Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 219 The monster with a powerful background was taken away.

That night, under the joint command of Xia Wenping and Deputy Chief Chen of the Municipal Public Security Bureau, the arrest and interrogation work was carried out in full swing.

The two groups of extortionists, prostitutes, and police officers led by Liu Dayong who were caught on the spot were detained in different locations and interrogated overnight.

With overwhelming evidence, including on-site videos, bank transfer records, and communication information, coupled with the police's powerful psychological offensive and strategy of breaking down suspects one by one, by dawn, most of the suspects' psychological defenses had collapsed.

Liu Dayong confessed that Song Xiaolong called him and said there was a "prostitution bust" mission at the Qingshan Hotel that night. He said that if he succeeded, in addition to a reward, he could also help Song Xiaolong "get promoted" in the bureau.

Liu Dayong knew that Song Xiaolong's brother was Song Dalong, the deputy director of the bureau. Thinking that he could both make money and build connections, he was tempted and brought his apprentice, auxiliary police officer Xiao Zhao, to arrest someone for prostitution.

As for the so-called public report, it was completely fabricated.

Meanwhile, Song Xiaolong, believing his plan to be flawless, was having an affair with a prostitute at a club in the county town.

He never expected that the police would break down the door and arrest him.

During the overnight interrogation, Song Xiaolong implicated Zhang Ping and Chen Junqiang.

Gan Simiao and Wu Zhiyuan received the report one after another.

The next day, the Qingshan County Party Committee held an emergency meeting of its Standing Committee.

The meeting was chaired by Gan Simiao, the county party secretary.

His face was serious, and he dropped a bombshell right from the start: "Comrades, last night, right under our noses in Qingshan County, a case of extremely heinous nature and extremely serious impact occurred!"

A group of criminal gang members, incredibly audacious, actually attempted to extort money from an important businessman who came to our county to investigate investment opportunities through a "honey trap" scheme!

What's even more shocking and infuriating is that within our police force, there are a few corrupt individuals who knowingly break the law, collude with organized crime, act as their protectors, and carry out fake police dispatches to frame others!

Gan Simiao distributed the situation report, which Xia Wenping and Deputy Chief Chen of the Municipal Bureau had compiled overnight, to each member of the Standing Committee.

"This is the greatest damage to the business environment of Qingshan County! It is a blatant provocation against the authority of the county party committee and government! It is a serious trampling on party discipline and national laws!"

There was silence in the conference room.

County Magistrate Geng Dongqing knew that Gan Simiao was making a mountain out of a molehill and using the opportunity to strike at her opponent.

Liang Chao, the secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, was extremely uneasy. His brother-in-law, Chen Junqiang, was involved in a case, and he had always been regarded as one of Geng Dongqing's men, and was close to Geng Dongqing. However, Geng Dongqing and Gan Simiao were outwardly friendly but inwardly at odds.

Gan Simiao convened an emergency meeting of the county party committee standing committee to give a warning to the political and legal system, and to Geng Dongqing and Liang Chao.

"The facts have been basically clarified." Gan Simiao's gaze lingered on Geng Dongqing and Liang Chao's faces for a moment. "The mastermind is Song Xiaolong, the Party Branch Secretary and Village Director of Longkou Village. This person has been gathering idle people from society for a long time to bully and dominate the market. He is suspected of many illegal and criminal activities and is a typical village bully and gang leader!"

In last night's case, he organized prostitutes to extort money from customers and bribed Liu Dayong and other police officers from the county's Public Security Bureau's Public Security Brigade to fabricate a police dispatch, intending to frame businessmen and disrupt the reopening of Qingshanxia Scenic Area, a major investment project in our county!

"Their aim is not only to hinder the development of Xindian Town, but also to challenge the leadership of the county party committee and government, and to undermine the overall stability and development of the county!"

Gan Simiao slammed her hand on the table. "We must have zero tolerance for such black sheep, such criminal gangs and their protectors, and resolutely crack down on them until they are eradicated!"

Some of our cadres actually offered advice and strategies to Song Xiaolong, or rather, they were the masterminds behind it all!

They were Zhang Ping, the mayor of Xindian Town, Chen Junqiang, the deputy secretary of the town's Party committee, and Song Dalong, the deputy director of the county public security bureau, among others!

He then announced several decisions:

First, a special task force was established, headed by him, with the county discipline inspection commission secretary, the county organization department minister, and the county public security bureau director as deputy heads, to thoroughly investigate Song Xiaolong's criminal gang and its protectors, no matter who is involved, to get to the bottom of it.

Second, Zhang Ping, the mayor of Xindian Town, Chen Junqiang, the deputy secretary of the town's Party committee, and Song Dalong, the deputy director of the county public security bureau, have been suspended from their duties, and the discipline inspection department has launched an investigation.

Third, the county public security bureau is instructed to immediately place Song Xiaolong, Liu Dayong, and others under criminal detention in accordance with the law, and to further expand the scope of the investigation to thoroughly investigate all their illegal and criminal acts.

Fourth, the leadership of the village committee of Longkou Village, Xindian Town, will be rectified, with a joint working group dispatched by the County Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Organization Department of the County Party Committee.

Fifth, a three-month special campaign will be launched throughout the county to "optimize the business environment and crack down on organized crime and its protectors".

Sixth, he and Comrade Wu Zhiyuan, on behalf of the county party committee and the county government, once again solemnly apologized to the three investors, Wei Guochun, Chen Qiming, and Zhou Zhenhua, and reported on the handling of the case, demonstrating the county party committee and the county government's firm determination to optimize the environment and promote development.

The Standing Committee members all expressed their support, and even Geng Dongqing and Liang Chao had to raise their hands in agreement.

They knew that at this point, going against the grain would be tantamount to inviting trouble.

……

Shortly after the Standing Committee meeting concluded, the phone rang in Gan Simiao's office.

Gan Simiao looked up and saw that it was Zhang Xiaotian, the director of the Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee, calling.

He knew that Zhang Xiaotian was pleading for his nephew Zhang Ping.

"Director Zhang, hello, this is Gan Simiao. What instructions do you have, leader?"

Zhang Xiaotian chuckled dryly a few times: "What instructions? Simiao, I heard that things haven't been peaceful in Qingshan County lately? Something happened in Xindian Town?"

Gan Simiao said, "Yes, Director Zhang, some heartbreaking things have indeed happened."

Some cadres have lost their ideals and beliefs and colluded with local criminal gangs to frame important businessmen who came to inspect investment opportunities. This is extremely serious in nature.

The county party committee just held a standing committee meeting and decided to investigate and deal with the matter seriously, without any leniency.

Comrade Zhang Ping, as the town mayor, bears unshirkable leadership responsibility and has been suspended from his duties pending investigation.

Zhang Xiaotian slowly said, "Yes, it is right to strictly govern officials."

Zhang Ping, being young, may have been complacent in some areas due to his long tenure at the grassroots level. He might have been misled by his subordinates or overly eager for quick results, leading to flawed methods. The lesson is profound.

However, Simiao, it's not easy to cultivate a young cadre.

If the problem doesn't stem from matters of principle or integrity, could we give them a chance to correct it?

Gan Simiao quickly weighed the options.

Zhang Xiaotian is the director of the Municipal People's Congress Standing Committee. He has deep roots in Jiangzhou's political circles and his influence should not be underestimated.

Completely offending him would be detrimental to both Qingshan County and him personally.

"Director Zhang, you are right. Learning from past mistakes to avoid future ones and curing the disease to save the patient is our Party's consistent policy."

The county party committee recognizes Comrade Zhang Ping's abilities. This time, he was mainly misled by his subordinates and bears leadership responsibility.

Personally, I also believe that when a young cadre makes a mistake, it is more important to give him a chance to correct his mistakes and start anew.

The county party committee's investigation will be objective and fair. If it is found that there are no more serious personal problems, I think that giving him a reprimand and asking him to make a profound self-criticism, while allowing him to continue working in his post, is also a test and a form of encouragement.

Of course, this needs to be based on the investigation's conclusions, and also depends on the individual's attitude and understanding.

Zhang Xiaotian was silent for a while, and he could accept the result: "Secretary Simiao is the class monitor, and she handled things very well."

Those who deserve criticism should be criticized severely, and those who deserve a chance should be given a chance.

I believe that Zhang Ping will be able to perform his duties better after learning from this experience.

On his behalf, I thank the county committee for their strict management and loving care. The development of Qingshan County is inseparable from the dedication of your team.

"Thank you for your understanding and support, Director Zhang! We will definitely do a good job in Xindian Town and live up to the expectations of the leaders and the people," Gan Simiao said.

"Si Miao, when I was the deputy secretary of the municipal party committee, I voted in favor of your appointment as the secretary of the Qingshan County Party Committee."

At the time, some members of the Standing Committee had differing opinions, and I argued my case forcefully. In the end, my words, those of this old man, did have some effect.

"Thank you, Director Zhang, for your continued care and concern. I will always remember it."

"Simiao, in principle, I shouldn't be saying these things. But as I get older, I sometimes like to reminisce about the past."

"You bear a heavy responsibility for the development of Qingshan County, so please take care of your health."

"Thank you for your concern, Director Zhang! I will definitely do my best to do a good job in Qingshan County and live up to the trust of the organization and the guidance of Director Zhang."

The phone hangs up.

Gan Simiao leaned back in her chair and let out a soft sigh.

The way Zhang Ping was dealt with this time was initially very strong, but then quickly weakened. That's just how politics is.

Many things in officialdom are actually transactions.

Zhang Xiaotian owes him a favor. Zhang Ping is still under his command, and whether he gets promoted or transferred in the future, he will have to rely on his approval as the county party secretary.

Liang Chao, a member of the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, was restless.

He knew all about Chen Junqiang's flaws, but after all, he was his brother-in-law.

But this guy has run directly into the crossfire of Gan Simiao and Wu Zhiyuan's efforts to improve the business environment and promote the Qingshanxia project. The evidence is conclusive, and the impact is very bad.

If we dig deeper, it's hard to say we won't get involved.

The one who tied the knot must untie it.

After much deliberation, Liang Chao decided to show weakness to Gan Simiao in order to protect his brother-in-law.

The next day, Liang Chao walked into Gan Simiao's office.

"Secretary Gan, I've come to apologize to you and report my thoughts to you."

Liang Chao got straight to the point, adopting a very humble attitude: "Since Chen Junqiang has gotten into this mess, as his brother-in-law and, more importantly, as a member of the Standing Committee in charge of political and legal affairs, I have an unshirkable supervisory responsibility."

I haven't been strict enough in educating and disciplining him, which led to him making such a serious mistake, tarnishing the county's reputation and causing trouble for Secretary Gan. I sincerely apologize to you and to the county committee!

Gan Simiao waved her hand, gesturing for him to sit down, and said in a calm tone, "Comrade Liang Chao, let's put aside the self-criticism for now."

Chen Junqiang's problem is his personal problem, and the organization will investigate it thoroughly.

As a relative, you have a responsibility to remind and help him, but he is ultimately responsible for the specifics.

You are in charge of political and legal affairs, and the county party committee is satisfied with your work during this period.

The fact that bad apples like Song Dalong and Liu Dayong have been exposed shows that the political and legal system is cleaning house.

These words not only distanced Liang Chao from any direct connection with Chen Junqiang, but also affirmed Liang Chao's work and implied his achievement in cleaning up the organization, thus giving Liang Chao a way out.

Liang Chao sensed the room for maneuver in Gan's words and quickly stated, "Thank you for your understanding and trust, Secretary Gan! I firmly support all decisions made by the County Party Committee Standing Committee!"

I will not protect Chen Junqiang; he should be dealt with whatever punishment is due.

However, Secretary Gan, Junqiang is still young, and he was just confused this time. He was taken advantage of by Song Xiaolong and his people. Could the organization consider his past work and give him a chance to make a new start?

Even transferring him from the township to a less demanding department, allowing him to deeply reflect on his actions, would be considered an attempt by the organization to save the cadre.

He carefully observed Gan Simiao's expression and added, "From now on, the County Political and Legal Affairs Commission will more closely focus on the central tasks of the County Party Committee, especially in optimizing the business environment and ensuring the implementation of major projects. We will resolutely implement your instructions, ensure the smooth flow of government orders, and the political and legal system will never again hinder the overall situation of the county!"

This was Liang Chao's core objective for this trip: to exchange political alignment and absolute obedience in future work for leniency in the treatment of Chen Junqiang.

Gan Simiao pondered deeply. Liang Chao was a member of the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission. His allegiance would be of great significance to her ability to counter Geng Dongqing at the Standing Committee meeting and to gain control of the discourse in the political and legal system.

Using Chen Junqiang's cold treatment to gain Liang Chao's enthusiastic support is also a worthwhile political deal.

"Comrade Liang Chao, it's good that you have this understanding." Gan Simiao spoke slowly, "Chen Junqiang's problem is serious in nature."

But as you said, we also need to look at the reasons, the attitude, and the consistent performance.

If he was indeed misled and not involved in more serious corruption, in accordance with the principles of learning from past mistakes to avoid future ones and curing the disease to save the patient, the organization may consider giving him a chance to correct his ways.

He then changed the subject: "Xindian Town is currently at a critical stage of development, and the Qingshanxia project is of paramount importance."

It is not conducive to Comrade Chen Junqiang's reflection if he continues to stay in Xindian Town, nor is it conducive to the progress of his work.

My suggestion is to first transfer him to the United Front Work Department of the County Party Committee as the deputy minister. This is a relatively quiet position, allowing him to calm down and reflect on his experiences.

As for the future, it depends on his personal performance and the needs of the united front work. What do you think?

From a powerful deputy secretary of a township party committee at the deputy county level, to a relatively marginal deputy minister of the county party committee's United Front Work Department, although they are at the same level, their power and future prospects are incomparable. This is clearly a cold treatment and a relegation.

But compared to being completely dismissed or even facing criminal charges, this is the best outcome Liang Chao could achieve.

Moreover, Gan Simiao left the question open with the possibility of "we'll see how he performs later."

Liang Chao immediately stood up and said gratefully, "Thank you, Secretary Gan! Thank you to the organization for saving Junqiang!"

This arrangement is very appropriate, and I fully support it!

On behalf of Junqiang, I assure you that he will deeply reflect on his actions, work diligently in his new position, and never let down the organization's good intentions!

I personally assure you that I will fully support your work in the future!

The two deals were quietly finalized over the phone and in the study.

Shortly after, the personnel decisions of Qingshan County were announced:

Zhang Ping received a reprimand for his leadership responsibilities, but will continue to serve as the mayor of Xindian Town.

Chen Junqiang received a reprimand and was transferred to the position of Deputy Minister of the United Front Work Department of Qingshan County.

Song Dalong, deputy director of the county public security bureau, has been placed under detention by the county discipline inspection commission for suspected serious violations of discipline and law.

Song Xiaolong, Liu Dayong, and others have been formally arrested.

For a time, the officialdom of Qingshan County was filled with a tense atmosphere, yet it also seemed calm on the surface.

Those with backgrounds, like the monsters with origins in "Journey to the West," were "taken away" by their respective masters.

Those with weak backgrounds or who had already lost power, such as Song Xiaolong and Song Dalong, became the scapegoats and sacrificial lambs in this storm.