Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 215: Lure the snake out of its hole

Wu Zhiyuan felt a chill run down his spine.

Yang Jinshan, the owner of Longkou Iron Mine, has a close relationship with Zhang Ping and Chen Junqiang.

Zhang Ping and Chen Junqiang would not personally obstruct the inspection team, but they could hint or explicitly instruct Yang Jinshan to do so.

Of course, at this point it's just suspicion, and suspicion can't replace evidence.

Upon hearing this, Gan Simiao sneered, "Well, it seems that Xindian Town is indeed a place where hidden talents reside, no, it is a place where filth and evil dwell!"

This matter must be thoroughly investigated! No matter who is involved, or how powerful their connections, bring them to justice!

Wei Guochun frowned. If so much trouble has already happened just from the inspection, who knows how much more trouble will arise once the project starts construction and business begins!

He had learned from past mistakes in Qingshan County.

Are we going to repeat the same mistakes?

If it weren't for Wu Zhiyuan, he wouldn't have come to investigate.

Wu Zhiyuan didn't need to guess; he already knew what Wei Guochun was thinking.

He said sincerely, "President Wei, I'm really sorry to have made everyone laugh."

Grassroots work is complex and multifaceted, inevitably involving intricate conflicts and the emergence of shady practices. But please believe that good will prevail over evil!

Wei Guochun pondered for a moment and said, "We have seen the beautiful scenery of Qingshan Gorge; we have also seen Secretary Wu's sense of responsibility."

Investment, especially long-term investments in cultural tourism and healthcare, definitely needs a stable and transparent environment.

Wu Zhiyuan knew that every word he said at this moment was crucial. He had to dispel the concerns of Wei Guochun and the others, but he could not make unrealistic promises.

He said to Wei Guochun and others, "President Wei, President Chen, President Zhou, what happened today is indeed regrettable and has caused you all to have doubts about the investment environment."

I won't shy away from the issue. Xindian Town, and even Qingshan County, has indeed accumulated some contradictions and fostered some local forces that are entrenched and willing to obstruct development for their own selfish interests. These two incidents today are clear evidence of this.

He then changed the subject: "But it is precisely because of these obstacles that we are doing something that breaks the old pattern of interests and truly benefits the people. They are afraid, which is why they have stepped forward."

"Regarding the safety and business environment issues that everyone is worried about, I would like to say: First, today's farce has precisely exposed them."

Everyone has seen the attitude of County Party Secretary Gan.

The county public security bureau has intervened and is investigating the mastermind behind the incident.

This is a clear signal: the county party committee and county government will never allow anyone or any force to undermine the overall development.

Combating organized crime and eliminating evil forces, as well as optimizing the business environment, are top priorities from top to bottom. This unhealthy trend cannot be sustained in Qingshan County and Xindian Town!

"Secondly, Mr. Wei, you know better than I where the problem lay when you suffered a defeat at Qingshan Gorge last time."

I can assure you that the Xindian Town Party Committee and Government will establish a special working group, personally led by me, to serve the Qingshanxia project.

We provide comprehensive "nanny-style" services, covering everything from land acquisition, planning, and approvals to coordination during construction and operation.

Any department or individual who dares to interfere with or obstruct the project will be severely punished upon verification. Investors are welcome to report directly to me or the county discipline inspection commission at any time.

"Third, the county has corresponding support policies for key cultural tourism and health care projects, including land, taxation, and infrastructure support, and will provide maximum support under the premise of legality and compliance."

I will not make empty promises about how much preferential treatment or matching funds I will give you.

What we can promise is that we have fair, open, transparent, and efficient procedures; we have the responsibility to address past issues; and we uphold the spirit of keeping our promises.

Fourth, we are not looking to make a one-off deal.

The development and protection of Qingshan Gorge must be given equal importance.

We invite you all in the hope of working with capable, visionary, and socially responsible entrepreneurs to create a benchmark.

The town will simultaneously promote environmental improvement, infrastructure enhancement, and villager training in surrounding villages, so that the development of the scenic area resonates with rural revitalization, and the people truly benefit, thus wholeheartedly supporting and maintaining the project.

A project with a strong public support is the only sustainable one.

Wu Zhiyuan paused for a moment, then said, "Of course, investment is a big deal and requires caution. I understand your concerns."

I don't expect you to make a decision today, but I urge you not to deny the value of Qingshan Gorge or the sincerity and prospects of our cooperation because of these underhanded tricks.

We can give you time to conduct a more in-depth and detailed investigation and evaluation.

I also hope that we can work together to come up with a detailed plan that is scientific, environmentally friendly, and mutually beneficial, and respond to all the doubts and sabotage with facts and actions.

Wu Zhiyuan's words were not empty talk or unrealistic promises; every word was grounded in reality.

It demonstrates not only a clear understanding of the problem, but also the determination and approach to solve it, showcasing the vision and responsibility of a local leader.

Wei Guochun said, "Secretary Wu, what you said is true and frank."

Not avoiding problems or making empty promises actually makes us feel more at ease.

Today's incident, though unpleasant, did show us another side of things. So be it...

He looked at Chen Qiming and Zhou Zhenhua: "Old Chen, Old Zhou, now that we're here, let's see everything we need to see and understand everything we need to understand."

In the evening, we had another in-depth discussion with Secretary Gan and Secretary Wu.

Investing is a long-term endeavor; we shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater, but we must also assess all risks more thoroughly.

Chen Qiming nodded: "I agree. Qingshanxia has a good foundation. As long as the investment environment is fine, we can still discuss other aspects."

Zhou Zhenhua chimed in, "Yes, the biggest fear when developing health and wellness or cultural tourism is an unsettled surrounding environment."

However, with Secretary Gan and Secretary Wu's attitude, we feel a bit more confident. Let's continue to observe.

Gan Simiao promptly stated: "Great! The county party committee and the county government are your strong support."

If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to contact me anytime, or contact Comrade Zhiyuan. We will do our utmost to clear away all obstacles!

The investigation continues.

Looking at the distant waterfall and spring, Wei Guochun exclaimed, "Secretary Wu, to be honest, these mountains, this water, and you yourself make me feel that this trip back might really be different."

But what capital fears most is not open conflict, but covert attacks, endless wrangling and internal strife.

Wu Zhiyuan solemnly said, "I assure you all that I will provide you with a fair and just investment environment before the project officially starts."

Xia Wenping personally conducted the interrogation.

Zhao Dahu confessed that Yang Jinshan instructed him to do it.

He paid for Wang Laoshuan and other villagers, and he also led the team to obstruct the inspection team.

Most of those miners were security guards at the mine; only a portion of them were actual miners.

Upon receiving the report, Gan Simiao flew into a rage: "Yang Jinshan is lawless! Immediately organize police forces to detain him on suspicion of provoking trouble and disrupting production and business operations! Interrogate him thoroughly!"

Wu Zhiyuan pondered for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Secretary Gan, may I speak to you in private?"

Gan Simiao was stunned for a moment, but still walked to the side with Wu Zhiyuan.

Wu Zhiyuan analyzed: "Secretary Gan, arresting Yang Jinshan is easy, but there are several concerns."

"First, Yang Jinshan is a well-known private entrepreneur in Qingshan County, and Longkou Iron Mine has been a major taxpayer in the county for many years, providing employment for many people."

A high-profile, direct arrest would have too much impact and could easily create the misconception that "Qingshan County doesn't protect private enterprises" or has a "poor business environment," potentially deterring other potential investors. If the higher-ups ask about it, we'll be in a passive position.

"Secondly, Zhao Dahu's current testimony only proves that Yang Jinshan paid him to incite a crowd to cause trouble and disrupt order."

This charge can be serious or minor.

Given Yang Jinshan's financial resources and connections, he will likely only receive administrative penalties or short-term detention, and be fined in the end.

We arrested him with great fanfare, but then had to release him, which only emboldened him and gave him more excuses to cry foul and attack the county party committee and county government for abusing their power to suppress private enterprises.

Doesn't he have connections in the city and province to speak on his behalf?

"Third, Secretary Gan, think about it, whether it's villagers causing trouble or miners obstructing things, Yang Jinshan's shadow is always involved."

The reopening of the Qingshanxia Scenic Area has actually had little impact on the Longkou Iron Mine, so why is Yang Jinshan still causing trouble?

It is highly likely that Yang Jinshan was not the final instigator.

I suspect they may have even more insidious tricks up their sleeves, waiting for the inspection team.

If we arrest Yang Jinshan now in a high-profile manner, it will be like stirring up trouble, alerting them. They will then back down from their previous tactics or change their methods, making it impossible for us to defend against them.

Gan Simiao tentatively asked, "Zhiyuan, what do you mean...?"

Wu Zhiyuan said, "Lure the snake out of its hole!"

Yang Jinshan wanted to "invite" him, but not to arrest him. Instead, he asked him to come to the police station to assist in understanding the situation, under the pretext of cooperating with the investigation of Zhao Dahu and others for gathering a crowd to cause trouble.

In this way, the goal of controlling and interrogating him was achieved without escalating the situation beyond repair, leaving room for maneuver.

Inside the police station, pressure was applied to Zhao Dahu and others who identified him, breaking down their psychological defenses.

A businessman like him is most afraid of getting involved in criminal cases and is also the best at weighing the pros and cons.

In order to protect himself, he will likely reveal who was behind it.

What we need is to find the real mastermind behind it all, and uncover any conspiracy they may still be plotting.