For those that absolutely must be held, whoever is in charge should attend! Why hold meetings where the Mayor and Standing Committee members sit in a long row? What's the point? Is it because they really value it, or are they just going through the motions? Let's stop this kind of formalism, okay? Let our Standing Committee members and mayors focus on their duties, save some time to consider major policies and plans, and do more practical work, okay?"

Liu Yiru sighed softly: "Secretary Gao, you've seen through some of the stubborn problems under our current system."

Gao Changhe snorted: "I've seen through them all, but nobody wants to change this habitual practice!"

Liu Yiru seemed to suddenly remember: "Oh, right, Secretary Gao, I should add something. Secretary Jiang's habit is to attend the commencement and completion of major projects. Comrade Chao Lin said that his favorite thing is..." "Groundbreaking ceremonies and ribbon-cutting ceremonies..."

Gao Changhe said without any pretense, "I don't like going around joining in all this fuss! Isn't it tiring? No wonder Secretary Jiang doesn't have a fixed work schedule, he's busy from the moment he opens his eyes until noon! If no leaders go to the groundbreaking ceremony or ribbon-cutting ceremony, will construction stop? Will the project not be completed? As long as your investment environment is good, and people can make money here, they'll come anyway. If your investment environment is bad, even if you do nothing all day but hold groundbreaking ceremonies and ribbon-cutting ceremonies, people still won't come. Therefore, we should focus more on improving the investment environment and less on whether or not to attend these kinds of events. Of course, this isn't absolute; I'll attend some major projects if I have time."

At this moment, it was already 8:15. The door to the first conference room of the municipal party committee across from Gao Changhe's office opened. Through the half-open door, Gao Changhe saw Sun Yadong and Wen Chunming enter the conference room one after the other. He then gathered his documents, preparing to go to the conference room to attend the meeting between the secretary and the mayor.

Liu Yiru spoke again, her demeanor still natural and casual: "Oh, Secretary Gao, there's something else. Comrade Jin Hua, the Standing Committee Member of the Lieshan County Party Committee and Executive Deputy County Head, came early this morning and has been waiting for you in my office. She said she has important information to report to you in person."

Gao Changhe didn't pay much attention, glancing at Liu Yiru: "Why does she have to come to me? I don't have time to listen to her report alone. Tell her that whatever it is, we'll talk about it when I get to Lieshan. I plan to make time to visit the six counties and cities of Lieshan, Binhai, and Jinghu..."

Liu Yiru then had no choice but to speak frankly, her voice suddenly lowering considerably, "Secretary Gao, Geng Zijing, the Secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee, is suspected of serious economic crimes. If we don't take immediate action, it could lead to serious problems!"

Lieshan really did have problems! And it involved the County Party Secretary!

Gao Changhe thought for a moment and asked, "Director Liu, how did you know? Did that Deputy County Head Jin talk to you?"

Liu Yiru nodded, hesitated for a moment, and said, "Secretary Gao, you may not know, but Jinhua is my daughter."

Gao Changhe was taken aback again: "You, Director Liu, are really good at keeping your composure. You've talked to me about this meeting and that meeting, why didn't you say something so important earlier? Was it because she's your daughter that you couldn't bring yourself to speak up?"

With a wave of his hand, he immediately made a decision, "How about this, I'll go to the conference room and tell Comrade Wen Chunming to have them start the meeting first. Director Liu, you go and invite Comrade Jinhua over, and tell her I'll hear her report immediately!"

Hearing Jin Hua's report, Gao Changhe was utterly astonished. He never imagined that Geng Zijing, the Party Secretary of Lieshan County, and his accomplices would be so audacious as to resell state-owned land use rights through Lin Ping's so-called "shareholding" Lieshan Economic Development Company. This wasn't just violating regulations by engaging in business; it was clearly abusing power for personal gain, embezzlement, and perverting the law! Recalling the reports from Sun Yadong and Ma Wanli, and the 140,000 yuan in embezzled funds sent to the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection earlier, Gao Changhe estimated that the 140,000 yuan likely originated from Lieshan, and might even have been sent by County Head Zhao Chengquan. Since all five secretaries and standing committee members of the Lieshan County Party Committee had invested, it was impossible for Zhao Chengquan, as the deputy secretary of the county party committee and county head, to refuse to invest. It was understandable that this honest county head, prioritizing self-preservation, dared not fight back. The anonymous letter clearly stated, "He can't fight, and he can't afford to fight."

Indeed, Zhao Chengquan knew he had a terminal illness and wanted to do more work; of course, he couldn't afford to fight. To protect his innocence, he had no choice but to send the embezzled money to the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection. Jin Hua could even think of donating the forced gifts to Project Hope in the name of the giver; how could Zhao Chengquan not have thought of this? However,

Jin Hua's report made no mention of County Head Zhao Chengquan, focusing instead on County Party Secretary Geng Zijing. He described Geng Zijing as having a domineering style, a typical one-man rule, and sometimes scolding Zhao Chengquan like a son.

Gao Changhe couldn't help but ask, "How did someone like that become the Party Secretary of Lieshan County? And for six years!"

Jin Hua said, "I don't know. I only heard from the older comrades in Lieshan that in the first two years, they changed county heads three times. The shortest tenure was only three months. No one could stand Geng Zijing's patriarchal style. Zhao Chengquan is relatively honest, has a good temper, and doesn't vie for power, which is why he's been in office until today, and that's why Geng Zijing mentioned a united leadership team."

Gao Changhe snorted, "Yes, a united leadership team—united to engage in collective corruption!"

This disrupted both the Party Secretary and Mayor's meeting and the Municipal Party Committee's office meeting. Gao Changhe only showed up briefly at the beginning of the Party Secretary and Mayor's meeting to greet the vice mayors he hadn't met yet, and then let Wen Chunming preside over the entire meeting. As the meeting neared its end, Wen Chunming asked Liu Yiru to come and ask if he had anything else to say. Gao Changhe then instructed Liu Yiru to ask Wen Chunming and Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Sun Yadong, to stay behind, as there were important matters that needed immediate discussion. The 9:00 PM Municipal Party Committee office meeting was postponed.

At this time, Jin Hua had also finished her discussion. She said cautiously, "...Secretary Gao, given this situation, I have a suggestion: take effective measures immediately to stop Lin Ping, the manager of the Economic Development Company, from defaulting on her debts. According to public reports, this female manager's relationship with Geng Zijing is quite unusual."

Gao Changhe nodded, "We will consider this issue; don't worry. Oh, Comrade Jin Hua, I must say that I thank you from the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee! Thank you for your integrity and courage. Fighting corruption now requires courage!"

Jin Hua said somewhat shyly, "Secretary Gao, actually, I'm not that brave. If you hadn't become the Municipal Party Secretary, I probably wouldn't have dared to report this. I trust you." With that

, she stood up to take her leave.

Gao Changhe was somewhat moved. He glanced at Jin Hua and suddenly asked, "Comrade Jin Hua, how old are you?"

Jin Hua paused for a moment and said, "Thirty. What's wrong, Secretary Gao?"

Gao Changhe smiled, "Nothing, just asking."

He paused, then finally spoke, his tone not like that of a municipal party secretary, but more like that of Jin Hua's older brother, "Jin Hua, you're so beautiful and so young, why are you dressed so old-fashioned? Like your mother."

Jin Hua was a little embarrassed and said, "As the executive deputy county head, I'm afraid the older comrades won't like how I dress so brightly."

Gao Changhe said kindly, "Young County Head Jin, don't be afraid. You should have the courage to change the older comrades' mindset!"

With that, he saw Jin Hua out the door and went straight to the first conference room.

In the first conference room, Wen Chunming and Sun Yadong were having a lukewarm conversation.

Gao Changhe's face darkened as soon as he entered: "Mayor Wen, Secretary Sun, let's have a quick meeting and decide on one thing immediately: investigate the leadership of the Lieshan County Party Committee. Based on Comrade Jin Hua's report and past public feedback, we estimate this leadership has serious problems..."

Wen Chunming was stunned.

Sun Yadong, however, calmly remarked, "Lieshan should have been thoroughly investigated long ago!"

At 8:30 AM on June 27, 1998, Tian Liye woke up completely sober. Looking at the transfer request he had written in a drunken stupor the previous night and his wife Jiao Jiao's "comments" on it, Tian Liye immediately felt ashamed, truly feeling he had let down all of humanity. Look at the mess this had made! Drinking with the old and new municipal party secretaries—what a huge honor! He'd completely lost face. What had he been rambling about after getting home? He couldn't remember a thing. Jiao Jiao's "instruction" consisted of

only two sentences: "Listen up, you arrogant fool: think thrice before you act, don't act impulsively! Look at Pingyang today, it's not your territory, Tian Liye's!" The last sentence even used three exclamation marks. While pondering the guiding significance of this "instruction" amidst boundless remorse and shame, someone knocked on the door. Thinking it was Jiao Jiao, Tian Liye rushed to open it, only to find it was his younger sister, Tian Liting. As soon as Tian Liting entered, she smelled the lingering scent of alcohol. She said irritably, "Drink up, drink up, brother! All you bureaucrats should drink more, then there'll be hope for victory in the reform campaign, and we laid-off workers can get back to work quickly!" Tian Liye retorted irritably, "All I say is 'laid off!' Aren't you tired of this? Let me tell you, I'm about to be laid off too. I'll go with you to the Zili Market to set up a stall. You have nothing to say then, right?" Tian Liting said, "If you officials can really set up stalls, we laid-off workers really have nothing to say." Tian Liye said, "That's the problem. It's not poverty that's the problem, it's inequality! Don't you think about it? If the backbone of society, the pillars of the nation, are all setting up stalls, who will control the direction of reform? What hope is there for our nation?" Tian Liting said, "Brother, I won't talk nonsense with you." "Anyway, we can't argue with you, let's get down to business. You kicked me out of my job search, what are we going to do about it? Where do you plan to put me in a respectable place to find a new job?" Tian Liye then remembered that he hadn't had time to arrange things for his sister yet, but he wouldn't admit it: "I'm still in contact with her, she hasn't replied yet." Then, he complained, "Liting, you too, your sister-in-law doesn't care about me, and neither do you! I thought you came to stop me this morning to comfort me because I was drunk, but it turns out you're here to interrogate me!" Tian Liting said, "Brother, don't change the subject, call me now and ask her again." Tian Liye was cornered, with nowhere to retreat, and then he remembered the "New World Entertainment City" that Jinghu City had opened in Pingyang and immediately called Hu Zaoqiu. As luck would have it, Hu Zaoqiu had just arrived at the office when she answered the phone and immediately beamed, asking, "Leader Tian, is something good happening? Why are you calling me as soon as I get to work?" Tian Liye, never serious with his old classmate, blurted out, "Great news, Commander Hu! On behalf of the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government, I'd like to recommend a talented person to you. Her name is Tian Liting, she's a woman who wants to re-enter the Xintiandi Entertainment City. Do you think you could arrange something for her?" Hu Zaoqiu knew that Tian Liting was Tian Liye's sister, so she said, "Just one word! As long as I don't arrange for her to be general manager or chairman or anything like that, I'll do it today. Tell me, Leader Tian, what would you like our model worker, Comrade Tian Liting, to do? How about she collect money at the cashier? She should be able to distinguish between fifty and one hundred yuan bills, right?" Tian Liye covered the phone to ask his sister's opinion, and she nodded happily. Tian Liye said, "Okay, it's settled then! You should talk to Xintiandi right away." Hu Zaoqiu said, "No problem, I'll make the call and arrange it today. You can have Liting start working at Xintiandi tomorrow. But, Mr. Tian, let's be clear, you owe me another favor..."

The problem was solved, but Tian Liting still wasn't kind, saying, "Brother, look, this is the difference between public servants and ordinary people. Ordinary people are so worried they'd hang themselves, but public servants just make a phone call and solve it like a joke!"

Tian Liye was genuinely unhappy: "Liting, if you have such a big problem with us cadres, why did you even come to me?"

Tian Liting laughed: "Isn't it because you're my brother? Even if it's corrupt, I have to admit it!"

After Tian Liting left, Tian Liye checked his watch; it was already 8:30. Remembering the municipal party committee meeting at 9:00, and Gao Changhe's first such meeting since taking office, he didn't dare hesitate any longer. He hurried downstairs, through the back gate of the municipal party committee compound, and into his office.

Just as he entered, Li Xinxiang called.

Li Xinxiang excitedly informed Tian Liye that she had reported the issue of the rolling mill to the cooperative leaders by phone, a long-distance call that lasted over an hour, which had attracted the serious attention of the relevant leaders. The company leadership instructed that the Pingyang Rolling Mill was a typical case. Such major errors, caused by unclear investment entities, ambiguous responsibilities and powers, and departmental conflicts under the old planned economy system, were not unique to Pingyang City but existed in many places across the country. According to the instructions of relevant central leaders, it was necessary to selectively report on them publicly.

Li Xinxiang spoke enthusiastically on the phone, but Tian Liye showed no reaction.

Li Xinxiang asked, "Hey, hey, Secretary Tian, what's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything?"

Tian Liye sighed and said, "Reporter Li, the situation has changed. Our newly appointed municipal party secretary has different views from the former one. The new secretary doesn't approve of public reporting on the rolling mill."

Li Xinxiang said dismissively, "Your new secretary just says he won't report it? Who does he think he is? A leader of the Party and the state? I'm not under his leadership!"

Tian Liye said, "You may not be under his leadership, but I am. You're not going to force me to hang myself, are you?"

Li Xinxiang was unhappy: "Secretary Tian, you're the one who got me on this pirate ship. Now you're changing your mind so easily. What am I supposed to do? If you want to please your new secretary, I have to follow our leader's instructions. Are you trying to force me to hang myself? Tell me, now that you're not reporting it, how am I supposed to explain this to our leader?"

Tian Liye was speechless.

Li Xinxiang said again, "Leader Tian, I don't want to put you in a difficult position. I'm familiar with the rolling mill and the relevant parties. I'll handle it myself. You should just stay put and go wherever you can find peace!"

Tian Liye felt ashamed again: "Reporter Li, please don't say that. I'll attend the municipal party committee office meeting right away, and then I'll come to see you. We'll discuss it properly and see if we can resolve this matter without putting either of us in a difficult position..."

After hanging up the phone, Tian Liye's palms and forehead were covered in sweat. He couldn't help but think: It seems he really has to leave the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee. Putting aside everything else, and regardless of whether Gao Changhe will make things difficult for him in the future, he simply can't stay any longer because of the irreconcilable conflict at the rolling mill.

At 9:30 a.m. on June 27, 1998, Liu Yiru saw Gao Changhe, Wen Chunming, and Sun Yadong, the three main leaders of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, holding a meeting behind closed doors. She knew that the fierce struggle over Lieshan was about to begin, and she had to inform the old secretary Jiang Chaolin about the situation. Not reporting it was out of the question. Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan were both promoted by Jiang Chaolin and were his people. Although she and her daughter were under the leadership of the new secretary, Gao Changhe, they still needed to have a way out with the old secretary, Jiang Chaolin. The officialdom was treacherous, and things were unpredictable. Jiang Chaolin was a powerful figure in Pingyang, so she and her daughter had to be extremely careful.

The municipal party committee compound and the People's Congress and CPPCC compounds were only one street apart, a ten-minute walk, but to save time and avoid drawing attention, Liu Yiru still asked for a car. When the car arrived at the People's Congress building, Liu Yiru told the driver to wait downstairs while she went upstairs alone.

When Liu Yiru entered Jiang Chaolin's office, Jiang Chaolin had just hung up the phone. It was unclear who he had spoken to or what had upset him, but his face was very grim. Seeing Liu Yiru enter, he asked dejectedly, "Director Liu, is something the matter?"

Liu Yiru smiled obsequiously and said, "Old Secretary, I was just delivering some documents, so I thought I'd drop by to see you."

Jiang Chaolin looked displeased: "Speak quickly, I have to go out soon."

Liu Yiru remained cautious: "Old Secretary, there's something I'd like you to help me decide."

Jiang Chaolin asked absentmindedly, "What is it?"

Liu Yiru stammered about her daughter Jinhua and Lieshan, then, with the tone of an accomplice, said to Jiang Chaolin, "...Old Secretary, tell me, how dare Zijing act so recklessly? You've warned him countless times! But he still dares! The Central Committee has repeatedly prohibited officials from engaging in business, yet he defies the rules..."

Jiang Chaolin coldly interrupted, "Director Liu, this is corruption... " "Corruption and injustice!"

Liu Yiru then changed her tune: "That's right, the problem is probably serious, they might even go to jail! Old Secretary, what do you think we should do? Should we have Jinhua report to Secretary Gao Changhe?"

Jiang Chaolin was taken aback and asked, "What? Director Liu, haven't you had Jinhua report yet?"

Liu Yiru said, "Do you think I can have Jinhua report without consulting you, Old Secretary?"

Jiang Chaolin became even more annoyed: "Comrade Liu Yiru, let me tell you, Geng Zijing is not my son, and Lieshan is not my personal territory. Corrupt officials like this should be arrested or executed. Who do I need to consult with?"

Seeing Jiang Chaolin's anger, Liu Yiru thought she might have touched a nerve, so she said, "Old Secretary, since you say so, I'll call Jinhua now and have her come to the Municipal Party Committee today to report to Gao Changhe."

As she spoke, she dialed her daughter's number right in front of Jiang Chaolin.

As Liu Yiru made the call, Jiang Chaolin watched coldly from the side and asked, "Director Liu, you're a veteran comrade. Tell me the truth, did you only discover the problems with Lieshan and Geng Zijing today? You never mentioned them to me when you came home from Jinhua before? Don't you lack a bit of loyalty?"

Liu Yiru, holding the phone, was stunned: "What? Old Secretary, do you suspect me of being disloyal to you in the past?"

Jiang Chaolin snorted: "Not to me, but to the organization, to the people, to the cause!"

Liu Yiru was full of grievances, and her voice changed: "Old Secretary, how can you say that? In the past ten years, where have I wronged you?"

Jiang Chaolin sighed and said: "Comrade Liu Yiru, to be honest, you haven't wronged me in any way. Whether it was when you were the deputy director of the office in your early years, or later when you were the deputy secretary-general and director of the office, in your specific work and in serving the leaders of the municipal party committee, you were thoughtful and meticulous, even conscientious. It's almost impossible to find any fault with you." "But you have a major flaw. I used to wonder, but now I see it more clearly: you're too power-hungry, too adept at reading the winds, and disloyal to the Party!"

Liu Yiru stared blankly at Jiang Chaolin: "Old...Old Secretary, I...I really don't know what's wrong with you today..."

Even at this point, Jiang Chaolin still didn't reveal the truth. Instead, with an almost pitying gaze, he stared intently at Liu Yiru and said, "Director Liu, look at you, your hair is almost all white. You've wasted your youth in the office. To be honest, now I regret it. If I had known you would turn out like this, I should have transferred you out of the municipal party committee ten years ago and let you do something real. You're not stupid, nor are you incapable; you're just too quick-witted. Oh, by the way, don't pass on this to your daughter Jinhua; it will ruin her..."

Liu Yiru sensed that things were going badly and dared not say another word.

Jiang Chaolin then spoke frankly: "Comrade Liu Yiru, let me tell you, regarding the issues of the Lieshan leadership and Geng Zijing, Comrade Gao Changhe and I just exchanged opinions on the phone, right when you first arrived! You shouldn't try to play games between us, the old and new secretaries, okay? Even if we, the old and new secretaries, have different opinions on some issues, we have one thing in common: we are both loyal to the cause of the Party and the people!"

Liu Yiru felt as if she'd been shot; the world spun around her, and her limbs went cold. She never imagined that her cleverness would backfire so spectacularly, leaving her utterly humiliated! In her twenty years in the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, she had weathered countless storms, witnessed countless rises and falls, and navigated countless treacherous waters with her caution and wisdom. What had happened now? Was she too old to keep up with the times, or was this new power holder simply too unpredictable? Why had Gao Changhe immediately leaked Lieshan's problem to Jiang Chaolin? Why hadn't he used Lieshan's case to create a proper deterrent?

It seemed this Gao Changhe was no ordinary man; he might be quite adept at scheming and manipulating events!

Faced with the biggest and most humiliating defeat in twenty years, Liu Yiru, after her initial embarrassment, still tried to calm herself and told Jiang Chaolin that she had no choice but to do so. It was precisely because of her loyalty to the Party that she had to support her daughter Jinhua in reporting Gao Changhe; and because she wanted to be worthy of her old leader, she also needed to communicate afterwards to avoid any unnecessary misunderstandings later.

As she spoke, Liu Yiru almost cried: "Old Secretary, please put yourself in my shoes. How difficult was it for me? What could I do in this situation? I truly meant well, wanting to achieve both loyalty and filial piety, but I never expected it would cause such a huge misunderstanding for you, Old Secretary..."

Jiang Chaolin slammed his fist on the table, his anger blazing: "Comrade Liu Yiru, you're wrong again! What 'loyalty and filial piety'? Who asked you to be a filial son? Whose filial son are you? Stop talking! Please leave, leave immediately!"

Liu Yiru slowly turned around, and as she reached the door, tears of humiliation finally streamed down her face.

Turning back, Liu Yiru choked up again and said, "Old Secretary, I know you're not in a good mood right now. It doesn't matter what you scold me for, I won't hold it against you. If there's anything in the future, you... you can just call on me..."

At 9:40 a.m. on June 27, 1998, at the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, Gao Changhe, Wen Chunming, and Sun Yadong were almost finished with their small meeting at the Municipal Party Committee.

Gao Changhe concluded, "...Since everyone has no objections, and Comrade Chaolin's attitude is clear and firm in his support, then, Comrade Yadong, your Discipline Inspection Commission and relevant departments should act quickly, handle this as a special case, file a case as soon as possible, and promptly send personnel to Lieshan County to investigate and collect evidence. A special reminder: it's best to take necessary measures immediately against County Party Secretary Geng Zijing and Lin Ping from the Economic Development Company to prevent them from colluding and destroying their own accounts if word gets out."

Sun Yadong nodded, "Okay, Secretary Gao, I'll arrange it as soon as I get back."

Gao Changhe thought for a moment and then said, "According to the information provided by Comrade Jinhua, Geng Zijing may be in the provincial capital now. Comrade Yadong, I think you could send a few capable comrades to the provincial capital to detain Geng Zijing there, cutting off their contact with both sides. This might be more beneficial to the work. At the same time..." "I'll also investigate Zhao Chengquan to see if the 140,000 yuan transferred to the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection is his."

Sun Yadong said, "Alright, speed is of the essence. I'll leave now. I won't attend the re-employment fair at 10 o'clock. Your secretary and mayor can attend. I'll ask for leave!"

Gao Changhe waved his hand and said, "Okay, go quickly."

But as soon as he finished speaking, he remembered the rolling mill and said, "Oh, Comrade Yadong, there's something else I need to tell you seriously. Don't interfere with the rolling mill. Comrade Chunming and I will take care of it. During this period, you should concentrate on investigating the corruption problem in Lieshan!"

Sun Yadong wanted to say something, but in the end, he didn't say anything. He nodded and said, "Okay, Secretary Gao, it's good that you two are in charge of the rolling mill. I'll be relieved and can't wait!"

After Sun Yadong left, Wen Chunming complained, "Gao..." "Secretary, who's going to take responsibility with you? Wouldn't it be better if you had Comrade Sun Yadong investigate the rolling mill as well? If he doesn't investigate, the Xinhua News Agency reporters are investigating too; it's impossible to cover it up now."

Gao Changhe said, "I know, I know. I even discussed some of my views with the old secretary at dinner yesterday. Now I have another idea—Comrade Chunming, do you think we should focus on solving the problem first? Let's review the old plans again and see if we can find a better way out for the rolling mill? We should establish before we dismantle! We've now solved the problems caused by the old system according to the laws of the socialist market economy. Things have turned around, which brings hope to people. Wouldn't it be more convincing to talk about the lessons learned from the rolling mill then?"

Wen Chunming said, "It's the same old approach, treating a tragedy like a celebration!"

Gao Changhe laughed. He said, "No, it's mainly for your image as mayor. You've solved such a big problem, wouldn't that make you look great? Let's be clear, I'm just your backer, you're the one doing the show."

Wen Chunming remained unmoved: "Secretary Gao, do you think things are that simple? If they were, the rolling mill issue would have been resolved long ago, instead of dragging on until today, turning my hair half white!"

Gao Changhe laughed again: "Don't be so discouraged, let's give it a try. Let's take some time to go to the rolling mill and work with the comrades there to study this rolling mill properly..."

At this moment, Liu Yiru came in and reminded him: "Secretary Gao, Mayor Wen, it's 9:50 now, you have to go, they called again from the meeting to urge you."

Only then did Gao Changhe and Wen Chunming leave together.

Walking side-by-side in the corridor, Gao Changhe said again, "Oh, Comrade Chunming, there's another problem you probably need to think about. The leadership in Lieshan is probably collapsed, at least partially. Geng Zijing seems finished, and even if County Head Zhao Chengquan isn't in serious trouble, he doesn't have many days left. What about the new leadership in Lieshan? The country can't be without a leader for a day. Who should we send to Lieshan to take charge? You need to consider this."

Wen Chunming was a little taken aback, paused for a moment, and waved his hand, saying, "Secretary Gao, this is your business. The top leader is in charge of organization. You should discuss this with the Organization Department. I can't interfere."

Gao Changhe said seriously, "Why can't you interfere? You're the mayor and the deputy secretary of the municipal party committee. What doesn't involve you? Besides, we can't let the top leader have the final say on cadre appointments. That's not good! A more democratic approach, pooling wisdom and collective research, would be more comprehensive and prevent significant bias." (12-02) Chapter 7 The War Between Comrades

This truly left Wen Chunming completely bewildered. What was this new secretary up to? Playing the democracy card in cadre appointments? Was this kind of democracy even worth playing? Would the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee truly be subject to mutual supervision and collective leadership from now on? Even Jiang Chaolin couldn't do it, could this Comrade Gao Changhe really?

Let's just treat it as a performance!

At noon on June 27, 1998, at Jiang Chaolin's home, Jiang Chaolin never imagined that Geng Zijing would get into such a serious situation. When he received Gao Changhe's call, Jiang Chaolin was truly stunned: How could such a promising comrade have come to this point, how could he have degenerated into a corrupt official? Back then, Geng Zijing was so capable. As deputy county head, he was the first among the six counties and cities to take the lead in road construction, building wide cement roads connecting various townships and villages. As soon as he became county head, he immediately went to Lieshan New District, setting up a 24-square-kilometer battlefield at the foot of Xiao Lieshan, creating a thriving area in six years.

In the past, Jiang Chaolin only worried about Geng Zijing's bad temper and criticized him behind his back quite a bit. However, to allow Geng Zijing to work freely, he also indulged him quite a bit. When he went to Lieshan New District, Tian Liye was the deputy secretary of the county party committee and secretary of the discipline inspection commission. He disapproved of Geng Zijing's autocratic style and openly clashed with him at a meeting of the county party committee standing committee. Jiang Chaolin immediately transferred Tian Liye out of Lieshan. Four years ago, when Geng Zijing became the county party secretary, he couldn't work with any of the three county heads in succession. Jiang Chaolin criticized Geng Zijing verbally, but it was the county heads who were transferred away. In the end, he sent Zhao Chengquan, who didn't compete for power. The Lieshan leadership finally united, but it also finally became corrupt, ruining not only Geng Zijing but also the honest and kind Zhao Chengquan. Jiang Chaolin really couldn't understand what was going on. Where did his decision-making regarding the Lieshan leadership go wrong? Why did they become disunited when there was supervision, and why did things go wrong when they were united?

Thinking of Zhao Chengquan made Jiang Chaolin feel sorry for him. Geng Zijing could be said to have brought it upon himself, but what about Zhao Chengquan? Wasn't he a victim of such decisions? This county magistrate had collapsed at the Lieshan New District construction site more than once, sometimes even going to the site while on an IV drip. Who knew he would contract such a terminal illness back then? Now, Lieshan New District has taken off, Geng Zijing is in jail, and Zhao Chengquan will likely meet a terrible end as well.

However, just as Jiang Chaolin was thinking about Geng Zijing "going in," Geng Zijing hadn't "gone in" yet—not only hadn't he, but he also arrived at Jiang Chaolin's house, sweating profusely and happily carrying a large, red-skinned watermelon.

Jiang Chaolin was greatly surprised, but he couldn't show it on his face, so he had to bite the bullet and deal with him.

As soon as Geng Zijing sat down, he said, "Old Secretary, Cheng Quan collapsed in the provincial capital. His condition is very bad. The doctor said it's only a matter of time before he passes away this month. I went to the provincial capital, so I couldn't come to see you in time."

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand and said, "I'm nothing special. I'm just an old face. You should focus more on your work and less on these meaningless formalities."

Geng Zijing said, "Old Secretary, I'm not just being polite. I genuinely admire you. For ten years, you've done so many good things for the people of Pingyang and built such a thriving city." "But what have you gotten yourself? You've gained a reputation for integrity and incorruptibility; just thinking about it moves me."

Jiang Chaolin said calmly, "Zijing, don't say these things anymore; I'm tired of hearing them."

Geng Zijing continued to pledge his loyalty: "Old Secretary, even if you're tired of hearing it, I still have to say it. I was promoted by you; without you, there would be no Geng Zijing today, no Lieshan today. Today, the province sent Gao Changhe to Pingyang instead of letting our Mayor Wen succeed him, and many people's attitudes have changed; they want to follow Gao Changhe. Old Secretary, I want to make my stance clear here: we, Lieshan..." "The mountain doesn't follow the wind, it only recognizes you, old Secretary. Cheng Quan even told me this in the provincial capital, insisting that I be sure to convey his regards to you."

Jiang Chaolin said impatiently, "Zijing, please stop saying these things to me, okay? It's pointless!"

Geng Zijing became agitated, "Old Secretary, what's wrong with you? Why don't you even believe me anymore? For so many years, I've been utterly loyal to you. Whatever your instructions, I've carried them out without delay. Old Secretary, tell me honestly, do you think I, Geng Zijing, would betray you?"

Jiang Chaolin sighed, "Whether you betray me or not doesn't matter. What matters is..." "How could you betray the cause of the Party and the people! I suggested you become the secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee back then, not because you were loyal to me personally, but because you were capable and had indeed accomplished a lot. Just now, I was thinking about the road construction project..."

Geng Zijing said, "I'm not afraid of getting things done, I'm just afraid that some comrades won't understand and will spread rumors and petition everywhere, making it impossible for you to work. Old Secretary, tell me, what a good comrade Chengquan is, yet there are people in our county spreading rumors about him..."

At this moment, the secure phone in the next room rang, and his wife, Wang Yuzhen, came over and

asked Jiang Chaolin to answer the phone. The call was from Sun Yadong, whose tone was quite respectful. He immediately asked, "Secretary Jiang, is Geng Zijing at your home right now?"

Jiang Chaolin felt a little strange and asked in return, "Secretary Sun, how did you know?"

Sun Yadong said, "It was information from the provincial capital, Zhao Chengquan said so."

Jiang Chaolin remained silent.

Sun Yadong asked, "Is it convenient for us to come to your home now?"

Jiang Chaolin still didn't answer.

Sun Yadong said again, "How about we wait downstairs and detain him as soon as he leaves?"

Jiang Chaolin thought for a moment, then said expressionlessly, "Come to my house right away!"

After hanging up the phone and walking out of the room, Jiang Chaolin waved to Geng Zijing, "Let's eat. There's not much good food here, just the usual, a bowl of hand-pulled noodles."

Geng Zijing said happily, "Old Secretary, I love your hand-pulled noodles the most. I've asked my wife to learn how to make them, but she can't get them right..."

Jiang Chaolin shook his head and sighed, "I'm afraid we'll have fewer and fewer opportunities to eat them!"

Geng Zijing still smiled and said, "How could that be? Now that you're no longer the Party Secretary, you'll have more time. We old subordinates will come to see you often, and we'll definitely have your hand-pulled noodles..."

Jiang Chaolin felt both pain and anger, and didn't say anything more, just eating and letting Geng Zijing eat as well.

Before Geng Zijing could finish his bowl of noodles, Sun Yadong personally led a group of people in and said to Geng Zijing in front of Jiang Chaolin, "Comrade Geng Zijing, on behalf of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, I announce a decision: starting from June 27, 1998, that is, starting now, we will initiate an investigation into your economic issues..."

Geng Zijing was stunned, and he couldn't swallow the half-eaten noodle that was still hanging on his lips.

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand and said to Sun Yadong, "Secretary Sun, let him finish this bowl of noodles before he leaves."

Geng Zijing, however, couldn't eat anymore. He put down his bowl, grabbed Jiang Chaolin's hand, and tried to remain calm, saying, "Old Secretary, I...I'm sure they've framed me! Look, look, you've only been here a few days, and they've already targeted the cadres you promoted! But Old Secretary, don't worry, I...I, Geng Zijing, can withstand the test! I want to see what they're up to, who they're targeting!"

Jiang Chaolin's anger erupted, and he roared, "Geng Zijing, what time is it now? You still dare to lie to me? You still dare to exploit my weaknesses? Did I personally promote you? Do I, Jiang Chaolin, have that much power? Your appointment as the Secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee was decided by the Municipal Party Committee." "Yes; the decision to investigate you today was made by the Municipal Party Committee, and I firmly supported it after learning about the situation! You scoundrel!"

After saying this, without giving anyone a chance to react, Jiang Chaolin made a phone call to his driver, "Xiao Wang, get out of here immediately and go to Binhai City! Yes, right now!"

Sun Yadong, whether out of politeness or to deliberately put Jiang Chaolin in a difficult position, respectfully asked when he ordered Geng Zijing to be taken away, "Secretary Jiang, do you have any further instructions?"

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand: "Eight words: Act according to the law, punish severely without leniency!"

After Sun Yadong and his investigators took Geng Zijing away, Jiang Chaolin looked at the large red-skinned watermelon that Geng Zijing had brought, and tears welled up in his eyes...

That red-skinned watermelon really looked like a severed human head!

At 4:00 PM on June 27, 1998, in the provincial capital hospital, after a series of storms of thoughts raging in his mind, Zhao Chengquan gradually calmed down, and even with the help of Director Zhong from the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, he moved his body slightly to make himself more comfortable. After lying down, Zhao Chengquan stared at the ceiling with his eyes wide open, lost in thought.

Director Zhong sat down on the edge of the bed and said calmly, "...County Chief Zhao, you should know that we didn't come all the way from Pingyang to find you for no reason. We're here to try and save you. Your situation is different from Geng Zijing's. In terms of position, you're the second-in-command, not the first. The Economic Development Company won't listen to you. Besides, Geng Zijing's domineering nature is notorious throughout Pingyang. Even the comrade who reported you to us sympathizes with you, saying that Geng Zijing scolds you like he's scolding his son. That's the difference between master and servant. So, don't be afraid. Honestly explain the situation to the Municipal Party Committee and the organization, and be truthful."

Zhao Chengquan continued to stare at the ceiling, seemingly not hearing Director Zhong's words.

Director Zhong remained calm and spoke gently to Zhao Chengquan: "Don't have any unrealistic ideas. If you don't speak up, others will. Geng Zijing will give an explanation, Lin Ping will give an explanation, and they've all taken the initiative to do so, leaving you, County Head Zhao, in a passive position. Comrade Chengquan, look, the newspaper praised you a couple of days ago, and we were all very moved. Now you're in this mess, what's going on?"

Only then did Zhao Chengquan say, "I didn't want to publish the article in the newspaper."

Director Zhong said, "Yes, I know. This was all arranged in the past—was it arranged by Secretary Jiang Chaolin? You're a veteran cadre, so it's normal for Secretary Jiang Chaolin to arrange things this way. Oh, by the way, did Secretary Jiang Chaolin talk to you or Geng Zijing before he came down?"

Zhao Chengquan's attention immediately focused, and he asked sensitively, "What do you mean by this? Why did Secretary Jiang want to see me?"

He became agitated, "Aside from the regular city-wide cadre meetings, I haven't seen Secretary Jiang for three months, and we haven't even spoken on the phone!"

Director Zhong said: "Alright, alright, County Chief Zhao, don't get angry! This is off-topic; I was just asking."

Zhao Chengquan patted his chest, let out a long sigh, and said, "Director Zhong, let me tell you the truth. I've known for a long time that Geng Zijing's welfare arrangements were bad and would cause trouble sooner or later! But you mustn't be mistaken. Our comrades in the Lieshan County Party Committee and County Government investing in some shares and providing some welfare has absolutely nothing to do with Secretary Jiang! It's all done privately by us."

Director Zhong said, "Then, why don't you just tell the organization the truth?"

Zhao Chengquan's sallow face... A hint of pain appeared on his face. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke: "Alright, I have to be loyal to the organization. It's about the shareholding and profit sharing. It was Geng Zijing who first brought it up, saying everyone works so hard, and they don't dare give out extra bonuses, so let's do some kind of welfare in disguise. Although I felt it wasn't quite right, I didn't object much and agreed. The shareholding was real. Geng Zijing, the old members of the county committee, and the old deputy county head didn't receive their 1996 annual bonuses; each of us received an average of 6,000 yuan. Geng Zijing made the decision to invest in Lin Ping's company. At the end of 1997, each of us received 15,000 yuan." "Last month, each person received about 20,000 yuan in bonuses, totaling 35,000 yuan. Yesterday, Geng Zijing came by and discussed with me the possibility of distributing the remaining 300,000 yuan in the account, which I agreed to. Now it seems the distribution might not have happened. That's roughly the situation. If you don't believe me, you can check the accounts at Lin Ping's company; everyone signed when they received their money."

Director Zhong asked, "Where did these bonuses come from? Do you know what kind of business Lin Ping is involved in?"

Zhao Chengquan shook his head: "I never interfere in matters that aren't my concern. You'll have to ask Geng Zijing and Lin Ping about that."

Director Zhong said: "Let me remind you, Lin Ping's company specializes in reselling state-owned land use rights. Your dividends come from the price difference generated by Lin Ping's company's land use rights transfers."

Zhao Chengquan was stunned, stammering, "This...this I didn't know, I really didn't know!"

Director Zhong clearly didn't believe him: "Then, County Head Zhao, how did you become a county head? Huh? Who exactly holds the approval authority for state-owned land? How many plots of land has Lin Ping's company handled for transfer? What is the price difference per acre? Don't you have any idea? This is too hard to believe!"

Zhao Cheng Quan explained, "Land approvals have always been handled by Geng Zijing. He was in charge when he was the county head, and he's still in charge now that he's the county party secretary. He won't let go, so I can't really compete for it. Director Meng of the county land bureau reports directly to Geng Zijing. However, I know that Lin Ping's company has been approved for some land. As far as I know, there are four plots, totaling over 200 mu."

Director Zhong asked, "What did Lin Ping do with these 200 mu of land? What kind of development did her company undertake? Has it all been transferred? The difference in price from the transfer must be at least six million, right?"

Zhao Cheng Quan thought for a moment and honestly replied, " "Based on the land price approved at the time and the actual land price now, it's probably more than six million, at least around eight million."

Director Zhong said, "Yes, the price difference is eight million. You guys made so-called welfare payments, but you actually only received less than 400,000, and there's still 300,000 hanging on the books. Does that mean Geng Zijing and Lin Ping embezzled as much as seven million in land price difference payments?"

Zhao Chengquan turned pale with fright, his breathing becoming rapid: "Director Zhong, you...you mean...do you mean that this seven million was embezzled by Geng Zijing and...and Lin Ping in collusion?"

Director Zhong said, "This conclusion is now..." "We dare not go down yet; the organization is conducting a thorough investigation."

Zhao Chengquan nervously recalled, still half-believing, "It's unlikely... Comrade Geng Zijing is quite enthusiastic; he just wants to provide some benefits for everyone. He wouldn't be so bold, wouldn't! ... More than seven million yuan! If caught, that's a death sentence!"...

Director Zhong sighed and said, "County Chief Zhao, I advise you not to talk about benefits anymore. I can tell you clearly, based on the information we currently have, this isn't a matter of violating discipline to provide benefits; it's a major economic case involving suspected economic crimes!"

Zhao Chengquan nodded blankly, remaining silent, his face grim.

Director Zhong asked again, "Didn't the municipal party committee leaders notice anything amiss with this abnormal situation?"

Zhao Chengquan shook his head blankly, still silent.

Director Zhong pressed on, "After so long, didn't the municipal party committee leaders even have the slightest suspicion?"

Zhao Chengquan almost cried, "Even your disciplinary inspection organs... didn't notice, didn't suspect anything, so where did the leaders of the municipal party committee and government... notice? And where did they begin to suspect?" "This... if someone inside hadn't leaked it, who... who would have known?"

Director Zhong then asked, "So, County Chief Zhao, when these bonuses were distributed like this time and time again, weren't you afraid?"

Zhao Chengquan hesitated for a moment and said, "I was a little worried, I can't say I was afraid, I just thought it was a disguised form of welfare..."

Director Zhong stared intently at Zhao Chengquan: "Didn't you ever think of sending this money that you shouldn't have taken to the relevant departments?"

Zhao Chengquan shook his head: "If I really did that, wouldn't I have harmed Geng Zijing and the other comrades? At that time, I really thought Geng Zijing meant well, and I even thought Geng Zijing had guts! ... Director Zhong, I was confused, I was really confused..."

Director Zhong asked again: "So, you never handed over this money that you shouldn't have taken to the Discipline Inspection Commission? Is that right? Including the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission?" Zhao

Chengquan, unaware of what was happening, looked blankly at Director Zhong and nodded firmly.

Just then, the doctor came to check on the patients. Seeing Director Zhong and the recorder standing by Zhao Chengquan's bedside with notebooks, the doctor immediately said to Director Zhong rudely, "Can you please stop talking to County Chief Zhao about work now? He's so sick, how can you be so heartless?" Before the female

doctor could finish speaking, Zhao Chengquan could no longer hold back and began to sob, burying his face in his hands.

The news that Geng Zijing of Pingyang Steel Rolling Mill was under investigation at 5 PM on June 27, 1998, spread rapidly throughout the

city that day, with various versions circulating. At 4 PM, Tian Liye was accompanying Li Xinxiang to interview He Zhuoxiao, the director of the steel rolling mill, when his phone suddenly rang. It was his wife, Jiao Jiao. Jiao Jiao worked in the municipal government's "Turning Around Losses Office," located in the main building of the municipal government, close to the central government, historically a breeding ground and relay station for rumors.

When he answered the phone, Tian Liye didn't take it seriously, assuming his wife was calling to inquire about his transfer request. He joked, "What's wrong, wife? I've carefully studied the instructions you left this morning and agree with your opinion in principle. Since Pingyang isn't my territory yet, I've decided to continue to live a life of quiet desperation and plan for a bigger undertaking later."

Jiao Jiao giggled and said, "I know you'll learn your lesson once you sober up. Hey, have you heard?" "Something big has happened!"

Tian Liye still didn't take it seriously: "What big thing? Did your 'loss-making office' create some new loss-making unit again? And you're reporting this to our municipal party committee?"

Jiao Jiao said: "Tian Dashuaizi, I'm not joking with you! Do you know? Geng Zijing from Lieshan is under investigation! Right now, Lieshan is arresting people. A female manager from the Economic Development Company, the director of the Land Bureau, and quite a few other officials have all been detained. It's like a whirlwind sweeping away fallen leaves..."

Tian Liye was shocked: "Even I, the deputy secretary-general of the municipal party committee, didn't know about this. How did you know? Is this Reuters news?"

Jiao Jiao said, "Let me tell you, it's 100% Xinhua News Agency news! Even more serious is that Geng Zijing was cornered at Secretary Jiang's house! It's said he was caught red-handed while making an agreement with Secretary Jiang..."

Tian Liye interrupted before Jiao Jiao could finish, "That's impossible! Don't we know who Secretary Jiang is? Jiao Jiao, I'm warning you, don't go around spreading this kind of talk, it'll cause a huge mess!"

Jiao Jiao said unhappily, "Am I stupid? Would I spread such things? But, Liye, you really need to be careful, don't mess with that new guy Gao Changhe anymore, he's not simple, he's making an example of you monkeys!"

Tian Liye said irritably. He said, "That's wishful thinking! We monkeys don't even look!"

Jiao Jiao said, "Then you'd better watch out for people killing monkeys!"

Tian Liye was extremely flustered and said, "Alright, alright, Jiao Jiao, stop nagging! Don't worry, I won't fight a losing battle. I'm currently accompanying Reporter Li on an interview, just to find an opportunity to work on her, help her correct her ways, and save my political future."

Just as he hung up his phone, before he even returned to He Zhuoxiao's office, Hu Zaoqiu called again, immediately complaining, "Secretary Tian, look at you, you're such a bad friend! I was helping you out this morning, and with such a big mess in Pingyang, you didn't even tell me!"

Tian Liye said: “Early Autumn, to be honest, I only just found out myself. They say something happened to the Lieshan leadership.”

Hu Zaoqiu said, “Yes, how could Secretary Jiang be so muddle-headed? Why did he hide Geng Zijing in his own house? Tell me, what kind of scheme is this, letting someone block his door? What if Geng Zijing really ran away from Secretary Jiang's house today? How will Secretary Jiang explain that!”

Tian Liye was both amused and exasperated. “Zaoqiu, where did you get these rumors from? Huh? I know the old secretary, and you, Mayor Hu, should know him too. Is he that kind of person? Let me tell you, even if Geng Zijing is the old secretary's son, if he breaks the law, the old secretary wouldn't hide him!”

Hu Zaoqiu was silent for a moment. "That's true, maybe it's just someone spreading rumors maliciously again."

Tian Liye said indignantly, "It's definitely a rumor! The old secretary has been in office for ten years, and with that kind of work style that doesn't give anyone face, how could he not have enemies? At a time like this, how could they not stir up trouble? Mayor Hu, you're not an ordinary citizen, you have to keep a clear head and not cause trouble for the old and new secretaries at a time like this!"

Hu Zaoqiu hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, you're right! After all these years, this is the only time you've acted like a deputy secretary-general of the municipal party committee!"

After hanging up the phone again, Tian Liye fell into deep thought: Today's situation is too strange, how come so much mud has been thrown at the old secretary?

It's not surprising that someone like Geng Zijing got into trouble. Eight years ago, when Tian Liye was the deputy secretary of the county party committee in Lieshan, he knew Geng Zijing. At that time, Geng Zijing was just a deputy county head, who was power-hungry and often went to the old secretary to report on him. He was eventually transferred away from Lieshan, partly because of his own reasons and partly because of Geng Zijing. The old Party Secretary didn't believe anyone else, but he believed Geng Zijing. Geng Zijing's ability to feign loyalty was astonishing. After Geng Zijing became the county Party Secretary and seized absolute power, Tian Liye had repeatedly warned him: power without oversight is terrifying. The old Party Secretary ignored him, instead saying: "Isn't it terrible if the leadership is divided and fighting breaks out?"

Now, Geng Zijing has finally brought about his own downfall, and he's also dragged the old Party Secretary down with him…

Even so, Tian Liye still couldn't understand: Geng Zijing's troubles were one thing, but this wasn't the first time something like this had happened. Why was everyone suddenly targeting the old Party Secretary? How could such a huge storm have suddenly erupted in Pingyang in just one day? Why were the rumors against the old Party Secretary so fierce? This made him suspicious of the new Party Secretary, Gao Changhe. Did Gao Changhe play a role in this? How much of a role did he play? Did Gao Changhe suddenly pull this stunt because the old Party Secretary insisted on exposing the inside story of the rolling mill?

If so, then Tian Liye was now caught in the vortex!

After thinking about it for a while, Tian Liye finally remembered to call the old Party Secretary to ask about the situation.

At 6:00 PM on June 27, 1998, Jiang Chaolin from Binhai Golden Coast received Tian Liye's call on the artificial beach of Binhai Golden Coast.

After listening to Tian Liye's impassioned venting, Jiang Chaolin calmly said, "Tian Xiucai, I know all about what you've said. Other comrades have also told me, and there are even more outrageous rumors. I didn't want to answer these calls anymore and was about to turn off my phone, but you called again. So, let me say a few words to you. First, it's a fact that Geng Zijing was indeed taken away from my house. However, I neither hid Geng Zijing nor formed any alliance with him. I neither attack nor defend. Anyone who has doubts about this should go to Comrade Sun Yadong to find out. Second, Comrade Changhe had discussed this with me beforehand. I firmly support the investigation of Geng Zijing and the Lieshan team. This is normal anti-corruption work, and there's no question of manipulation. You petty bureaucrats need to be more discerning and not slander Comrade Changhe unnecessarily. Third, you must fully support Comrade Gao Changhe's work and not act on emotion or let your personal interests dictate your actions." "Don't be so quick to believe rumors and ruin our peaceful and united situation in Pingyang. As for whether or not to conduct the interview at the rolling mill? My opinion is to continue! The reporter and their leader are right. This is not just a problem with the rolling mill; it's a major issue of typical significance that occurred under the old system. As long as you have Party spirit, conscience, and a sense of responsibility for reform, you won't oppose doing this. Alright, Tian Xiucai, that's all I have to say. Oh, right, one more thing, let me remind you: after the reporter writes the article about the rolling mill, no matter what the reporter's attitude is, you must have the article reviewed by Comrade Changhe and Comrade Chunming. This is a matter of organizational principle."

After hanging up his phone, Jiang Chaolin sighed deeply and said to Wang Shaobo, the Party Secretary of Binhai City, whose head was wrapped in bandages, "Shaobo, look at the mess this has made! In just one day, it's caused a huge uproar! That Geng Zijing really infuriates me!" Wang Shaobo

smiled and said, "Old Secretary... " Remember, if you say something unpleasant, you are doing it yourself.

Jiang Chaolin stared at Wang Shaobo angrily and said, "What?" Are you angry with me too?

Wang Shaobo smiled and said: "No, old secretary, I just want to help you sum up the experience and lessons." Please recall, have comrades reminded you about Geng Zijing? I remember that Tian Xiucai and Mayor Wen told you several times. I was also present once, but you didn't listen and were coaxed to death by Geng Zijing. Geng Zijing will flatter you, and he will only implement your instructions overnight. Unlike us, we always give you some unpleasant opinions, and sometimes dare to contradict you. Therefore, when you see us, your face is like flint, and you want to evacuate us at every turn. I ask you to lay the foundation stone of the Golden Coast. You can really do it by ignoring me from beginning to end. It can be seen that you are smiling happily when you see Geng Zijing. Geng Zijing and Tian Liye didn't get along with the three county magistrates. Why did you just accommodate him like that? Isn’t that too much?

Jiang Chaolin sighed: "Yes, it seems that this person used it wrongly. " , the lesson is profound!

Wang Shaobo added: "However, old secretary, among the cadres in Pingyang, Geng Zijing is just an individual. Don't take it too seriously. No one is a saint. Who can have no faults?" "

Jiang Chaolin said sadly: "One mouse droppings will ruin a pot of soup! What's more, Geng Zijing came to my house at this time! I was blocked by Sun Yadong at my house! Shaobo, tell me, what is this?

Wang Shaobo was silent for a moment and said, "Old Secretary, don't you think there is something famous in this?"

Jiang Chaolin asked: "What's the point?"

Wang Shaobo said: "Why do we have to do it at your house?" Couldn't Sun Yadong wait until Geng Zijing returned to Lieshan before taking action? Geng Zijing's problem has been exposed. He is already under the surveillance of Sun Yadong and relevant departments. Are you still afraid that he will escape? I think Sun Yadong has ulterior motives! Thinking of so many specious rumors appearing in one day, I even more suspected that there was something wrong here! "

Jiang Chaolin stopped and stared at the sea for a long time without saying a word.

Wang Shaobo added a reminder: "Old Secretary, you must be vigilant!"

Jiang Chaolin slowly turned his head and said, "Shaobo, let's not talk about these things now. Even if Sun Yadong is deliberately trying to make a fool of me and create trouble for me, I need to think carefully and learn from this lesson. It is a lesson, after all. A patriarchal system, one-man rule, and power without oversight have not only harmed Geng Zijing, but also Zhao Chengquan and so many other cadres in Lieshan!"

Wang Shaobo was clearly very surprised: "Old Secretary, why do you think like this now? Didn't you always emphasize the leadership authority of the squad leader? Weren't you the one who was most decisive and efficient? Saying you have a patriarchal system is an attack by Sun Yadong and his ilk!"

Jiang Chaolin He gave a wry smile: "So, I, the patriarch, have raised a bunch of you little patriarchs! I kept saying I'd remove you, and you kept saying you'd remove others. Now that I'm starting to consider this issue, you can't understand it, can you?"

Wang Shaobo said, "Actually, in these ten years in Pingyang, you really haven't removed any cadres for work-related reasons!"

Jiang Chaolin shook his head: "It's not about whether or not any cadres were removed, but about the problem with our traditional personnel management philosophy and way of thinking..."

Just then, Wen Chunming called, this time to Wang Shaobo's cell phone.

Wen Chunming informed Jiang Chaolin that, up to half an hour ago, ten cadres involved in the case in Lieshan had been isolated for investigation. The problem was quite serious, possibly an unprecedented major case in Pingyang in the past twenty years. In addition to County Party Secretary Geng Zijing, County Head Zhao Chengquan, two Deputy County Party Secretaries, three Standing Committee members, and a Deputy County Head were involved in the case. Outside of the leadership team, the Director of the Land and Resources Bureau, the Director of the County Party Committee Office, and Lin Ping, the Manager of the Economic Development Company, had particularly serious problems. The illegal sale of land using official power alone involves over six million yuan in illicit profits.

Jiang Chaolin asked anxiously, "So, both the county party committee and the county government of Lieshan have collapsed?"

Wen Chunming was also in a bad mood: "Is that even a question? Apart from Liu Yiru's daughter, Jinhua, all the members of the county party committee standing committee are involved. And some of the non-standing deputy county heads will likely be implicated as well. Old Secretary, you'd better be prepared; Pingyang is going to be infamous nationwide!"

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Chaolin stood there stunned, speechless for a long time.

Wang Shaobo asked with concern, "Old Secretary, it seems they're up to something big, aren't they?"

Jiang Chaolin immediately flared up, "Comrade Shaobo, why do you always think like this? Is this for my sake? Don't you think about how I feel right now? Those scoundrels in Lieshan have caused so much loss to the people and such a terrible impact on the Party! Don't I feel ashamed?"

At 8:00 AM on June 28, 1998, Tian Liye, the Secretary of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, had just arrived at work when he encountered Liu Yiru in the corridor before even entering his office.

Liu Yiru feigned surprise and asked, "Oh, Secretary-General Tian, look, it's still five or six minutes before work starts. Why are you here already? Why don't you take advantage of the cool morning air and sleep a little longer?"

Tian Liye said seriously, "I've reformed. From now on, I'll learn from you, Director Liu..."

At this moment, Gao Changhe came upstairs carrying a briefcase. Seeing Tian Liye, he immediately said, "Oh, Secretary-General Tian, I was just looking for you. Come here for a moment!"

Liu Yiru gave Tian Liye a sly smile and left.

Tian Liye followed Gao Changhe nervously into the office and asked, "What is it, Secretary Gao?"

Gao Changhe sat down at his desk and gestured for Tian Liye to sit as well. He took a thin book from his briefcase, placed it on the table, and said, "Just wanted to chat."

Tian Liye noticed that the book Gao Changhe had taken out was his second collection of essays, "Also a Saying." Gao Changhe pointed at the book and laughed, "Secretary-General Tian, since you didn't give me this book for my critique, I did. I had Director Liu get a copy from the reception desk. Not bad, not bad, the hypnotic effect is quite good; I fell asleep before I even finished critiqueing it."

Tian Liye was furious inside but dared not show it, only saying, "If it can help your leader get a good night's sleep, I'm somewhat comforted. It's not like I wrote it in vain."

Gao Changhe picked up the book, flipped through it, and checked the copyright information . Page: "Oh, you printed two thousand copies. Did you sell them all to the reception office of our municipal party committee and government?"

Tian Liye shook his head: "The reception office bought a thousand copies, and I bought the other thousand myself. What? Secretary Gao, are you going to expose my corruption too?"

Gao Changhe laughed: "I haven't considered that, really not. A thousand books are only a few thousand yuan. Even if I were to expose your corruption, I wouldn't need to personally handle it. Why use a sledgehammer to crack a nut? Besides, it's better for comrades to read more books, even if they're books that make people doze off, than to drink more. A few thousand yuan can be spent on drinking in one go. It's better to buy some of your books to give away, which will make our Pingyang municipal party committee seem like a gathering of talented people, right?"

Although Tian Liye knew that his troubles would come sooner or later, he really didn't expect them to come so quickly, and in this kind of way. It seems that intellectuals are really good at dealing with intellectuals. The old secretary could never say something as insightful and "witty" as Gao Changhe, making you grit your teeth in hatred but unable to retaliate.

Gao Changhe poured himself a glass of water and also poured one for Tian Liye. His words were sharp, yet his smile was perfectly natural: "Of course, Secretary-General Tian, you may disagree, and you may think your book is very well written, even as good as Lu Xun's essays—that's your right. But as a reader, my conclusion is simply this: you, Tian, don't have much talent. Writing this kind of article is fine when you have free time, but not writing it when you don't isn't a loss; generally speaking, it won't affect the prosperity of Chinese literature. Let me clarify, this is entirely a reader's opinion, not the opinion of a municipal party secretary. When discussing such academic issues, we are completely equal."

Tian Liye, however, completely failed to perceive any atmosphere of equality in the municipal party secretary's office!

After playing the role of a reader, Gao Changhe immediately switched to playing the role of the municipal party secretary: "Oh, let me also make a statement to you today, Secretary-General Tian. As long as you're still willing to continue writing, our municipal party committee reception office can buy another thousand copies when you publish another book. The old leader's good tradition of encouraging writing and reading will never be interrupted during my term."

Tian Liye forced a smile: "Secretary Gao, I think I should just go and research sleeping pills!"

Gao Changhe joked: "Different, different. Sleeping pills have side effects, but reading your book to induce sleep has no side effects."

Tian Liye couldn't help but ask: "Secretary Gao, what exactly do you want to talk to me about?"

Gao Changhe then got to the point: "Let's talk about your work. Normally, there's no need for me to talk to you about this; Secretary-General Wang of our municipal party committee could talk to you. But your situation is a bit special. After all, you're one of the first friends I made when I came to Pingyang, so I wanted to talk to you directly. You seem to be in your early forties, right?"

Tian Liye said dejectedly . "Forty-two years old."

Gao Changhe nodded. "Five years younger than me. At this age, you generally have a lot of experience, and it's the time when you can really get things done. Judging from your writing, I don't think you'll have much of a future—at least not as great as Lu Xun, Gorky, or Marquez. So why not do some solid work? Every deputy secretary-general in our municipal party committee works with a deputy secretary to coordinate things, but you haven't worked with anyone for six years, and you haven't been in charge of any specific area, have you?"

Tian Liye's face darkened. "Yes, I've been doing odd jobs for six years, just distributing apples, managing sanitation assessments, etc. I'm practically the head of the non-governmental department of the municipal party committee. But let me clarify, it's not that I didn't want to do it; it's that the old secretary, Comrade Jiang Chaolin, wouldn't let me. I've asked to go down to the grassroots level many times, but Comrade Jiang Chaolin won't approve. I can't even become a township head; I'm stuck in the office, just a bell-ringer."

Gao Changhe glanced at Tian Liye intently. "Why?"

Tian Liye said self-deprecatingly, "The old secretary is afraid I might accidentally spit out something awful!"

Gao Changhe laughed heartily, and after laughing, said, "Comrade Tian Liye, I'm not afraid of you spouting ivory. If you could really spout ivory, you'd be a top-tier protected animal, a national treasure. Let me tell you, I have a personal idea. I'm planning to move you around and send you to work at the grassroots level! Don't stay in the office any longer, or you'll just become stale! When you go back, think about it. Do you have the spirit to endure hardship? Can you do more practical work and stop talking nonsense that harms the country?"

Tian Liye tentatively asked, "Secretary Gao, do you mean I should be transferred out of the municipal party committee?"

Gao Changhe nodded and said clearly, "Yes, you can't continue like this in the municipal party committee." "

Tian Liye immediately realized that the new Party Secretary was targeting him. Without thinking, he immediately said, "Then, Secretary Gao, I'll transfer to the Municipal People's Congress. I've wanted to say this for a long time, and I've even written a transfer request. To be honest, I was planning to go to the Municipal People's Congress after we had dinner together."

Gao Changhe sneered, "Comrade Tian Liye, is that all you've got? You can't work without Secretary Jiang Chaolin? Are you going to become a minister in the People's Congress? Don't you have any backbone? Are you just going to be so dependent?"

These words were too harsh and too incisive. Tian Liye felt like he had been cornered and was stunned.

Gao Changhe glared at him again: "What? You still insist on following Secretary Jiang?"

Tian Liye thought for a long time before finally hardening his heart: "Alright, Secretary Gao, I will follow the organization's arrangements!"

Gao Changhe's expression softened, and his tone became more relaxed: "That's right, you, Tian Liye, are a Party member and cadre, you should follow the organization's arrangements! You yourself just said that you've wanted to go down to the lower levels for a long time, and now I'm fulfilling your good wishes. But now that you're going down, you're clamoring to go to the People's Congress. Are you deliberately trying to make things difficult for me?"

Tian Liye thought resentfully, "Secretary Gao, it's not that I'm deliberately trying to make things difficult for you, it's that you're deliberately trying to make things difficult for me!"

Gao Changhe, however, didn't seem to have any ill will towards Tian Liye. He left his desk, picked up a glass of water, and sat down on the sofa opposite Tian Liye. He said, "I heard you were doing quite well in Lieshan six years ago, completely different from how you are now! If I were Secretary Jiang, I wouldn't have transferred you back."

Tian Liye replied insincerely, "Then it would have been better if you had come to Pingyang sooner!"

Gao Changhe smiled meaningfully, "Tell me, why did you cause such a scene at the county party committee standing committee meeting back then?"

Tian Liye retorted indignantly, "How could I have caused a scene at the county party committee standing committee meeting? I was upholding principles and disagreeing with Geng Zijing's..." "They're covering up their misdeeds and acting recklessly! It all started with the investigation of the slush fund. The Gengzijing County government had 170,000 yuan hidden in its slush fund, and nobody dared mention it. I just didn't believe it, so I brought the issue to the table! Shouldn't I?"

Gao Changhe asked with a half-smile, "And what was the result?"

Tian Liye said irritably, "The 170,000 yuan was recovered, but the old secretary transferred me to the municipal party committee as deputy secretary-general."

Gao Changhe nodded meaningfully and said, "In this matter, the old secretary's reward and punishment are unclear!"

Tian Liye immediately became alert; Gao Changhe was trying to sow discord between him and the old secretary! So he said, "This isn't about rewards or punishments. The deputy secretary of the county party committee is at the deputy division level, and the deputy secretary-general of the municipal party committee is also at the deputy division level. Many comrades would even rather be transferred up to the deputy secretary-general position!"

Gao Changhe looked at Tian Liye and asked, "If it hadn't been you who was transferred, but Geng Zijing, what would have happened?"

Tian Liye remained cautious: "Secretary Gao, there are no 'ifs' in anything."

Gao Changhe's question became increasingly blunt: "All these years, haven't you really had any complaints about Secretary Jiang?"

Tian Liye replied stiffly, "Secretary Jiang has always been good to me and hasn't retaliated against me. What complaints could I possibly have?"

Gao Changhe snorted. A voice rang out: "That's right, Secretary Jiang has been helping you sell 'daggers and javelins' all along!"

Tian Liye retorted sarcastically, "Secretary Gao, aren't you also helping me sell 'daggers and javelins'? Didn't you just say that if I write another book, you'll have the reception office continue to buy them?"

Gao Changhe slammed his teacup on the coffee table: "Tian Liye, you really want to get your hands on sleeping pills again? Huh? I'm warning you, don't have such dreams anymore! Going down to work means going down to work, be prepared to suffer!"

With that, he waved his hand, "Alright, alright, you can go back now, I have something to do, I'm going to the rolling mill with Mayor Wen soon!"

Tian Liye wasn't afraid, got up and turned to leave. As soon as he stepped out the door, he thought: Gao Changhe's attempt to sow discord failed, and the little shoes that were about to be put on his feet were probably very, very small. However, he didn't regret it, and even felt a little tragic—it was worth it for an old leader like the old secretary!

At 9:00 AM on June 28, 1998, at the Lieshan County Party Committee Guesthouse, Sun Yadong led a team of over thirty people in a frantic 24-hour operation, working tirelessly as if in a battle. The operation was remarkably successful; all ten suspects initially identified were apprehended, and locations where evidence of wrongdoing might be stored were sealed off. The first round of surprise investigations concluded at 5:00 AM, revealing the massive, corrupt Lieshan Economic Development Company to the surface. The Lieshan County Party Committee and the Lieshan County People's Government, built upon this iceberg, collapsed. The County Party

Committee, in particular, was reduced to a single survivor: Jin Hua.

Now, this last remaining member of the Lieshan County Party Committee Standing Committee and Executive Deputy County Head stood before Sun Yadong.

Sun Yadong, having worked through the night, had bloodshot eyes and couldn't help but yawn frequently. "County Chief Jin, is something the matter?"

Jin Hua inquired, "Secretary Sun, look at the mess this has made! So many leaders have suddenly run into trouble. What are we going to do with our work in Lieshan? Who will take charge? Look, there are three important meetings today alone, all of which were originally chaired by Geng Zijing. And this afternoon, an inspection team from the province is coming..."

Sun Yadong casually said, "County Chief Jin, didn't I already make this clear to you on behalf of the Municipal Party Committee yesterday? Until the new leadership team for Lieshan is finalized, you will temporarily take charge of the work."

Jin Hua said, "Secretary Sun, you said that at three o'clock yesterday afternoon, but after three o'clock, you called another person away from the County Party Committee, and then the government..." "There are two, I really can't handle them."

Sun Yadong sighed and said, "I know, I know. The situation wasn't assessed properly beforehand, and it happened so suddenly that the municipal committee was caught off guard. But don't worry, this situation is only temporary. The municipal committee will soon decide on the new leadership team for Lieshan, which should be done in the next couple of days. Just hang in there and try not to let it affect your daily work. Some meetings that are optional can be canceled, and some less urgent tasks can be postponed. County Chief Jin, is this alright for now? I still have many important things to deal with."

Jin Hua didn't say anything more, nodded, and left.

As Director Liu of the Municipal Anti-Corruption Bureau walked in, he smiled at Jin Hua's retreating figure and said to Sun Yadong, "This little woman is really something! One report has taken down two corrupt bureaus in Lieshan."

Sun Yadong's face tightened: "Director Liu, that's not a good way to put it. It sounds like you're lacking in principle! What, shouldn't these two corrupt bureaus have been taken down? If we had received such a concrete report with names and details earlier, and if we had more anti-corruption heroes like Comrade Jin Hua in our ranks, the lid on Lieshan would have been lifted long ago!"

Director Liu said, "It's not that bad. " "Simple, Secretary Sun, do you know the relationship between Geng Zijing and Jiang Chaolin? It's because Jiang Chaolin has been removed from his post. If he hadn't, even with these reports, I'm afraid the investigation wouldn't have been able to proceed."

Sun Yadong waved his hand and said, "You're wrong about that. How could it not be able to proceed? We've been investigating all along, including the rolling mill! The reaction from the masses to the leadership in Lieshan is so strong, the culture of wining and dining is so prevalent, with gifts and bribes often amounting to thousands or tens of thousands of yuan—is that normal? It would be a miracle if there wasn't a problem! However, this economic development company is too secretive; it seems they haven't even received any anonymous reports, have they?"

Director Liu nodded: "No. Last month, we did receive an anonymous letter alleging problems with Geng Zijing's lifestyle. I don't know how it ended up in the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Because it was anonymous and involved lifestyle issues, we didn't take it seriously. Now that I think about it, if we had investigated then, we might have uncovered both Geng Zijing and Lin Ping."

Sun Yadong said, "Yes, yes, for our kind of work, you have to be meticulous and have sharp eyes."

He paused, then asked, "What's the situation at the rolling mill?"

Director Liu said, "I was just about to report to you. We can now basically conclude that He Zhuoxiao, the rolling mill's director and party secretary, has financial problems. Secretary Sun, you wouldn't believe what kind of trouble He Zhuoxiao could get into!"

Sun Yadong looked at Director Liu intently, "Oh? Is that so?" "Isn't there a problem with the 670,000 yuan in entertainment and gift-giving accounts?"

Director Liu shook his head and said, "According to our in-depth investigation, those accounts don't seem to have much discrepancy. After all, it's ten years' worth of expenses, and most of the expenditures were for purchasing goods and giving them to related units. He Zhuoxiao didn't handle much of it. He Zhuoxiao's problem lies in his medical expenses. In the past two years, this person has used his position to reimburse more than 39,000 yuan in medical expenses at the rolling mill. With the cooperation of Niu Qianli, the deputy director of the rolling mill, and other comrades, we conducted a thorough investigation and obtained all the original evidence. Secretary Sun, you've met He Zhuoxiao; he's as strong as an ox. Where did he get cancer? He's really audacious, daring to sign off on these 39,000 yuan in expenses himself!"

Sun Yadong snorted, "Isn't it said that the rolling mill has no business?" Is it an economic problem? Even Gao Changhe is saying the same thing! Okay, let's continue the investigation. Go to each hospital immediately to verify how He Zhuoxiao's medical bills of over 39,000 yuan were issued. Who issued them for him? Let me reiterate, strict confidentiality must be maintained during the investigation and evidence collection process!"

Director Liu said with some concern, "Secretary Sun, the attitudes towards the rolling mill, from Jiang Chaolin and Wen Chunming to Gao Changhe, are so clear. If we continue like this, what if..."

Sun Yadong calmly said, "If anything goes wrong, I, as the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, will be responsible. I will never push any responsibility onto you comrades who are doing the specific work. Please rest assured on this point. Did I feel less pressure when I investigated that corrupt deputy mayor in Changjiang City two years ago? Just intimidation..." "I've taken several phone calls and even encountered a strange car accident. And what happened in the end? I, Sun Yadong, am still Sun Yadong, aren't I?"

Director Liu said tactfully, "Secretary Sun, this time is different. This time we're investigating privately. Besides, you and Comrade Gao Changhe had a very good relationship in the past..."

Sun Yadong waved his hand, "Regardless of my personal relationship with Gao Changhe, when it comes to matters of principle like anti-corruption, I, Sun Yadong, will show no favoritism! I told you all when I took office that I'm stubborn, and I'm determined to be the anti-corruption sword of Pingyang! The organization put me in this position, so I had no choice; you, Old Liu, became the head of the anti-corruption bureau, so you had no choice either! Don't expect us to replace the sword in our hands with flowers. A sword is a sword, not flowers!" Director

Liu dared not continue.

Sun Yadong then said, "Old Liu, let me emphasize again, I will take responsibility. You will have to do the specific work. The situation is quite complicated now, so neither Lieshan nor the Pingchao Plant can be careless!"

Director Liu nodded in agreement and left.

Just then, Ma Wanli from the provincial capital called.

Ma Wanli immediately praised Sun Yadong, saying that Comrade Changhe and the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee had made decisive and effective decisions and set a good precedent in investigating the problems within the Lieshan leadership. He also told Sun Yadong not to have any reservations and to investigate thoroughly, regardless of who was involved or what level of cadre was involved.

Sun Yadong said, "Secretary Ma, you know me. I'm not afraid of being afraid, but I really hope the Provincial Party Committee can give us more practical support at this time..."

Ma Wanli laughed heartily on the phone, "Comrade Yadong, I'm calling to tell you that the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection's working group will depart this afternoon and will have dinner with you in Lieshan tonight." Sun Yadong was pleased

and asked, "Secretary Ma, has the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee been notified of this?"

Ma Wanli said, "I've already informed Comrade Changhe."

Next, Sun Yadong reported to Ma Wanli on the latest developments in the case, specifically mentioning that there were still no leads on the 140,000 yuan of embezzled funds that had been transferred to the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection earlier.

Ma Wanli said, "Then we'll intensify our efforts and continue the investigation. If the 140,000 leads aren't in Lieshan, then we should broaden our scope and expand the investigation. However, we must be careful to adhere to the policies. Under no circumstances should we create a public uproar. The Pingyang leadership has just changed hands, and everyone is very sensitive..."

Originally, Sun Yadong wanted to report to Ma Wanli about the covert investigation of the rolling mill, but he didn't say it. It wasn't that he was afraid of failing to uncover the problem of the factory director, He Zhuoxiao, but rather that he didn't want to prematurely hand over the rolling mill's difficult issues to Ma Wanli, potentially triggering a conflict between Ma Wanli and Gao Changhe.

Therefore, even after speaking with Ma Wanli on the phone for a long time, Sun Yadong was still troubled, thinking: The corruption we face today is truly too complex and too difficult to investigate. Sometimes it's just a tangled mess. Relationships are intertwined, interests are linked, and some leading cadres have both selfish motives and concerns. The work of the discipline inspection department is truly too difficult!

Just then, Director Zhong from the provincial capital called again, reporting the latest clues Zhao Chengquan had revealed. He added that the case was putting a lot of stress and pressure on Zhao Chengquan, and that his condition was deteriorating.

Sun Yadong felt heavy-hearted. After a moment of silence, he instructed, "Director Zhong, please tell the hospital on behalf of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee that Zhao Chengquan should be treated with the same utmost care as before. Use whatever medications are needed, and continue to receive the same treatment as before. Do not change anything! In addition, you must not engage in a war of attrition against Zhao Chengquan, and do not say anything provocative... This comrade is a veteran advanced worker who has worked his way up step by step. He is not the same as Geng Zijing!"

At 9:00 AM on June 28, 1998, He Zhuoxiao, from the unusual attitude of Niu Qianli, the deputy director of the Pingyang Steel Rolling Mill, sensed that he was about to face a storm. Yesterday, after the incident in Lieshan, rumors spread like wildfire in the factory, saying that Sun Yadong and the municipal party committee were secretly investigating him, and that his time as factory director and party secretary was numbered. He Zhuoxiao discovered that the source of the rumors was Niu Qianli, so he immediately called Wen Chunming's house to ask what was going on. Wen Chunming categorically denied it, saying that the municipal party committee had never made such a decision, and told He Zhuoxiao to report it directly to Gao Changhe when Gao Changhe came to the rolling mill for on-site work.

So, as soon as Gao Changhe and Wen Chunming arrived at the rolling mill, He Zhuoxiao immediately reported the situation to Gao Changhe, saying with a full sense of grievance, "...Secretary Gao, I understand the Municipal Party Committee can investigate me however they want, and they can file a case if necessary, but to do this behind the scenes, and with people stirring up trouble in the factory, I really can't work anymore. Secretary Gao, Mayor Wen, today, in front of both of you leaders, I formally submit my resignation."

At this moment, Gao Changhe and Wen Chunming were inspecting the huge factory building together. As they walked, Gao Changhe said, "Director He, I'm not very clear about the situation you reported. The Municipal Party Committee has indeed not made such a decision or a similar decision. You can ask Mayor Wen to confirm this. As for whether anyone is doing something behind the Municipal Party Committee's back, I can't guarantee it to you. What I want to emphasize is that even if someone really did this behind the Municipal Party Committee's back, you should be honest. If you have a clear conscience, you won't be afraid of ghosts knocking at your door in the middle of the night! Why are you in such a hurry to resign? Huh? Are you feeling guilty?"

He Zhuoxiao didn't dare to say anything.

Gao Changhe pointed to the empty factory buildings and said, "Look, look, twelve billion yuan, just sitting here half-dead. Can you, Director He, stand by and watch? Aren't you worried? Although you shouldn't bear the responsibility for the investment, don't you have any other responsibilities? That's why I'm saying, you should focus your energy on changing this passive situation, instead of dwelling on your personal grievances. If we're talking about grievances, isn't Mayor Wen even more aggrieved? And who is Mayor Wen complaining to?"

Wen Chunming then said, "Old He, Secretary Gao is right. We must now focus on solving the problem."

The next meeting brought up various previously discussed plans, ranging from joint ventures with steel companies in the province to mergers, bankruptcies, and asset restructuring plans—almost nothing new.

To He Zhuoxiao's surprise, the overconfident deputy factory director, Niu Qianli, suddenly presented something new.

Niu Qianli said, "Since the municipal party committee and government attach so much importance to fundamentally solving the problems of the rolling mill, and with both Secretary Gao and Mayor Wen present, I have a new idea, and I guarantee it will be effective as soon as it's implemented!"

Gao Changhe, Wen Chunming, and all the attendees turned their attention to Niu Qianli.

Niu Qianli spoke eloquently: "Right now, the shareholding reform of state-owned enterprises is a hot topic; new shareholding companies are listing on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges every few days. Could we consider transforming the rolling mill into a listed shareholding company? Of course, the prerequisite is that the province and city support us and can give our rolling mill a listing quota..."

The attendees first chuckled, then burst into laughter.

He Zhuoxiao didn't laugh, and amidst the laughter of the crowd, he coldly spoke: "Deputy Factory Director Niu, have you lost your mind from stock trading? Are you talking nonsense? Let me remind you, our rolling mill doesn't meet the basic requirements to become a listed company at all. To date, we haven't made a single penny of profit, only debt!"

Niu Qianli glanced at He Zhuoxiao with dissatisfaction: "Factory Director He, let me clarify, as a cadre above the deputy division level, I've never traded stocks, but I do pay close attention to the Chinese stock market and have even done some research!"

After the statement, he continued, "Comrades, please don't laugh. My idea isn't out of thin air; it's based on evidence, therefore, it's feasible." For a while, I studied some of the companies that went public last year. Their listing reports were all incredibly impressive, and they were selling shares at huge premiums—one yuan of net assets for five or six yuan. But upon closer inspection, I found that many were severely loss-making companies, even worse off than our rolling mill. Later I learned that this was called 'packaging for listing.' So, as long as we can secure a listing quota from the securities regulator, packaging the rolling mill well and producing a profit report is just a technical problem…”

Gao Changhe couldn't stand it anymore and waved his hand, saying, “Don't even talk about this idea. It's completely impossible to implement. This is fraud, a disaster for the country and its people! As Comrade Niu Qianli said… ” Does this kind of thing happen? Yes, and not just one or two. These so-called "packaged" listed companies exist in our province, but because it involves our relationship with other regions, I won't name them here. However, comrades, please remember: Pingyang cannot do this! Not only today, but never again!”

Wen Chunming immediately agreed, saying, “Right, are they really treating our people like fools?”

Gao Changhe glanced at Wen Chunming and said, “Mayor Wen, don't be so sure, there really are people treating the people like fools! Some time ago I saw an economic theory article that talked about how Chinese people have trillions of yuan in their hands, and calculated how many people could be trapped in trouble.” State-owned enterprises in the country are being transformed into joint-stock companies. Comrades, to be honest, I was truly terrified after reading this article! Imagine what kind of situation we would face if companies like the rolling mill were packaged and listed on the stock exchange? On the surface, the burden on the country seems lighter, but don't forget, these burdens haven't disappeared into the atmosphere; they've been passed on to ordinary people. When our people shoulder these burdens and realize they've been deceived, the crisis will erupt like a volcano, and the situation will be more severe than the recent Southeast Asian crisis, even shaking the foundations of the nation!

Everyone was stunned by Gao Changhe's profound insights.

Gao Changhe paused slightly, then continued, “Therefore, don’t even think about such disastrous things that could harm the country and its people. Of course, I’m not saying this specifically to Comrade Niu Qianli, but to this economic phenomenon. Comrade Niu Qianli’s idea is unacceptable, but it can still be enlightening. Just now, a merger proposal caught my attention—the one put forward by that listed company in Shanghai.”

He Zhuoxiao asked, “Secretary Gao, is it Dongfang Steel Group?”

Gao Changhe nodded, “Yes, it’s Dongfang Steel Group. Aren’t they interested in flat rolling? Aren’t they currently undergoing asset restructuring? The city is offering preferential policies; you should negotiate with them properly.” Don't be afraid to reject someone's proposal right away, even if it looks bad. I think there's nothing that can't be discussed. Mergers are negotiable, tax reductions and exemptions are negotiable, and even partial loan repayments are negotiable. If we refuse to discuss this and that, always trying to take advantage of others, we'll only end up carrying a heavier burden. Here's a point of view: I've always believed that good business in this world is a win-win situation; a one-sided win isn't a good business. We must understand that they're here to merge, not to provide relief. We must fully consider their reasonable economic compensation!"

The attendees were surprised that Gao Changhe was so knowledgeable about economic matters.

Even more surprising to the attendees—including Wen Chunming—was that Gao Changhe then explicitly instructed He Zhuoxiao to immediately begin negotiations on the Oriental Steel Group's proposal.

Gao Changhe said, "Old He, stop hesitating. Start negotiations immediately based on the proposal put forward by Dongfang Steel Group. We can talk in Pingyang, or in Shanghai or Beijing. Talk now! The municipal party committee and government leaders should attend whenever they are free. Mayor Wen and I will also attend if we are available."

He then turned to Wen Chunming and asked, "Mayor Wen, what do you think?"

Wen Chunming felt that Gao Changhe's statement without consulting him was too rash and showed a lack of respect for him as mayor. He was furious, but he couldn't object in front of so many comrades, so he could only stammer and nod reluctantly.

He Zhuoxiao saw through Wen Chunming's ambiguous attitude and dared not act rashly. As soon as Wen Chunming returned to his office, He Zhuoxiao called him to ask what to do. Should they really start negotiations with Dongfang Steel Group immediately? Wen Chunming's answer was still ambiguous, telling He Zhuoxiao to decide.

He Zhuoxiao really didn't know what to do. After hanging up the phone, he immediately lost his temper and started cursing.

At 9:00 AM on June 28, 1998, Tian Liting, unaware that the Pingyang Xinwudi Entertainment City opened at 10:00 AM, arrived at 8:00 AM sharp. Unable to enter through the front door, she found the general manager's office through a side door. The office was locked, so Tian Liting waited outside and then helped the doorman mop the floor. Just as she finished mopping, a fat man staggered in. The doorman whispered that this fat man was General Manager Chen, and Tian Liting timidly called out, "General Manager Chen," before following the fat man into the general manager's office.

The fat man barely glanced at Tian Liting, his expression and attitude impatient. Before Tian Liting could speak, he said, "Looking for work again? Our advertisement clearly states that we're hiring girls, not general laborers."

Tian Liting was a little stunned and said, "Mr. Chen, you...you might have made a mistake. I...I was introduced by Mayor Hu, Comrade Hu Zaoqiu..."

Before she could finish speaking, the fat man's attitude changed: "Oh, are you surnamed Tian? Sister Tian? Isn't your brother Secretary-General Tian of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee? Oh dear, why didn't you say so earlier! Please sit down, Sister Tian!"

Tian Liting sat down and cautiously asked, "Mr. Chen, has Mayor Hu called you?"

The fat man warmly... He said emotionally, "I called, I called. Actually, there was no need to bother Mayor Hu at all. It was just Secretary Tian who gave me a heads-up. How could I not do it? Sister Tian, look at you, you're too serious. You came so early and started mopping the floor right away. It would be bad if Secretary Tian found out!"

Tian Liting was very annoyed, but said, "President Chen, you're too kind. Doing a little work isn't tiring."

The fat man poured a glass of water and placed it in front of Tian Liting, then said, "Sister Tian, you too, why didn't you come yesterday? After receiving Mayor Hu's call, I immediately took care of it and fired the cashier that afternoon. I thought you would come, but you didn't. I was almost at my wits' end that night..."

Just then, a middle-aged woman appeared at the door. Although the door was open, she hesitated to enter, gently knocking and asking, "Mr. Chen, I... can I say a few words to you?"

The fat man's face fell the moment he saw her. "Old Sun, what brings you here again? Didn't I tell you to settle the bill yesterday?"

The woman's eyes reddened, and she said pitifully, "Mr. Chen, I... I didn't settle the bill. You... you know, my family is in dire straits. I was laid off, and my husband was laid off too. He's in poor health, what... what are we going to do?"

The fat man remained unmoved, saying, "How would I know what you're going to do? This isn't the Civil Affairs Bureau."

The woman pleaded, "Mr. Chen, I... I don't want to be a cashier anymore. Can I work as a general laborer at the entertainment center?"

The fat man shook his head, resolutely refusing, "No, we don't need general laborers here."

Tian Liting then realized that the former cashier at the New World Entertainment Center was also a laid-off female worker, and now she was standing right in front of her. Her heart ached, and she quickly asked the woman to sit down.

The middle-aged woman hesitated to sit down, nodding gratefully to Tian Liting before pleading with the fat man, "President Chen, please do me a favor, okay? Let me work for a few more months, anything will do. With these few months, I can look for other jobs..."

The fat man snapped, "Old Sun, stop bothering me! Can't you see I'm talking to this new cashier about work? Do you think you're the only one laid off in all of China? Sister Tian was laid off too! Do you know who Sister Tian is? Her brother is the Secretary-General of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee! She's still being laid off! It's the growing pains of reform!"

The middle-aged woman froze, staring at Tian Liting for a long time without saying a word, tears welling up in her eyes.

Tian Liting felt extremely distressed and embarrassed, unsure what to do in front of this kind, tearful face.

Just as Tian Liting was at a loss, the middle-aged woman suddenly grabbed her: "Sister, I...I beg you, since your brother is an official in the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, you...you shouldn't compete with me for this job, okay? Officials are above ordinary people, what can't you officials' family members do? How can you, sister, be deprived of a bowl of rice? Sister, I...I'll kneel down for you..."

After saying that, she leaned against Tian Liting's body and was really going to kneel down on the ground.

Tian Liting struggled to support the middle-aged woman's weight and blurted out, "Sister, please sit down, please sit down. I didn't know anything about your situation. This... I quit being a cashier, you can continue!"

The fat man immediately became anxious and said to Tian Liting, "Sister Tian, don't joke with me! This job was personally arranged by Mayor Hu. Even if you quit, I can't let Old Sun continue!"

Tian Liting was really angry at this fat man who only knew how to please his superiors. She didn't know where she got the courage, but she pointed at the fat man's nose and said, "President Chen, let me tell you, just because I don't want to see your face anymore, I don't want to be a cashier in your entertainment center! But I'm also putting this out there, if you really dare to stop Sister Sun from continuing, I'll have my brother go and settle accounts with Mayor Hu!"

The fat man was stunned.

Without further ado, Tian Liting gave the middle-aged woman her brother Tian Liye's phone number: "This is my brother's number at the Municipal Party Committee. If General Manager Chen kicks you out for no reason, just call this number!"

The middle-aged woman, however, spoke up for the fat man: "Sister, you've misunderstood, you've really misunderstood. Actually… actually, our General Manager Chen is a very good person. He usually cares about us laid-off workers…"

Tian Liting wanted to cry and didn't want to stay a minute longer. She fled the office as if escaping.

This time, her brother hadn't kicked her out of her job; she had given it up voluntarily. However, she still wanted to settle scores with her brother: if he hadn't become the Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee, she wouldn't have been so embarrassed when the middle-aged woman talked about the families of officials. Of course, even without her brother as Deputy Secretary-General, she wouldn't have tried to take away someone else's job.

The middle-aged woman was right: with a brother in power, finding a job was always easier for her than for others.

However, as soon as the call ended in the municipal party committee office, her brother, who was the deputy secretary-general of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, became furious. He said, "Tian Liting, do you think Pingyang is my domain? Let me tell you, I'm about to step down as deputy secretary-general and become a waiting-for-job cadre. You just wait to come with me to set up a street stall in Zili City!"

Tian Liting wanted to say something more, but her brother had already hung up.

At 4:00 PM on June 28, 1998, Wen Chunming from Jin Hai'an District of Binhai City hadn't originally planned to go to Jin Hai'an. However, after inspecting the flood control work in Binhai with Jiang Kunhua, who was from Binhai City, Jiang Kunhua was going to Jin Hai'an to report to Wang Shaobo. Wen Chunming remembered that Jiang Chaolin was also in Jin Hai'an, so he went with Jiang Kunhua.

Wen Chunming remained silent the entire way, preoccupied with Gao Changhe's instructions at the rolling mill, growing increasingly angry. Therefore, when he arrived at the Golden Coast villa and met Jiang Chaolin, his pent-up rage erupted: "...Old Secretary, look at this mess! This Gao Changhe didn't even bother to consult me before representing the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government, insisting on negotiating according to the plan proposed earlier by Dongfang Steel Group! I've already reported this plan to you, and I've also carefully studied it with He Zhuoxiao and other comrades in the factory. It's a complete act of treason! Not only is it a merger, but..." "They want to suspend the loan interest and put it on hold, and they're even asking the city for preferential policies. This means we've worked hard for ten years, raised our daughter, and now we're giving her away as a dowry. If they really do this, where will our pride be? To be irresponsible, I'd rather leave it there than give it away like this! Pingyang is still an economically developed city; even ten rolling mills wouldn't cripple its economy. The rolling mill has nothing to do with Gao Changhe, so of course he's not afraid of losing face; he just wants to get rid of this burden as soon as possible!"

Jiang Chaolin listened without offering any opinion.

Wen Chunming continued, “In just a few days, a whole host of strange things have happened, causing a stir and spreading rumors throughout the city. Some things seem plausible, while others have a reason. Let’s not talk about those for now, let’s talk about the rolling mill—the rolling mill is almost in complete chaos, old secretary, do you know? Sun Yadong has never stopped secretly investigating the rolling mill, and I don’t know if Gao Changhe really doesn’t know or is pretending not to know. Today, He Zhuoxiao directly resigned from his job to Gao Changhe, saying that he really couldn’t continue.”

Jiang Chaolin still said nothing.

Wen Chunming looked at Jiang Chaolin: "Old squad leader, say something!"

Jiang Chaolin sighed and said, "Do you have a cigarette? Give me one!"

Wen Chunming was surprised and said, "You know I don't smoke? Where would I get a cigarette? Oh, I'll go find one for you!"

Jiang Chaolin said, "Never mind, you're not familiar with this place, I'll go find one! Wang Shaobo is here too, he smokes."

Unexpectedly, when they got to Wang Shaobo's room, they saw Wang Shaobo with a bandage wrapped around his head washing his daughter Mao Mao's face. Mao Mao had scratches on her face, and her hair was messy. They asked her and found out that she had gotten into a fight with her classmates at school.

Jiang Chaolin liked Mao Mao quite a bit, so he said, "Come here, come here, tell Grandpa what happened?"

Mao Mao immediately burst into tears, saying aggrievedly, "My classmates said that all of you officials are corrupt and that if you stand in a row to be shot, some might be innocent. But if you're shot one after another, some will escape. I argued with them, saying that my dad isn't a corrupt official. He's been fighting the flood on the river embankment every day lately, and he almost lost his life. They said that was a lie, and then we started fighting."

Wang Shaobo tried to be calm and said, "Mao Mao, didn't I just tell you? When I was your age, my dad was also considered a counter-revolutionary, and my classmates called me a bastard. But I got through it, didn't I? Some people are just talking nonsense now. You have to be strong..." 12-02 Chapter 8 An Unexpected Appointment

At this moment, Wen Chunming also came over and stood aside to listen.

Jiang Chaolin forgot to ask for a cigarette, grabbed Mao Mao, and said to Wang Shaobo, "How can we compare now to the Cultural Revolution? The Cultural Revolution had a broader context and background; good people suffered! But now? It's not like that at all!"

Wang Shaobo immediately lost his composure and became agitated: "Old Secretary, do you really think I don't know? But how can I tell the kids? What can I say? And what's worse, Mao Mao hasn't even told them yet. Mao Mao went to their homeroom teacher, and guess what the teacher said? The teacher said: 'Can you guarantee your father is a good person? Those gangs in Lieshan...'" "Have all the corrupt officials been arrested? Binhai will probably be next soon, just you wait and see!"

Wen Chunming couldn't stand it anymore and slammed his hand on the table: "This teacher is outrageous! Even if something really happened, he shouldn't talk to the child like that! Comrade Shaobo, don't just think of yourself as the Party Secretary of Binhai. You're still a parent. Go to the school and ask this teacher what he's up to. Ask him what he means by 'Binhai will be next soon'!"

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand: "Shaobo, don't go. This isn't that teacher's problem." "

Wen Chunming said dejectedly, "Forget it, let's all resign and let Gao Changhe and his gang do whatever they want!"

Jiang Chaolin's face darkened, and he glared at Wen Chunming: "Chunming, you are the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee and Mayor, how can you be so careless about the impact? Do you really not care about the great reform undertaking created by the nine million people of Pingyang? Even if you don't care, I, Jiang Chaolin

, do!" After saying that, he took a cigarette from Wang Shaobo, lit it, and dialed the phone, "Is this the Municipal Party Committee duty room? This is Jiang Chaolin. Find me Gao Changhe." "Have him call me after you find him."

While waiting for Gao Changhe's call, Wen Chunming brought up the matter of the rolling mill again: "...Old Secretary, if Gao Changhe insists on getting rid of the rolling mill's burden like this, I suggest that the People's Congress propose a motion from the perspective of not causing the loss of state-owned assets, and hold the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government accountable."

Jiang Chaolin shook his head and said, "I don't think it's necessary to go that far yet!"

At this moment, Gao Changhe hung up the phone and said, "Old squad leader, are you really hiding and not caring about our lives? Okay, now I know your basis." "If anything happens, just call Binhai."

Jiang Chaolin said coldly, "It's no use calling, I won't answer."

Gao Changhe said, "Isn't that unfair? Old squad leader, you want me to call back? I'll call back right away. I'm reporting to you, but you won't listen? Even if you don't listen, I still have to say something..."

Jiang Chaolin interrupted Gao Changhe rudely, "Comrade Changhe, don't say anymore. Let this old man say a few words. I'm reporting to you! You and the Municipal Party Committee know very well my attitude towards Lieshan Geng Zijing and that bunch of scoundrels, but how did things escalate to this point?" What happened? It seems there are no good people left in Hongtong County? How come rumors are spreading like wildfire? It's one thing to smear me, Jiang Chaolin, but it's another to smear other innocent comrades. It will affect our work, especially during this flood season; it could lead to serious trouble! Do you know that the daughter of Wang Shaobo, the Party Secretary of Binhai City, was beaten by classmates at school today? Why? Because of rumors! Tell me: how would you feel if you saw a Party Secretary who almost lost his life on the river embankment unable to protect his own daughter? If it weren't for a sense of mission, if this cause in Pingyang truly belonged to someone else, who would be willing to risk their lives for you? Of course, I can't guarantee that all the leadership teams outside of Lieshan are good. My principle is to dig out and arrest those who are corrupt and rotten. However, it's not good to say things without principle or basis! You don't need to explain, Comrade Changhe. I completely believe that this wasn't your intention or the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee's. But how did things turn out this way? Shouldn't you, as the Party Secretary, ask why? Is this normal? And the Pingyang Rolling Mill, if He Zhuoxiao has problems, then investigate him. Don't let him work while simultaneously distrusting him. As for how to resolve the problems at the Pingyang Rolling Mill, that's your business. I won't interfere. But one thing: don't substitute the Party for the government. That's all I have to say. You keep calling me "Old Squad Leader," so I'll be your "Old Squad Leader" this time. You can interpret this as advice or a reprimand. You can listen or not!

After saying this, Jiang Chaolin didn't give Gao Changhe a chance to explain and slammed the phone down.

The room fell silent; you could hear each other's heartbeats.

In the eerie silence, Jiang Chaolin picked up Mao Mao and said, "Mao Mao, your father is the Party Secretary of Binhai City. He can't go to school, so tomorrow Grandpa will go with you. We'll talk to your teachers and classmates about your father and about our Binhai City! Grandpa wants your teachers and classmates to know that there are many corrupt officials in the Party, but there are also many good officials who risk their lives for the people! Without them, there would be no Pingyang and Binhai today!"

As he spoke, Jiang Chaolin's eyes welled up, and bright tears streamed down his aged face.

Mao Mao saw this and looked up, asking, "Grandpa Jiang, why are you crying?"

Jiang Chaolin forced a smile and said to Mao Mao, "Grandpa wouldn't cry. Grandpa just got a grain of sand in his eye."

At 5 PM on June 28, 1998, Gao Changhe, the Party Secretary of Pingyang City, was furious as soon as he hung up the phone. Before answering the phone, he never imagined that Jiang Chaolin would be so angry with him. What he found particularly unbearable was that the former municipal party secretary hung up the phone without even listening to his explanation. Gao Changhe concluded that Jiang Chaolin

's call wasn't a warning or an interrogation, but rather an attack! It seemed Jiang Chaolin was deeply disillusioned and overly sensitive; simply because he had served as the municipal party secretary in Pingyang for ten years, he felt he was born to be the municipal party secretary, and would always be, and couldn't tolerate any dissenting voices. Before receiving Jiang Chaolin's call, Gao Changhe hadn't believed any of the "rumors and gossip" circulating in the city, let alone that such rumors would reach Binhai City. How had the normal investigation into the corruption within the Lieshan leadership become so abnormal? Was it genuine rumor, or was Jiang Chaolin using this as an excuse?

To be on the safe side, Gao Changhe summoned Liu Yiru and Tian Liye to inquire further.

Tian Liye immediately perked up, saying, "Secretary Gao, I wouldn't have reported this to you if you hadn't asked. Now that you've asked, I have to tell you the truth. It's really a hot topic of rumors, spreading like wildfire! They're saying that Secretary Jiang and Geng Zijing were caught red-handed by Sun Yadong while making a pact at home, that Geng Zijing is a fly and Secretary Jiang is the tiger—and just now, some 'top secret' news has surfaced, saying that most of the cadres Secretary Jiang has promoted over the years have problems, and the province has sent a huge working group to thoroughly expose Pingyang!"

Gao Changhe said angrily, "I think people who spread these kinds of rumors have ulterior motives and are just trying to stir up trouble!"

Liu Yiru looked at Gao Changhe's face and said cautiously, "They do have ulterior motives. I've heard quite a few of these rumors too, and they're all aimed at Secretary Jiang. There are also some anonymous letters sent to the municipal party committee, all baseless attacks and insults, like the big-character posters from the Cultural Revolution."

Gao Changhe then calmed down. Putting himself in Jiang Chaolin's shoes, Gao Changhe realized that Jiang's actions were understandable; anyone in that situation would be furious!

Naturally, Sun Yadong's face came to mind. Gao Changhe instinctively felt that this deputy secretary of the municipal party committee and secretary of the municipal discipline inspection commission hadn't done anything good. He was the one who handled Lieshan's case, and he personally led the team to take Geng Zijing away from Jiang Chaolin's house. Now, with so many rumors circulating, so bizarre, how could Sun Yadong not bear responsibility? Moreover, this man was far too audacious. Despite repeated warnings to him not to interfere in the rolling mill's affairs, he was still secretly keeping an eye on He Zhuoxiao. How could Jiang Chaolin and Wen Chunming not have objections? Even he, the municipal party secretary, couldn't tolerate it!

By doing this, Sun Yadong openly challenged his leadership authority and was also determined to undermine his plan to quickly resolve the issues at the rolling mill. In his mind, the rolling mill must accept a merger. His seemingly casual statement at the on-site meeting was actually meticulously planned. He had long seen through Wen Chunming's intentions, knowing that this mayor was obsessed with saving face and willing to suffer for it. According to his colleagues at the mill, including the mill director He Zhuoxiao, the rolling mill cadres preferred to negotiate on the Dongfang Steel Group's proposal, but Wen Chunming simply wouldn't agree. His statement created a fait accompli, forcing Wen Chunming to comply regardless. He didn't mind the emotional outbursts; he could work things out. Now, Sun Yadong's secret investigation of He Zhuoxiao had created further complications and set obstacles to resolving the rolling mill issue. It's

truly baffling why Sun Yadong insisted on doing this. This old friend who claimed to support his work not only failed to support him but also caused him endless trouble! What exactly was he trying to achieve? Was he opposing Jiang Chaolin and Wen Chunming, or was he opposing Gao Changhe? Was he directly under the leadership of Deputy Secretary Ma Wanli of the Provincial Party Committee, or Gao Changhe?

Growing increasingly angry, Gao Changhe immediately called Lieshan, ordering Sun Yadong to return to report.

Sun Yadong, however, disobeyed once again, his voice hoarse, saying that the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection's working group had arrived in Lieshan, and he and his comrades were discussing work with them, unable to leave, and that Gao Changhe should speak on the phone.

Gao Changhe was furious. He said coldly, "Fine, very well, Deputy Secretary Sun, you can focus on your work! However, let me remind you, I, Gao Changhe, am the Secretary of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee. I will never allow you to engage in underhanded dealings behind my back or the Municipal Party Committee's back, no matter what your reasons are! I also want to remind you not to act on emotion and ruin the excellent situation in Pingyang. Say less anything that is detrimental to the unity of the Pingyang cadre team, especially anything involving Comrade Jiang Chaolin! And don't smear innocent comrades!"

With that, he hung up the phone.

Sun Yadong called immediately, not to apologize or offer an explanation, but to vent his anger, immediately demanding, "Secretary Gao, what did you mean by your instructions just now? I really don't understand. I am still the Deputy Secretary of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, and anti-corruption is within my purview, so why is it so difficult for me to do this? What do you mean by acting on emotion? Who acted on emotion? Please tell me: Shouldn't the corrupt officials like Geng Zijing in Lieshan be investigated? What is their connection to Jiang Chaolin and those innocent comrades you mentioned? Did someone ask you to intercede for them? As for..." "Small actions? I must clarify, the investigation into He Zhuoxiao of the rolling mill began before you became the Party Secretary of Pingyang City. It's not something you, Secretary Gao, can stop with a single order. This is because he has economic problems, and we've already gathered evidence. If you want to see it, I can have the anti-corruption bureau bring the evidence to give you a special report!"

Gao Changhe was taken aback, and after a long pause, asked, "Are He Zhuoxiao's economic problems conclusive?"

Sun Yadong said emotionally, "If they're not conclusive, wouldn't that really be considered small actions?"

Gao Changhe thought for a moment and then asked, "How serious is the nature of these actions?"

Sun... Ya Dong retorted, "Secretary Gao, do you still want to protect He Zhuoxiao?"

Gao Changhe carefully chose his words, "There's a special circumstance. The merger negotiations between the rolling mill and Dongfang Steel Group are about to begin and can't be delayed any longer. He Zhuoxiao has always been the factory director and party secretary of the rolling mill and has had several contacts with Dongfang Steel Group. Mayor Wen and I still hope he can do some work in this area."

Sun Ya Dong was even more displeased: "Secretary Gao, is there no one else at the rolling mill besides He Zhuoxiao? Can't Deputy Factory Director Niu Qianli and the others do it? He Zhuoxiao falsely claimed medical expenses, the amount of which was huge, wasn't..." "It's not a disciplinary violation, it's an economic crime. If you and Mayor Wen insist on letting He Zhuoxiao continue working, that's your business!"

Gao Changhe, suppressing his anger, asked, "And what's your opinion?"

Sun Yadong asked irritably, "What opinion can I have? I'll listen to whoever has the loudest voice!"

Gao Changhe couldn't hold back any longer: "Comrade Yadong, I'm talking to you about work, don't be so emotional! You know the situation at the rolling mill, it's the focus of the conflict, and we must address it. If He Zhuoxiao's problem is only about medical expense reimbursement, I think we shouldn't touch it yet. I'll take responsibility for any problems that arise." "Responsibility! Here I want to say: Comrade Sun Yadong, whether as an old friend or as the Deputy Secretary of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, I hope you can understand me and support me, and stop causing me trouble!"

Even after saying this much, Sun Yadong still wouldn't back down: "Secretary Gao, I know you've just taken office and are facing many difficulties and conflicts, which I understand. But I also ask you to understand me! Everyone knows that the fight against corruption must be taken seriously. In the past, Jiang Chaolin would say it at every meeting, and now you're also shouting your support, but what's the actual situation? You're always getting blamed! Secretary Gao, what trouble am I causing you?" "What's going on? Here, I assure you with my Party spirit and personal integrity that I, Sun Yadong, have never used Lieshan's issues to do anything to Jiang Chaolin, let alone smear any innocent comrade! I went to Jiang Chaolin's house personally to announce the decision to investigate Geng Zijing precisely because I was afraid of problems. From beginning to end, I treated Jiang Chaolin with utmost respect. Secretary Gao, if you find any rumors that originated from me, you should dismiss me from my post and expel me from the Party!"

Gao Changhe had no choice but to sigh and say, "If you don't speak up, you can't stop your subordinates..." The investigating officers are not saying anything. Comrade Jiang Chaolin worked in Pingyang for a relatively long time and with considerable effort, so it was inevitable that he would offend some people. These people might take advantage of some dubious information circulating from your area to attack Jiang Chaolin and other comrades. This complicates the matter and will inevitably affect the work, including the very normal anti-corruption work. Therefore, I suggest that you reiterate the discipline internally. If anyone is found to be violating discipline or confidentiality principles, they should be immediately and seriously dealt with! In addition, the report from Comrade Jinhua should be handled with even greater care. "Keep it confidential to avoid any personal retaliation or attack against her."

Sun Yadong's tone softened a bit: "I'll convey and implement your instructions today. If Secretary Gao thinks it's beneficial to the work, I can also explain it to Comrade Jiang Chaolin in person, still with utmost respect!"

Gao Changhe said dejectedly, "Forget it, forget it. I'll explain to Comrade Jiang Chaolin when I have time. You just focus on handling the Lieshan case well, make sure it's thorough and meticulous, and turn it into an ironclad case, leaving no lingering problems."

After hanging up the phone, Gao Changhe felt utterly frustrated and couldn't help but stare blankly for a while. Jiang Chaolin was right, and Sun Yadong was right, but things had turned out like a mess! He wanted to get angry and curse, but he didn't know who to vent his anger on or who to curse. What was worse, He Zhuoxiao really did have a problem. Sun Yadong had secretly made a name for himself behind his back, successfully challenging his leadership authority and pushing him into a very awkward position.

Just then, Liu Yiru entered, hesitatingly saying, "Secretary Gao, the Municipal Private Entrepreneurs Association just called, saying that you promised to attend the celebration banquet for the opening of the cross-sea bridge, which they are jointly hosting with the Municipal Transportation Bureau. Is that true? I don't think it's on my work schedule."

Gao Changhe remembered, "Yes, I did promise Yu Guoqiang of Hongda Group over the phone."

Liu Yiru was clearly surprised, paused for a moment, and softly reminded him, "Secretary Gao, Secretary Jiang has never attended any banquets or parties for private entrepreneurs in the past; he's very careful about his image..." …

Gao Changhe's face darkened with displeasure: "Secretary Jiang is Secretary Jiang, and I am me."

He glanced at his watch; it was almost six o'clock. He stood up from his desk, tidying up the documents as he spoke, "Director Liu, I didn't just attend this banquet casually. I need to get those big shots from the Private Entrepreneurs Association to give me some money to do something practical for laid-off workers! I've only just arrived in Pingyang, so I can't do big things right now, but I can at least do some small things!"

Liu Yiru then repeatedly said, "That's good, that's good!"

After tidying up the documents, Gao Changhe tried to wipe the displeasure from his face and left with a spirited expression.

At 6:30 PM on June 28, 1998, both the Pingyang Private Entrepreneurs Association and the headquarters of Hongda Group were located on the 24th floor of the Pingyang International Hotel. As Gao Changhe, accompanied by Liu Yiru and Secretary-General Wang of the Municipal Party Committee, stepped out of the elevator, a round of enthusiastic applause erupted on the 24th floor. The young and capable Chairman of Hongda Group and President of the Pingyang Private Entrepreneurs Association, Yu Guoqiang, along with several vice-presidents, greeted him with elegant manners, shaking hands with each of them. Liu Yiru and Secretary-General Wang then introduced them to each other.

Facing this group of young and energetic private entrepreneurs, Gao Changhe's mood improved considerably. During their visit to the Hongda Group headquarters, he chuckled and said to Yu Guoqiang, "...Chairman Yu, you're quite famous! I heard Secretary Hua Bo mention you when I worked at the Provincial Party Committee. I don't remember the specifics, but I do remember one thing: you're very difficult to meet. Secretary Hua Bo said he wanted to see you three times during his trips to Pingyang, but you were always abroad. He finally managed to get you to come to the provincial capital to meet you. Is that right?"

Yu Guoqiang laughed, "That was just bad luck. It's also Secretary Hua Bo's fault for not giving me prior notice. Secretary Jiang Chaolin always manages to find me, Secretary Gao. You can ask Secretary Jiang if you don't believe me."

Gao Changhe sighed, "Everyone says we leaders are very busy..." "I see you entrepreneurs are even busier!"

Yu Guoqiang said. "Your busyness is more meaningful than ours. Without the hard work of leaders at all levels, there would be no great achievements of China's twenty years of reform and opening up!"

Gao Changhe praised, "Well said! But we must also say that China's achievements in twenty years of reform and opening up were made by 1.2 billion Chinese people, including the courageous struggle of you private entrepreneurs. Take your Hongda Group for example, with an annual output value of over 2 billion yuan, central air conditioners sold globally, the highest comprehensive economic benefit index in the country, the highest market share in the country, and employee income exceeding that of foreign companies. It's remarkable, truly remarkable!"

Yu Guoqiang immediately reported, "Secretary Gao, this is mainly because of our work in lithium bromide direct..." "We have always been at the forefront of international direct-fired engine technology. From the successful development of our first direct-fired engine in 1992 to today, Hongda has consistently pursued a high-tech development path, obtaining more than 20 international invention patents for direct-fired engines in the past seven years. Just a few days ago, the second phase of the Central Air Conditioning City project was launched. Once successfully put into production, Hongda Group will become the world's largest manufacturer of direct-fired engines and the enterprise with the highest output value in China's air conditioning industry."

Pointing to a line of gilded characters on the front wall, he added, "Secretary Gao, look, this is our newly drafted factory motto—"

The two lines of characters shone brilliantly: "Promote excellence and honor to the world, leave wealth and accumulation in the motherland!"

Gao Changhe repeatedly said, "Good, good! Promote excellence to the world, and inspire the national spirit!" "The Zhonghua brand, leaving its accumulated wealth and resources in the motherland, in Pingyang, is such a wonderful thing!"

After thinking for a moment, he added, "Chairman Yu, may I add one more sentence for you—pass on the spirit and ideals to future generations!"

Yu Guoqiang immediately replied, "Okay, Secretary Gao, I'll add that sentence tomorrow!"

When Gao Changhe left the Hongda Group headquarters and went to the Private Entrepreneurs Association for a discussion, he became even more approachable. He first listened attentively to the brief reports from the private entrepreneurs, and then listened to their opinions on the operation and management of the private industrial park and the cross-sea bridge. He clearly stated that the municipal party committee and government's support and assistance policies for private enterprises have not changed at all, and will only become more relaxed and more conducive to the development and growth of private enterprises in the future, not the opposite.

Changing the subject, Gao Changhe continued, "However, comrades, I must also tell you something from the bottom of my heart. I was actually a little hesitant to come here today to attend the celebration banquet for the operation of the cross-sea bridge! I don't know if you've heard it, but there's a saying among the people that since the reform and opening up, our Party has become more discerning, preferring the rich to the poor, and only wants to make friends with the rich, not the poor!"

The private entrepreneurs all laughed.

Gao Changhe laughed, but then said, "But I still came. As the Party Secretary of the city, I need to make friends with both the poor and the rich. I'll attend the re-employment experience exchange meeting and the opening of the self-employment market; meeting with my poor friends won't hurt, it helps them understand the weight of their responsibilities. Meeting with you rich friends is even better; money makes things easier, and sometimes I can ask you rich friends to help my poor friends out. Please don't misunderstand, I'm not opening a second tax bureau, nor will I be asking for exorbitant fees or trying to rip you off. I just want to ask you rich friends for a small favor. As you all know, although Pingyang is an economically developed city, there are still 100,000 laid-off workers. Our country's reforms have entered..." During this critical phase, the industrial structure is being adjusted, and these laid-off workers are enduring the pain of reform. The city has been trying to find solutions and work with them, establishing self-reliant markets, and many laid-off workers have taken to the streets to sell goods from baskets. In some places, it's a bit chaotic, with all sorts of sunshades, affecting the city's appearance. When I saw this, I thought, could we bring some warmth to these poor friends? Could we provide those laid-off workers exposed to the scorching sun with a uniformly made sun umbrella? My request is not high; I'm asking for 20,000 umbrellas. The donating companies can advertise on these 20,000 sun umbrellas. Of course, it's entirely voluntary, and those with genuine difficulties don't need to force themselves.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the private entrepreneurs all shouted, readily pledging to donate and reassuring Gao Changhe.

Gao Changhe immediately stood up with a smile, bowed deeply to everyone, and said that he was thanking them on behalf of his poor friends—laid-off workers. Turning to Yu Guoqiang, he said, "Chairman Yu, then you'll handle this for me."

Yu Guoqiang quickly replied, "Secretary Gao, rest assured, I'll take care of it tomorrow."

At 6:10 PM, the banquet officially began in the banquet hall on the second floor of the International Hotel. Gao Changhe, representing the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government, gave a speech, praising the successful construction and operation of the cross-sea bridge, and raising his glass to wish the private enterprises that had invested in the project and the Municipal Transportation Bureau abundant wealth and prosperity. After that, some of Yu Guoqiang and the private entrepreneurs spontaneously went up to the stage to give speeches, while others sang karaoke, creating a joyful and enthusiastic atmosphere.

At this moment, someone suggested that Gao Changhe sing a song, and the banquet hall erupted in applause.

Seeing this, Gao Changhe knew he couldn't refuse. He walked confidently to the stage and sang "My Chinese Heart" with deep emotion, earning a round of sincere applause. Everyone then asked him to sing again.

Gao Changhe smiled and said, "Comrades, let's not turn this party into my solo concert! I propose we all sing a song together, how about 'Unity is Strength'?"

With that, Gao Changhe led the singing, and everyone responded enthusiastically. Instantly, the stirring and powerful singing filled the air.

At 7 PM on June 28, 1998, on the bus, whether you liked it or not, whether you criticized it or praised it, this municipal party secretary who could sing both popular and revolutionary songs had become a fait accompli. This fact was profound, both announcing an end and heralding a beginning.

However, it was clear that Gao Changhe's beginning was not smooth. Listening to that familiar song about unity at the International Hotel, Liu Yiru couldn't help but wonder: Why did Gao Changhe choose this moment to sing this song with everyone?

On the way back, Liu Yiru noticed that Gao Changhe's usual carefree demeanor seemed to have been left behind at the party; he sat in the car looking preoccupied. Liu Yiru cautiously inquired about tomorrow's schedule, and Gao Changhe replied with a somber face, "Tomorrow's schedule needs to be changed. Some things will be postponed. I need to go to Binhai as soon as I get to work."

Liu Yiru said, "Weren't you supposed to be inspecting flood prevention in Weiyan Township of Jinghu with Mayor Wen this morning? Are you rescheduling that too?"

Gao Changhe pondered for a moment, "I'll talk to Mayor Wen and ask him to postpone it by two hours."

Liu Yiru tentatively asked again, "Is your trip to Binhai to visit Secretary Jiang?"

Gao Changhe nodded and sighed, "That old comrade has some misunderstandings about me!"

It seems the inevitable conflicts arising from the transition between the old and new leadership have already surfaced. However, Liu Yiru remained outwardly calm, only offering a gentle reassurance: "Secretary Gao, don't take this so seriously. Secretary Jiang has been the municipal party secretary for so many years; he's not quite used to things now that he's stepping down, and with all the rumors going around, it's normal for him to be a little emotional. Besides, it's not just you he's dealing with; he's the same with everyone. Yesterday, Secretary Jiang also lashed out at me."

Gao Changhe glanced at Liu Yiru intently: "Oh, what happened?"

Liu Yiru smiled wryly: "It's all about Lieshan. You and Secretary Jiang..." After the report on Lieshan, Secretary Jiang called me over, blaming me for not informing him before Jinhua reported to you, thinking I was deliberately making a fool of myself. Secretary Gao, what should I do? Whether or not to inform him is your leadership's business; how could I leak information beforehand? No matter how much I respect Secretary Jiang, I can't just let feelings interfere with principles!

Gao Changhe nodded and then asked, "Then, Director Liu, I'd also like to ask, if the current Secretary of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee were still Jiang Chaolin, would you have your daughter, Comrade Jinhua, report him?"

Liu Yiru shook her head and said, "Secretary Gao, as a..." "As a Party member, I have to be honest with you, the Party Secretary of the Municipal Committee. I certainly have many concerns, and I believe you can understand."

Gao Changhe remained silent for a long time before sighing and saying, "Yes, I understand."

Looking at the dazzling street scene flashing by, he continued, "Director Liu, tell me, isn't this Comrade Chao Lin's tragedy? Even a veteran like you, who has worked alongside him for so long, has concerns. Wouldn't other comrades have even more concerns? As the top leader, in a situation where the truth cannot be heard, aren't you becoming deaf and blind? How can the lower levels not have problems?" "What's the problem?"

Liu Yiru replied repeatedly, "Yes, yes."

Gao Changhe changed the subject, "Of course, Comrade Chaolin's outburst today wasn't entirely without reason; some of the rumors are just too nasty. But what can you do? You have no idea where the rumors originated, you can't even find an opponent, you're just fighting windmills! I think this is a unique characteristic of China!"

Liu Yiru sighed, "Yes, yes, so, Secretary Gao, your work is too difficult!"

After that, Gao Changhe didn't say anything more, looking out the window the whole way, frowning and lost in thought.

As the car approached the small red building of the Municipal Party Committee Guesthouse, Gao Changhe suddenly remembered something: "Oh, right, Director Liu, there's something you need to keep an eye on for me. Wang Shaobo, the Party Secretary of Binhai City, was injured a few days ago on the front lines of flood control and disaster relief. I asked the comrades from the Municipal Party Committee's Propaganda Department and the newspaper to prepare some materials to support the flood control and disaster relief publicity. I wonder if they've done it yet? Tell them to hurry up and get it published on the front page of the *Pingyang Daily*! There are quite a few rumors circulating in Binhai City right now. Wang Shaobo's daughter was beaten up by classmates at school; publishing this article can also help Binhai dispel those rumors!"

Liu Yiru nodded and said, "Don't worry, Secretary Gao, I'll arrange this as soon as I get to work tomorrow."

The next day, after arriving at work, Liu Yiru was about to call the Municipal Party Committee's Propaganda Department when she inadvertently discovered that the article about Wang Shaobo had already been published in the *Pingyang Daily*, but not on the front page; it was on page three. The headline on the front page was Gao Changhe's speech at the International Hotel, and the second headline was a news article titled "The Municipal Party Secretary and His Friends." The article included a large photo showing Gao Changhe looking radiant, chatting and laughing with private entrepreneurs, showing no signs of frustration or distress.

At 8:30 AM on June 29, 1998, although Tian Liye had already decided to follow the organization's arrangements, he still went to Binhai Golden Coast to complain to the old Party Secretary Jiang Chaolin. Fearing that the "traitor" Liu Yiru would cause trouble, and even more so that Gao Changhe would find fault, he dared not act rashly during the day. After work, he went in the dark, and instead of using the municipal Party committee's car service, he had a car sent by Binhai authorities.

Upon arriving in Binhai and seeing Jiang Chaolin and Wang Shaobo, Tian Liye exclaimed, "Hey, finally we've reached the liberated area!"

Jiang Chaolin immediately scolded, "Tian the scholar, you're spouting nonsense again!"

Tian Liye, unfazed, patted Wang Shaobo on the shoulder and asked, "How long can the red flag fly here?"

Wang Shaobo pointed to the bandage on his head and laughed, "As long as I'm here, the red flag will fly; minor injuries won't keep me from the front lines!"

Tian Liye repeatedly said, "Good, good, Shaobo, then I'll join your liberated area too!"

Jiang Chaolin said, "Tian the scholar, you..." "Why are you working properly at the Municipal Party Committee, and coming here in the middle of the night? Do you really want to become a laid-off cadre? Even if you were Secretary Gao, would you be allowed to be a minister without authority?"

Tian Liye then said, "Old Secretary, you are truly brilliant! If you ask me, you can be called a 'great prophet'—you predicted it correctly, Gao Changhe and I have talked, and I will soon be stepping down as the minister without authority."

Jiang Chaolin was obviously a little surprised: "Oh, he's already talked to you? So soon?"

Tian Liye nodded: "He's quite capable, he'll destroy you." "And you'll have no way to complain."

Jiang Chaolin became serious: "Has it been made clear that you're leaving the Municipal Party Committee?"

Tian Liye said: "Not only has it been made clear, but you've also been subjected to sarcasm and ridicule."

Jiang Chaolin pondered for a moment and said: "Tian Xiucai, then go back and talk to Comrade Gao Changhe about transferring you to our Municipal People's Congress. I said I wouldn't let you be a waiting-for-job cadre, and I mean it. You can tell Comrade Gao Changhe that I agree to accept you."

Tian Liye smiled bitterly: "My old secretary, do you think I'm a fool?" "I said it on the spot, and they criticized me on the spot, seriously pointing out: This is personal dependence, and I need to have some self-respect! What can I do? Am I really going to die without you, old Party Secretary? I just told them I would obey the organization's arrangements. See how powerful this guy is? He's making you wear small shoes, but he won't even put them on you himself, making you willingly put them on. I'm impressed, I'm impressed!"

Wang Shaobo asked with concern, "Liye, where do you think they'll take you?"

Tian Liye shook his head: "It's hard to say—they'll put you in the rolling mill as a Party member ." "Deputy Party Secretary, is that not allowed? The Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee is at the deputy division level, and the Deputy Party Secretary of the Rolling Mill is also at the deputy division level. What do you have to say about that? Gao Changhe has made his intentions clear: I need to be mentally prepared to suffer a lot!"

Wang Shaobo said, "If I really go to the Rolling Mill, I might as well take a deputy position in some county or city."

Tian Liye snorted, "I wouldn't even consider such a good thing. I've already prepared for the worst; I'll go to a struggling enterprise like the Rolling Mill and contribute to the reform of state-owned enterprises!"

Then, he complained to Jiang Chaolin, "Old Secretary, I think this is also your fault! A few years ago, I wanted to continue like this, but you wouldn't let me. Now look what happened, we're at Gao Changhe's mercy!"

Jiang Chaolin said, "Liye, don't blame me for this. Last year, when the department-level leadership was being adjusted, I asked for your opinion, whether you were willing to go to Jinghu City to assist Comrade Hu Zaoqiu. Why didn't you want to do it?"

Tian Liye's resentment grew even stronger: "Assist Hu Zaoqiu? Why can't Hu Zaoqiu assist me? What does Commander Hu have that I don't? When we were in college..." " His work department copied mine! Forget it, forget it, old secretary, I won't argue with you anymore. Don't let your old leader misunderstand and think I want an official position! I just want to get things done, I want to ask the organization for a platform!"

Wang Shaobo joked, "This time Gao Changhe has given you a platform, so you should put on a good show of how state-owned enterprises can get out of trouble! If you do well, the old secretary and I will go and congratulate you!"

Jiang Chaolin said seriously, "Shaobo, stop stirring things up! Liye, don't overthink it. In my opinion, the possibility of going to the rolling mill is not high. You have never worked in any factory for a day, you have neither experience nor expertise in this area. From the perspective of the rational use of cadres, this is generally not the arrangement."

Tian Liye shouted, "Old secretary, what you are talking about is the rational use of cadres, that is your thinking, not Gao Changhe's thinking. Gao Changhe's thinking is to use me as an example to warn others! Old secretary, I've been tricked by you. People clearly oppose Xinhua News Agency reporters publicly reporting on the rolling mill, but you still insist that I go all the way..."

Jiang Chaolin then asked, "Oh, by the way, how's the reporter's article coming along?"

Tian Liye replied, "The interviews and investigations are basically finished. Reporter Li wants to find a place to hide and write, so there will be less interference—I'm planning to arrange for her to work with Hu Zaoqiu in Jinghu City."

Jiang Chaolin nodded, "Good. However, don't let your emotions influence her. Regardless of what Gao Changhe thinks, we must be clear-headed. Publicly revealing the historical inside story of the rolling mill isn't about opposing anyone, but about summarizing past experiences and lessons. The problems with the Lieshan leadership are a lesson, and the rolling mill is another lesson; we must learn from both."

He then instructed, "Liye, wherever the organization assigns you, just go and do it!"

Tian Liye looked dejected: "What else can I do but go and do it? Am I really going to be a waiting-for-job cadre?"

It was late, so Tian Liye stayed overnight at Wang Shaobo's urging, agreeing to return to Pingyang early the next morning.

Unexpectedly, he overslept. When Tian Liye opened his eyes, it was already 7:30. After washing up, he ate something quick at the restaurant, and it was almost 8:00. He was delayed a bit when saying goodbye to the old Party Secretary, and that's when he bumped into Gao Changhe, who had rushed over early in the morning, at the entrance of the Golden Coast Resort.

This surprised both Tian Liye and Gao Changhe.

As soon as Gao Changhe saw Tian Liye, he sarcastically said, "Secretary-General Tian, I really didn't expect you to be so capable, coming to see the old secretary in the middle of the night! Are you here to complain or to ask for help?"

Tian Liye said awkwardly, "No...no, Secretary Gao, I...I came to see Wang Shaobo. Comrade Shaobo is seriously injured..."

Gao Changhe seemed not to hear Tian Liye's explanation: "What valuable advice did the old secretary give you?"

Tian Liye knew he couldn't avoid it, so he had to bite the bullet and say, "What could the old secretary say? He told me to obey the organization's arrangements—actually, Secretary Gao, I've already expressed that stance..."

Gao Changhe snorted: "It's good that you can obey the organization's arrangements. You wait! I'll come to you!"

Tian Liye didn't back down either, and said defiantly, "Okay, okay, Secretary Gao, then I'll wait for your summons and prepare to contribute to our reform campaign!"

Although he said that, as soon as he got into the car back to Pingyang, Tian Liye's mood was still very low, like a frost-bitten leaf, and he was listless all the way.

At 9:00 AM on June 29, 1998, Gao Changhe, from Binhai Golden Coast, intercepted Jiang Chaolin in a guest room of a villa on the hillside. Although Jiang Chaolin looked unwell, he remained polite and his mood wasn't as bad as Gao Changhe had anticipated. Wang Shaobo was also present. After greeting Jiang Chaolin, Gao Changhe inquired about Wang Shaobo's injuries and told him to take good care of himself. They then discussed the flood prevention situation.

Wang Shaobo said, "Thank goodness, the first flood peak has passed, and the water level has dropped considerably."

Gao Changhe said, "It seems your spirit has moved God."

Wang Shaobo said, "It's the spirit of the old Party Secretary that moved God; he goes to the river embankment every day."

Gao Changhe then smiled at Jiang Chaolin, "Old squad leader, I know you won't abandon us, so I'm quite at ease here in Binhai, I'm not coming!"

Jiang Chaolin also smiled and said, "Changhe, don't be so at ease. I'm resting in Binhai; you still have to take the lead in flood control. Don't think that just because it's been sunny for a few days, the trouble is over. The Changjiang River's water level is still near the warning line, and the possibility of a major flood still exists."

Gao Changhe then said to Wang Shaobo: "Did you understand the old squad leader's instructions? We can't be careless, and we can't relax our flood prevention work in the slightest..."

Wang Shaobo said, "Yes, Secretary Gao, I told Mayor Jiang yesterday that flood control and prevention are still the top priority..."

Jiang Chaolin laughed again, "Changhe, you're having a really easy time being the municipal party secretary, blaming me on one hand and Shaobo on the other."

Gao Changhe said, "Hey, old squad leader, don't wrong me, I've already arranged to inspect the flood prevention with Wen Chunming today!"

Jiang Chaolin said, "Alright, alright!"

Then he said, "Come on, come on, Changhe, since we're here, let's take a stroll on the beach and see if Wang Shaobo's artificial beach is anything special!"

Gao Changhe thought that Jiang Chaolin wanted to avoid Wang Shaobo and talk to him about work, so he immediately agreed.

Wang Shaobo was also very sensible, saying that he still had to go to the hospital to change his dressing, so he wouldn't accompany them.

Outside the door was a tree-lined path in the resort area. When Jiang Chaolin and Gao Changhe stepped onto the tree-lined path, it was completely quiet. Birds chirped in the woods, and occasionally a squirrel or two could be seen darting and leaping among the pine branches. The sea breeze carried a faint, damp, fishy smell—quite refreshing and pleasant.

Strolling along the shaded path towards the sea, Gao Changhe explained that after receiving a call from the old squad leader yesterday, he had criticized Sun Yadong. Sun Yadong was also surprised by the rumors and swore on his party loyalty and integrity that he had never said anything detrimental to stability and unity, adding that he would investigate. He also said that he hadn't expected He Zhuoxiao from the rolling mill to have some financial problems, but considering the current situation, he planned to protect him for now.

Jiang Chaolin remained silent, simply listening.

Gao Changhe then got to the point: "...Old squad leader, as for 'substituting the Party for the government,' I know you're referring to the merger of the rolling mill. Why did I, knowing Comrade Chunming would be unhappy, still express this stance first? It's all for the sake of the work! Dongfang Steel Group has proposed this merger plan for three months now, and the comrades at the rolling mill all tend to discuss it on this basis, but they just can't convince Comrade Chunming. I understand Comrade Chunming's feelings, but it's too unrealistic! Old squad leader, think about it, Dongfang Steel is a large-scale steel rolling enterprise, with both market access and professional management experience, and it's also a listed company. What's wrong with letting them merge with us? The rolling mill is a burden in our hands, but in their hands it's a lucrative business." "It's a profitable asset; we don't have a market, they do; our production costs are high, we lose money as soon as we start production, they have economies of scale, they make money as soon as they start operating; from any perspective, it's a good thing. Don't you think so?"

Jiang Chaolin neither agreed nor disagreed, stopping on the beach and pointing to a rock in front of the sea, saying, "Hey, Changhe, what kind of scenery does that look like? Shaobo said he's offering a reward for naming a scenic spot, can you help me think of one?"

Gao Changhe glanced at it absentmindedly and casually said, "'Monkey Gazing at the Sea,' how about that?"

Jiang Chaolin shook his head: "No, there are too many scenic spot names like that."

It was just nine o'clock, and there was no one on the beach. The two secretaries, one old and one new, sat down on the sand.

Gao Changhe steered the conversation back on track: "Old squad leader, now I have to tell you the truth. Even Secretary Hua Bo is very concerned about the problems at the rolling mill. The day he sent me to Pingyang to take up my post, Secretary Hua Bo privately told me to focus on resolving the problem as quickly as possible, rather than further escalating the conflict—Secretary Hua Bo is worried that the conflict might affect some of the provincial party committee leaders!"

Jiang Chaolin then said, "It's not that serious, is it?"

He then pointed to the rock and said, "Hey, Changhe, how about calling it 'Golden Monkey Gazing at the Sky'? From this angle, this monkey isn't looking at the sea, but at the sky. It really seems a bit arrogant.

" Startled, Gao Changhe sensed a hidden meaning in Jiang Chaolin's words, but said aloud, "Great, they adopted it. You, old squad leader, have to give me half the profits!"

Jiang Chaolin said, "Alright, then let's give them some good names, don't make all the scenic spots so tacky, like 'Old Dragon Raises Its Head' or 'May You Have a Son Soon'..."

Gao Changhe said, "Yes, yes, Pingyang is developing into an international metropolis, so we need to pay attention to the naming of scenic spots. But, old squad leader, I came here today specifically to discuss some urgent matters with you. I'd like to ask you for advice and help me put the naming of the scenic spots on hold for now!"

Jiang Chaolin said, "Changhe, look at what you're saying, you're being too polite. Now you're the Party Secretary, you make the decisions! Do what needs to be done about Pingyang, and remove anyone who doesn't listen. Don't think that just because I said a few unpleasant things to you yesterday, I'm upset. To be honest, I'm not upset at all, and I've been wanting a few days of peace and quiet."

Gao Changhe said, "Old squad leader, you've got a good idea. You're getting some peace and quiet, but I'm exhausted. That's not fair! The People's Congress isn't a second-tier position anymore, it's a first-tier position, so of course I have to rely on you! I caught what you just said, did Tian Xiucai also come to you to complain?"

Jiang Chaolin smiled and said, "Oh, Changhe, I wouldn't have mentioned Tian Xiucai if you hadn't brought him up, but since you have, I'll say this: I've already told you this—in case his 'dagger and javelin' accidentally hurt you, hand him over to me, and I'll continue to knock on the door." "Hit him!"

Gao Changhe said disdainfully, "What daggers and javelins? Old Secretary, don't fall for Tian Liye's tricks. His essays aren't very good, but a few of them on the economy are somewhat interesting. So, I talked to Tian Liye and poured some cold water on him, telling him to leave the municipal party committee and do some practical work."

Jiang Chaolin asked, "What are your plans?"

Gao Changhe said with a smile, "Old squad leader, that's exactly what I wanted to discuss with you—considering that Tian Liye served as the deputy secretary of the county party committee and secretary of the discipline inspection commission in Lieshan six years ago, and given Lieshan's current situation, I'd like to suggest that the municipal party committee arrange for Tian Liye to temporarily take charge of the work in Lieshan, serving as the acting secretary of the county party committee! We can consider adjusting the entire Lieshan leadership team later. What do you think, old squad leader?"

Jiang Chaolin was stunned for a moment, staring blankly at Gao Changhe for a long time without saying a word.

Gao Changhe asked again, "Old squad leader, what do you think of Tian Liye?"

Jiang Chaolin hesitated for a long time before saying, "He's a good person, with a good nature, upright, loyal, and has some work ability. We once groomed him as a reserve cadre. But he has his flaws; he can't control his mouth and will always reveal his true colors. Six years ago in Lieshan, he offended many people and caused a lot of trouble because of his foul mouth."

Gao Changhe said, "I've heard some things. Back then, Tian Liye was in charge of discipline inspection, so it's inevitable that he offended a few people. But he was right to offend Geng Zijing; he investigated the county government's slush fund, and he did a pretty good job!"

Jiang Chaolin Nodding,

Gao Changhe said, "Yes, I supported Tian Liye in this matter and issued a city-wide public reprimand to Geng Zijing." He added tactfully, "But afterwards, you transferred Tian Liye away."

Jiang Chaolin replied, "Tian Liye's transfer from Lieshan had little to do with Geng Zijing. It was because this comrade in charge of discipline inspection was spouting nonsense. Changhe, guess what this guy said to the investigated officials: 'Why bother with all that material stuff? You're a high-ranking official, driving a fancy car, living in a nice house, drinking good wine. The people spend over 200,000 yuan on you every year. Why are you still transferring your savings? You took 30,000 or 50,000 yuan and lost your official hat.'" "What a waste!" "Tell me, how big is this tusk?" "Huh? At the time, I was both amused and exasperated by the report."

Gao Changhe said meaningfully, "Old squad leader, I think Tian Liye's words make a lot of sense; he's hit the nail on the head..."

Jiang Chaolin said dismissively, "What's the essence? Providing housing, a car, and necessary benefits for work is completely different from using one's position for corruption..."

Gao Changhe smiled, "Good, good, old squad leader, I'll make sure Tian Liye keeps his mouth shut. Old squad leader, let me continue my report—Hu Zaoqiu, the executive vice mayor of Jinghu City, has actually already done two..." Having served as mayor for over a year, he needs to live up to the title. This time, I'm also planning to propose him as acting mayor. The Organization Department is currently preparing materials, and we'll have a meeting this afternoon to discuss them—of course, the focus will be on the leadership of the Lieshan County Party Committee and County Government. Do you have any other thoughts or suggestions?"

Jiang Chaolin thought for a moment and shook his head: "You need to be careful with personnel matters, so I really can't say much."

Gao Changhe added: "The Standing Committee meeting this afternoon is scheduled for 2 PM. You can also make any suggestions at the meeting."

Jiang Chaolin smiled faintly: "Changhe, I'll ask for leave from the afternoon meeting. I've said what I needed to say."

Gao Changhe didn't insist further, exchanged a few more pleasantries with Jiang Chaolin, and then took his leave. Before leaving, he carefully examined the rock by the sea, his eyes lighting up. He suddenly said, "Hey, old squad leader, I've come up with a pretty good name for the scenic spot, 'The Thinker,' what do you think?"

Jiang Chaolin was somewhat bewildered: "What 'The Thinker'?"

Gao Changhe said, "Rodin's 'The Thinker'!"

After Gao Changhe left the Binhai Golden Coast at 10:00 AM on June 29, 1998, Jiang Chaolin stopped thinking about Rodin and that "Thinker" and instead began to speculate about Gao Changhe's true intentions for coming to the Golden Coast. Clearly, Gao Changhe had come to seek peace and make a show of it. This man was very aware of his influence in Pingyang and his close relationship with his subordinates like Tian Liye and Hu Zaoqiu. So, after his outburst on the phone yesterday, Gao Changhe came today, putting on a show of respect for his old comrades and attempting to gain his support for his work by promising to give Tian Liye and Hu Zaoqiu important positions. Gao Changhe desperately needed this kind of support; aside from anything else, the rolling mill alone was enough to keep him busy. The rolling mill, this hot potato, was now in Gao Changhe's hands. Wen Chunming was in a very bad mood and uncooperative; how could Gao Changhe not be anxious? How could he not want Gao Changhe to step in and do some work? Moreover, Provincial Party Secretary Liu Huabo was also closely watching for a swift resolution to the rolling mill's problems.

Jiang Chaolin carefully considered the conversation, feeling he understood Gao Changhe's anxiety perfectly: He Zhuoxiao, the rolling mill's director and Party Secretary, had financial problems, yet Gao Changhe still stepped in to protect him, indicating that Gao Changhe knew it was a bitter pill to swallow—however, He Zhuoxiao's financial problems were unexpected. So, was Tian Liye, the future acting Party Secretary of Lieshan County, another bitter pill Gao Changhe was forced to drink? How bitter would this pill be? What if it didn't cure the illness but instead caused diarrhea?

Thinking about this, Jiang Chaolin couldn't sit still any longer. This Gao Changhe is incredibly audacious! He actually dared to use the peace and security of Lieshan County and the future of its 1.1 million people to curry favor with him! He couldn't imagine how Tian Liye, the acting secretary of the county party committee, would manage, or even do a good job!

So he hurriedly used a secure line to call Wen Chunming, explaining Gao Changhe's visit and emphasizing Gao Changhe's suggestion that Tian Liye take charge of the work in Lieshan, asking Wen Chunming what Gao Changhe's intentions were.

Wen Chunming hesitated and said, "I think they mean well, right? Sending Tian Liye to Lieshan, instead of sending a comrade who's dissatisfied with you, old Party Secretary, is clearly an attempt to curry favor with you."

Jiang Chaolin said unhappily, "Using Pingyang's third largest county to curry favor with me, Mayor Wen, don't you think that's too terrible? Tell me, what if Comrade Tian Liye really causes trouble in Lieshan? How can we face the 1.1 million people of Lieshan? Besides, wouldn't that also harm Tian Liye?"

Wen Chunming said, "Old Party Secretary, look at you, worrying unnecessarily! The current Party Secretary is Gao Changhe; would he dare to make such a decision himself?" " But we have to take responsibility for this. Neither of us recommended Tian Liye to him, so why are we in such a hurry? Besides, Gao Changhe must have his reasons for using Tian Liye; it's not necessarily just to curry favor."

Jiang Chaolin sighed, "Chunming, even if it's not to curry favor, this arrangement is still very inappropriate. Gao Changhe is new here and may not be fully aware of the situation yet. We old comrades can't just watch him make a fool of himself like this. Even if there are some conflicts, we can't let him make a fool of himself in this kind of situation! It's not laughable; we might pay a heavy price!"

Wen Chunming remained silent.

Jiang Chaolin continued, "When Gao Changhe came to see me, I was angry and confused, so I didn't tell him everything in person. Gao Changhe said he had arranged to go to Jinghu to inspect flood control. Could you talk to Comrade Changhe properly along the way? In short, Lieshan has already caused such a huge mess; we can't afford any more. We must be very careful in choosing the acting secretary of the county party committee; we absolutely cannot appoint Tian Liye! Comrade Tian Liye can be the deputy secretary-general of the municipal people's congress, or he can be the deputy secretary-general of the municipal government, but we cannot entrust the lives of 1.1 million people to him!"

Wen Chunming hurriedly said, "Hey, hey, old secretary, let's make this clear. I don't want Tian Xiucai to be the deputy secretary-general of our municipal government! You can tolerate him, but I can't..." …

Jiang Chaolin then said, “Look, you wouldn’t even let Tian Liye be a deputy secretary-general in your municipal government, but you’re comfortable letting him take charge of work in Lieshan. That’s very abnormal! Chunming, let me reiterate, in the face of such important matters of principle, we must not have any selfish motives. Even if Tian Liye were my own son, and I wanted the best for him, I couldn’t let him become such a high-ranking local official with such heavy responsibilities.”

Wen Chunming then said, “Okay, okay, old secretary, I understand what you mean. I’ll talk to Gao Changhe about it, but whether he listens or not is none of my concern…”

Next, Wen Chunming complained about the rolling mill, cursing He Zhuoxiao as a scoundrel who, at this crucial time, had caused trouble by falsely claiming tens of thousands of yuan in medical expenses, giving Sun Yadong leverage over him. He also said that He Zhuoxiao was a real bastard, making phone calls and telegrams to contact the Dongfang Steel Group, and was going to fly to Shanghai tomorrow.

Wen Chunming was furious: "...Old Secretary, tell me, how could He Zhuoxiao be so stupid? I told him to handle it himself, wasn't that clear enough? Yet he's so enthusiastic, saying it's not because of Gao Changhe's approval, but because of the opinion of the vast majority of comrades in the factory. If the vast majority of comrades in the factory have this opinion, how come I didn't know?"

Jiang Chaolin said, "I have to tell you the truth. Initially, He Zhuoxiao and some comrades in the factory did indeed agree with the merger plan of Dongfang Steel. I didn't express my opinion because you disagreed. Gao Changhe also told me about this when he came here. I think you shouldn't insist anymore. What Gao Changhe said makes sense. We can't just care about saving face and ignore our own interests." "On this point, I think Gao Changhe is better than me; he can put aside his pride."

Wen Chunming suddenly erupted, his tone fierce: "Old Secretary, are you asking me to make sacrifices again? Others may not know, but don't you, Old Secretary, know? How much humiliation have I suffered for this rolling mill? In crucial moments, which of those provincial officials spoke a word of justice for me? Neither Secretary Liu Huabo nor Governor Chen Honghe! Don't they feel any remorse? Especially Governor Chen Honghe, if she hadn't been calculating political gains, things wouldn't be so passive now! And now, it's all my fault! I'm not shirking my responsibility; I've endured it for ten years, why should I suffer like this now?" "Let Dongfang Steel merge with it?"

Jiang Chaolin patiently advised, "Chunming, I know your grievances, so I support public reporting on the Pingyang Steel Plant's situation. You understand my stance. But, brother, lessons must be learned, and problems must be solved! Unless you can come up with a better solution."

Wen Chunming said, "Since we're offering preferential treatment, why don't we offer preferential treatment to ourselves? I've been thinking, could we let Pingyang Steel Plant merge with Pingyang Steel Plant? Or could we combine the two to form a steel group company?" Jiang

Chaolin sighed, "Chunming, you know that Pingyang Steel Plant is also a struggling enterprise. It's good enough if it can survive. How could it possibly... " "What about merging the rolling mill? Forcing a marriage together would be even worse, it would make the situation worse."

Wen Chunming was clearly unhappy and said, "Fine, fine, old secretary, then I won't say anything more. Anyway, you and Gao Changhe are both more intelligent than me. If you weren't, the provincial committee wouldn't have put you at the forefront!"

Jiang Chaolin said, "Chunming, my attitude towards summarizing experiences and lessons has not changed at all. In the end, even if Comrade Hua Bo had opposed it, my attitude would not have changed. I think this is both being responsible to history and giving you justice. However, the rolling mill issue must be resolved, whether it is resolved by Gao Changhe or by you, Mayor Wen. We cannot be so irresponsible!"

Wen Chunming said nothing more.

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