[Urban] Made in China - 10-12

Chapter 9 Blood and Tears Under the Neon Lights

Jiang Chaolin then said, "Chunming, when you see Gao Changhe, you must remind him. Also, you must express your opinion at the Standing Committee meeting this afternoon. We made a mistake by appointing Geng Zijing, causing such a huge mess. We can't just watch Gao Changhe make the same mistake by appointing Tian Liye and create new trouble!"

Wen Chunming agreed sarcastically and hung up the phone.

At 11:00 AM on June 29, 1998, when Wen Chunming and Gao Changhe went to Weiyan Township, Jinghu City to inspect flood prevention, Wen Chunming said nothing.

There was nothing to say. Gao Changhe knew how to curry favor, and so did Wen Chunming. As long as Tian Liye didn't become the deputy secretary-general of the municipal government, he wouldn't care. Since Gao Changhe dared to gamble with Tian Liye, he had to be responsible for the outcome of that gamble. What did it have to do with him? He'd been fooled enough and didn't want to get involved in this kind of trouble anymore.

Thinking about it carefully, he felt that Jiang Chaolin was also being cunning. Tian Liye was the old Party Secretary's prized possession, whom every cadre in Pingyang knew. Now, Jiang Chaolin was opposing Tian Liye becoming the Party Secretary of Lieshan County, yet he didn't oppose it openly to Gao Changhe. What was going on? Was it genuine opposition, or just a cover-up? Perhaps the old Party Secretary had already reached some kind of compromise with Gao Changhe and was using him as a puppet. Judging from the tone of the phone call, Jiang Chaolin and Gao Changhe had reached an agreement on resolving the Pingshan issue, which couldn't help but arouse his suspicion.

Therefore, along the way, Wen Chunming didn't mention Tian Liye at all, only talking to Gao Changhe about flood control and prevention. He said that Zhou Jiuyi, the township head and Party Secretary of Weiyan Township, was an advanced model, usually unassuming, but this time he had done an outstanding job in flood control, leading the township Party committee to live and work day and night on the dike, withstanding the first flood peak, winning widespread praise from the people, and greatly enhancing the prestige of the township government and Party committee.

Gao Changhe patted Wen Chunming's hand and said with a smile, "I specifically requested to go to Weiyan Township because I saw the introduction in the flood control briefing. Comrades like Zhou Jiuyi should be well publicized, and newspapers and radio stations should report on them more, so that the people don't think our cadres are all like Geng Zijing, big or small. Oh, by the way, Mayor Wen, and Comrade Wang Shaobo from Binhai, I also asked the newspaper to write articles about them!"

Wen Chunming looked out the car window, snorted in dissatisfaction, and said, "Secretary Gao, I don't think the people see us as Geng Zijing, but rather that some of our cadres..." "The authorities seem to fear that Pingyang isn't in chaos!"

Gao Changhe could see Wen Chunming's emotions, but he still smiled. "I don't think Pingyang will be in chaos. The people still have their own standards. I heard that during the opening ceremony of the cross-sea bridge, the people displayed banners to express their respect to Comrade Jiang Chaolin, didn't they?"

Wen Chunming glanced at Gao Changhe. "You heard about it too?"

Gao Changhe said, "Yes, I think that's the true evaluation of Comrade Jiang Chaolin by the people of Pingyang!"

Wen Chunming became even more convinced that Jiang Chaolin and Gao Changhe had reached a certain level of consensus.

When they arrived at Weiyan Township, Bai Aini, the secretary of the Jinghu Municipal Party Committee, and Zhou Jiuyi, the mayor of Weiyan Township, were already waiting on the dike. There were many cars and jeeps parked below the dike, as well as a news van from a television station. As soon as Gao Changhe and Wen Chunming's car stopped, the camera lens was immediately pointed at them.

Gao Changhe got out of the car and warmly shook hands with Zhou Jiuyi and the cadres and people of Weiyan Township, expressing his gratitude for their hard work.

Zhou Jiuyi looked old and thin, and he was very excited to see Gao Changhe. He stammered, "Secretary Gao... it's... it's because you leaders work so hard, so busy, yet you still came to the countryside to see us."

Gao Changhe said, "Mayor Zhou, it's because you've worked so hard! You did a great job, defeating the first flood peak, protecting our homes, and protecting the fruits of reform and opening up!"

Holding Zhou Jiuyi's rough hand, he asked, "Old man, you're over sixty, aren't you? Ah? Still not retired to rest?"

Zhou Jiuyi chuckled at this.

Gao Changhe looked a little bewildered and glanced at Wen Chunming.

Wen Chunming said, "Secretary Gao, what are you saying? What kind of old man is Old Zhou? He's two years younger than me!"

Gao Changhe's heart sank, and he sighed, "It's so tough being a grassroots cadre in the countryside!"

Zhou Jiuyi said, "Secretary Gao, it's because our people are so good! This time, during the flood relief efforts, they gave us whatever we needed, and no one bargained with our township government! What can we grassroots cadres say? We can only lead the villagers and work hard! Ten days ago, when I led the villagers to the dike, I said, 'As long as I'm here, the dike will stand. If the dike in Weiyan Township breaks, I, Zhou Jiuyi, will jump in!'"

Gao Changhe repeatedly praised, "Good! Good! That's the kind of do-or-die spirit we need—people should have some spirit! But, Township Head Zhou, what if the dike breaks?" "But we can't really jump down, can we?"

Bai Aini, the Party Secretary of Jinghu City, interjected, "Secretary Gao, it's a bit of an exaggeration for Township Head Zhou to say he'd jump, but his township government and Party committee have indeed made a solemn pledge to our municipal Party committee, municipal government, and the 80,000 people of Weiyan Township: if the dike breaks, both leadership teams will resign!"

Gao Changhe praised them repeatedly, and after praising them, he said to Wen Chunming, "Mayor Wen, tell me, with cadres and the masses like Zhou Jiuyi, what difficulties can't we overcome? We should be full of confidence!"

Wen Chunming nodded, "Of course!"

However, despite saying this, Gao Changhe and Wen Chunming still dared not let their guard down. In the next hour or so, they still patrolled the dike surrounding Jinghu Lake. What they saw made Gao Changhe and Wen Chunming very satisfied. Zhou Jiuyi was not a boastful cadre who only talked big; the flood prevention and control work was all implemented effectively. The dike had not only been reinforced, but also raised by about one meter. Cadres and villagers lined the dike, each village and cadre clearly assigned to a specific section. "Life or death" signs, clearly indicating responsibilities, stood prominently on the dike, reminiscent of the front lines during wartime.

So, while eating noodles with Bai Aini, Zhou Jiuyi, and others on the dike, Gao Changhe and Wen Chunming instructed reporters from television and newspapers to report extensively on this embankment-enclosed township, quickly disseminating its experience of assigning responsibility for flood control to specific individuals, and promoting flood prevention efforts in other counties and cities.

At 3:00 PM on June 29, 1998, a bright ray of sunlight streamed through the south-facing floor-to-ceiling windows of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee building, illuminating the Party flag in front of it and making it appear fiery red. The meeting room, however, was not hot; the central air conditioning ran day and night, keeping the temperature in the main building between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius. At

3:00 PM sharp, the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee convened on time for a special meeting to study the problems of the Lieshan leadership team.

Before the meeting, Gao Changhe chatted briefly about flood control and prevention, then got down to business, raising the issue of the Lieshan leadership team. He stated that cadre decisions should not be made unilaterally, but rather through democratic processes and thorough deliberation.

Gao Changhe suggested to the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee that Tian Liye, the current Deputy Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee, be appointed as the

Acting Secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee. Following convention, Minister Gong of the Organization Department first introduced Tian Liye's background to the attending Standing Committee members.

Despite the time constraints, Minister Gong presented a relatively comprehensive set of materials, including evaluations from government officials and the public over the past few years. Surprisingly, these evaluations were all positive, mostly praising Tian Liye for his fairness, integrity, approachability, and adherence to principles.

After Minister Gong's presentation, the meeting room fell silent.

Gao Changhe chuckled and said, "What do you think of Comrade Tian Liye? Let's all share our thoughts."

Everyone remained silent, staring at Gao Changhe.

Gao Changhe didn't mince words, saying, "Alright, if you won't speak, I'll speak first. It's my suggestion. First, let me state that my personal opinion on the public evaluation materials from recent years is that they are only for reference and cannot be used as the main basis for our municipal party committee's appointment of Tian Liye. Everyone knows this, right? The current situation is that as long as you do work, there will be conflicts and you will offend people. It's already quite good if the public evaluation is 30/70. On the contrary, some people who do nothing often get the most praise. Tian Liye is proof of that. He hasn't done anything for several years, but he has a lot of praise!"

Wen Chunming smiled slyly, "Secretary Gao, you're not confused, are you?"

Sun Yadong also said, "This situation is very abnormal. Comrades who do things are always blamed, while those who do nothing are rewarded! How can this continue? Who will be willing to do anything?"

Gao Changhe looked around at everyone, nodded slightly, and continued, "Since I'm not confused, why did I bring up Tian Liye? I have my reasons for this. I'm bringing it up now to discuss with everyone and see if it makes sense."

Wen Chunming and Sun Yadong both looked at Gao Changhe carefully.

Gao Changhe, appearing confident, said, “I think we still need to do some specific analysis of Comrade Tian Liye. It’s a fact that he served as the deputy secretary-general of the municipal party committee for six years, doing odd jobs for six years and not accomplishing much. What I want to ask is: Is it that Tian Liye himself is unwilling to do things, or that we prevented him from doing things? If we prevented him from doing things, it’s not very reasonable for us to turn around and criticize him now, is it? This is not the same as being unwilling to do things, is it?”

His words were incisive, and the attendees immediately understood the underlying meaning of Gao Changhe’s statement.

However, Gao Changhe didn't continue his discussion and got back to the main point: "Therefore, we must view Tian Liye historically and comprehensively. This comrade was once a key reserve cadre cultivated by the municipal party committee, and he served as the deputy secretary of the county party committee in Lieshan for two years six years ago. His qualifications, experience, and practical work ability are all quite good. Going to Lieshan to get things started shouldn't be a big problem. I've paid particular attention to this comrade's work approach, which I find quite innovative. Please take a look at the article that Minister Gong just introduced, published by Tian Liye three years ago, discussing the government procurement system. Tian Liye expressed the following view: as an open and transparent system, government procurement is an effective weapon against corruption. Anti-corruption and integrity building cannot rely solely on moral constraints; it also requires effective institutional checks and balances. Here is another article..." The article discusses the corruption caused by unchecked power. While it doesn't elaborate and isn't particularly well-written, the questions it raises are excellent and thought-provoking. If the original leadership in Lieshan hadn't lost oversight, if we hadn't removed Tian Liye six years ago, and if the three replaced county heads had remained in their posts, the two leadership teams in Lieshan wouldn't have deteriorated to this extent in just two or three years! I've read quite a few of Tian Liye's articles, but these two really caught my attention—oh, right, there are also two articles on the economy that make some sense. I don't value this comrade's talent as much as his work approach.”

Minister Gong immediately continued Gao Changhe's line of thought, praising Tian Liye's sound approach and his political and economic acumen. Many Standing Committee members echoed this, and the atmosphere suddenly became lively.

The only Standing Committee member from a subordinate region, Bai Aini, spoke highly of Tian Liye, saying that because Tian Liye frequently visited Jinghu, she knew him better and felt that he was indeed as Gao Changhe described—clear-headed and with a good work approach.

“…More importantly,”

Bai Aini emphasized, “Tian Liye’s heart is warm. Even when things are impossible to do, he still wants to work hard. Moreover, he has actually helped our Jinghu City accomplish a lot of good things, both openly and secretly. For example, to secure a loan for the Jinghu City Electronics City, he went to Beijing four times and to the provincial capital six times with Hu Zaoqiu…”

Wen Chunming remained silent at first, holding his teacup and drinking tea continuously. Only after Bai Aini mentioned Tian Liye’s many “achievements” did he interject in a lukewarm tone: “Old Bai, these four trips to Beijing and six visits to the provincial capital, aren’t those part of his job as the deputy secretary-general of the municipal party committee?”

Bai Aini said, “He’s always been enthusiastic about helping our local area, isn’t he?”

Wen Chunming stopped talking, blew on the tea leaves floating on his teacup, and continued drinking tea.

Gao Changhe noticed Wen Chunming's attitude: "Mayor Wen, please continue!"

Wen Chunming smiled: "I have nothing to say. Whether or not to use Tian Liye is up to you, the top leader!"

Gao Changhe said: "How can I decide alone? Let's discuss it together!"

At this moment, Sun Yadong expressed some different opinions: "Secretary Gao, although I haven't been working in Pingyang for long, I know a little about this Secretary-General Tian. It's said that the mayor and secretaries privately rated him as the 'number one slacker' among Pingyang's cadres. What kind of impact will it have if we use such a cadre? Will it be good for our image?"

Gao Changhe laughed: "I..." I know some comrades will bring up the issue of image. Well then, I'd like to ask in return, what kind of image should our county party secretaries project? Geng Zijing has a good image, but he's all bureaucratic airs—what kind of official is he? A corrupt one! Tian Liye has his flaws; he speaks casually, but he has integrity, after all. His sarcastic remarks have their reasons, and I think most of them are reasonable. In recent years, we haven't placed him in a proper position, haven't given him any specific responsibilities, so it's not surprising that he speaks casually and behaves somewhat carelessly.”

Sun Yadong said earnestly, “Secretary Gao, Lieshan is a big county, and Geng Zijing's case just happened. How dare you criticize Tian…” "Can Tian Liye do a good job? Aren't you worried at all?"

Gao Changhe paused for a moment, then said, "Comrades, to be honest, it took me a lot of effort to recommend Tian Liye. My decision wasn't just based on his past experience and work approach; I felt this comrade had many strengths, most importantly, a strong passion for serving the country and the people, as Comrade Bai Aini mentioned earlier. From what I understand, he's been wanting to go down and do some practical work for the past few years, but we haven't arranged anything. So, after Tian Liye takes office, is he guaranteed to do a good job? I'm not a fortune teller, and I'm not entirely confident, so I'm just... It was suggested that Tian Liye temporarily go to Lieshan to preside over the work and serve as the acting secretary of the county party committee. If he does well, he can stay in Lieshan; if he doesn't, he can be reassigned. Don't be afraid. Here, I want to emphasize that we should use talent without being bound by convention. As long as someone is talented, we should boldly use them and not let them sit idle. Aren't we afraid they'll cause problems? Then we'll manage them. How will we manage them? Through a complete set of truly effective rules and regulations. We need to conduct a special study on this issue, not just for Tian Liye, but for the entire cadre team in Pingyang.”

Minister Shen of the Propaganda Department further affirmed the appointment of Tian Liye from the perspective of using talent without being bound by convention.

The decision to appoint Tian Liye was thus smoothly passed, and even Sun Yadong did not raise any further explicit objections. Later, the decisions to appoint Hu Zaoqiu as acting mayor of Jinghu City and Jin Hua as deputy secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee and acting county head were also passed.

It was already past 5 PM when Gao Changhe began his concluding remarks. Minister Gong, Minister Shen, and Bai Aini, the Party Secretary of Jinghu City, along with other Standing Committee members, were diligently taking notes. Wen Chunming, however, leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, resting until Gao Changhe finished speaking and called on him to say something. Wen Chunming shook his head and said no.

After the meeting, as he walked out, Wen Chunming let out a long sigh and muttered incoherently, "So tired!"

On June 29, 1998, at 5:30 PM, the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee meeting in Gao Changhe's office continued until 5:20 PM. After the meeting, Sun Yadong voluntarily stayed behind to report to Gao Changhe on the investigation of the Lieshan leadership and the economic problems of He Zhuoxiao, the director of the Pingchao Factory. According to Sun Yadong, there had been new developments in the Lieshan case; the county Party Secretary, Geng Zijing, had extremely serious problems. This man, under the guise of seeking benefits for government officials, had embezzled a huge amount of state-owned assets, with egregious circumstances. He also said that the investigation into He Zhuoxiao, the director of the rolling mill, was still ongoing and that the final results would be available in the next few days.

Gao Changhe, thinking about the rolling mill, grew anxious. Not entirely sure about He Zhuoxiao, he immediately asked, "Yadong, what's really going on with He Zhuoxiao? Mayor Wen said he's always been very frugal and cautious. How could he dare to embezzle so much money on medical expenses?"

Sun Yadong said, "Who knows? It's a commodity society, after all. There are plenty of cadres who can't withstand the test! Secretary Gao, I don't think we can completely trust Mayor Wen's words. Wen Chunming always tends to favor his subordinates to some extent."

Gao Changhe shook his head: "You can't say that. He Zhuoxiao has been with Mayor Wen since the establishment of the rolling mill. Mayor Wen knows him well, and I think his account is quite objective."

After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Comrade Yadong, besides the medical expenses issue, does He Zhuoxiao have any other problems?"

Sun Yadong said, "No other problems have been found so far."

Gao Changhe was relieved. He chatted with Sun Yadong for a few more minutes before returning to his office.

Unexpectedly, the old Party Secretary Jiang Chaolin was sitting in his office, and the office director, Liu Yiru, was talking to Jiang Chaolin casually.

Gao Changhe smiled as he entered, saying, "Good, old squad leader, you've come to check up on things unexpectedly?"

Jiang Chaolin also laughed, "What check-up? I'm here to report to the municipal party committee. After thinking it over, I still made the trip. I had to report, Changhe, this time you have to listen whether you want to or not!"

Gao Changhe repeatedly said, "Okay, okay, old squad leader, go ahead! I was just about to report to you!"

Then he criticized Liu Yiru, saying, "Director Liu, look at you, the old squad leader is here, and you didn't even greet me."

Liu Yiru smiled and said, "The old secretary just came in too."

With that, he went out and gently closed the door behind him.

As soon as Liu Yiru left, Gao Changhe immediately said, "Old squad leader, let me report to you first! The Standing Committee unanimously approved Tian Liye's appointment. There were some dissenting opinions at first, but I did some work and finally persuaded everyone..."

Jiang Chaolin was taken aback: "It really was approved? To preside over the work in Lieshan?"

Gao Changhe was quite happy and nodded, saying, "It was approved. Minister Gong and I plan to talk to Tian Liye tomorrow and send him to Lieshan to take up his post that same day."

Jiang Chaolin looked annoyed: "Changhe, how could it have been approved? I came here today for this! I know you mean well, but my opinion is that it's not appropriate to send Comrade Tian Liye to Lieshan County to preside over the work! If I didn't say this clearly, I would be irresponsible to you and the organization."

Gao Changhe was somewhat surprised, wondering what Jiang Chaolin was up to this time. When he went to Jin Hai'an to solicit opinions this morning, this old comrade hadn't raised any clear objections. Now that the Standing Committee meeting was over and the appointment was a fait accompli, he was clearly objecting. What exactly was he trying to do?

On the surface, he remained calm and listened to Jiang Chaolin speak.

Jiang Chaolin didn't say much new; some of his points had already been made by Sun Yadong and others at the Standing Committee meeting. Later, Jiang Chaolin mentioned Wen Chunming, saying that he had repeatedly spoken to Wen Chunming beforehand, hoping that Wen Chunming would raise clear objections at the Standing Committee meeting.

Gao Changhe then said calmly, "Comrade Chunming didn't raise any explicit objections, but Comrade Sun Yadong did raise some different opinions, though I eventually persuaded him."

Jiang Chaolin sighed deeply, saying that Wen Chunming was playing the good guy again, lacking principle, which was exactly what he was worried about. That's why he couldn't stay in Jin Hai'an and came to the Municipal Party Committee: "...Comrade Changhe, don't you think you know Tian Liye better than I do? If he were really cut out to be a county party secretary, wouldn't I have used him? He's really not cut out for it! This comrade is a good comrade, but he can't stand alone as a local official. He's never held a leading position before; he has no experience in that area."

Gao Changhe laughed, "That's not right, old squad leader. Tian Liye has held a leading position before, hasn't he? He was a town party secretary nine years ago! Later, he was the deputy secretary of the county party committee and secretary of the discipline inspection commission in Lieshan, wasn't he?" "Is it a full-time position? Besides, even if he's never held a full-time position before, it doesn't mean he can't be the acting secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee. Experience isn't innate; it's accumulated through practical work

. Let him try. How will we know he can't do it if we don't try?" Jiang Chaolin wouldn't listen at all, staring intently at Gao Changhe and asking, "Hey, Changhe, can you tell me the truth? Are you doing me a favor by sending Tian Liye to Lieshan to preside over the work?"

Gao Changhe was stunned: "What favor?"

Jiang Chaolin said, "You know the relationship between Tian Liye and me. Did you promote Tian Liye because of me?"

Gao Changhe shook his head: "Old Secretary, I really don't understand. How can you think like this? Tell me, would I dare to do a favor for a county with 1.1 million people? My suggestion to use Tian Liye has nothing to do with you; it's entirely for work-related reasons. Really."

Jiang Chaolin was speechless.

Gao Changhe continued, "Old squad leader, there's another issue I'd like you to consider. Even if you're right in all the worst-case scenario, you're still late. We've already approved Tian Liye's appointment; it wouldn't be right to go back on your word, would it? If it really doesn't, what will happen to me, the municipal party secretary? What will happen to the municipal party committee? What authority will it have left? I don't think you, old squad leader, would put me in such a difficult position, would you?"

His words, though earnest, carried a hint of reproach.

Jiang Chaolin understood and said, "Comrade Changhe, I need to apologize to you and the Municipal Party Committee for this! To be honest, I acted somewhat impulsively in this matter. I was confused this morning and didn't explain things clearly to you. How about this? I'll apologize to the Municipal Party Committee on your behalf—I'll apologize and take responsibility, as long as Comrade Tian Liye isn't sent to Lieshan."

Gao Changhe laughed, "Old squad leader, look at you, still needing to apologize! What do you need to apologize for? The Municipal Party Committee's appointment of Tian Liye is a normal cadre appointment, it's not like you opened any back door. If you're worried about gossip later, I'll explain on behalf of the Municipal Party Committee, okay?"

Jiang Chaolin was displeased: "Changhe... " "Hey, can you stop circling around me like this? I'm not worried about gossip, I'm worried about problems arising in Lieshan's leadership again! Geng Zijing's lesson is profound enough; using the wrong person ruined two leadership teams!"

Gao Changhe didn't back down, nodding and saying, "Yes, the lesson is profound. However, old secretary, I think the most important lesson is that power has lost its supervision and checks and balances! I already said this at the Standing Committee meeting; if we hadn't withdrawn Tian Liye from Lieshan six years ago, and if the three county heads before Zhao Chengquan hadn't been replaced, Lieshan might not be in this situation today."

Seemingly finding these words somewhat provocative, he added a couple more points. "Of course, I'm not saying this to blame you. I know Geng Zijing is very capable, and it's not unreasonable to give him an important position in order to create a good working situation in Lieshan. The problem is that the power in Geng Zijing's hands has no oversight. I heard that Tian Liye had already reported Geng Zijing's problems to you. You know Tian Liye so well, yet you didn't listen to his opinions."

Jiang Chaolin asked sullenly, "Did Tian Liye report this to you?"

Gao Changhe shook his head: "No, it was other comrades who reported it. That's why I said Comrade Tian Liye isn't confused; he has a clear understanding of many issues, including some economic issues. Frankly speaking, old secretary, I have high hopes for you..." "Putting such a capable and energetic comrade in the municipal party committee's office for six years was somewhat of a decision."

Jiang Chaolin's face fell completely: "Comrade Changhe, how can you interpret it that way? Did I put Tian Liye in the position of deputy secretary-general of the municipal party committee to 'freeze' him? Do you know that comrades in both compounds of the office say I'm protecting him? I've never heard of such talk before, it's quite novel!"

Gao Changhe calmly said: "In fact, Tian Liye has wasted these six years!"

Jiang Chaolin's face darkened: "That's his own fault, he's completely incompetent, he only knows how to cause trouble!"

Gao Changhe asked: "Old squad leader, then please tell me, what kind of trouble has he caused?"

Jiang Chaolin pondered for a long time but couldn't come up with anything substantial. Aside from being somewhat carefree, Tian Liye hadn't really caused any trouble. However, Jiang Chaolin emphasized that this was because Tian Liye hadn't been given the opportunity to cause trouble, and now that Lieshan was being handed over to Tian Liye, it was giving Tian Liye that opportunity.

Gao Changhe said, "Old squad leader, I think this gives Tian Liye a chance to do things."

Because their views were diametrically opposed, the conversation ended unhappily. Before leaving, Jiang Chaolin solemnly declared that he reserved his opinion. Gao Changhe wanted Jiang Chaolin to stay for dinner, but Jiang Chaolin declined, got into his car, and went to Jin Hai'an.

Standing by the office window, watching Jiang Chaolin's car drive out of the municipal party committee gate, Gao Changhe's heart wavered for a moment, wondering: Had he really made a mistake in appointing Tian Liye? If Tian Liye really caused a major disaster in Lieshan as Jiang Chaolin predicted, he would have no way out. —However, Gao Changhe was also deeply impressed by Jiang Chaolin's impartiality.

As Gao Changhe pondered, the phone on the table rang. It was He Zhuoxiao, the director of the rolling mill. His tone was respectful, but also clearly resentful: "Secretary Gao, tell me, what's going on? I arranged to fly to Shanghai for negotiations with the Oriental Group tomorrow, but Mayor Wen won't let me go, saying he needs your instructions. Secretary Gao, please give me some guidance, should I go to Shanghai tomorrow or not?"

Gao Changhe was taken aback, holding the receiver for a long time without saying a word. Sun Yadong had already clearly reported He Zhuoxiao's financial problems to him. If He Zhuoxiao suddenly disappeared tomorrow, it would be a huge problem. Sun Yadong was no pushover; he would definitely report it to Secretary Ma Wanli, accusing him of protecting He Zhuoxiao.

He Zhuoxiao, unaware of the underlying reasons, asked again, "Secretary Gao, is it because you and Mayor Wen haven't reached an agreement yet? If the leaders don't agree, it's difficult for us subordinates."

Gao Changhe thought for a moment and asked, "Director He, where are you now?"

He Zhuoxiao replied, "I'm at the factory."

Gao Changhe said, "Then go home immediately, we'll talk at your house!"

He Zhuoxiao said, "Secretary Gao, how about I report to your office?"

Gao Changhe ordered, "Stop talking, let's talk at your house. I'm leaving now, you come too."

At 7 PM on June 29, 1998, Gao Changhe, accompanied by Liu Yiru, entered He Zhuoxiao's home in Pingyang. He Zhuoxiao had just arrived home.

The dilapidated state of the He family home truly shocked Gao Changhe. The small three-bedroom house was empty, without a single decent appliance or piece of furniture. In one of the south-facing rooms, a critically ill old man lay on the bed, groaning intermittently. An indescribable stench permeated the entire house.

He Zhuoxiao said uneasily, "Secretary Gao, look at you, coming so suddenly, I was completely caught off guard."

Gao Changhe pointed to the room where the elderly woman was staying and asked, "Who is this to you? She seems quite ill?"

He Zhuoxiao said, "She's my mother, cancer, she's had it for five years."

Gao Changhe asked, "Why didn't you send her to the hospital?"

He Zhuoxiao smiled bitterly, "How could we afford it? My mother has a rural household registration, no public medical insurance, just outpatient visits are too much for her. We've sold all our appliances and furniture, and my wife even divorced me."

He added bitterly, "She had no choice, that woman torments my mother every day."

Gao Changhe said "Oh," and then asked, "So, while you're at work, who takes care of your mother?"

He Zhuoxiao said, "I hired a caregiver."

Gao Changhe didn't ask any further questions, but he understood everything. His heart was heavy. A factory director and Party Secretary of a large county-level factory couldn't even afford his own mother's medical expenses, why should anyone work for him? Why! He wouldn't have believed it if he hadn't seen it with his own eyes.

He Zhuoxiao, however, brought up work: "Secretary Gao, we still need to go to Shanghai quickly. The rolling mill really can't be delayed any longer! I know Mayor Wen cares about his reputation, and we will try our best to get the best merger terms, but we must talk to him immediately. Secretary Gao, you'll probably have to work on Mayor Wen a bit more."

Gao Changhe nodded and said, "Yes, fly to Shanghai tomorrow. Don't worry about things at home; the city will send someone to handle it—get your mother admitted to the Municipal People's Hospital. I'll have Director Liu arrange it."

Liu Yiru said, "Okay, I'll come over first thing tomorrow morning to make the arrangements."

He Zhuoxiao hurriedly said, "No, no, Secretary Gao, Director Liu, I don't have the money for hospitalization."

Gao Changhe said unhappily, "Don't worry about the money. I'll ask the Civil Affairs Bureau to make an exception and let them solve it." He

then instructed Liu Yiru, "Director Liu, tomorrow you should go to the Civil Affairs Bureau on my behalf and the Municipal Party Committee's behalf, and ask them to find a way to pay the hospitalization fees through a reasonable and legal channel. Make it clear to them that this is a special case, and we absolutely cannot let He Factory..." "There will be no worries later! If it really can't be resolved, then please let them deduct it from my salary slowly! This situation can't continue any longer!"

Tears welled up in He Zhuoxiao's eyes: "Secretary Gao, you...you mustn't do this! If it really can't be resolved, then so be it, how can you deduct it from your salary? Besides, my mother probably doesn't have many days left to live..."

Gao Changhe said painfully: "Director He, don't say anymore, I'm already too late, many things are already beyond redemption!"

Then he asked, "Have you mentioned these situations to Mayor Wen and Secretary Jiang before?"

He Zhuoxiao shook his head: "Why would I talk to your leaders about my family's private matters?"

Gao Changhe said angrily: "Why wouldn't I? Don't even mention leaders, even colleagues would have to try to help you!"

He Zhuoxiao was even more moved: "Secretary Gao, don't say anymore, with your words today, I, He Zhuoxiao, will work myself to death without complaining! Don't worry, I will definitely follow your instructions to complete the merger negotiations as soon as possible."

That evening. Back at his residence in the small red building, Gao Changhe immediately called Sun Yadong, saying nothing more than that Sun Yadong should take some time to visit He Zhuoxiao's house.

Sun Yadong was momentarily confused and asked Gao Changhe, "What do you want me to see at He Zhuoxiao's house?"

Gao Changhe replied, "Whatever you see is what you get!"

and hung up.

Just as he hung up, Wen Chunming called again, discussing Tian Liye's trip to Lieshan to oversee the work. He said Jiang Chaolin had called him, very angry, blaming him for not telling the truth at the Standing Committee meeting.

Gao Changhe then asked, "So, did you tell the truth?"

Wen Chunming stammered, "To be honest, I also think it's not appropriate to send Tian Liye to Lieshan."

Gao Changhe became annoyed and said, "Why didn't you say this at the Standing Committee meeting? I repeatedly emphasized the importance of speaking freely, and specifically asked you to speak, so why didn't you say anything?"

Wen Chunming argued, "I thought you were just going through the motions."

Gao Changhe said impatiently, "Comrade Chunming, please remember, there's no such thing as going through the motions here. If you don't speak up at the meeting, don't speak up afterwards; it's useless anyway. We can't just overturn what we just decided, can we? Are you kidding me?"

Wen Chunming knew he was in the wrong and fell silent.

Gao Changhe then stopped talking about Tian Liye and turned the conversation to He Zhuoxiao. He told Wen Chunming everything he had seen and thought at the He family's house, and finally asked Wen Chunming with regret, "...Chunming, tell me, isn't your position as mayor a bit bureaucratic? You've worked with He Zhuoxiao for ten years and didn't even know that your subordinate was in such dire straits. You just watched He Zhuoxiao fall to this point. Don't you think it's a pity?"

Wen Chunming was clearly surprised and taken aback. After a long silence, he said, "Secretary Gao, your criticism is correct. This is my fault. I was indeed too bureaucratic, only knowing how to make him work and neglecting his life. What can we do now? Could you speak to Sun Yadong and ask the Discipline Inspection Commission and relevant departments to give He Zhuoxiao another chance? It's such a pity that Old He is ruined like this!"

Gao Changhe sighed deeply, "Let's wait until Sun Yadong has a clear understanding of the situation before we talk about it!"

At 7 PM on June 29, 1998, Tian Liye brought Li Xinxiang to Jinghu City and arranged for her to stay at the Jinghu Municipal Party Committee Guesthouse. Hu Zaoqiu, who had claimed on the phone that he would line the streets to welcome her, was nowhere to be seen. The mayor's office was empty, his cell phone was off, and Hu Zaoqiu didn't answer his pager, infuriating Tian Liye. Looking at his watch, it was already 7 PM. Tian Liye decided not to wait any longer and took it upon himself to invite Li Xinxiang to eat snacks on the Jinghu Snack Street.

Unexpectedly, just as they were calling for the driver to leave, Hu Zaoqiu arrived excitedly, apologizing as soon as he entered: "Gentlemen, gentlemen, I'm so sorry, so very sorry! Secretary Bai of the Municipal Party Committee wanted to talk to me, so I'm late!"

Tian Liye said dejectedly, "It's not late, it's not late, there's still plenty of time before dawn!"

Li Xinxiang also said, "Commander Hu, you're not deliberately trying to mess with us, are you?"

Hu Zaoqiu laughed repeatedly, "How could I? Even if I were to mess with Leader Tian, I wouldn't dare mess with you, Leader Li!"

At the restaurant, Hu Zaoqiu was still excited, finding various excuses to get Tian Liye drunk. When Tian Liye was completely drunk, first Liu Yiru called, saying that Secretary Gao Changhe of the Municipal Party Committee wanted to talk to him and asked him to be in Gao Changhe's office at eight o'clock sharp the next morning; then, his wife called, saying that two cadres had come from Lieshan, bringing a lot of local specialties to visit their old leader. This left Tian Liye very confused, not understanding what was going on. Gao Changhe's call for him must be about a job transfer. What's a comrade from Lieshan doing here? Could his job transfer be related to Lieshan? It's really unclear.

Hu Zaoqiu grinned broadly and said, "If you don't understand, don't bother. Leader Tian, just drink!"

Tian Liye instinctively felt that Hu Zaoqiu knew something. After dinner, he escorted Li Xinxiang back to her room and then asked Hu Zaoqiu in a joking tone, "Commander Hu, where does your happiness come from today?"

Hu Zaoqiu said, "Happiness comes from the care of the Municipal Party Committee! After working so hard for so many years, the Municipal Party Committee has finally seen it! You know, the Municipal Party Committee just held a Standing Committee meeting this afternoon and removed my title, making me the acting mayor. Our Secretary Bai told me!"

He then sighed, "Gao Changhe is a really good person. I've never gone to see him once, and he doesn't even know me, yet... " "I truly believe the saying, 'If you promote me, the world will have its justice.'"

Tian Liye laughed, "Oh, so you really went from a deputy seventh-rank official to a full seventh-rank official? So, all those good words I said to Secretary Gao about you actually had some effect?"

Hu Zaoqiu laughed and scolded, "Liye, you dog, you dare to say good things about me to the leaders? I'd be grateful if you didn't try to poison my mind!" He

paused, then continued, "—However, this time I'm still not as good as you. You're the top leader of Lieshan County, the acting secretary of the county party committee. See, Secretary Gao has a lot of magnanimity, doesn't he? Knowing your close relationship with Secretary Jiang, he still promoted you! What's that called? It's called appointing people based on merit! You can't argue with that, my comrade!"

Although Tian Liye was somewhat prepared, Hearing Hu Zaoqiu say this, Tian Liye was still a bit taken aback. He stared at Hu Zaoqiu blankly and asked, "What? What? Acting Secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee? Me? Are you drunk?"

Hu Zaoqiu said nonchalantly, "I'm not drunk. Secretary Bai said it. Secretary Bai also said that if you, my brother, become the acting secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee, the relationship between Jinghu and your Lieshan will be better. That kid Geng Zijing is no good. Even if he doesn't engage in corruption, he's still no good. He's too arrogant. In the entire Pingyang City, apart from Secretary Jiang Chaolin, he doesn't recognize anyone. Your two small paper mills in Linhu Town have been discharging sewage into Jinghu Lake. That bastard refuses to admit it and even claims that Beibanhu Lake belongs to Lieshan. There are armed clashes every year, and people are injured every year..."

Tian Liye, however, had no interest in listening to any further and said, " "Commander Hu, don't tell me all this yet. I'm not the acting secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee yet, and I don't know anything about the small paper mill and Beibanhu. Don't try to fool me..."

Hu Zaoqiu persisted, "How am I fooling you? Old classmate, you've been lying to me since college, haven't you? When have I ever lied to you? How about this, once you take office, the main leaders of our two teams will have a get-together, okay?"

Tian Liye replied casually, "We'll see, we'll see."

He drove back to his home in Pingyang, it was already past ten o'clock at night. His two "old subordinates" from Lieshan had already left, leaving behind four bottles of Wuliangye liquor, two cartons of Yuxi cigarettes, and a large amount of local specialties.

Jiao Jiao, with a mocking tone, told Tian Liye, "Your two old subordinates are quite the pair! The moment they walked in, they openly declared their loyalty, then launched into a competition, hurling insults at Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan, saying that in recent years, bad people have been in power in Lieshan, and good people have suffered. They said that with your return to Lieshan, there's great hope for Lieshan, and great hope for these good comrades! Liye, what? Are you really going to Lieshan to be the county party secretary?"

Tian Liye nodded, somewhat reservedly saying, "There's something to that!"

Looking at the table full of gifts, he felt a surge of anger and immediately cursed, "What kind of good comrades are these two 'treasures'? I'm transferring out of Lieshan..." "Six years! They haven't come to see me once. The moment they heard I was going back to Lieshan, they rushed over. Honey, why didn't you let them take their things? How disgusting!"

Jiao Jiao said, "You think I don't find it disgusting? I told them to take them, but they wouldn't!"

Tian Liye said angrily, "Fine then, I'll make them regret it!"

Jiao Jiao clapped her hands and said mockingly, "Secretary Tian, what is a model of integrity? I've finally seen one today!"

Tian Liye snorted, "Honey, you'll see this kind of unwavering resistance to corruption often in the future."

With that, he dialed the phone.

Jiao Jiao asked, "Who are you calling so late? The old secretary or the new secretary?"

Tian Liye replied, "The new secretary, of course."

As he dialed, he sighed, "Secretary Gao is truly unpredictable. I thought he was going to get me, send me to that godforsaken place like the rolling mill, but I never expected him to send me to Lieshan to oversee the work!"

Jiao Jiao said, "You're judging a gentleman by your own petty standards!"

Just then, the call connected. Gao Changhe, upon hearing it was Tian Liye, immediately said, "Tian Xiucai, it seems I don't need to inform you about your work arrangements, right? The Reuters news is out, isn't it?"

Tian Liye honestly replied, "Yes, Secretary Gao, I heard it in Jinghu."

Gao Changhe asked, "What are your thoughts? Such a large county with over a million people, the burden is heavy."

Tian Liye said, "Secretary Gao, to be honest, I wasn't prepared at all; it was very sudden." "Tian Liye, perhaps you should reconsider whether it's appropriate for me to take charge of the work in Lieshan? After all, it's been six years since I left Lieshan, and the changes there have been so significant. Plus, both Geng Zijing's and Zhao Chengquan's teams have run into trouble. If I can't handle it, and others laugh at you and the Municipal Party Committee, that wouldn't be right. I'm truly quite apprehensive right now!"

Gao Changhe laughed: "Tian Xiucai, it's rare for you to be so humble! Good, good! It's good to have this kind of apprehension. I came to Pingyang with this feeling, so you should learn from me!"

Then, his tone became serious, "Tian Liye, you better remember this: from now on, your status is different. You're no longer the head of the department, but the acting secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee, responsible for the safety of Lieshan. If any problems arise in Lieshan, the Municipal Party Committee will hold you, Tian Liye, accountable!"

Tian Liye also took it seriously: "Secretary Gao, I will consult and report to you and the Municipal Party Committee at any time."

Gao Changhe said, "That's good. The situation in Lieshan is quite complicated now. Both the Party and government leadership are corrupt. The Lieshan corruption case is a major case, and the provincial and municipal Party committees are watching it closely. Your new leadership team must fully cooperate in handling the case. Your current task is to make a firm decision to carry out anti-corruption work, straighten out working relationships as soon as possible, and stabilize morale. Morale cannot be disturbed; if morale is disturbed, nothing can be accomplished."

Tian Liye immediately stated, "Secretary Gao, don't worry, County Head Jin and I will pay attention to this issue."

Gao Changhe sighed, "Liye, today, I also frankly..." "Let me tell you frankly, the comrades weren't entirely in agreement about your going to Lieshan to take charge of the work. I'm the one who convinced everyone. I said, in the past, the organization didn't give you a stage, so it's not your fault you didn't perform well. Today, the stage is yours, you're going to be the lead in Lieshan, so you have to put in your best effort, risk your life to make up for the six wasted years, and not waste your life anymore!"

Tian Liye was a little excited: "Secretary Gao, I...I promise!"

After the call ended, Tian Liye was stunned for a long time before gently putting down the phone.

Jiao Jiao asked with concern: "What did Secretary Gao say?"

Tian Liye said impatiently: "Don't ask too much about work matters!"

Jiao Jiao reminded him: "How should we carry out the work? Should we listen to the old secretary's advice?"

Only then did Tian Liye realize that he hadn't told Jiang Chaolin about this yet. So he made another call to Binhai Golden Coast to ask if the old secretary knew about his job transfer.

Jiang Chaolin said, "I know. The Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee decided on it this afternoon. Comrade Changhe told me."

Tian Liye asked, "Then, old secretary, what should I do when I go to Lieshan? Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan have both run into trouble. I'm afraid we won't even be able to find someone to hand over the reins!"

Jiang Chaolin said, "Yes, Lieshan is really in a state of panic right now. Have you heard? The cadres in Lieshan don't even greet each other when they meet anymore. They all ask each other, 'Are you alright?' Tell me, in this complicated situation, is it appropriate for you to go and take charge? Can you handle it? To be honest, Liye, I'm very worried about you!"

Tian Liye was a little surprised. He hadn't expected the old secretary to have such an attitude.

Jiang Chaolin then said emotionally, "Liye, for so many years, I've always treated you like my own child. Whether I scolded you or criticized you, it was all for your own good. Today, I have to tell you frankly: I oppose your going to Lieshan to take charge. Why? Still for your own good."

Tian Liye felt uneasy, but he could only repeatedly agree over the phone.

Jiang Chaolin was still not finished: "What is Gao Changhe's purpose in doing this? I think there are only two possibilities: first, to do me a favor; second, to use you as a bargaining chip. Gao Changhe doesn't admit it's to do me a favor, so it's just playing cards, right? If he wins, he gets points; if he loses, the 1.1 million people of Lieshan pay the price! You, Tian Liye, need to be clear-headed about this!"

Tian Liye never expected the old secretary's opinion to be so intense, and broke out in a cold sweat, repeatedly asking, "Old secretary, then what do you suggest? You know, this isn't something I got through lobbying; it's a decision from the municipal party committee..."

Jiang Chaolin said, "You don't have to go to..." "If you can't handle being a local official, don't force yourself. If you really want to be a section chief, you can be the secretary-general of our municipal people's congress. I'll recommend you to Gao Changhe and the municipal party committee next year during the reshuffle."

Tian Liye couldn't help but say, "Old Secretary, I'm not necessarily incapable of being a local official. You haven't even put me in that position, how do you know I can't? At least compared to Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan, I'm not too bad, am I? At least I'm not as corrupt as them, am I?"

Jiang Chaolin retorted without hesitation, "The requirements for a county's top leader aren't just about integrity; there's much more to it! 1.1 million people need to eat..." Clothing, survival, development—and with the new century fast approaching, can you shoulder this responsibility in every aspect? Tian Xiucai, this isn't like writing an article where you can do whatever you want. The slightest oversight will cause the people to suffer, and our Party will be criticized!" Tian Liye

was truly angry. He said, "Old Secretary, please rest assured. I don't think my going to Lieshan will cause the people to suffer, much less cause the Party to be criticized! The one causing the Party to be criticized is precisely Geng Zijing, whom you've been protecting!"

Jiang Chaolin was also furious: "Tian Liye, let me tell you, it's precisely because I've misused Geng Zijing that I'm unwilling..." "If the organization makes a mistake in using you again, you'll never talk to this old man again! And I'll say this again: it's very inappropriate for you to go to Lieshan to take charge of the work! Gao Changhe can use you as a card, but I won't use you as a card!"

Tian Liye didn't back down: "Old Secretary, I think you're wrong. I, Tian Liye, have never been anyone's card. I'm just a party member who wants to do something practical. Today, the Municipal Party Committee gave me this opportunity, so I have to risk everything to do it. If I don't do a good job, you can criticize me, but you can't stop me from doing it..."

Before he could finish speaking, Jiang Chaolin had already hung up the phone.

Jiao Jiao said apologetically, "Liye, why don't you call the old secretary again and explain?"

Tian Liye threw down the receiver and shook his head in frustration: "Forget it, forget it. The old man is in a bad mood right now. If I call again, we'll just argue. Let's talk about it later..."

That night, Tian Liye had a rare bout of insomnia. He tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep, his mind filled with thoughts. One moment he sees Jiang Chaolin, the next Gao Changhe, then Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan. Scenes from Lieshan's past and present flash through his mind like a movie. Six years ago, if it weren't for the old Party Secretary Jiang Chaolin protecting Geng Zijing, he wouldn't have left Lieshan. Tomorrow he'd be back, but he didn't know if it was a blessing or a curse.

On June 30, 1998, at 8:00 AM, He Zhuoxiao, from Pingyang City First People's Hospital, was scheduled to fly to Shanghai at noon. He went to work at the factory as usual, intending to pick up relevant documents and meet up with Director Zhou of the Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission and several other colleagues at the international airport. Unexpectedly, just as he was about to leave, Liu Yiru, the director of the Municipal Party Committee Office, and colleagues from the Civil Affairs Bureau arrived to confirm his mother's hospitalization. He Zhuoxiao changed his mind and informed Director Zhou of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission that he would go directly to the airport from the hospital. With

the Municipal Party Committee's intervention, everything became much easier. His mother was admitted to the hospital smoothly, and the hospital's Party Secretary even said that a comprehensive examination would be conducted as soon as possible to reassure He Zhuoxiao. As He Zhuoxiao was about to leave, profusely thanking her, the female director rushed over, sweating profusely. She said, "Director He, don't go! A laid-off worker from your rolling mill and his entire family of three attempted suicide. They were just brought here for emergency treatment

. Many of your workers have come along too, and it looks like they're going to cause trouble. You have to go check it out!" He Zhuoxiao's head spun. Confused, he followed the female director to the emergency room. Sure

enough, a large group of workers from the rolling mill were gathered at the entrance and in the corridor, gossiping and discussing the matter

. When they saw He Zhuoxiao, their shouts rose and fell. Although they didn't name him, He Zhuoxiao knew they were cursing him. When he arrived at the emergency room, he saw that the two adults had stopped breathing, and their daughter was still being desperately resuscitated. The deceased man was a worker from the rolling mill; he didn't know his name, but his face was familiar. He seemed to work in the electrical control room, perhaps as an electrician. The woman was presumably his wife, but she was definitely not a worker from the rolling mill.

Jiang Hong, the workshop director of Workshop 3, pulled He Zhuoxiao aside and whispered, "Director He, it was Zhao Yecheng, our factory's electrician, and his family who committed suicide by leaving the gas on. We're across the hall from each other. This morning, I smelled gas everywhere in the hallway. At first, I thought it was a gas leak in my house, but when I found Zhao Yecheng's house, I broke down their door, but all three of them were gone..."

He Zhuoxiao asked anxiously, "Director Jiang, was... was Zhao Yecheng laid off?"

Jiang Hong shook his head and said, "No, he wasn't laid off. His wife was laid off from the paper mill, so our workshop can't let Old Zhao be laid off. There are regulations in the city, and your factory leaders have also emphasized that both husband and wife can't be laid off..."

He Zhuoxiao breathed a slight sigh of relief, then asked urgently, "Then... could it be... suicide?"

Jiang Hong hesitated for a moment, then handed a piece of paper covered in writing to He Zhuoxiao: "Director He, you...you take a look at this."

It was a suicide note written in pencil on a student's notebook. He Zhuoxiao hurriedly began to read it.

The suicide note read: "...Factory leaders, we really can't go on like this. The paper mill failed to meet pollution standards and closed down last year. My wife was laid off and only receives 60 yuan a month for living expenses; I only receive 70% of my salary, and I'm a long-term hepatitis sufferer. Three years of medical expenses haven't been reimbursed, and we're completely broke. My wife and daughter don't even have money for toilet paper. How can I, a grown man, have the face to live in this world? When I was working at the rolling mill, I thought about touching the power source in the electrical room to commit suicide, but I gave up. It wasn't that I was afraid to die, but I was afraid of letting you factory leaders down! The factory is in such a difficult situation, yet you didn't lay me off. If I die from electrocution, although I can get a workers' compensation, you will have to take responsibility, and I'll feel guilty. Yesterday, my wife and I discussed it, and we'll die together. Our daughter, Zhao Zhuzhu, is still young, and we don't want to take her with us. When turning on the gas, first..." "Close her door tightly. If my three thousand yuan in fundraising funds can be refunded, please give it to Zhuzhu..."

Before he finished reading the suicide note, He Zhuoxiao's tears fell, and he stammered, "How... how could I be so wicked?"

Jiang Hong asked in confusion, "Who is so wicked?"

He Zhuoxiao sobbed, "Who else? It's me! It's me, this wicked factory director..."

Jiang Hong comforted him, "Director He, don't say that, it's not your fault, you've been dragged down by the factory too!"

He Zhuoxiao stopped talking, wiped away his tears, squeezed in front of the female director and several doctors who were trying to save Zhao Zhuzhu, and said, "You must do your best to save this child, I... I will raise her even if I have to sell my blood!"

The female director said unhappily, "Now you're saying such sweet words, where were you all before?"

He Zhuoxiao slapped himself hard across the face.

Someone outside saw this and shouted, "Good job! Give us another one!"

Another yelled, "Officials, how many more people do you want to drive to their deaths? You still haven't returned Zhao Yecheng's three thousand yuan in fundraising funds! He died with his eyes wide open in disbelief!"

Many people echoed, "Yes, return our money quickly!"

"Go to the Municipal Party Committee again, find Gao Changhe, and petition with his body!"

"Yes, petition with his body, ask Secretary Gao if he keeps his word? Didn't Secretary Gao promise to return the money?"

The crowd became agitated, and some people actually tried to squeeze into the emergency room.

He Zhuoxiao was both anxious and scared. He rushed out of the emergency room and blocked the doorway, shouting, "The funds weren't collected by the city, they were collected by the factory! Why are you looking for the municipal party committee? Come to me, I'll take responsibility!"

Jiang Hong pushed He Zhuoxiao from behind and whispered, "Can you take that responsibility?"

He Zhuoxiao didn't care about anything else and decided to go all out. In front of the noisy workers, he made a phone call to the factory's finance department, asking them to release the only five million yuan in working capital in the account to pay the principal of the funds raised first, without paying interest.

The finance director stammered, "Director He, does Mayor Wen know about this...?"

He Zhuoxiao snapped, "Don't worry about whether Mayor Wen knows or not, just give it to me!"

The finance director pleaded, "Director He, you know, this five million was borrowed with great difficulty, guaranteed by Mayor Wen. Before we can use this money, we need to talk to Mayor Wen first." He

Zhuoxiao roared, "Just give it to me! I'll talk to Mayor Wen and tell him to come after me!"

After making the call, the corridor fell silent. The shouting stopped, but the cheers didn't erupt.

In a chilling silence, He Zhuoxiao sighed deeply, his face contorted with grief, and said, "Alright, comrades, let's not gather here anymore. This is bad! Go to the factory's finance department and collect your money! Go, go!"

The workers, however, didn't leave. They stared at He Zhuoxiao, their eyes filled with complex emotions—less resentment, more sympathy and pity for their factory manager.

Tears welled up in He Zhuoxiao's eyes again: "Why are you all looking at me? Didn't I say I was a scoundrel?"

A middle-aged worker then said, "Manager He, regarding the return of the funds, you should consult the city again. We can't put you in a difficult position! If you really lose your job because of us, we won't be able to live with ourselves!" He Zhuoxiao

, tears still in his eyes, waved his hand, "I won't put you in a difficult position. I don't want to be the factory manager anymore either. That's it!"

The middle-aged worker was even more unconvinced. He pushed his way through the crowd from the other side of the corridor and grabbed He Zhuoxiao's arm. He Zhuoxiao's hand: "Director He, you mustn't think like that! If you don't do it, who will? Who would want to be the director of our rolling mill now?"

The middle-aged worker turned around and shouted to the workers, "Comrades, I have a suggestion: let's not pressure Director He now, okay? Let Director He consult the city first, and after the city agrees, we'll get our money back, okay?"

After only a few seconds of silence, a response rang out: "Okay, let Director He consult first!"

"Yes, we're in trouble, but isn't Director He in trouble too? Let's say that! We'll follow the factory's arrangements!"

"Director He, you can't just give up! We're angry, but we haven't blamed you!"

"Director He..."

"Director He..."

These fervent calls brought tears to the eyes of a middle-aged strong man.

Tears streamed down He Zhuoxiao's face as he repeatedly clasped his hands in front of the workers, choking back sobs as he said, "Comrades, thank you... thank you for your understanding! You... you are all good workers, but I am not a good factory manager! I... I, He Zhuoxiao, have let you all down!..."

A middle-aged worker said emotionally, "Factory Manager He, please don't say that. We've all seen how you work. For so many years, you've worked day and night, and your hair has turned almost half white!"

He Zhuoxiao waved his hands, his face still wet with tears, "Don't talk about that, don't talk about that. Zhao Yecheng and his wife even lost their lives. No matter what, it's my fault, it's all my... my responsibility! Don't stop me, let me go!"

The workers still blocked his way, preventing him from leaving.

He Zhuoxiao panicked, tears welling in his eyes, and roared, "Comrades, brothers, please go to the factory and collect your money! This is the last thing I can do for you! There are some things you don't understand. Whether you collect this money or not, I'll have to step down!"

With that, he shoved aside the middle-aged worker blocking his way and staggered forward like a drunkard.

The workers gradually parted to make way.

He Zhuoxiao walked silently through the human wall, as if he were attending a funeral.

Reaching the hospital entrance, He Zhuoxiao suddenly turned back and said to the workers who had seen him off, "You...you should have a better factory director than me!"

After getting into the car at the hospital entrance, the driver asked, "Director He, are we going directly to the airport?"

He Zhuoxiao shook his head: "To the municipal government."

The driver was surprised: "Director He, are you really going to resign?"

He Zhuoxiao didn't answer, leaned his large head back in the seat, and repeated, "To the municipal government."

At 9:30 AM on June 30, 1998, at the Pingyang Municipal Government, Wen Chunming, sitting at his desk, didn't even look up when He Zhuoxiao walked in.

He Zhuoxiao said, "Mayor Wen, I need to report to you."

Wen Chunming said unhappily, "Report what? If you need to report, go report to Secretary Gao!"

He Zhuoxiao mustered his courage and said, "Mayor Wen, I...I'm here to resign!"

Wen Chunming was taken aback, then stood up abruptly, glaring at He Zhuoxiao angrily, "You resign? Resign from what position? Don't you think I'm annoying enough? Huh? Changjiang is flooded, workers are laid off, this meeting, that meeting, I'm so busy I don't even have time to fart!"

He then slammed his fist on the documents in his hand, "Look, look, in the last two months, the number of laid-off workers has increased by more than ten thousand. I'm about to have a meeting with the heads of various departments, and you come here to cause trouble! He Zhuoxiao, let me make this clear: since Secretary Gao Changhe is in charge of the rolling mill, I'm not going to interfere. If you want to resign, go find him—I think you'd better..." "Let's wait for Secretary Gao to come and withdraw!"

He Zhuoxiao said with a sob, "Mayor Wen, I... I've been working for you since the rolling mill was just a wasteland. This is the last time I'm reporting to you. Can't you... can't you listen patiently?"

Wen Chunming seemed to realize he had gone too far and waved his hand, saying, "Okay, okay, go ahead and tell me, hurry up."

Suddenly, he remembered, "Hey, Lao He, weren't you going to Shanghai for negotiations today?"

He Zhuoxiao said, "I'm not going—something happened at the rolling mill again this morning..."

Wen Chunming was shocked: "What happened again? Is it still about the fundraising?"

He Zhuoxiao nodded and told him everything about the suicide of Zhao Yecheng and his wife and the workers' attempt to carry their bodies to demand the return of the fundraising funds.

Wen Chunming broke out in a cold sweat, repeatedly saying, "How could it have come to this? How could it have come to this? The whole family committed suicide! If this gets out, how terrible will the social impact be?"

He Zhuoxiao said, "If the workers really carry the corpses to petition, the impact will be even worse! So, I've already notified the finance department to return everyone's raised funds, using the five million in the account, without even having time to ask you for permission!"

Wen Chunming was shocked again: "Old He, that five million is for self-rescue in production! Are you going to starve? Even if the merger negotiations succeed, there will be a transition period, what will you do?"

He Zhuoxiao stammered, "Mayor Wen, I... I don't know what to do, anyway... anyway, it's not my business anymore, I can't continue..."

Wen Chunming got angry: "He Zhuoxiao, are you really going to abandon me? In such a difficult time..." "Give up? Huh?"

After thinking for a moment, he tried to suppress his anger and said, "Fine, fine, Lao He, five million is five million, anyway, the funds raised will have to be repaid sooner or later, and now this kind of unexpected event has happened, I won't blame you for the loss. But let's make this clear, at least until the merger of Dongfang Steel and Pingchao Plant is completed, you have to stay as the plant manager! This is not just my opinion, it's also Secretary Gao's opinion, it's the opinion of the Municipal Party Committee!"

He Zhuoxiao said with shame and pain, "Mayor Wen, it's not that I don't want to do it, it's that I'm too ashamed to do it anymore."

As he spoke, he took out the suicide note written on the homework paper from his pocket and handed it to Wen Chunming, "Mayor Wen, you...you take a look at this."

After reading the suicide note, Wen Chunming was silent for a long time, thinking that it must be this suicide note that touched He Zhuoxiao's remaining conscience, making him feel guilty about reimbursing his mother's medical expenses.

However, Wen Chunming didn't expose him, only sighing, "What wonderful workers! Old He, it's because of these wonderful workers, and to be responsible for them to the end, you can't resign!"

He Zhuoxiao sobbed, "Mayor Wen, you...you don't know, I...I'm ashamed! The factory workers are so good, and your leaders are so good—this morning, Secretary Gao sent Director Liu Yiru and comrades from the Civil Affairs Bureau to take my mother to the hospital, but...but what have I done? I...I reimbursed all of my mother's medical expenses at the rolling mill in my own name! A total of over 39,000 yuan. If that 39,000 yuan had been used for Zhao Yecheng..." "If only they hadn't died, I... I'm such a bastard..."

Wen Chunming sighed. "Secretary Gao and I both know about your situation."

He Zhuoxiao was stunned. "Since you know, why... why aren't you removing me?"

Wen Chunming's eyes reddened. "Removing you wouldn't solve anything. Besides, you're ashamed, but aren't Secretary Jiang and I ashamed too? Secretary Gao called me last night and criticized me for being bureaucratic and not caring about the lives of my subordinates. I sincerely accepted Secretary Gao's criticism. Now that you've brought this up yourself, I'll publicly apologize to you, and on behalf of Secretary Jiang, I apologize to you too!"

With that, he bowed deeply to He Zhuoxiao.

He Zhuoxiao wiped away his tears and hurriedly said, "Mayor Wen, this isn't your or Secretary Jiang's fault. No matter how difficult it is, I shouldn't have done this. This is entirely my personal problem; it has nothing to do with you or Secretary Jiang. The situation in Pingyang is quite complicated now, so please don't take any more responsibility upon yourself..."

Wen Chunming said regretfully, "It's not that I want to take it on, but that I have a responsibility! Secretary Gao is right. If our cadres can't even afford to treat their own mothers' illnesses, why should they work day and night for you? Why? But you, Old He, are also confused. Why didn't you tell me about these circumstances? Why did you act so recklessly? Do you know that this is illegal, that's embezzlement?" "This will be investigated! This 39,000 yuan could send you to jail! It's not just a matter of being dismissed!"

He Zhuoxiao was stunned: "Is...is it Secretary Sun Yadong who's holding this up?"

Wen Chunming nodded: "You know Sun Yadong, he doesn't even listen to Gao Changhe!"

He Zhuoxiao asked nervously: "Mayor Wen, then...what should I do?"

Wen Chunming was silent for a moment, then said: "I've thought it through for you. Quickly return this 39,000 yuan. I don't have any more. My family only has 20,000 yuan in savings. My wife and I discussed it last night, and we'll withdraw it all for you in an emergency. As for the 19,000 yuan, you can find a way to borrow it yourself." "I'll lend it to you."

He Zhuoxiao was taken aback: "Mayor Wen, how can I take so much money from you? This is all your savings!"

Wen Chunming said: "Old He, don't say that. We've worked together for ten years, and now things have come to this. This is all I can do to help you. Please let me do my best!"

He Zhuoxiao stared blankly for a long time before saying: "Then Mayor Wen, I... I'll borrow this 20,000 from you first, and pay you back with bank interest later. I... I've thought it all through. After I've dealt with this mess at the rolling mill, even if you don't fire me, I'll have to resign and earn some money. I... I can't live such a pathetic life!"

Wen Chunming said: "The rest is up to you. " " We'll talk about it later. You still need to go to the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection and find Sun Yadong to formally confess your problems to him—it's not good for me to go to him; he won't believe you voluntarily confessed."

He Zhuoxiao asked, "Should I report to Secretary Gao as well?"

Wen Chunming thought for a moment and said, "It's good to report. Secretary Gao has always protected you."

Looking at his watch, he said, "It's already 9:50. Secretary Gao is coming over soon for a meeting to hear from relevant government departments about the classified management of laid-off workers. You can wait in the reception room outside for a bit. When I call you, you can talk to him in person."

He Zhuoxiao nodded repeatedly and went out nervously.

About ten minutes later, Gao Changhe arrived. As soon as he saw Wen Chunming, he smiled and said, "Chunming, guess what trick Tian Liye played on me when I was talking to Minister Gong and Tian Liye today?"

Wen Chunming was preoccupied with his own thoughts and had no time to guess. He shook his head expressionlessly.

Gao Changhe was in high spirits and patted Wen Chunming on the shoulder: "Our Secretary Tian has suddenly become frugal and simple. He's changed out of his suit and tie and looks like a laid-off worker. I didn't praise him; I criticized him a bit! I asked him, 'With you dressed like this, who would dare to invest in your Lieshan?'"

Wen Chunming replied casually, "What does he mean?"

Gao Changhe laughed: "Our Secretary Tian said that he knows when to be frugal and simple!"

Then he added, "Not bad, not bad, I think Tian Liye is quite shrewd and is preparing to put on a good show in Lieshan."

Wen Chunming snorted, "I hope so!"

He then mentioned that He Zhuoxiao was going to the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection to return the embezzled funds and confess his problems.

Gao Changhe immediately said, "It's good that He Zhuoxiao has this attitude; it can be considered a confession. The most urgent thing now is to get him to Shanghai to participate in the merger negotiations."

Wen Chunming said, "Old He is waiting in the reception room now. Would you like to see him?"

Gao Changhe waved his hand and said, "Forget it, he has to catch a flight. I won't see him today. I'll see him when he gets back!"

Wen Chunming said, "Okay, I'll tell Old He to go to the airport quickly."

But Gao Changhe stopped Wen Chunming and laughed, "Why did Old He suddenly decide to confess? Mayor Wen..." "Did you tip him off? Ah? If Comrade Yadong finds out, he'll probably give you another piece of his mind!"

Wen Chunming handed the suicide note He Zhuoxiao had given him to Gao Changhe: "Take a look at this and you'll understand!"

Gao Changhe took the suicide note and quickly read it, his smile vanishing instantly...

At 10:30 AM on June 30, 1998, in the Lieshan County Party Committee meeting room, Sun Yadong noticed that Tian Liye had changed his clothes. He was wearing a faded old shirt, blue trousers, and old leather shoes.

Sun Yadong found this simple attire quite pleasing to the eye.

Sun Yadong praised, "Well done, Secretary Tian, now you look like someone who's here to get things done!"

Tian Liye smiled and said, "Secretary Sun, I've learned from history. When I worked in Lieshan before, some older comrades complained that I dressed too fashionably and couldn't connect with the masses."

Sun Yadong said, "However, just having that kind of attire doesn't guarantee you'll connect with the masses. The key is in the actual work. Tian Liye, let me tell you, there are quite a few eyes watching you now!"

Tian Liye said, "I know, I'll try my best not to disappoint you leaders!"

After a few more casual words, everyone went to the county committee hall for a meeting of all county party and government cadres. Minister Gong of the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department presided over the meeting. Sun Yadong, on behalf of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, announced the appointments and removals of the new leadership team in Lieshan and delivered a brief speech. After speaking, Sun Yadong wanted to leave—the special investigation team had too much to do, and Secretary Ma Wanli had promised to give him a phone report that afternoon, so he needed to prepare. But seeing Tian Liye walking solemnly toward the podium, she was a little worried that this guy might make a mistake in his inaugural speech. So she patiently sat down and stared at Tian Liye with a scrutinizing gaze.

After Tian Liye stepped onto the stage, he opened his notebook and, without any grand pronouncements or platitudes, began, “Six years have passed, and the municipal party committee has sent me back to Lieshan. I have many feelings about this, and I barely slept a wink last night. When I couldn't sleep, I had to think about things. What did I think about? First, I thought about the tremendous changes in Lieshan over the past six years. I remember when I was transferred from Lieshan, the city's economy was in a slump, and the atmosphere was quite chaotic. Things that weren't problems became problems. The focus of conflict in Pingyang was the private industrial park, while the focus of debate in Lieshan was the development of the new district. The debate over whether

it should be socialist or capitalist was fierce. That same year, Deng Xiaoping's Southern Tour speeches were published, and Lieshan seized this historical opportunity, boosting the development of the new district and the private economy…” Sun Yadong's heart began to pound: Was this a way of praising Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan? How could one talk about Lieshan's achievements without mentioning Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan?

Sure enough, Tian Liye mentioned Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan: "...It should be acknowledged that former county party secretary Geng Zijing and former county head Zhao Chengquan did a lot of work for the economic development of Lieshan. Under the guidance of Comrade Xiaoping's Southern Tour speeches, all cadres and the masses in the county worked together and struggled, and Lieshan's economy has reached a new level. This is a historical fact. We cannot deny the beneficial work they did just because they were corrupt; this is not a historical materialist attitude."

Sun Yadong leaned forward to Minister Gong and asked, "What did Secretary Gao and Tian Liye talk about?"

Minister Gong said, "Secretary Gao clearly stated that Geng Zijing's good experience in developing the economy should be summarized."

Sun Yadong shook his head with a wry smile and remained silent.

Tian Liye continued, “…Does economic development mean we can disregard integrity? Does it mean we can reach into the state’s coffers and rake in money? Does it mean power is no longer subject to oversight? Obviously not. You are a responsible cadre of the Party and the state; it is your responsibility to ensure the safety of the region and lead it to prosperity! You have no right to reach out to the state and the people. Therefore, the second issue that comes to mind is the issue of integrity.”

At the mention of integrity, Sun Yadong instinctively became attentive, wanting to see what insights this man had to offer.

Tian Liye indeed had a brilliant insight: "...Today, on my way to take up my post in Lieshan, the county magistrate of Jinhua told me that some of our cadres were privately reporting losses on behalf of Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan, saying that so many shady people had made a fortune, while Geng Zijing and his group had only made a small fortune. Some people even said that because the country doesn't offer high salaries to encourage integrity, our cadres keep getting into trouble. Is that right? No! If you want to get rich and are envious of private business owners, then you shouldn't be a public servant, you shouldn't be a corrupt official! Today I can say this right here: anyone who wants to resign will be approved immediately. Are there any comrades here who want to resign? If so, please raise your hand. No, right? Good. What does this show? It shows that our comrades still have a spirit of dedication. Of course, dedication is only one aspect; another point..." "And I must point this out today: the country and the people have not wronged us public servants! Six years ago, when I was the secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission here, I told some corrupt officials who had been investigated: 'Don't complain about being wronged, you haven't been wronged! You ride in government cars, replacing them every time they break down; you live in government housing, demanding one or two, even arranging for your grandchildren; you eat and drink government food, barely using your salary; the country and the people support a county head or town mayor like you for at least tens or hundreds of thousands of yuan a year! Tens or hundreds of thousands of yuan is not a small amount. Even in an economically developed city like Pingyang, there are now 100,000 laid-off workers, whose average monthly living expenses are only 170 yuan! Under these circumstances, is it realistic for you to expect the country to pay high salaries to

encourage integrity?'" Sun Yadong couldn't help but lead the applause for Tian Liye's words.

Instantly, applause filled the hall.

After the applause subsided, Tian Liye continued, "...So, don't be ungrateful. Compared to those laid-off workers who are enduring the pain of reform, our situation is much better! Therefore, the criminal acts of corrupt officials like Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan are intolerable under Party discipline and national law. Comrades here, please stop trying to excuse them and fully support Secretary Sun and the comrades of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection in handling the case. This is a principle!"

Sun Yadong quietly said to Minister Gong, "This guy seems to have some talent!"

Minister Gong smiled, "You'll know once you see the articles he's written. Secretary Gao didn't make a mistake in using him."

Sun Yadong said, "We need to take another look..."

Tian Liye continued, "...Speaking of principles, I thought of something. Last night, before I even knew I was going to take up a post in Lieshan, two comrades who claimed to be my old subordinates found out and came to my house, bringing Wuliangye liquor and Yuxi cigarettes, practically moving a grocery store into my home! Now, I'd like to ask the comrades from the County Party Committee Office to bring these things up on stage so everyone can enjoy them!"

The two comrades from the County Party Committee Office responded by bringing up four bottles of Wuliangye liquor, four cartons of Yuxi cigarettes, and a pile of local specialties.

Pointing to the colorful array of gifts, Tian Liye said, “According to these two comrades who gave the gifts, these are all worthless items. So, let’s do the math: Wuliangye liquor costs 360 yuan a bottle, so four bottles would cost 1,440 yuan; Yuxi cigarettes cost 420 yuan a carton, so four cartons would cost 1,680 yuan; the cigarettes and alcohol alone amount to over 3,100 yuan! I ask you, how much do you all earn a month? Is it appropriate for you to give me gifts like this? What are your intentions? Are you two comrades here to visit me, or to see the power I hold?”

Sun Yadong couldn't help but interject, "Of course they're here to see the power you hold, they're going against the grain!"

Some people whispered among themselves. Once everyone quieted down, Tian Liye continued, "Secretary Sun has already pointed out the crux of the problem. Some people just won't learn their lesson. Geng Zijing's case is still under investigation, and they dare to do this! What? Corruption is rampant! These two comrades are sitting here today. I won't call you by name yet, but this is just a warning. If it happens again, you're fired! You can come and claim these things after the meeting! I want to declare here: the power entrusted to us by the people, I..." "We can neither retail nor wholesale! I demand that all comrades present follow my example on the issue of integrity and provide me, the acting secretary of the county party committee, with genuine and effective supervision! From today onwards, the cadre team of Lieshan must have a new look. This cadre team must be a clean and competent team that leads the 1.1 million people of Lieshan to new heights and into the new century!" A round of

enthusiastic applause erupted…

At noon on June 30, 1998, the issue of classified management of laid-off workers in Pingyang City was first proposed a year earlier by former Secretary Jiang Chaolin. It had been studied and discussed twice at the previous Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee, and subsequently assigned to government departments as a key task for the year. Over the past few months, Wen Chunming has taken the lead, and labor, personnel, insurance, civil affairs, and re-employment departments at all levels have done a great deal of work. Now, the situation has finally been clarified and defined. At the meeting, Vice Mayor Chen, who was specifically in charge of this work, reported that of the city's 100,000 laid-off workers, more than 94,000 had signed "positioning agreements," accounting for 94.37% of the total number of laid-off workers in the city. Among them, 40,000 were "retained with fixed subsidies," about 20,000 were "managed for employment," and more than 30,000 were "off-the-job with temporary employment." This means that the vast majority of laid-off workers in Pingyang City have been brought under the effective management of the government and have a basic guarantee of livelihood.

Vice Mayor Chen was relatively optimistic, smiling as he explained to Gao Changhe, Wen Chunming, and the attendees that the 40,000 "retained with fixed subsidies" recipients were mostly middle-aged and elderly workers, men over 50 and women over 45, whose re-employment competitiveness was relatively weaker. The focus for them was to guarantee their basic living standards, providing them not only with a monthly living allowance but also a medical subsidy of 20 to 40 yuan, and paying their social insurance premiums on their behalf. Those comrades under the "trusteeship employment" program and those "off-duty personnel with temporary employment" are generally young and middle-aged. While ensuring their basic living standards, they receive training, are recommended for re-employment, and are encouraged to enter the market. The self-reliant market that opened a few days ago alone has provided employment for over a thousand people. Two more similar self-reliant markets are planned for the city's secondary commercial center. Judging from the implementation over the past three months, the measures have had a relatively good social impact, especially among the more than 40,000 people receiving "fixed subsidies for job retention," who are quite satisfied.

However, Wen Chunming, the mayor of the city, is neither optimistic nor satisfied, and his face remained sullen throughout the meeting.

After Vice Mayor Chen finished his report, Wen Chunming spoke up: “Comrades, the situation has changed again. The number of laid-off workers has increased; it’s not 100,000 anymore, the latest statistics show over 113,000. Pingyang Steel Plant alone has laid off more than 800 people, and the rolling mill is estimated to lay off another 500. We must continue to resettle them; we can’t let our guard down. Moreover, judging from the current situation, there are still quite a few problems.”

At this point, Wen Chunming took out the suicide note that He Zhuoxiao had brought him. “Comrades, do you know that just as we are holding this meeting today, a worker named Zhao Yecheng from the rolling mill and his laid-off wife committed suicide? It’s heartbreaking! Please take a look at this suicide note!”

Gao Changhe said, “Let’s read it aloud.”

Wen Chunming nodded and began to read the suicide note.

After the suicide note was read, the meeting room fell into a deathly silence.

Wen Chunming slammed the suicide note on the table, stood up abruptly, and demanded angrily, "What's going on with Zhao Yecheng's wife? How come this woman only has sixty yuan a month for living expenses? What exactly is her status? Is it 'job retention with fixed subsidies' or 'managed employment'? Has Director Wang Dehe of the Light Industry Bureau arrived? Okay, Director Wang, stand up! Please answer, after the paper mill stopped production last year, what measures did your Light Industry Bureau take? How many laid-off workers at the Pingyang Paper Mill still have a living allowance of sixty yuan?"

Director Wang stood there, timidly saying, "This... I... I don't know much about these situations. I... I need to ask Director Liu of the paper mill. Mayor Wen, don't worry, I... I'll go to the paper mill after the meeting..."

Gao Changhe suddenly realized that this Director Wang was the fat man who had been taken to his house by his brother-in-law Liang Bing that night to try to get a position as county magistrate, and his anger flared up instantly.

Wen Chunming was furious: "Two lives have been lost, and you, as the bureau chief, don't even know? Wang Dehe, I ask you: are you even fit to be this bureau chief?"

Sweat poured down Wang Dehe's bald head as he futilely tried to explain, "This...this can't all be blamed on me. Lately, I've been...thinking about the paper mill reopening—Mayor Wen, the paper mill really needs to find a way to reopen. We're not the only ones discharging pollutants into the Changjiang River. Even if we don't, other places will. The Changjiang River has turned black..."

Wen Chunming angrily retorted, "Wang Dehe, don't try to change the subject! Pingyang can't discharge pollutants into the Changjiang River! I still want to ask you about the resettlement of laid-off workers. How did you use the re-employment funds allocated by the city? Did you sign a full-employment placement agreement with the laid-off workers as required by the city?"

Director Wang's bald head sweated even more profusely, and he stammered, unable to answer.

Wen Chunming slammed his hand on the table: "Wang Dehe, I think you should just quit being the bureau chief! Resign!"

Gao Changhe interjected: "Mayor Wen, I think it's not a resignation, it's a dismissal!"

Wen Chunming immediately said: "Fine, I'll recommend to the Municipal Party Committee that Wang Dehe be removed from his position as director of the Light Industry Bureau!"

Wang Dehe froze, looking pitifully at Gao Changhe, saying: "Secretary Gao, I...I..."

Gao Changhe coldly asked: "Director Wang, what are you trying to say? That you delivered your resume to my house? That you tried to get a promotion through me, is that it?"

Wang Dehe nervously wiped his sweat: "Secretary Gao, no...no, I...I..."

Gao Changhe pointed to the door: "Get out, get out of here, get out now!"

Wang Dehe wanted to defend himself, but seeing Gao Changhe's livid face, he dared not say anything, and hurriedly grabbed his briefcase and fled as if escaping.

The meeting room suddenly became extremely quiet; even the sound of breathing could be heard.

In the eerie silence, Vice Mayor Chen spoke: "Secretary Gao, Mayor Wen, I also bear responsibility in this matter. I failed to personally visit the paper mill to check on the implementation of the relocation work. I apologize to the Municipal Party Committee."

Wen Chunming retorted bluntly: "Of course you bear responsibility, and so do I! We are mayors, and it was our citizens who committed suicide. All of us here bear significant responsibility and feel ashamed! But what good is our self-criticism? Mr. and Mrs. Zhao Yecheng are dead! The dead cannot be brought back to life! Moreover, the political and social impact is far too severe! Pingyang is an economically developed city; how could such a tragedy occur!"

After his outburst, Wen Chunming gave further instructions on the relocation management of laid-off workers, demanding that Vice Mayor Chen lead a city-wide inspection to learn from the lessons of Mr. and Mrs. Zhao Yecheng's suicide. He stressed that we cannot simply rely on reports; we must eliminate all blind spots and conduct effective dynamic monitoring of all laid-off workers.

Finally, Wen Chunming invited Gao Changhe to speak.

Gao Changhe hadn't intended to speak before arriving, mainly wanting to hear a report on the re-employment situation. However, faced with the sudden death and Wang Dehe's serious bureaucratic style, he had no choice but to speak.

When Gao Changhe spoke, his face was grave—"Comrades, don't always say that Pingyang is an economically developed city, don't just look at the skyscrapers and neon lights everywhere. Behind those skyscrapers lie shadows, and beneath those neon lights lie tears of blood! This is not alarmism, it's the truth! Our reform and opening up has entered a critical stage, and many workers in large and medium-sized state-owned enterprises are currently enduring hardship. There are dozens of struggling state-owned enterprises like Pinggang Steel Plant, Ping Rolling Mill, and Ping Paper Mill throughout the city. Moreover, under the national policy of adjusting the industrial structure, this situation will not fundamentally change in the next two or three years. This means that a considerable number of our workers will have to endure several years of hardship and make this historic sacrifice for our reform.

"These workers are truly admirable and lovable—take Zhao Yecheng for example, he could have died in the Ping Rolling Mill, making it a 'work-related death,' but he didn't. And what about some of our cadres? Are they also so admirable and lovable? Like that Wang Dehe, I think he is shameful and despicable! He is a cold-blooded animal who doesn't care about the lives of the people!" This isn't just simple bureaucracy; his irresponsibility in dealing with laid-off workers is tantamount to a crime!

"Of course, to put it simply, development is the only way forward. Comrades all know that this year our country's economic growth target is 8%. Our province's is 11%, and Pingyang, being an economically developed city, is required by both the province and the central government to reach 13%. If Pingyang doesn't meet its 13%, we can't guarantee our province's 11% and the national 8%. And to achieve this 13% economic growth target, we need a stable socio-political environment; we can't afford any more deaths. Mayor Wen's request for a comprehensive review of the laid-off worker placement work is excellent. My opinion is that we should not only check the implementation but also the problems; wherever problems are found, the leadership of that area should be punished!

"By the way, let me mention another issue related to integrity—with over 110,000 laid-off workers currently struggling to make ends meet, could some of our comrades perhaps reduce their drinking? And their visits to karaoke bars and dance halls?" Yesterday, I saw a report from the Discipline Inspection Commission: a section chief from one of our bureaus spent lavishly at the Pingyang International Hotel, eating, singing, dancing, and hiring prostitutes—a single night costing 8,700 yuan! 8,700 yuan! Comrades! Is this truly a case of the rich feasting while the poor freeze to death on the streets? Does he have no Party spirit, no conscience? How can this kind of person not be dismissed and expelled from the Party? What will laid-off workers think of us? What will the people think of us? This corrupt trend must be resolutely stopped!

"What about those wealthy tycoons? They have money, so they want to consume lavishly. Fine, you consume, I'll collect taxes. Here, I'd like to make a suggestion, comrades, please consider this: could we levy a high consumption tax? Could we set up a special fund with the collected money to help extremely poor families like Zhao Yecheng's—comrades, this isn't about redistributing wealth, it's about promoting a positive social atmosphere…

Because of the deaths of Zhao Yecheng and his wife, Gao Changhe spoke extensively at this meeting, and it was almost 1 a.m. when the meeting adjourned.

It was at this meeting that Wen Chunming and Gao Changhe reached a rare consensus." To.

At 1:00 PM on June 30, 1998, while having lunch together in the small canteen of the municipal government, Wen Chunming said, "Secretary Gao, I think your suggestion of a high consumption tax is entirely feasible. Whether it should be called a tax or a fee can be discussed further. We could stipulate that a tax or fee should be levied on a single purchase of a certain amount. This would not only promote a positive social atmosphere but also subtly encourage those wealthy individuals to convert some of their consumption funds into productive capital, creating more jobs, which would be very beneficial." Gao Changhe said, "Alright then, why don't you discuss it with Comrade Jiang Chaolin first, draft a proposal, and then we can study and decide together."

After lunch, Gao Changhe... Wen Chunming and Gao Changhe visited Zhao Yecheng's daughter, Zhao Zhuzhu, at the hospital, demanding that the hospital take full responsibility and prevent any long-term effects. The female hospital director and attending physician reported that Zhao Zhuzhu's carbon monoxide poisoning was relatively mild, and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy, she was expected to have no lasting effects.

Several reporters also arrived at the hospital, wanting to interview Gao Changhe and Wen Chunming.

Wen Chunming was furious, telling the reporters there was nothing to talk about, and that such matters shouldn't be reported as they had no positive significance. He further pressed the reporters, asking, "Who sent you here?" Gao Changhe also said that attention should be paid to the narrative, and that the government's measures for laid-off workers should be promoted positively, with more reports on these issues. The article recounted the inspiring stories of laid-off workers who had persevered in their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Gao Changhe also inquired about the condition of He Zhuoxiao's mother. The female director said that a check-up had just been done that morning, and the situation was very bad; she had late-stage lung cancer that had spread widely, and her life was in imminent danger. Gao Changhe said, "With Director He not here, you must do your utmost to ensure the elderly woman doesn't die before he returns." The female director said, "We will do our best."

On the way back, the two top party and government officials sat in the same car, continuing their work discussion.

Wen Chunming said, "He Zhuoxiao's experience is a profound lesson. Shouldn't we think of some specific regulations and measures to protect cadres facing difficulties like him?"

Gao Changhe said, "Of course, cadres need protection, but we also need to protect ordinary people. There are probably quite a few ordinary people like Zhao Yecheng facing special difficulties. What should we do? Where will we get so much money?"

Wen Chunming thought for a moment and said, "Secretary Gao, there's another tax we could consider levying—a personal income tax for escorts. According to reports from the Cultural Bureau and the Public Security Bureau, there are now no fewer than 100,000 escorts in our city." "

Gao Changhe joked, "Mayor Wen, are you desperate or just daring to do something?"

Wen Chunming replied seriously, "Secretary Gao, I'm not joking with you. Do you know how much escorts earn each month? On average, it's no less than five thousand yuan, and some earn over ten thousand. It's income, so it should be taxed!"

Gao Changhe also became serious: "Won't this make people misunderstand that Pingyang allows escorts?"

Wen Chunming smiled bitterly: "Which city in the country allows escorts? And which city in the country doesn't have escorts? Taxing is taxing, and cracking down on prostitution is cracking down on prostitution. We'll still crack down on it. Besides, we're not the only ones doing this. The newspapers reported a few days ago that many places have already started taxing escorts!"

Gao Changhe nodded: "I've heard about that too. But there's no precedent for it in our province!"

Wen Chunming said: "Are you afraid the provincial party committee will take your job? Surely not?"

Gao Changhe laughed: "Mayor Wen, don't provoke me." After thinking for a moment, he added, "

This matter needs to be handled carefully. You might as well secretly send some comrades from the local tax bureau to the cities where they collect taxes to get a feel for the situation before making a decision."

Wen Chunming said, "Alright, I'll give Director Zhou of the local tax bureau a heads-up when I see him."

Gao Changhe instructed, "This matter must be kept secret. Don't get yourself into trouble before you even get the fish."

Wen Chunming nodded, "I understand."

Gao Changhe sighed, "Mayor Wen, I think Comrade Xiaoping was right. Development is the only hard truth. Without further boosting the economy, just resorting to this kind of small-scale charity won't solve the problem at its root. Take the rolling mill, for example. The only right way is to quickly restructure the assets and let Dongfang Steel acquire it, making full use of the imported equipment. If you keep dragging your feet and are reluctant to let go, what will happen in the end? The conflicts will only multiply. Look, someone died today!" "It should be said that both the deceased Zhao Yecheng and the erring He Zhuoxiao were harmed by the difficulties of the steel rolling mill. If the steel rolling mill were doing well and had no economic problems, these conflicts wouldn't have arisen."

Wen Chunming paused for a moment, then said, "Changhe, you really know how to find opportunities to do things."

Gao Changhe only revealed his true colors at this point: "Chunming, do you think I'm really that foolish to so easily express my opinion on accepting the merger with Dongfang Steel Group? I'm expressing this opinion to pressure you. We're in the same boat now, and sometimes in a moment of desperation, we'll resort to any means necessary."

Wen Chunming said, "But Changhe, you also need to understand that the steel rolling mill's current predicament isn't caused by me, Wen Chunming. The root cause lies in the old system..."

Gao Changhe laughed: "I already understand that point very well. The root cause is the old system, but brother, I see that while you're indignantly denouncing the old system, you're also actively defending it!"

Wen Chunming was somewhat annoyed. "Me? Protect it? Me?"

Gao Changhe said, "Isn't it you? You've been giving it free rein, helping it get loans, suffering for the sake of saving face."

Wen Chunming thought about it seriously and felt that Gao Changhe's criticism wasn't unreasonable. He waved his hand and said, "Forget it, forget it, let's not talk about it anymore. Anyway, I've been ruined by the rolling mill. I can't save face anymore."

Gao Changhe laughed and said, "What have you ruined? If you change your attitude, the rolling mill might be able to come back to life."

After a pause, he asked again, "Hey, Chunming, have you seen that female reporter from Xinhua News Agency these past two days? How's her big article coming along?"

Wen Chunming shook his head: "I don't know. I haven't seen her since that interview."

Gao Changhe said, "Chunming, my opinion has changed too. It seems that Jiang Chaolin and you were right. This article should be published." "The lesson is too profound! How many people have been harmed, from you, the mayor, to He Zhuoxiao, to the workers who participated in the fundraising? It should be called a lesson in blood!"

Wen Chunming was somewhat surprised: "Changhe, aren't you afraid of offending your superiors?"

Gao Changhe's expression became solemn: "It's not about offending

your superiors. When I have time, I'll go to the provincial capital and speak with Secretary Liu Huabo and Governor Chen Honghe first. I'll also ask the leaders to read Zhao Yecheng's suicide note." Wen Chunming said: "And He Zhuoxiao—after the more than 30,000 yuan is returned, can we not file a case?"

Gao Changhe was obviously in a dilemma and said: "That depends on Sun Yadong's attitude."

Wen Chunming said unhappily: "Changhe, it depends on Sun Yadong's attitude. He would send ten He Zhuoxiaos to jail. This person has neither human touch nor any flexibility!"

Gao Changhe sighed, said nothing, and shifted his gaze to the outside of the car window.

As the car drove along Minzhu Road, Gao Changhe noticed that the sun umbrellas donated and uniformly made by the Municipal Private Entrepreneurs Association had appeared at the stalls on both sides of Minzhu Road, and he felt a little gratified.

At 3 PM on June 30, 1998, Tian Liye, accompanied by Jin Hua and Xiao Qi, the office director, visited various departments and bureaus of the Lieshan County Party Committee and County Government to familiarize himself with the people. In official parlance, this was called "taking a walk around the area." During this "walk," Tian Liye simply observed and listened, saying little and making no pronouncements, maintaining a composed demeanor. Some familiar comrades joked with Tian Liye, but he didn't respond much; realizing they were being teased, they also became serious.

As they left the county committee compound and headed towards the county government, Jinhua said, "Secretary Tian, you're so serious."

Tian Liye replied, "I have to be serious when necessary. When I was the deputy secretary-general of the municipal party committee, I had the municipal leaders above me and various departments and bureaus below me, so of course I could shirk responsibility; now that I'm in charge of a county, I can't shirk responsibility."

Jinhua winked, "Hey, Secretary Tian, I didn't say you shirked responsibility."

Tian Liye smiled, "You may not say it, but you think it."

Jinhua smiled too, "My mother often talks about you at home."

Tian Liye said, "Your mother certainly wouldn't say anything good about me."

Jinhua said, "Also..." "Not necessarily. My mother has praised you, saying you're not obsessed with officialdom."

Tian Liye said, "That can be interpreted the other way around—it means you're not ambitious."

Jinhua said, "Then, Secretary Tian, from now on, are you going to strive for advancement?"

Tian Liye said, "Of course! Didn't I say at the meeting this morning that all the county cadres should follow my example?"

Just then, his phone rang. Tian Liye recognized it as his sister, Tian Liting, and immediately realized he was in trouble. With County Head Jinhua and County Party Committee Office Director Xiao Qi present, he said irritably, "Liting, I'm busy. Can we talk later?"

He then hung up.

Jinhua asked, "Who called? You sounded so fierce."

Tian Liye said, "It was my laid-off sister. Calling me never brings good news."

Jinhua laughed, "Maybe it's good news..."

Before Jinhua could finish speaking, the phone rang again; it was Tian Liting again.

Tian Liye was helpless: "...Okay, okay, Liting, just tell me what's wrong."

Tian Liting said happily on the phone: "Brother, I heard you've become the county party secretary in Lieshan, is that right? See, being an official has many advantages, right? As soon as you became the secretary in Lieshan, my problem was solved. This morning, two comrades from the Lieshan County Government came and arranged my job. I'll be the assistant general manager at the Changjiang Hotel in Lieshan County, helping the general manager with reception. I heard it was arranged personally by your County Head Jin..."

Tian Liye was stunned. He stammered a few words to his sister, then immediately hung up the phone and asked Jin Hua: "County Head Jin, what's going on with my sister? Did you arrange her job?"

Jin Hua nodded and smiled: "To relieve the leader of his worries. I had General Manager Cai of the Changjiang Hotel arrange it last night—oh, I must clarify, you weren't our county party secretary then."

Tian Liye felt a chill in his heart, thinking to himself, this Jin Hua is really shrewd; she knows exactly where you're hurt. From a professional standpoint, integrity is his current Achilles' heel; from a personal standpoint, arranging for his laid-off sister's employment is his Achilles' heel. They've specifically targeted this area—let's see what he can do about it!

Jin Hua, however, didn't seem shrewd at all, still smiling, almost innocently. "Secretary Tian, don't worry about this. Anyway, it was my arrangement, and it's for the benefit of laid-off workers. It's not corruption, and it has nothing to do with you."

Tian Liye asked, "County Chief Jin, how did you know my sister was laid off? How did you know my home address?"

Jin Hua said, "Secretary Tian, you and my mother have been colleagues for six years. It's really unacceptable that I didn't know that!"

Tian Liye immediately suspected Liu Yiru's involvement. On the bright side, the mother and daughter were trying to curry favor with him for future cooperation; on the dark side, it might be a trap, designed to embarrass him. Thinking back to how he had just told everyone to follow his example that morning, and then this happened in the afternoon, he felt even more vigilant. He immediately made a call to the Changjiang Hotel in Lieshan, instructing General Manager Cai not to hire Tian Liting.

This greatly surprised Jin Hua and left him utterly embarrassed.

Tian Liye, considering Jin Hua was the county head and they would be working together in the future, smiled and explained to Jin Hua after the call: "County Head Jin, I know you mean well. But I've only just arrived in Lieshan, and given the current situation, it wouldn't be good for me to do this. Let's talk about my sister's matter later. If it's inconvenient for me to intervene, I really need your help. Please don't refuse!"

Jin Hua blushed and replied, "Okay, okay, Secretary Tian, as long as it doesn't violate principles, I'll do it."

With that, he entered the government compound.

The first small building inside the gate was the Land and Resources Bureau.

Tian Liye said, "Let's go to the Land and Resources Bureau first. It's a major problem area. I heard two deputy directors were summoned by the special investigation team yesterday, is that right?"

Jin Hua said, "They were there to investigate and verify some information; they're back today."

Tian Liye sighed, "The Land and Resources Bureau has too much power! They decide the price for the transfer of state-owned land use rights. How can this be allowed? I think the negotiated transfer of state-owned land use rights should be stopped immediately, and public bidding and auction should be implemented, and this should be institutionalized. County Chief Jin, what do you think?"

Jin Hua smiled and said, "You decide, Secretary Tian. Didn't Secretary Gao praise your thinking?"

Tian Liye, however, understood the implication in her words and inwardly groaned, thinking that he might have offended Jin Hua on his very first day. However, he couldn't avoid offending her. He had just taken office, and his sister was already working as the assistant general manager at the Changjiang Hotel; this was simply unacceptable, even if Jin Hua meant well.

On June 30, 1998, at 7 PM, Gao Changhe's speech at the municipal government's meeting on the classified management of laid-off workers reached the ears of former Party Secretary Jiang Chaolin through several different channels. The transmitted version of the speech was distorted; it claimed that Gao Changhe, in his hour-and-ten-minute speech, offered no positive feedback on the former Party Secretary's advocacy of classified management of laid-off workers. Instead, he used the unexpected deaths of Zhao Yecheng and his wife to maliciously attack the favorable situation in Pingyang, openly stating that "beneath the neon lights of Pingyang lies blood and tears." Jiang Chaolin, already unhappy about Tian Liye's appointment to Lieshan, immediately felt his blood pressure rise upon hearing this. Binhai Municipal Party Secretary Wang Shaobo, sensing something amiss, secretly summoned doctors and nurses to monitor Jiang and instructed the resort's switchboard not to answer calls to Jiang Chaolin's room. Knowing Jiang Chaolin's cell phone was with his driver, Wang Shaobo also sent the driver to the beach, telling him not to answer any calls from the former Party Secretary.

However, while they could block outside information from entering, they couldn't stop the former Party Secretary from making calls.

After dinner, Jiang Chaolin couldn't hold back any longer and asked Wang Shaobo, "Shaobo, tell me, why didn't Mayor Wen call me? Gao Changhe made such a comment about Pingyang's work, and Mayor Wen just sat there? Didn't he even inform me? Whether Pingyang's work is good or bad, he deserves some credit!"

Wang Shaobo didn't dare admit he had blocked the news, only saying, "Old Secretary, don't be angry. You didn't hear Gao Changhe's comments about Pingyang firsthand; it might just be hearsay."

Jiang Chaolin didn't believe it was hearsay and said, "No, I have to call Mayor Wen."

Wang Shaobo tried to stop him, "Forget it, Old Secretary, even if Gao Changhe said that, what can you do? It's just pointless to get angry. Why make yourself unhappy? It's not worth ruining your health."

Jiang Chaolin ignored him and picked up the phone: "Connect me to Mayor Wen's office."

The operator hesitated. A voice said, "Secretary Jiang, it's so late, aren't you going to rest?"

Jiang Chaolin replied, "Late? It's only seven o'clock."

The operator stammered, "Secretary Jiang, our Municipal Party Committee Secretary Wang said you should get some rest."

Only then did Jiang Chaolin realize that Wang Shaobo had been behind it all. He immediately flew into a rage, pointing his finger at Wang Shaobo and yelling, "Wang Shaobo, you've got some nerve, daring to blockade this old man! What? Tian Liye isn't listening to me anymore, so are you?"

Wang Shaobo quickly put on a smiling face and said, "Old Secretary, look at you, what kind of talk is that? I was just worried you'd be angry and anxious. If something really happened to you, I wouldn't be able to explain to the Provincial Party Committee or the people of Pingyang!"

Jiang Chaolin sighed and said, "Don't worry about me, I'm not that fragile!"

Wen Chunming's call went through; it was a call to Wen Chunming's mobile phone. Wen Chunming wasn't home at the time; he was at the city's flood control headquarters, reporting on Pingyang's flood control efforts to Zhong, the deputy director of the Provincial Flood Control Headquarters and deputy director of the Water Resources Department, who was there to inspect the work. Jiang Chaolin, not wanting to interrupt Wen Chunming's report, asked him to call after he finished. He also briefly mentioned the situation in Binhai, instructing Wen Chunming to tell Director Zhong that during this major flood season, many sand dredgers from Changjiang City were still operating on the Binhai River, affecting the stability of the riverbanks and posing a significant safety hazard. He insisted that the Provincial Flood Control Headquarters order all cities along the river to immediately cease such operations. Wen Chunming agreed.

Wang Shaobo said, "Old Secretary, even if the province doesn't ban them, I'll still impound these sand dredgers. I'm following the regulations of the Pingyang Municipal Government. Today, I had all the sand dredging machines on those ships in Changjiang City smashed, and I also confiscated over 100,000 yuan from their sand sales."

Jiang Chaolin pointed at Wang Shaobo's head: "Be careful, Changjiang City won't let you off the hook."

Half an hour later, Wen Chunming called, saying, "Old Secretary, do you know? There's another problem with the layoffs. The paper mill laid-off workers only get 60 yuan a month for living expenses, which drove Zhao Yecheng and his wife to commit suicide by gas poisoning. Secretary Gao and I were furious and gave Wang Dehe of the Light Industry Bureau a good scolding at the meeting this morning."

Jiang Chaolin said, "Just scolding won't solve the problem. " "This kind of cadre must be removed and investigated! How were the special funds for laid-off workers' resettlement used? Was there any misappropriation? Wasn't the minimum standard set by the city 170 yuan? Why is it only 60 yuan? You don't want bureaucrats, let Sun Yadong investigate! He's so interested in investigating the rolling mill, he should be even more interested in this kind of thing!"

Wen Chunming said, "Secretary Gao and I share the same opinion."

Jiang Chaolin was somewhat displeased: "Chunming, it seems that you and Gao Changhe are quite in agreement now, huh? So, do you also agree with Gao Changhe's statement: 'There is blood and tears under the neon lights'?"

Wen Chunming was somewhat surprised: "Old Secretary, who told you this? There might be some misunderstanding, right? Secretary Gao said this with a background and premise, referring to Zhao..." The deaths of Ye Cheng and his wife weren't meant to negate the work in Pingyang. Old Secretary, please don't take it personally."

Jiang Chaolin said discontentedly, "But that's still going too far!"

Wen Chunming was also unconvinced, saying, "People died, after all."

Jiang Chaolin became even more dissatisfied: "Why did people die? Is it a policy problem, or an implementation problem? Gao Changhe certainly didn't affirm the policies we formulated in the past at the meeting. Since he said there's blood and tears under the neon lights, fine, then let him come up with a brilliant idea, formulate a better policy, and wipe away the blood and tears under the neon lights. If he does a good job, I'll recommend him to Provincial Party Secretary Liu Huabo! Including you, Wen Chunming!"

Wen Chunming clearly understood the accusation in Jiang Chaolin's words, and explained, "Old Secretary, please don't say that..." Gao Changhe really does have some ideas. He was just discussing with me whether to tax high-end consumption and escorts…”

However, before Wen Chunming could finish speaking, Jiang Chaolin flew into a rage, “What? Tax escorts? Comrade Wen Chunming, I ask you: When did escorting become legal in Pingyang? Are we going to require escorts to hold licenses? What exactly are you trying to do!” Wen Chunming

hurriedly explained, “This is just a proposal right now. We plan to check the situation in some large and medium-sized cities that have taxed escorts before making a decision…”

Jiang Chaolin said, enunciating each word clearly, “Mayor Wen, please tell Comrade Gao Changhe that I and the People’s Congress oppose this!”

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Chaolin’s blood pressure, which had finally come down, rose again.

Dizzy and disoriented, Jiang Chaolin called his driver and ordered him to drive back to Pingyang that very night.

Wang Shaobo advised, "Old Secretary, it's so late, why don't you leave early tomorrow morning?"

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand, "No, I'll leave now. I've rested enough, I'm feeling better, and I need to go to work at the People's Congress!"

Wang Shaobo said worriedly, "Old Secretary, please don't say such hurtful things, you don't look well..."

Jiang Chaolin ignored him, left the room, and walked straight to his car. Before getting in, he said to Wang Shaobo with red eyes, "Shaobo, thank you and the comrades in Binhai City!"

At this moment, the sky darkened, and large raindrops began to fall, pattering against the car.

Wang Shaobo felt that these raindrops were just like the tears in the old secretary's eyes...

At 8:00 AM on July 1, 1998, while handling a case at the Lieshan County Party Committee Guesthouse, Sun Yadong couldn't understand one question: Why had Jiang Chaolin protected Geng Zijing so fiercely all these years? Why did he continue to protect him even after repeated reminders from his trusted subordinates like Tian Liye and Wang Shaobo? They'd rather transfer Tian Liye, who refused to cooperate with Geng Zijing, away from Lieshan, and they'd rather replace three county heads in succession, than touch Geng Zijing. Isn't there something fishy going on here?

Sun Yadong dared to think this, but dared not say it aloud to anyone; the issue was far too sensitive.

Director Liu of the Anti-Corruption Bureau seemed to share this thought, having tentatively asked Sun Yadong, "What exactly is Secretary Jiang's relationship with Geng Zijing? Why does he only acknowledge Geng Zijing? Are all the cadres in Pingyang dead?"

Sun Yadong simply clicked his tongue meaningfully and shook his head, offering no clear answer.

Director Liu, sensing that Sun Yadong wanted to delve deeper, instructed Deputy Director Qin Ziping and Section Chief Gao Lingling, who were in charge of interrogating Geng Zijing, to find a way to clarify the relationship between Geng Zijing and Jiang Chaolin, starting with the interrogation of Geng Zijing. He repeatedly emphasized the need for strict secrecy. Gao Lingling

was quite hesitant and privately complained to Qin Ziping, "Director Qin, isn't what we're doing a bit inappropriate? Isn't this considered inducement? Inducement is not allowed."

Qin Ziping replied, "I think Director Liu's words have a reason; if he tells us to investigate, we'll investigate."

By this time, Geng Zijing's problems had been fully exposed, and the case was extremely serious, even shocking. Besides the so-called "profit sharing" with County Magistrate Zhao Chengquan and his team, Geng Zijing had directly received 4.52 million yuan in illicit funds from his mistress, Lin Ping. The Lieshan Economic Development Company was essentially a black market operation run by Geng Zijing and Lin Ping. In addition, Geng Zijing is also suspected of multiple bribery and selling official positions. Thirty-four deposit books were found during the raid, with deposits spread throughout the Pingyang area. The total amount involved in the case is not the initially estimated six or eight million, but over 11 million. December 2nd, Chapter 11: No Choice.

Lin Ping confessed, and more evidence was found. Geng Zijing became much more honest and readily admitted his crimes. However, when asked about his relationship with Jiang Chaolin, Geng Zijing's attitude changed, insisting that his relationship with Jiang Chaolin was just a normal working relationship.

Geng Zijing said, "Everyone in Pingyang City knows that Secretary Jiang likes capable people. As long as you're capable, he'll find ways to create opportunities for you. Tian Liye and the previous three county heads had disagreements with me, affecting our work, so of course Secretary Jiang wanted to transfer them. This isn't bragging; in terms of work ability and pioneering spirit, they really aren't as good as me."

Qin Ziping said, "Geng Zijing, this isn't about praising you, it's about discussing problems. I ask you, how did you get this county party secretary position? When Secretary Jiang promoted you, did you give him money or gifts?"

Geng Zijing said, "No, if I had given Secretary Jiang money or gifts, I definitely wouldn't have become county party secretary."

Qin Ziping said, "People come to you for help..." "Officials all give money, but you don't when you go to Secretary Jiang's place?"

Geng Zijing said, "Because I accept it, but Secretary Jiang doesn't. Who would dare to give him money? Don't just ask me; you can conduct a broad investigation among all the county-level cadres in Pingyang and see who Secretary Jiang has accepted money from. I can't guarantee anything about others, but I can guarantee it about Secretary Jiang, because Zhao Chengquan and I were rebuffed when we tried to give gifts to city leaders."

Qin Ziping said, "So, it's not that you don't want to give, but that Secretary Jiang won't accept it, right?" Geng Zijing nodded, "That's right." Qin Ziping said, "Then, all these years, you've frequently gone to Secretary Jiang's house, eaten hand-pulled noodles there, and you haven't given him a single thing? You have the nerve to say

that?"

"Is Jiang Chaolin really that heartless?"

Geng Zijing said, "Sometimes he brings me a little something."

Qin Ziping said, "Okay, tell me, what is it?"

Geng Zijing said, "What could it be? In the summer, a watermelon; in the winter, some dried sweet potatoes. Secretary Jiang especially likes the dried sweet potatoes from Lieshan. These past few years, fewer have been grown, and they're hard to buy in the city, so I often bring some over."

Qin Ziping glanced at Gao Lingling, who was on the jury, exchanged a look with her, and then asked, "Besides Secretary Jiang, have you given gifts to any other leaders?"

Geng Zijing hesitated for a moment, "No...no."

Qin Ziping immediately noticed the timidity in Geng Zijing's eyes: "Really not?"

Geng Zijing... He then said, "It's just sending local specialties as gifts during holidays. Leaders and related units all send them. Except for Secretary Jiang, who didn't accept them, most of the other leaders accepted them. It's done openly—oh, by the way, when I went to the provincial capital to see County Chief Zhao this time, I gave Liang Bing's family an air conditioner."

Qin Ziping pressed, "Who is this Liang Bing?"

Geng Zijing said, "He's Secretary Gao Changhe's brother-in-law, and he works in some department of the provincial government."

After saying that, he explained, "Secretary Gao didn't know about this; it's a private matter between me and Liang Bing. Director Wang Dehe of the Youth Work Bureau introduced me to Liang Bing. Liang Bing and I got along quite well, so we became friends. At the time, I didn't know Secretary Gao would come to Pingyang..."

Qin Ziping and Gao Lingling were both stunned.

The interrogation results left Sun Yadong and Director Liu extremely embarrassed.

Sun Yadong severely criticized Director Liu, saying that Director Liu had violated policy and engaged in inducement. Director Liu turned around and criticized Qin Ziping and Gao Lingling, accusing them of causing trouble. After criticizing him, he instructed Qin Ziping and Gao Lingling that this matter was over and no one was allowed to mention it again, especially the matter concerning Secretary Gao's brother-in-law, Liang Bing. He said it was completely unrelated to the case and was entirely a private matter between Geng Zijing and Liang Bing, and should not be mentioned in front of anyone.

Qin Ziping, however, was unconvinced. He thought, "You tried to pull a fast one on the outgoing Secretary Jiang Chaolin by violating policy, but you failed. Now you're trying to target the new Secretary Gao Changhe, preventing him from speaking out. What kind of logic is this? Putting everything else aside, just considering how many good things Jiang Chaolin has done for the people of Pingyang, this is heartless!"

Therefore, Qin Ziping, the deputy director of the anti-corruption bureau who had no prior personal relationship with Jiang Chaolin, unusually became stubborn and secretly made an anonymous call to Jiang Chaolin, informing him of the situation and reminding him to pay attention to the articles in the Lieshan case. Jiang Chaolin repeatedly asked who he was, but he wouldn't say, only that he was an upright judicial and prosecutorial cadre and a Communist Party member.

Gao Lingling, a juror, was also dissatisfied. She bypassed Director Liu and Qin Ziping and went directly to Sun Yadong for instructions, asking, "Shouldn't we investigate the air conditioner given to Gao Changhe's brother-in-law? Since Geng Zijing confessed, it wouldn't be right not to investigate thoroughly." Sun Yadong said, "Of course we'll investigate. Who said we wouldn't?" Gao Lingling said, "It was Director Liu who said so." Sun Yadong waved his hand, "His word doesn't count. Investigate everything thoroughly. State-owned assets and public property must be recovered, even if it's the Emperor himself!"

On July 1, 1998, at 10:00 AM, Jiang Chaolin received an anonymous phone call from the Pingyang Municipal People's Congress during a meeting of the Congress's office. Although he repeatedly told himself not to get angry, he couldn't suppress his rage, and his subsequent work assignments became increasingly heated: "To put it bluntly, some situations are very abnormal. Some people are openly denying Pingyang's work and its achievements in reform and opening up, saying things like 'there are shadows behind high-rises, and blood and tears under neon lights.' It's said that this is based on some evidence, because someone died. Comrades all know about the circumstances of the death..." "I know, as we just discussed. I feel as heartbroken and guilty as my comrades. But whether it's heartbreak or guilt, this is an unexpected and sudden event, and it cannot be used as an excuse for some comrades to deny Pingyang, much less as an excuse for their reckless behavior. Some of the city's main leaders have already proposed levying taxes on escorts, saying that some cities in the country have already done this. I told them at the time: I oppose it, our People's Congress opposes it!"

The deputy directors and secretary-general of the People's Congress present were clearly unaware of this and were all very surprised.

Jiang Chaolin composed himself and continued, “On such matters of principle, my personal opinion is that our People’s Congress must stand firm, especially at the level of local legislation! No matter who said it or made the decision, even if you issue a government order, we will use local regulations to stop you. We must take the lead in this regard. I ask Director Wang to lead a meeting with representatives and members from the political and legal system to conduct an investigation and compile a written report on the corruption of escort services in all the nightclubs in the city. I will personally report to the Municipal Party Committee, and if necessary, to the Provincial Party Committee.”

Director Wang nodded, “Okay, Secretary Jiang, don’t worry, I will start working on this immediately.”

Jiang Chaolin continued, “We must vigorously publicize the great historical achievements of Pingyang over the past twenty years of reform and opening up. The 50th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is approaching. We don't care what the municipal party committee does; if they have a unified plan, we will implement it to the best of our ability. However, we should also be more proactive. I suggest that our People's Congress hold a grand exhibition on the achievements of reform and opening up, to conduct a historical review and give our comrades a positive answer with the glorious facts created by the people of Pingyang over the past twenty years. Please have Director Zhao take charge of this matter and get it done immediately.”

Director Zhao immediately said, “Secretary Jiang, this work should have been done a long time ago.”

Jiang Chaolin forced a smile and corrected him, “Director Zhao, please don't call me Secretary Jiang anymore.” "Well, I'm no longer the Party Secretary, I'm the Chairman of the Municipal People's Congress. By the way, starting today, I'm officially in charge of my work. Please give me your support."

After the meeting, Huang Guohua, the former Executive Deputy Director in charge of the People's Congress, stayed behind and said, "Director Jiang, although you didn't say it explicitly at the meeting, we all understand. Don't worry, we will fully support your work!"

Jiang Chaolin said with a heavy heart, "Thank you, Director Huang."

Huang Guohua suggested, "Director Jiang, I think we should hang up all those banners that were sent from below!"

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand and said, "Forget it, don't be so childish."

Huang Guohua then suggested, "Then you also need to change your strategy a bit, don't... " "Don't hide away and hide from everyone anymore. You need to make more public appearances and meetings, so people don't think you've really made a mistake."

Jiang Chaolin asked, "Have you heard any more gossip?"

Huang Guohua said, "Think about it. You, the old secretary, haven't appeared on TV or in the newspapers these days, and with that mess in Lieshan, how could there not be some gossip? I won't tell you the specifics, so you don't get angry."

Jiang Chaolin unconsciously broke a pencil in his hand and said, "It's not just gossip, some people are indeed using the Lieshan corruption issue to make a fuss about me! The ridiculous thing is, the fuss hasn't targeted me, but it's targeting themselves! Even the comrades involved in making this fuss can't stand it anymore." "They all told me on their own initiative. Of course, I'm not going to hold it against them now; I want to see how they get out of this mess!"

Huang Guohua said. "So, you, old secretary, should show your face in public more often."

Jiang Chaolin said, "Yes, when it's time to go to work, I have to attend the meetings and participate in the activities. This afternoon, isn't a vice chairman of the National People's Congress coming to inspect? I told Gao Changhe to pick him up at the international airport, accompany him fully, and give him a report!"

Huang Guohua laughed, "Right, right, old secretary, this vice chairman highly praised Pingyang several times when he was vice premier! You really have to give him a good report!"

Saying this, he winked knowingly at Jiang Chaolin and went out.

Just as Huang Guohua left, the phone rang.

Jiang Chaolin picked up the phone and heard it was Tian Liye. He immediately said, somewhat annoyed, "Secretary Tian, you still remember me?"

Tian Liye chuckled on the other end, saying, "Old Secretary, look at what you're saying! How could I forget you? I called Binhai, and Wang Shaobo said you'd returned to Pingyang, and that you weren't feeling well. I thought, 'Oh no, did I upset you the other night?'"

Jiang Chaolin huffed, "You didn't upset me—how could you? You've brought me honor, haven't you? You've gone to Lieshan to take charge, you're the top leader now! So, Secretary Tian, how are you planning to make your mark as a new official?" "Let me remind you, you're still the acting secretary, not the secretary yet. You have to be careful in everything you do."

Tian Liye said, "Yes, yes, old secretary, I know the organization is still testing me."

Jiang Chaolin then instructed, "You must be careful in your work. Lieshan has already caused such a big mess; we absolutely cannot allow any more chaos. You're the top leader; you can't be like before, making casual statements about everything. The situation below is very complex. If you make casual statements, it's fine, but the work will fall apart. Some of our cadres are very good at exploiting loopholes. Even if you have good intentions, they can still twist them to suit their own interests. And if your intentions are twisted, then things will get out of control." "Pick it up."

Tian Liye said, "Yes, old secretary, I've already noticed that."

However, changing the subject, Tian Liye then tried to persuade Jiang Chaolin, "But, old secretary, I'm afraid you've misunderstood Secretary Gao Changhe! I heard you got very angry over a few words he said, is that right?"

Jiang Chaolin asked unhappily, "Who told you that?"

Tian Liye said, "Shaobo. He also asked me to persuade you. We're all worried about your health."

Jiang Chaolin said, "Don't worry so much, I'm in very good health, better than ever before."

Tian Liye reassured him, "Old secretary, you've really misunderstood. At yesterday morning's meeting, I..." His wife, Jiao Jiao, was taking notes. Jiao Jiao said, "Secretary Gao really didn't mean to deny Pingyang's achievements in reform and opening up. Your father, don't listen to the nonsense some people below are spouting. I think Secretary Gao is a good person, fair and upright, honest and straightforward, and he has the courage to do things. He's actually on the same page as your father, we both want to do practical things for the people of Pingyang..."

Jiang Chaolin couldn't stand it anymore and sarcastically said, "Secretary Tian, when did you become so insightful? Huh? Such a correct evaluation of our two municipal party secretaries, the old and the new?"

The anger that had been building up inside him exploded, "Don't interfere in the affairs between our leaders!"

Tian Liye dared not say a word.

Jiang Chaolin softened his tone and said, "Liye, I understand your gratitude towards Comrade Gao Changhe for his high regard and promotion, and I don't blame you. But I still have to say, it's not suitable for you to go to Lieshan to take charge of the work. It's not suitable for you personally or for Lieshan. If we hadn't known each other for so many years, I wouldn't be saying these things to you. The reason I'm saying this to you is because I consider you a friend."

Tian Liye sighed and said, "Old Secretary, this is probably the biggest difference between you and Comrade Gao Changhe—you treated me like a friend, always playing with me all these years, but never treating me as a cadre capable of doing anything substantial. Gao Changhe may not have considered me a friend either, even mocking and ridiculing me, but he treated me as a capable cadre; he was developing me!" Jiang Chaolin didn't

want to strain the conversation with Tian Liye again, so he held back his anger and didn't argue further.

After hanging up the phone, Jiang Chaolin became even more convinced that Gao Changhe was playing a game with him, and had already made a name for himself in it. It's obvious that Gao Changhe has "inspired" Tian Liye, his most loyal subordinate in Pingyang, to join him. The uninformed cadres and masses of Pingyang will likely believe that Gao Changhe's promotion of Tian Liye is a sign of respect for him, the old Party Secretary. They might even think that Gao Changhe instructed him to do this, and that if Tian Liye gets into trouble later, the blame will fall on Gao Changhe, just like how they used Geng Zijing as a pretext to make him suffer in silence.

This Gao Changhe is truly shrewd; it seems he's going to wage a comprehensive, multi-faceted war against him!

Well then, starting today, July 1st, 1998, he will officially take up his post to fight, to defend the fruitful achievements of Pingyang's twenty years of reform and opening up, to protect the brighter future of the people of Pingyang, and to safeguard the indelible historical honor of an old soldier!

He is still the Chairman of the Pingyang Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee; the old soldier is still on duty!

At 11:00 AM on July 1, 1998, when Tian Liye, the Party Secretary of Lieshan County, called Jiang Chaolin, Acting County Head Jin Hua happened to walk in. Just as Jin Hua was wondering whether to leave, Tian Liye gestured towards the sofa. Jin Hua hesitated for a moment, then sat down. It was then that Jin Hua learned a surprising fact: Jiang Chaolin actually disapproved of Tian Liye's appointment to lead the work in Lieshan.

This greatly surprised Jin Hua.

After the call, Tian Liye didn't mention anything about the conversation, only asking, "County Head Jin, is there something you need?"

Jin Hua reported, "Secretary Tian, we've got a huge problem. Workers from the H country's Daming Company in the new district are rioting. Over 500 people rushed in and occupied the factory an hour ago, driving away the H country boss, Jin Fangzhong, and even injuring Mr. Zheng, the H country manager. The situation is still developing, and I've already sent people from the county public security bureau."

Tian Liye was taken aback: "What happened? These workers are completely lawless!"

Jin Hua said angrily, "Yes, they're damaging the image of our Lieshan County's reform and opening up! This Jin Fangzhong is the H country boss that Secretary Gao mentioned to us yesterday. He used to have a lot of dealings with Geng Zijing. After Geng Zijing's incident, he was worried that our policies might change. I even personally went to talk to him three days ago. Now, it's all over." "They've driven them away!"

Tian Liye exclaimed anxiously, "Alright, alright, stop talking. Let's go to Daming Company together, right now."

As they drove towards Lieshan New District, Tian Liye asked again, "County Chief Jin, didn't you go to Daming Company three days ago to work on things? Do you know anything about Daming Company? What does this company do? What's the conflict between the foreign investors and our workers?"

Jin Hua had no idea what the foreign company did, let alone the conflict between the investors and the workers. Not wanting to be blunt and risk Tian Liye criticizing her for bureaucracy, she vaguely replied, "Where don't foreign bosses and our workers have conflicts? You can't just act like this."

Tian Liye thought about it and agreed, so he didn't say anything more.

Upon arriving at the scene, they found the situation had indeed escalated. The gate of the Daming Company factory had been blocked by Isuzu trucks belonging to the factory's occupied workers. The national flag on the flagpole inside the factory had been lowered, leaving only the five-star red flag fluttering in the wind, with a shocking slogan displayed beneath it: "We were cattle and horses before, now we want to be human!"

Jin Hua pointed at the slogan and said, "Secretary Tian, look at this! What kind of scene is this? Is this still the old society?"

The county public security bureau chief came over to ask for instructions: "Secretary Tian, County Chief Jin, what do you think we should do?"

Jin Hua, with great spirit, waved his hand and said, "Do we even need to ask? Let's rush in and arrest a few of the ringleaders first! Is this really lawlessness?"

The public security bureau chief said with some difficulty, "County Chief Jin, if we rush in, there might be bloodshed."

Jin Hua said firmly, "Don't emphasize that to me! I know the workers are all locals from Lieshan, fellow villagers. You want to make an exception for them, don't you? That won't do! We can't let Lieshan's image of reform and opening up be ruined by local protectionism!"

He then turned to Tian Liye and asked, "Secretary Tian, what do you say?"

Tian Liye didn't immediately respond, pointing to the slogans inside the factory and asking, "Why would the workers display such strong slogans? Is there something fishy going on?"

After a moment's hesitation, he said to the police chief, "I think we should handle this calmly. You should broadcast a message over the loudspeaker, asking the workers to remain calm and that County Chief Jin and I are going in to talk to them. We should ask them to open the gate and explain things clearly. This commotion won't solve anything!"

The police chief immediately ran to the vehicle-mounted radio and broadcast the message.

As soon as the broadcast ended, a young man stepped out from the hood of an Isuzu truck at the factory gate.

The young man covered his mouth with both hands, making a megaphone shape, and shouted, "Your Party Secretary and County Head can come in to talk, but please climb over the gate. We can't open the gate for you to arrest people!"

Jin Hua angrily said, "This is outrageous! Making us climb over the gate! I think we'll have to arrest a few people today!"

Tian Liye thought for a moment, "I'll climb then, County Head Jin. If you won't climb, I will. I'll go persuade the workers to open the gate!"

The police chief also felt it wasn't right, "Secretary Tian, this... this is too damaging to the image of a leader, isn't it?"

Tian Liye's face darkened, and he said, "Image is a small matter, but bloodshed is a big matter. You all stop talking, let's leave it at that!"

The police chief said again, "Secretary Tian, then I'll send two plainclothes officers to accompany you and protect you!"

Tian Liye waved his hand, "Forget it, forget it! I'm not going to fight the enemy, what's there to protect me from!"

He walked alone to the factory gate, grabbed the iron bars on the gate, and jumped over the large iron gate. The top of the large iron gate was studded with sharp iron spikes. When Tian Liye climbed over the gate, his pants were torn.

The factory workers, seeing that Tian Liye, the county party secretary, had actually climbed through the gate, were moved. As if on someone's orders, they all knelt before Tian Liye, crying and begging the government to intervene.

Tian Liye, his face stern, said, "Get up, all of you get up and talk! You put up banners saying 'We used to be cattle and horses, now we're human beings,' so why are you kneeling? How can you be human with such weak knees? Tell me, what exactly happened? Why did you beat Mr. Zheng, the manager from H country? Mr. Zheng, don't be afraid, you can report anything to me."

Mr. Zheng's clothes were torn, and his nose was bleeding. He said the workers had beaten him and were being unreasonable. The workers became angry and, before Mr. Zheng could finish speaking, they started talking all at once, revealing a story that shocked Tian Liye.

It turns out that this company, Daming, in country H, produces fiberglass materials. Workers inhale large amounts of benzene vapor during daily production. With the tacit approval of Geng Zijing, the former county party secretary, the company failed to implement any labor protection measures, resulting in severe benzene poisoning among many workers. According to the workers, as of today, 72 people have suffered acute or chronic poisoning, with 25 in the late stages, developing aplastic anemia. Initially, they didn't know what was happening and didn't consider poisoning. A few days ago, they finally found out and approached the company to discuss compensation and labor protection issues. However, the company refused to provide any compensation and instead told them to leave, claiming there were plenty of laid-off workers in China. Therefore, after another unsuccessful negotiation, they angrily occupied the factory today.

Tian Liye asked Mr. Zheng, the manager from country H, "Is what the workers are saying true?"

Mr. Zheng replied, "Benzene poisoning does occur; it's unavoidable in this kind of production using benzene as a solvent."

Tian Liye asked, "Why not use a non-toxic solvent for production?"

Mr. Zheng said, "The investment cost for a non-toxic solvent is too high."

Tian Liye became angry and asked, "Mr. Zheng, do you know about China's labor protection laws?"

Mr. Zheng said, "Yes. But we did this with the approval of Secretary Geng Zijing."

The workers then began to curse Geng Zijing, calling him a corrupt official and a bloodsucker colluding with foreign unscrupulous businessmen.

Tian Liye stopped the workers' cursing and asked Mr. Zheng, "Where is your Mr. Jin Fangzhong?"

Mr. Zheng said, "He went to Beijing last night."

The workers said that this unscrupulous businessman knew that Geng Zijing had fallen from power and was probably trying to escape.

Mr. Zheng said defiantly, "The company is preparing to withdraw its investment and move this production base to Changjiang City."

Tian Liye snorted and said, "Whether you withdraw or not is your freedom, but as the newly appointed acting secretary of the Lieshan County Party Committee, I want to tell you, and please convey this to Mr. Jin Fangzhong, that if you stay in Lieshan, you must abide by the Labor Protection Law of the People's Republic of China. If you move to Changjiang City, you will still have to abide by the Labor Protection Law of the People's Republic of China. Even if you withdraw from China, you must be responsible for the serious consequences that have already been caused! It's true that we have a lot of laid-off workers now, but we laid-off workers are not so poor that we have to risk our lives for food! We welcome all foreign investors to invest in Lieshan, but we do not welcome any unscrupulous businessmen who collude with corrupt officials in Lieshan to harm the people of Lieshan!"

Mr. Zheng's tone softened: "The decision is the boss's business, I can't make the decision."

Tian Liye said coldly, "I can make the decision. If you don't compensate the poisoned workers according to international practices and standards, our Lieshan County government will seal up your factory, publicly auction it off, and use the auction money to compensate you!"

The workers cheered, some even shouting, "Long live Secretary Tian!"

Tian Liye was startled, turned around angrily, and said, "What are you shouting about?"

He then ordered, "Open the gate! All Chinese workers of Daming Company must immediately leave this factory, go home to rest, and await the outcome of negotiations between the government and the management. This company must also cease production from this moment until it meets the requirements of the Labor Protection Law of the People's Republic of China!"

The workers immediately drove away in their Isuzu trucks, leaving the factory gates wide open.

Jin Hua rushed in with the county public security officers, asking, "Secretary Tian, are you alright?"

Tian Liye glared at Jin Hua: "Do you know what happened in this factory?"

Jin Hua shook his head, looking completely bewildered, but dared not say anything more.

Seeing Mr. Zheng's face smeared with blood from his nose, the police chief asked, "Where are the assailants? Should we arrest them?"

Tian Liye glared at the police chief and said, "There aren't any assailants, are there? They drank too much of the workers' blood, so some of it just flowed out on its own."

He then turned to Mr. Zheng and said, "Mr. Zheng, I'll give you a week to discuss this with your boss. If you don't agree to compensation, I'll auction off your factory. I mean what I say!"

The workers then sincerely shouted "Long live Secretary Tian!" Tian Liye was inwardly excited, but outwardly he appeared angry. He said to the workers who were chanting slogans, "Why are you shouting nonsense again? Is 'Long live' something you can just shout like that? Go back, all of you go back first!"

After saying that, he called County Magistrate Jin Hua, got into the car, and drove away.

Sitting in the car, Tian Liye explained the serious situation at the factory, demanding that Jin Hua organize a team to immediately investigate and collect evidence of Daming Company's violation of labor protection laws and its mistreatment of Chinese workers. He sternly criticized Jin Hua, saying, "County Chief Jin, to put it bluntly, this is utter bureaucratic style! Geng Zijing and this H-country company are in cahoots, which has already disheartened the workers. And yet, instead of conducting any investigation, you heard they were going to withdraw their investment, so you went to comfort them. Today, you even want to arrest our workers. Tell me, how are our comrades supposed to view our People's Government? How are they supposed to view us leaders? Let me make it clear to you, if we really arrest the workers today, it won't be easy for us to release them! We'll be traitors! Our government will be a traitorous government!"

Jin Hua couldn't take it anymore and said, "Secretary Tian, while your criticism has some merit, isn't it going too far? As an official in a region, you have to protect one side..." "Fang Ping'an, given the circumstances, sending the police to storm in and drive the workers out was a normal measure. How can you drag the traitorous government into this?"

Tian Liye said angrily. "County Chief Jin, you're still not convinced? Let me remind you, the Chinese people stood up in 1949! The Lieshan County Government is a county-level government organization under the leadership of the Communist Party of China. Its full name is 'Lieshan County People's Government.' Never forget the word 'people'!"

Jin Hua was also furious: "Fine, Secretary Tian, I will remember your teachings. But I also want you to remember not to be too emotional or make hasty statements. The factory that someone invested in in Lieshan isn't so easy to auction off! Moreover, there's the issue of being responsible to higher-ups. You know Secretary Gao is very concerned about this H-country company!"

Tian Liye snorted: "Secretary Gao doesn't understand the situation." "If he understood the situation, he would support the workers' reasonable demands!"

After thinking for a moment, he couldn't help but add, "County Chief Jin, you're just like your mother in this respect. You treat everything your superiors say as gospel!"

Jin Hua coldly replied, "Secretary Tian, please don't drag my mother into this. I know you had conflicts when you worked at the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee. I hope you won't bring your conflicts with my mother into our work in Lieshan. It's not conducive to cooperation! Besides, what's wrong with listening to superiors? What's wrong with listening to Secretary Gao? As a party member and cadre, you must have organizational discipline!"

Tian Liye was furious: "You have no regard for the people!"

Jin Hua didn't hold back either, sarcastically retorting, "Yes, Secretary Tian, you have the people in your eyes and heart, that's why people shout 'Long live Secretary Tian!' If people were shouting 'Long live Secretary Tian,' you, Secretary Tian, might just drive out all imperialist forces." "Lieshan has been driven out of China!"

Tian Liye immediately sensed the murderous intent hidden in Jin Hua's words and dared not argue further. He sighed and said, "Alright, alright, County Chief Jin, let's not quarrel. I was just angered by those unscrupulous businessmen today, and my temper was a bit short. I said some things that went too far. Please don't take it to heart. We still have to work together!"

Jin Hua had achieved a psychological victory and forced a smile: "Secretary Tian, I can understand you. You come from a working-class family, and your sister has been laid off. It's normal for you to have some special feelings for workers. But the problem is, we are the leaders of a county, and we are responsible for the economic development of the county. Think about it, if we really drive the imperialist forces out of Lieshan, and all the foreign investment and joint ventures in the Lieshan New Area withdraw, will we still be able to carry out reform and opening up?"

Tian Liye was truly exasperated—this ignorant young lady was actually lecturing him!

Jin Hua glanced at Tian Liye carefully and said gently, "Secretary Tian, don't worry, I'll immediately organize an investigation and gather evidence regarding Daming Company."

Tian Liye suppressed his anger and forced a smile, saying, "That's good, that's good..."

While forcing a smile and saying kind words, Tian Liye felt extremely frustrated. He thought, "What's going on? How come my reasoning has suddenly become Jin Hua's reasoning? Isn't being the top leader incredibly humiliating? This is really not as good as when I was a hands-off deputy secretary-general of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee. When I was a hands-off deputy secretary-general, I had all the right things to do. I could criticize this person today and that person tomorrow—life was so carefree! Now, with this seventh-rank official's hat on my head, even if I'm right, I have to give way!

And I really can't refuse; we'll have to work together in the future, and I'm only an acting county party secretary." His position as "acting secretary" was different from that of the "acting county head" in Jinhua. The "acting county head" in Jinhua was temporarily in office due to procedural issues with the county people's congress, while his position as "acting secretary" stemmed from reservations within the organization. He himself was well aware of this, as were his colleagues in Jinhua and elsewhere.

On July 1, 1998, at 1:00 PM, in the VIP lounge of Pingyang International Airport, the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, who had visited Pingyang three times when he was Vice Premier, was quite familiar with Jiang Chaolin. Now, as Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, he had become the designated reception leader for the municipal people's congress. Jiang Chaolin dared not be negligent and, exceptionally, arrived at Pingyang International Airport an hour early to greet him. Jiang Chaolin assumed that the municipal party secretary, Gao Changhe, would arrive later, but unexpectedly, Gao Changhe's car arrived just as he sat down in the VIP lounge. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, Jiang Chaolin saw Gao Changhe emerge from the car and, accompanied by Liu Yiru and Secretary-General Wang, quickly enter the VIP lounge.

Jiang Chaolin pretended not to notice and continued discussing the reception arrangements with Huang Guohua, the deputy director of the Standing Committee of the Municipal People's Congress who had come with him to pick up the chairman. He said, "Director Huang, it's been two years since the Vice Chairman last visited Pingyang. Last time he came, I discussed the idea of a privately funded cross-sea bridge with him, and he was very supportive. Now that the bridge is completed, we must invite him to take a good look at it. It would be best to go at night and have the bridge management office turn on all the lights."

Huang Guohua said, "Director Jiang, don't worry, I've already arranged it."

Jiang Chaolin added, "I'll accompany the Vice Chairman tonight."

Huang Guohua smiled. "Of course you have to accompany me, and you can also give me a report!"

Just then, Gao Changhe came over and greeted Jiang Chaolin warmly, saying, "Hey, old squad leader, you're early! I rushed as fast as I could, but I'm still a step behind."

Jiang Chaolin laughed, "Changhe, you're not too late!"

Gao Changhe sat down on the sofa opposite Jiang Chaolin, "Old squad leader, I have some inside information. I heard you're quite familiar with the Vice Chairman, is that right? Then I'll trouble you to accompany the Vice Chairman the whole time. The Vice Chairman also said on the phone that he wants you, old squad leader, to accompany him."

Jiang Chaolin nodded and said, "Okay."

Then, quite casually, he asked, "Hey, Changhe, how's the Lieshan case going? Any progress?"

Gao Changhe replied, "Not really. Geng Zijing and two Standing Committee members have been arrested. Zhao Chengquan is very ill and could die at any moment, so he wasn't transferred for arrest."

Jiang Chaolin said calmly, "Comrade Ma Wanli has been keeping a close eye on this case; it'll take a lot of effort!"

Gao Changhe smiled and said tactfully, "Yes, old squad leader, you know Sun Yadong is very responsible."

Jiang Chaolin tapped the coffee table in front of him with his knuckles: "Changhe, please tell Comrade Sun Yadong to pay attention to one thing: try your best to recover the losses of state and people's property. Confiscating the stolen money and goods according to law goes without saying. I want to remind you that all the bribes Geng Zijing gave out using his position must also be recovered." "Oh, whoever he is,"

Gao Changhe said. "Of course, Sun Yadong will handle this kind of thing."

Jiang Chaolin said, "You should still remind Secretary Sun."

Gao Changhe nodded in agreement, but then felt something was off, so he asked, "Old squad leader, have you heard something again?"

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand: "What could I hear? You call me old squad leader, so I'm just kindly giving you a heads-up."

At this moment, Liu Yiru came over and said, "Secretary Gao, your phone is in the office next door."

The call was from He Zhuoxiao in Shanghai, reporting on the progress of the merger negotiations for the rolling mill. He said the negotiations were going well, but a disagreement arose over the resettlement of the existing workers at the rolling mill. The initial opinion of Dongfang Steel Group was that at most half of the workers could be retained after the merger. He Zhuoxiao asked Gao Changhe: Could we make further concessions on this issue? Gao Changhe thought for a moment and said, "You should hold on for now, and then make concessions if you can't hold on any longer."

After receiving He Zhuoxiao's call, Gao Changhe immediately thought of Jiang Chaolin's words and concluded that there was something wrong. Seeing that it was still early and no one else was in the office, he called Sun Yadong in Lieshan and asked Sun Yadong: Has Geng Zijing bribed any leader or a leader's relative?

Sun Yadong remained silent for a long time on the phone before saying, "Secretary Gao, this matter still needs investigation."

Gao Changhe knew something was wrong as soon as he heard this and pressed, "Which leader is involved?"

Sun Yadong was silent for a long time again before saying, "Secretary Gao, it's you."

Gao Changhe was stunned: "Secretary Sun, are you sure you're not mistaken? I've only been in Pingyang for a few days!"

Sun Yadong said without any emotion, "It was your brother-in-law, Liang Bing, who caused this. He accepted a Chunlan air conditioner from Geng Zijing, worth over 5,000 yuan, the day before Geng Zijing's case came to light. According to Geng Zijing, it was just normal friendly interaction. Geng Zijing met Liang Bing through Wang Dehe, the director of the Light Industry Bureau of our city, and they became friends. Geng Zijing gave Liang Bing an air conditioner as a congratulatory gift when Liang Bing was moving into a new house."

Gao Changhe was furious. What else was there to say? It was a fact that Liang Bing had been allocated a new house, it was a fact that Liang Bing and Wang Dehe, the director of the Light Industry Bureau, were friends, and it was definitely a fact that he accepted the air conditioner from Geng Zijing! Why did Geng Zijing send an air conditioner to Liang Bing? Wasn't it because he was coming to Pingyang to become the municipal party secretary? Besides, Liang Bing brought Wang Dehe to his home to curry favor with him; he probably received some bribes from Wang Dehe, right? In his anxiety, sweat broke out on his forehead.

Sun Yadong said, "Secretary Gao, don't be anxious. This matter still needs to be investigated."

Gao Changhe tried to remain calm and said, "Okay, Secretary Sun, investigate thoroughly. Don't care what Geng Zijing and Liang Bing say. As long as the air conditioner was sent, take it back as bribes! Also, start investigating Wang Dehe from the Light Industry Bureau. This man has a very serious bureaucratic style. Mayor Wen and I discussed it and are preparing to dismiss him!"

Sun Yadong was somewhat pleased and said, "Good, Secretary Gao, with this attitude, I can get back to work!"

After hanging up the phone, Gao Changhe was furious. He cursed Liang Bing, Sun Yadong, and Jiang Chaolin in his heart—there was definitely something fishy going on here; it was possible that Sun Yadong and Jiang Chaolin were working together to frame him! Sun Yadong was a fearless and reckless fool, and he must have fallen for Jiang Chaolin's tricks!

However, when Gao Changhe returned to the VIP room and saw Jiang Chaolin again, he still had a smile on his face.

At this moment, Jiang Chaolin was chatting and laughing with the cadres from the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal People's Congress in front of him: "...Some of our comrades have a somewhat biased view of issues! Because Geng Zijing came from Lieshan, they see every cadre as problematic, and they view our lives rather bleakly. I don't see it that way. Wherever I speak, I say that the mainstream of our cadre team is still good. Twenty years of reform and opening up have created a large number of good cadres who are adapted to the overall situation of reform, which is another achievement of reform and opening up. Life is good now, even the US president said that the Chinese people are living a good life that they have never had in centuries. It's not all blood and tears! Changhe, don't you think so?"

Gao Changhe smiled: "That's right. When will you give our cadres a situation report?"

Jiang Chaolin waved his hand: "Forget it, you, the Municipal Party Secretary, should give that kind of report!"

At this moment, a civil aviation official came over and said that the Vice Chairman's plane was about to land. Gao Changhe and Jiang Chaolin then got up and walked to the tarmac. After getting up, Gao Changhe insisted that Jiang Chaolin walk in front. Jiang Chaolin could not refuse, so he respectfully complied.

At 3 PM on July 1, 1998, Jin Hua, a member of the Pingyang Municipal Party Committee, unaware that her mother, Liu Yiru, and Gao Changhe were at the airport to pick up the Vice Chairman, dressed in a smart outfit to complain to Gao Changhe. Jin Hua had planned to discuss the matter with her mother, Liu Yiru, before speaking with Gao Changhe. However, neither her mother nor Gao Changhe were there, leaving Jin Hua in a dilemma. Just as she was hesitating about returning to Lieshan, her mother called, asking a colleague in her office to deliver some materials to the International Hotel. Jin Hua then realized that her mother and Secretary Gao were both at the International Hotel. Jin Hua then said on the phone that she wanted to go and report to Gao Changhe. Liu Yiru disagreed, advising Jin Hua not to go now, saying that Gao Changhe seemed to be in a bad mood. Jin Hua said, "If I don't report, he might preemptively accuse me." Liu Yiru immediately guessed that the accuser was Tian Liye. Hearing Jin Hua's urgent tone, she asked, "Is it really necessary to report immediately?" Jinhua said that a serious incident of workers occupying a factory had occurred in Lieshan, the factory of the H country's Daming Company that Secretary Gao had specifically mentioned in his conversation with us the day before yesterday. Upon hearing this, Liu Yiru immediately said, "Okay, I'll tell Secretary Gao right now, come over."

When she arrived at the International Hotel, she encountered the Vice Chairman's motorcade leaving. Jinhua was wondering if she could see Gao Changhe, but she saw him in the lobby. Gao Changhe was talking to his mother, and upon seeing her, his eyes lit up, and he immediately said, "Well, County Head Jin, now you're truly beautiful and charming!"

Jinhua smiled and said, "Secretary Gao, you've criticized me twice already, how could I not correct my mistakes?"

Gao Changhe was in a good mood and said, "Good, good, it's good that you've corrected your mistakes. Come, come, let's talk in the room."

With her mother present, Jinhua couldn't discuss the matter with her mother.

Upon arriving at the room, Gao Changhe asked, "What happened? How did the workers manage to occupy the factory? How did you handle it? What was Tian Liye's opinion? Why didn't this comrade even call me?"

Jin Hua then reported, "Secretary Gao, the matter has been resolved. As soon as I discovered the incident at Daming Company, I immediately sent the Public Security Bureau with officers, and then reported to Secretary Tian. Secretary Tian was on a marathon phone call with Comrade Jiang Chaolin. After he finished his call, we went to the scene together. When we arrived, the gate was blocked, and the flag of the H country was lowered; the situation was very serious. Tian Liye was hesitating. I was a bit anxious and demanded that the Public Security Bureau officers rush in and immediately end the chaos. Tian Liye disagreed, saying that it was crucial to avoid any bloodshed."

Gao Changhe said, "Tian Liye isn't confused; he's more experienced than you."

Jin Hua was taken aback and could only say, "Yes, Secretary Gao, looking back, Secretary Tian is calmer than I am."

However, still determined to go all the way, "But Secretary Gao, then Secretary Tian really went too far. We asked the workers to open the door so Secretary Tian and I could go in and talk to them. The workers refused and demanded we climb in. Tian Liye actually climbed in, tearing his pants in the process. He really made the Lieshan County Party Committee and County Government lose face."

Gao Changhe's face fell: "Nonsense!"

Jin Hua, encouraged, became even more enthusiastic: "What's even more outrageous is that he agreed to all the workers' demands, criticized the manager from H country on the spot, and even wanted to shut down their factory. The workers then chanted slogans: 'Long live Secretary Tian!'"

Gao Changhe was furious: "That Tian Liye! I've repeatedly told him not to make rash statements, why won't he listen? Is he the county party secretary or the workers' leader?"

Jin Hua said: "The comrades present can't see..." "I also quietly told him that we shouldn't act emotionally and that Secretary Tian should be mindful of our image regarding reform and opening up. At first, he was unconvinced and called me a traitor, and our county government a traitorous government. Later, after calming down, Secretary Tian admitted that I was right and said that he might have gone too far and asked me not to take it to heart."

Gao Changhe sighed, "That Tian Liye, that Tian Liye! He's only been in office for two days and

he's already causing such a ruckus!" Jin Hua said, "Secretary Gao, don't be angry. Fortunately, the matter has been resolved satisfactorily."

Gao Changhe then remembered to ask, "Oh, by the way, what was the reason for the workers' disturbance?"

Jin Hua sighed and said, "Secretary Gao, that company in H country also has problems. We can't blame all the workers. Their labor protection is inadequate, and when the workers went to negotiate, their attitude was arrogant. Of course, a conflict would occur." "I've spoken with Secretary Tian, and we're preparing to investigate and deal with Daming Company's violation of the Labor Protection Law! Secretary Gao, what do you think?"

Gao Changhe said, "Good, good, this is a very good and appropriate approach."

Jin Hua appeared very mature and said, "Foreign manufacturers operating factories in China often violate labor laws. I think the main issue is oversight. In the past, Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan didn't supervise strictly, which led to this problem. I'm now preparing to strengthen oversight and plan to organize relevant government departments to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the implementation of labor laws by foreign-invested and joint-venture enterprises throughout the county. However, Secretary Gao, we can't just kick people out or shut down their factories at the drop of a hat; that would undermine our efforts to attract foreign investment. Secretary Gao, you probably need to give Secretary Tian a heads-up about this."

Gao Changhe said irritably, "I'll talk to Tian Liye." "It's about settling accounts!"

Jin Hua said with a charming smile, "But, Secretary Gao, don't criticize our Secretary Tian too harshly. If you criticize him too harshly, he won't let me off the hook, and work is difficult these days!"

Gao Changhe replied, "If I don't criticize him harshly, he'll definitely do it again!"

Jin Hua said in a slightly coquettish tone, "Don't be like that, Secretary Gao. If you do, I won't dare to come to you to report next time!"

Gao Changhe then smiled, "Okay, okay, County Chief Jin, don't worry, I'll be careful with my approach."

Before parting, Gao Changhe instructed Jin Hua to actively support Tian Liye's work and take the initiative to maintain unity within the team. He said that Tian Liye was essentially a very good comrade, but he had become too idle and undisciplined in the office over the years and was not yet used to it. Everyone should care for and help him, support him in playing his role, and do more practical things in Lieshan.

Jin Hua nodded repeatedly, even taking out a small notebook to take notes, her attitude sincere and natural.

On July 1, 1998, at 5 PM, when Jin Hua, a member of the Lieshan County Party Committee, filed a complaint at the International Hotel, Tian Liye was dealing with Li Baolei, a notorious professional petitioner from Lieshan County.

Li Baolei's real name was not Li Baolei; no one knows what it was. She was called Li Baolei because her family had served as a stronghold for the Communist guerrillas during the Anti-Japanese War. During the war, a wounded district party secretary was recuperating at their home when he was captured and killed by the Japanese. During the anti-revolutionary purges, her family was suspected, and the conclusion at the time was that Li Baolei's father had informed on them. Her father was sentenced to twenty years in prison and died there in 1965. After growing up, Li Baolei relentlessly petitioned, from her youth to middle age and old age, appealing to the central government and local authorities repeatedly. First, she demanded a reinvestigation of the case and the exoneration of her father. After the exoneration, she demanded that her father be posthumously recognized as a revolutionary martyr. This was difficult, and the relevant departments consistently refused. Li Baolei continued her persistent petitioning. After the State Compensation Law was enacted, Li Baolei's enthusiasm for petitioning increased even more. She currently resides in Beijing, making a living by providing petitioners from all over the country with the license plate numbers of leaders from various central ministries and commissions, as well as providing petitioning advice. She only returns home during the busy farming season. Sometimes she also visits the county party committee and county government, giving political lectures to the secretaries and county heads she intercepts, discussing issues of integrity and the revolutionary situation across the country.

That afternoon, Tian Liye was truly unlucky. He had just finished visiting the victimized workers of Daming Company when Li Baolei cornered him in his office. Office Director Qi was the first to spot Li Baolei. As soon as Li Baolei's short, stout figure appeared in the corridor on the second floor of the county committee building, Director Qi knew things were in trouble. He rushed into Tian Liye's office before Li Baolei could enter, lying to Tian Liye, "Li Baolei, what are you doing here again? You know Geng Zijing has been arrested, and the new secretary hasn't arrived yet. You have something to say to me! Come on, come to my office!"

Li Baolei pushed Director Qi away, "Get out of the way! Who's talking to you? Do you think I don't know? This is Old Tian, Secretary Tian! I saw him climbing over the gate of Daming Company at noon, and then I heard him speaking up for the victimized workers. Very good!"

Turning to Tian Liye, she said, "Very good, Comrade Old Tian, that's more like a county secretary from our ***!"

Tian Liye had received Li Baolei's petition six years earlier when he was the deputy secretary of the county committee and secretary of the discipline inspection commission. He had experienced the formidable nature of this woman and knew there was no escape, so he politely invited Li Baolei to sit down.

Li Baolei sat down and said, "Comrade Tian, don't think I'm here to petition today, no! My problem is a very difficult one, one that needs to be solved by the central government. I know you lowly county-level cadres can't solve it. I've come to see you today for two things: first, to commend you for your clear stance on the Daming Company issue; second, to talk to you, the newly appointed county party secretary, about the issue of clean governance."

Tian Liye smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Okay, okay, go ahead! But, Sister Li, no need for the praise! Just talk about clean governance! I still have work to do after you're done. Let's hurry up, okay? You know, I..." "Just taken office."

Li Baobao waved her hand and said, "Alright then—we still have to praise you first! Old Tian, you're very good! Very good indeed! During the war years, our Communist Party was the party of the poor. Is the Communist Party still the party of the poor now? In some places, it isn't anymore, like Lieshan when Geng Zijing was the secretary, the entire county committee was rotten! But today in the new district, you, Old Tian, Tian Liye, have brought back our party's stance for the poor! Xiao Qi, you must learn from Old Tian!"

Director Qi winked at Tian Liye: "Yes, yes, Sister Li, we will definitely remember your words, firmly stand on the proletarian stance for the poor, and protect..." "Prove that the red regime will never change color for thousands of years!"

Li Baolei retorted angrily: "Xiao Qi, why are you being so glib? Huh? Why are you spouting Cultural Revolution language? Huh? Did I tell you to stand firm on the side of poverty? Is poverty socialism? Twenty years of reform and opening up have passed, Comrade Xiaoping already gave his speech during his Southern Tour, and the 15th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has already written Comrade Xiaoping's brilliant thoughts into the Party Constitution. Building a socialist market economy is the main task at present—Comrade Xiao Qi, do you want me to give you a comprehensive overview of the current situation across the country? Do you know what the current situation is like in our country? National economic growth..." "What are the goals? What are the difficulties? Tell me! Can't answer them? Even Premier Zhu was worried sick about useless people like you!"

Tian Liye hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, Xiao Qi is ignorant. Sister Li, please don't take it to heart. I'll criticize him right away. We can talk about the national situation later. Please focus on your second question—I'm so sorry, Sister Li, I have to meet with some Xinhua News Agency reporters soon!"

Li Baolei said, "Alright, Lao Tian, since you've taken a firm stand today, I'll just focus on the key points of this anti-corruption talk and keep it brief and to the point. It shouldn't affect your work."

As she spoke, she opened a dark, dirty homemade notebook. "I'll discuss it from three aspects. I don't plan to talk about the other four aspects today—generally, I discuss these seven aspects with newly appointed leaders in Lieshan. That time Geng Zijing hid in the men's restroom, I stood at the entrance and patiently explained it to him..."

Tian Liye quickly said, "Sister Li, I know about that, you've forgotten? Wasn't I in Lieshan then? Your talk was so effective that the men and I couldn't even get into the restroom; many almost wet their pants."

Li Baolei said, "Yes, I tried so hard to persuade him, but Geng Zijing still didn't listen, he still became corrupt! And that Zhao Chengquan, his attitude was good, he agreed to everything I said, smiling like a Buddha, but he didn't take it to heart! Now everyone sees the result, creating two..." "A national record of an entire team collapsing together!"

Tian Liye said, "Sister Li, don't worry, I will remember your words carefully."

Li Baolei nodded: "You're right, Lao Tian! Then I'll start by talking about the first aspect, the great significance of anti-corruption and the process of our understanding of corruption during the reform and opening-up period. Our understanding of anti-corruption has generally gone through several stages: at the beginning, we didn't take it seriously, and some people even advocated the theory that corruption is harmless, saying that corruption is a lubricant for economic development. This kind of seemingly liberating thinking, but actually disastrous for the country and the people, typical argument appeared in the early stages of our reform and opening-up. Later, for a period of time, this argument became untenable, and some comrades proposed that we should implement the policy of 'no investigation unless the people complain...'"

Unexpectedly, just as Li Baolei was eloquently talking about the first issue, Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Xinxiang and Jinghu Mayor Hu Zaoqiu came to the door.

As soon as Li Xinxiang entered, she said, "Tian Mi, the article is finished! Take a look, it's fantastic!"

Tian Liye, as if seeing a savior, quickly stood up and said to Li Baolei, "Sister Li, look, I'm so sorry, the reporters are here. This is Reporter Li from Xinhua News Agency, and this is Reporter Hu from People's Daily."

Li Baolei looked at Li Xinxiang, then at Hu Zaoqiu, closed her notebook, and said to Tian Liye, "Did you pay for the news? Old Tian, this is not good, it's a form of corruption. You've only just taken office, don't learn this trick!"

Hu Zaoqiu, who was identified as a reporter from People's Daily, didn't know who Li Baolei was and dared not speak.

The real reporter, Li Xinxiang, was unhappy. She took the finished article out of her small bag and waved it around: "Hey, old comrade, take a look, isn't this paid news?"

Li Baolei really leaned in to look, and the title was: "In the Black Hole of History—The Painful Lesson of the Failure of the 1.2 Billion Yuan Investment in Pingyang Steel Rolling Mill." Just as she was about to read it more closely, Li Xinxiang pulled the printed copy back.

Li Baolei was convinced and praised Tian Liye again: "Very good, Lao Tian, you're very good!"

Tian Liye seized the opportunity and said: "Sister Li, shall we stop here for now and talk again when I have time?"

Li Baolei nodded: "Okay, Lao Tian, you go ahead with your work, I'm going to the county government to see County Chief Jin!"

After Li Baolei left, Hu Zaoqiu asked: "Leader Tian, which faction does this old lady belong to?"

Tian Liye said irritably: "The Loyal and Patriotic Army!"

Li Xinxiang pointed at Hu Zaoqiu and laughed: "Commander Hu, look, she's one of your people!"

Only then did Tian Liye sigh and tell her about Li Baolei's situation.

Li Xinxiang laughed so hard she bent over: "So, we saved you? Tian Mi, you have to treat us to a good meal!"

Hu Zaoqiu also laughed, saying, "Leader Tian, Leader Tian, look at you! Ah, you got lectured by a professional petitioner on your second day in office! Aren't you so good with words? Why didn't you refute this old lady until she was completely speechless? Ask her why she dared to lecture you?"

Tian Liye said with a wry smile, "Commander Hu, you don't know, this Li Baobao is too formidable! She's been petitioning for over thirty years, seen the world, she's become a master. Geng Zijing is tougher than me, right? He's afraid of no one except Secretary Jiang, but he hides as soon as he sees her! He gives her money when she wants it, he gives her travel expenses when she wants them!"

Hu Zaoqiu snorted: "Too weak! Why don't you give her a tougher approach?"

Tian Liye said, "Oh dear, you don't know, she was imprisoned by the 'Gang of Four' and has been to various repatriation centers, she has a lot of experience in struggle. She's long since learned how to fight legally, without making a fuss." "And she doesn't even curse, she just educates you on Party discipline and national laws! You know what, this old lady is really something, and what she says is all reasonable. It's said she can recite the numbers and main contents of all the central government's documents on clean governance from the past twenty years. Do you dare disobey her lecture?"

Just then, Li Baolei came in again: "Oh, right, Lao Tian, we're already at the county government gate, and I just remembered something: Aren't these two reporters coming? How about we ask them to report on the H country's Daming Company? Foreign bosses shouldn't be mistreating our workers like this! You have to handle this properly, don't create another group of professional petitioners!"

Tian Liye repeatedly said, "Okay, okay, I'll discuss it with the reporters, but Sister Li, please don't lead them to petition, that would be a mistake!"

Li Baolei said, "I know, if I get involved you can arrest me. I won't get involved. But if they consult me, I have to help them, using the legal weapons and..." "Give them the phone numbers of the central leaders!"

Tian Liye was genuinely a little scared: "Sister Li, as you can see, I'm actively handling it!"

Li Baolei said, "That's good, Lao Tian, don't be afraid, I'll back you up!"

Tian Liye said, "Okay, okay, Sister Li, with your support, I'm not afraid!"

Li Baolei said, "Oh, there's another matter I need your help with. The wheat harvest is finished, and I'm going to Beijing to petition the central government again. As usual, I'll need you leaders to help with the travel expenses."

Tian Liye asked Director Qi, "How was it done in the past?"

Director Qi said, "In the past, whenever Sister Li went to Beijing, the county would subsidize her with three hundred yuan."

Tian Liye thought for a moment, "Then let's do it according to the old rules. Xiao Qi, go and help Sister Li with this. If the finance staff is off work, just pay for it first."

Then he smiled and instructed Li Baolei, "However, Sister Li, let me make this clear, don't say this is for your petitioning..." "This is a travel allowance, a living allowance for you."

Li Baolei waved her hand: "It's the same thing! I don't even ask you for letters of introduction anymore!"

After thinking for a moment, she added, "Old Tian, I also need to make things clear to you. Don't think that just because you've given me this allowance, I'm no longer concerned about the integrity of your leaders! Let me tell you: my sharp eyes are still watching you!"

Tian Liye was both amused and exasperated: "Sister Li, look at you, with such a keen eye on things, Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan still both fell into corruption! In your words, they set a national record for two sets of leadership collapsing together! I think you also bear some responsibility!"

Li Baolei solemnly admitted: "Yes, Old Tian, I do bear some responsibility! This is a painful lesson! Geng Zijing and Zhao Chengquan's corruption only started in the last two years. I've spent a lot of time in Beijing these past two years and haven't talked to them much. I must make time to come back to Lieshan more often in the future and talk to you more, Old Tian!"

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