Rebirth of Corrupt Officials

The atmosphere in the entire conference room became a bit chaotic. Many people were whispering to each other.

Jiang Xiaochuan didn’t anticipate that Fu Peng would place such a significant burden directly on him.

Deputy cadres had to heed the principals in everything, and any mistakes would be attributed to the deputy. Jiang Xiaochuan understood the underlying truth, and Fu Peng’s decision almost gave him a sense of shock.

In essence, it was a mess.

Even if Jiang Xiaochuan were a deity, he couldn’t resolve the financial deficit. If the finance couldn’t generate funds, economic construction would suffer. Moreover, the aftermath of the Warwick Group’s mess hadn’t been cleared up. The economy was likely to be in dire straits.

Chengzhou’s economic development speed would decline, potentially becoming the worst in the country. Who would be held responsible? Wouldn’t it be Jiang Xiaochuan’s fault!

Fu Peng’s strategy was remarkably effective!

Ignoring the various looks from the audience—thoughtful, pitiful, or gloating—Jiang Xiaochuan stood up and headed to the bathroom.

Facing the mirror, he scrutinized his eyes, detecting hidden anxiety and hesitation. Rubbing his eyebrows, he took out his mobile phone to make a call, only to receive one before he could dial.

From Lian Cheng.

‘His news…is it so fast?’

Jiang Xiaochuan knew that signing the decision as the special team brought him closer to clearance. However, the path was arduous and perilous, and he wasn’t certain if he would indeed be cleared.

What else could be done now but to take one step at a time?

“I was just about to call you.” He walked to a secluded corner, lowering his voice but avoiding the calling out ‘Deputy Director’. There were many people around, and despite appearances, who knew if someone was eavesdropping?

All Jiang Xiaochuan could do was be cautious. Clearly, Lian Cheng understood his situation and didn’t mind these nuances. He simply stated, “The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection hopes that you can accept the decision made by Fu Peng at today’s meeting.”

“The economy is in disarray, and Fu Peng wants to pin it on me. Moreover, he’s looking for a scapegoat. I’ll be honest with you—smart people won’t choose to heed your advice,” Jiang Xiaochuan bluntly expressed.

Lian Cheng, having considered the situation thoroughly, understood that convincing someone aiming to clear their name to wade into such murky waters would be challenging. For this, Lian Cheng was mentally prepared.

“Mayor Jiang, this is a quagmire, but the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection needs your cooperation. Only by infiltrating the core of this murky water can we possibly uncover the truth and purge the officialdom of Chengzhou.”

—Lian Cheng used the term ‘purge’.

Jiang Xiaochuan’s considerations differed from Lian Cheng’s.

“In this world, things are always two-sided. The economy is chaotic now, and no one wants to take charge. Observing someone forced into this mess, they might feel relieved. But if that person were me, it would be a bit different. No matter how bad the situation, it’s still a significant responsibility. People’s jealousy is inexplicable. Perhaps, after taking over this responsibility, I can become the core of power in Chengzhou and rise to the top. After all, from an outsider’s perspective, it’s an honorable position. Initially, these people may be unwilling to accept it, but after a couple of days, they might turn around and make me a scapegoat. All the planned work you’re thinking of might proceed smoothly. The situation you fear might not exist at all.”

Jiang Xiaochuan’s words carried a sharp edge, revealing a side of him that surprised Lian Cheng. The initially gentle young mayor now expressed thoughts that delved into the darker aspects of human nature. Nevertheless, perspectives could differ, and the same issues might yield entirely different outcomes.

“Chengzhou is in chaos, but Mayor Jiang, with your double major in politics, law, and economics, and your outstanding performance at the party school, your rapid promotion is undoubtedly linked to your time there. Mayor Jiang’s capabilities haven’t been fully showcased yet. Regardless of others’ opinions, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection sees Mayor Jiang not merely as a successful informant, but someone who can turn the tide.”

“You think too highly of me,” Jiang Xiaochuan responded, aware of the thorough investigation conducted by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. However, Lian Cheng’s words created an illusion that he might be taking on a role of honor rather than dealing with a messy situation.

In the tumultuous Chengzhou Municipal Government, no one precisely knew the path Jiang Xiaochuan should take. Everyone was striving to find the best course.

Regardless of Jiang Xiaochuan’s desire, this chaos needed resolution. Fu Peng and the Municipal Standing Committee had made the decision, and refusing would label him as disobedient to superior organization decisions.

At worst, it might imply unwillingness to serve the people, leading to potential challenges in the future. Fu Peng might also make things difficult for him.

In essence, it was a dead-end situation. Since there was no way to retreat, advancing bravely seemed like the best course of action.