Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 397 Examining Unspoken Rules

Lin Xue took a sip of tea and said slowly, "Yuan Jin will be promoted to deputy director-general level in the next month or two. The province will send someone down to investigate."

If there are no problems during the evaluation and public announcement phase, then you can proceed.

Zhiyuan, keep this to yourself, don't tell anyone else.

Wu Zhiyuan quickly said, "Mayor Lin, don't worry, I won't say a word before the organization makes a decision."

Is Secretary Yuan's destination still uncertain? Will he stay in Jiangzhou City, or will he go to a provincial-level unit?

"It's not decided yet. The province's intention is for him to go to the discipline inspection system, that is, to serve as a member of the municipal party committee standing committee and secretary of the discipline inspection commission."

The possibility of him coming to Jiangzhou is very small, because the term of office for the Standing Committee member of the Jiangzhou Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission is only a few months, and it is unlikely that he will be replaced. It is more probable that he will go to another city.

Wu Zhiyuan was taken aback.

Member of the Standing Committee of the Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection?

Is Yuan Jin going to the Discipline Inspection Commission system?

However, the image of Yuan Jin at the county's large and small meetings involuntarily surfaced in his mind.

He sat upright on the platform, his voice loud and clear. When he spoke about building a clean government, he was even more impassioned, saying things like, "To forge iron, one must be strong oneself," and "Let the world be turbulent, I remain as pure as the breeze and the moon." These words were spoken with great conviction.

Wu Zhiyuan felt a strange, indescribable feeling welling up inside him.

Although he hadn't been in Qingyan for long, everyone in the county knew about the relationship between Yuan Jin and Liao Chenggong.

If the matter concerning Daling Group is truly investigated, it will uncover a lot more, and Yuan Jin will be able to extricate himself from all wrongdoing.

However, on second thought, this kind of thing is actually not uncommon.

The authorities have not yet obtained any leads regarding Yuan Jin's violations of laws and regulations—at least not at present.

In some people's minds, Yuan Jin is a senior, experienced leader who never hesitates on major issues of principle.

On ordinary days, he exudes integrity on the podium, and he always talks about improving conduct and building a clean government at meetings large and small. His speeches are full of classical allusions, such as "Those who are good at prohibiting others must first prohibit themselves," and so on.

The county officials whispered among themselves that when Secretary Yuan talked about clean governance, those listening were secretly laughing.

Corruption while promotion, and promotion while corruption—this is certainly not an isolated phenomenon.

Some officials were giving reports on integrity at a conference when disciplinary officials arrived and took them away.

In recent years, the Discipline Inspection Commission has cracked down on corruption within its own ranks and has also arrested many "insiders".

Lin Xue looked at Wu Zhiyuan and asked, "Zhiyuan, what are you thinking about?"

Wu Zhiyuan answered truthfully: "I just felt that it was somewhat unexpected that Secretary Yuan was going to the discipline inspection system."

Lin Xue smiled faintly: "Unexpected? What's so unexpected about it? Yuan Jin has experience in multiple positions, is highly skilled, and has a solid work style. The organization's arrangement of her naturally has its own considerations."

Wu Zhiyuan quickly replied, "Mayor Lin is right. We subordinates shouldn't presume to speculate on matters of the organization."

Lin Xue took another sip of tea and said, "Yuan Jin is gone. Who will take his place? Comrade Wu Bao and I have discussed this privately."

Wu Bao is a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Jiangzhou Municipal Party Committee. He took office a few months ago.

The former secretary of the municipal party committee was punished for having an illegitimate child with a female subordinate due to lifestyle issues. His wife made a scene everywhere, and he was demoted to a non-leadership position at the deputy division level and transferred to a department in another province.

Lin Xue paused slightly, intently observing Wu Zhiyuan's reaction.

Wu Zhiyuan remained calm and composed.

When a county party secretary is transferred or promoted, the county head is the most popular candidate to succeed him.

However, Wu Zhiyuan's situation is special. He is only thirty years old this year and has only served as the county magistrate for a few months.

"Comrade Wu Bao strongly recommends Liang Dongming, the director of the Municipal Transportation Bureau."

"Isn't Liang Dongming Secretary Wu's former secretary?"

"Yes, more than a decade ago, Liang Dongming served as Comrade Wu Bao's secretary until a few years ago when he went to work in a municipal unit."

When the city held meetings, Wu Zhiyuan would meet with Liang Dongming from time to time and learn more or less about him.

Liang Dongming is 38 years old and is recognized as a "young and promising" figure in Jiangzhou's political circles. He has a tough style and a prominent background.

Lin Xue continued, "Comrade Wu Bao believes that Liang Dongming is young and energetic, with broad vision. He promoted many major projects during his tenure as director of the Transportation Bureau. He is enterprising and decisive, and is suitable for a place like Qingyan that needs to make breakthroughs."

The Chinese language is very rich. You can say someone is assertive or domineering; the meaning is essentially the same.

If Liang Dongming were to become the county party secretary of Qingyan, given his assertive style and powerful background, Wu Zhiyuan would likely face even greater pressure than when Yuan Jin was in office.

"Zhiyuan, I recommended you to Comrade Wu Bao. He affirmed your achievements, but you are young and have only served as the county magistrate for a few months."

The county party secretary is the top leader of the county party committee, the leader of the team, and bears heavy responsibilities and great pressure. He needs more comprehensive experience and more mature control ability.

He said, "Letting you work diligently in the position of county head for a while longer, accumulating more experience in grassroots governance, will be more beneficial to your long-term development."

Leaders of Wu Bao's rank usually speak with great skill.

His words were tactful, but the core meaning was clear: he disagreed with Wu Zhiyuan taking over as county party secretary, and believed Liang Dongming was more suitable.

Wu Zhiyuan could also hear the helplessness in Lin Xue's words.

Wu Bao is a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Jiangzhou Municipal Party Committee. His influence and weight in the Jiangzhou Municipal Party Committee are far greater than Lin Xue's.

As mayor, Lin Xue is the second-in-command, but in such important personnel arrangements, unless there is a particularly strong reason, it is difficult to change the opinion that the top leader has already formed.

Lin Xue's voice rang out again, interrupting Wu Zhiyuan's thoughts: "Comrade Wu Bao's reasons, from his perspective, are not without merit."

Appointing you as the county party secretary so quickly is quite a leap, which is likely to attract criticism and may not be a good thing for you.

Moreover, Liang Dongming is backed by Secretary Wu Bao, so if he were to step down, it might be easier for the city and even the province to allocate resources to him.

This might also be an aspect that Secretary Wu was considering.

Wu Zhiyuan stated, "Mayor Lin, I understand the organization's considerations. Whoever becomes the county party secretary, I will fully cooperate and do a good job in Qingyan."

Lin Xue nodded slightly: "It's good that you think that way. Zhiyuan, what you need to do now is to calm down, do your job as county magistrate well, and achieve results."

In particular, the matters you just mentioned, such as striving for the provincial vocational college and the wildlife park, need to be expedited and brought to a head.

Real results are always the strongest foundation. The city leaders have seen your performance.

When the time is right, what's meant to be yours will come to you.

Wu Zhiyuan said solemnly, "I understand, Mayor Lin. I will focus all my energy on my work."

Lin Xue added, "Zhiyuan, by the way, there's one more thing I must remind you of."

I know a little about Liang Dongming. He is capable; otherwise, Secretary Wu Bao wouldn't value him so highly.

However, he was young and impetuous, and had powerful backers, making him a very assertive person.

If he goes to Qingyan, you, as the county magistrate, need to handle your relationship with him well.

We must adhere to the principles that should be upheld, but we must pay attention to the methods and approaches.

The Party Secretary and the County Head: cooperation benefits both, conflict harms both. You understand this better than I do.

Sometimes, taking a step back, showing weakness, or even enduring some grievances is not about admitting defeat, but about the bigger picture and about moving forward more effectively.

"Mayor Lin, I understand. I will be careful to maintain appropriate boundaries, cooperate fully with the Party Secretary, and safeguard the unity of the leadership team."

"Yes, I feel much more at ease knowing that you have this awareness."

The situation in Qingyan had just begun to improve and could not withstand further turmoil.

If the two of you can work together, it will be a good thing for Qingyan.

If, like in some places, Party secretaries and county heads engage in open and covert power struggles, that would be a disaster for the people.

You can work out the specifics of the job later.

If you encounter any difficulties or if he does anything inappropriate, you can report it to me at any time.

I still have some say in the team.

Lin Xue suddenly remembered something: "Oh right, Zhiyuan, there's something I need to remind you of."

Comrade Yuan Jin is about to be promoted. The Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department will soon send an inspection team to conduct democratic recommendation and assessment interviews. They will definitely talk to you then.

Comrade Yuan Jin has certainly achieved something during her years working in Qingyan, but it's also inevitable that there will be some differing opinions or disagreements on working methods. This is all normal.

She paused for a moment, then continued, "My suggestion is that if the inspection team asks you for your evaluation and opinion of Comrade Yuan Jin, as long as it doesn't involve matters of principle, such as suspected serious violations of discipline or law, and there is solid evidence to support your opinion."

Other things, such as work methods, temperament, personality, or even gossip and rumors, should be avoided if possible.

In the evaluation, focus more on his achievements, his contributions to the development of Qingyan, his training of cadres, and his grasp of the overall situation.

Even if there are some disagreements, they should be discussed from a work perspective and from a good-faith perspective of how to better promote the development of Qingyan. Pay attention to wording and maintain a proper balance.

Wu Zhiyuan listened attentively.

Lin Xue's words were not just a reminder, but also a transmission of wisdom and unspoken rules of officialdom.

During the evaluation period, it is a basic rule and a form of self-protection not to speak ill of the predecessor, especially not to say things that are unsubstantiated or based on hearsay.

If you talk about it too much, it will get out and people will think you are narrow-minded and intolerant.

Besides, since the higher-ups are here to investigate, it's pretty much a done deal. As for those unsubstantiated rumors, they won't change the overall situation.

On the contrary, talking more about achievements and acknowledging contributions, even if it's somewhat insincere, will leave people with the impression that you are politically conscious, mindful of the big picture, and value unity.

Wu Zhiyuan nodded solemnly: "Thank you for the reminder, Mayor Lin. During the inspection and interview, I will be responsible to the organization, to my comrades, and to the overall development of Qingyan, and will evaluate Comrade Yuan Jin objectively, fairly, and comprehensively."

The main focus is on his achievements, the mainstream, and his contributions during his time working in Qingyan.

Regarding differing opinions on work matters, I will be careful in my expression, never letting personal emotions get in, and certainly never saying anything irresponsible.

Lin Xue's face showed an approving expression: "Zhiyuan, it's good that you understand. This is not asking you to hide the problem, nor is it about abandoning principles."

Instead, we should look at this matter from a higher perspective.

If Comrade Yuan Jin is successfully promoted, it will be a good thing for Qingyan to send out a deputy director-level cadre, which shows that the higher authorities recognize the Qingyan cadre team.

In a place, if the predecessor leaves in disgrace, the successor will also face great pressure, and the outside world's perception will also be different.

Of course, if he really has a serious problem, that's another matter.

However, given that the organization is considering promoting him, it means that, based on the information the organization has, he meets the criteria for promotion.

The two chatted for a while longer.

As Wu Zhiyuan was preparing to leave, Lin Xue suddenly asked, "Zhiyuan, are you going back to Qingyan today?"

Wu Zhiyuan stood up and replied, "Mayor Lin, I plan to visit the Provincial Vocational and Technical College and have an in-depth discussion with Dean Fu Tingting about the new campus plan, listen to her opinions, and then decide on the next course of action."

Lin Xue nodded slightly: "Yes, we should talk about it in person. Are we going back to Qingyan tonight?"

"No, I'm not going back. Tomorrow I'm going to the Municipal Investment Group to see Xu Enpei. We need to keep an eye on the wildlife park project's establishment."

Lin Xue hummed in agreement, picked up her teacup and took a sip. Her gaze fell on Wu Zhiyuan's face, and she lowered her voice: "If you're not going back tonight, come sit at my place after you're done."

My neck and shoulders have been really stiff lately, and I haven't been sleeping very well.

"Your massage technique is excellent. Back when I was in Lung Shing, I always felt much more relaxed after a massage."