Rebirth of Corrupt Officials

Things took an unexpected turn for Lian Cheng. No one at the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection anticipated Zhou Qian’s near collapse upon learning of Zhang Xiaoli’s miscarriage.

Lian Cheng recognized a familiar gesture; he had witnessed a similar scene in Zhang Xiaoli’s ward. Jiang Xiaochuan’s silent tears caught his eye as he exited the room, closing the door behind him.

Upon receiving the news that Zhou Qian agreed to be a witness, Lian Cheng was in his temporary residence making tea. He remained silent for a prolonged moment upon hearing the information, hanging up the phone after the report.

Lian Cheng, holding an unfilled tea cup, recalled Jiang Xiaochuan’s expression during the questioning in the interview room.

How could he have known that Zhou Qian would crumble due to Zhang Xiaoli’s miscarriage?

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection hadn’t anticipated this impact, but it was evident that Jiang Xiaochuan foresaw the outcome when making the suggestion.

Regardless of the reason, clarity emerged in the situation, with a faint glimmer appearing in the midst of the darkness.

However, the darkness before dawn was the most daunting.

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Jiang Xiaochuan was now trapped in this pre-dawn terror. Zhou Qian collapsed, and the responsibilities of Zhou Qian’s department were transferred to Qian Qiming’s department. However, Qian Qiming was also missing now, so who would manage the economic work in Chengzhou?

Mayor Fu Peng had consistently taken the lead, focusing on economic construction. Yet, the task was too burdensome, prompting several deputy mayors to assist in handling various responsibilities.

Now, both the right and left hands in the economic field had fallen. One had been arrested, and the other was missing, reportedly absconding in fear of crime and remained uncaptured. The economic work of the municipal government couldn’t be halted. The top priority was to find someone capable of taking over their roles and managing all affairs.

However, with the impending thorough inspection by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the fiscal deficit served as a deep warning.

Initially considered an attractive job, economic work was now perceived as a hot potato after the accident. No one was willing to take on the responsibility when asked, as the financial account details would soon be released, raising concerns about potential trouble.

Chengzhou was currently in disarray, a complex situation that was challenging to rectify. The economy resembled a puddle of black mud, and whoever took over was likely to face misfortune. Nevertheless, a work meeting would be held today to determine who would temporarily assume Zhou Qian and Qian Qiming’s roles.

Qin Yu and Jiang Xiaochuan met on the road and walked away together. Qin Yu remarked, “I always feel that someone is going to be unlucky.”

It was these ‘idlers’ again. Jiang Xiaochuan suddenly felt that it would be great if he were a non-party person, but it was a pity. His political outlook was indeed of a party member.

Qin Yu could sense this feeling, and Jiang Xiaochuan couldn’t help but agree.

The safest individuals in the entire city government are the nonpartisan Qin Yu and the Chinese Nationalist Party, Li Qiusheng. Removed these two, and then eliminated Zhou Qian, currently under investigation for personal corruption, and Qian Qiming, who remained uncaptured.

Deputy Mayor Li Jiu had covered about half of them in one go.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Xiaochuan just shook his head without saying anything.

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As they entered the venue, Qin Yu and Jiang Xiaochuan realized they were late, even though, according to the time, they were not. However, they arrived after everyone else, giving an abrupt impression.

It appeared that everyone attached great importance to this matter and did not want to take on this hot potato.

“Okay, everyone is here now. Whether you are new to the Chengzhou Municipal Government or not, I believe you are familiar with our meeting process. I won’t be lengthy; let’s get straight to the point,” Fu Peng said as he began. It seemed he wasn’t planning on a lengthy speech.

“I know there have been significant issues in Chengzhou lately. The province and central government have issued constant directives, requiring Chengzhou to carry out an anti-gang campaign. However, even with this, we cannot neglect economic work. Some comrades have made mistakes due to confusion and missteps. Everone should learn from these experiences. I believe our Chengzhou Municipal Government is still a harmonious and united team. Let’s not lose confidence in our team just because of a few individuals!”

‘Lose confidence?’

Jiang Xiaochuan had no confidence in Chengzhou’s team at all.

Since it was never been here in the first place, how could we talk about losing it?

Jiang Xiaochuan didn’t speak and continued listening to Fu Peng.

The point came quickly.

“Chengzhou is truly experiencing rapid economic development, so we need someone to take over the work of Zhou Qian and Qian Qiming. After discussions with the Municipal Standing Committee, we decided to temporarily hand over the work of these two individuals to Deputy Mayor Jiang Xiaochuan.” Fu Peng, sitting at the other end of the long conference table, tapped the table rhythmically with a gel pen, creating a distracting sound.

When Jiang Xiaochuan heard his name, his brows immediately furrowed, but he quickly forced himself to put on a relaxed expression.

Fu Peng had a cunning heart; was he now attempting to entangle him in trouble?

Initially, Jiang Xiaochuan thought Fu Peng was organizing a discussion meeting to determine the successor through voting. However, Fu Peng announced his decision first, catching him off guard.

Jiang Xiaochuan realized he had underestimated Fu Peng’s actions. The man posed dangers.

“At this critical moment, whoever steps forward is a hero. The unity and development of the municipal team require our collective efforts. Economic development demands the dedication of comrades willing to sacrifice. We cannot shy away from difficulties. Running away in the face of challenges is cowardly behavior!” Fu Peng’s eyes carried a hint of majesty as he glanced at the audience, and few dared to meet his gaze.

He continued, “Comrade Jiang Xiaochuan, I hope that in this situation, you can accept the decision from above and take on this important task-”

Suddenly, Fu Peng stopped talking and glanced towards the other side of the venue.

At the gate, the secretary-general of the mayor’s secretariat gestured to Fu Peng with a document in hand, the meaning unclears.

Fu Peng suppressed his expression and calmly stated, “Sorry, there is an emergency I need to deal with first. Comrade Jiang Xiaochuan, remember to carefully consider what I just said.” With that, he got up and walked towards the secretary-general outside the door.