Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 373 The Stepping Stone and the Beauty Trap

After the five-person group meeting and before the county party committee standing committee meeting, Wu Zhiyuan asked Lü Xinghua to come to his office.

"Xinghua, the five-person group meeting has decided that you are nominated to be the director of the county government office. However, the final decision still needs to be made by the county party committee standing committee."

Lu Xinghua was well aware that the personnel appointments and removals decided at the five-person group meeting could basically be approved at the county party committee standing committee meeting.

"County Magistrate Wu, thank you for your guidance and mentorship."

"Xinghua, I didn't call you here to hear you thank me."

Back then, regarding the Liao Jinshen incident, you stuck to your principles, and as a result, you were transferred from the Personnel Bureau to the Archives Bureau.

The organization owes you something in this matter. But you also know that some things aren't as simple as black and white.

Lu Xinghua nodded: "I understand, County Chief Wu. Over the years, I have never regretted it."

If I had to do it all over again, I would still do the same thing.

Talent recruitment should focus on attracting truly rare and valuable talent, rather than creating a special channel for privileged sons of officials to enter the system.

These days, talent recruitment in many places has gone awry, including in our Qingyan County.

The people are very unhappy. But what can they do? All they can do is grumble and curse.

"Xinghua, I've also heard about the problem you raised."

I can't control the atmosphere outside, and it's beyond my reach.

But Qingyan County cannot continue like this.

Wu Zhiyuan paused for a moment, then continued, "Talent introduction is meant to inject vitality into Qingyan's development and address its shortcomings, not to provide shortcuts or backdoors for certain individuals."

The past has its historical reasons and its current constraints, so we cannot dismiss it outright.

But we must start now, establishing rules and tightening regulations.

Wu Zhiyuan personally brewed a cup of tea for Lü Xinghua, then sat down and said, "Xinghua, I don't need to elaborate on how important the position of Director of the Government Office is."

You are my right and left hands, and also the central hub of the government's operation.

From now on, there are some things I'll need you to keep an eye on; some messages I'll need you to pass on; and some situations I'll need you to report promptly.

The words were said subtly, but the meaning couldn't be clearer: You are mine.

Lu Xinghua nodded solemnly: "County Chief Wu, thank you for your trust. I will do my best."

Wu Zhiyuan nodded and asked, "Xinghua, tell me, if you were to take over the government office, what would be the first thing you plan to do?"

Lu Xinghua hesitated for a moment before saying, "County Chief Wu, if I were to take over, the first thing I would do is not 'what to do,' but 'what not to do.'"

Wu Zhiyuan became interested and asked with a smile, "Tell me about it."

Lu Xinghua said, "As the central hub of the county government system, the government office has accumulated many problems over the years."

The biggest problem is not a lack of ability, but an unhealthy atmosphere.

Some people treat the office as a stepping stone, only eyeing what's beyond it;

Some people treat the office like a retirement home, just getting by day by day;

Some people treat the office as their own territory, forming cliques and excluding those who disagree with them.

After I took office, my first priority was not to submit irregular notes, make irregular requests, or handle irregular matters.

Any matter that does not comply with policies, procedures, or the principle of fairness will be rejected. The government office will never act as a broker of power.

Second, we will not form cliques, factions, or favoritism; all work will be done equally, all procedures will be made public, and all personnel will be judged solely on their performance.

Third, we must not be pushovers or peacemakers. We will not tolerate or condone those who slack off, pass the buck, or cause internal strife. We will remind those who need reminders and make adjustments where necessary…

Lu Xinghua said a lot, and Wu Zhiyuan nodded and said, "Well said. But what you just mentioned is 'brake' and 'steering wheel,' to ensure that the car doesn't veer off course and doesn't cause an accident."

But more importantly, you must act as the lubricant and gearbox of the "engine," ensuring the entire system operates efficiently and effectively implementing the county's decisions and plans, especially key projects and reforms.

Lü Xinghua immediately understood Wu Zhiyuan's meaning: "County Chief Wu, I understand what you mean. 'Doing nothing' is just the bottom line, it's to set rules and correct the atmosphere."

The key is "what to do," which means getting the government office truly active and dynamic, making it a hub and accelerator for promoting work.

Wu Zhiyuan encouraged him, "Tell me your thoughts."

Lu Xinghua spoke eloquently, emphasizing the three roles of the county government office: serving as a "think tank" to advise and assist in governance, acting as an "iron fist" to supervise and implement policies, and serving as a "lubricant" to coordinate and provide services.

Wu Zhiyuan nodded in satisfaction: "Xinghua, it's clear that you've thought this through carefully."

The "three no's" you mentioned are the foundation of one's character, and the "three roles" are essential for fulfilling one's duties.

It has both principles and methods. I completely agree.

He then changed the subject: "However, it's easy to talk about it on paper, but when it comes to actually doing it, you'll encounter all sorts of obstacles."

If you take away someone else's cheese and disrupt the original balance, there will inevitably be dissatisfaction among some people, and they may even secretly sabotage you.

To be honest, at the five-person group meeting, Secretary Yuan and Secretary Wang had different opinions on your appointment.

However, I argued my case based on reason and made some concessions on certain personnel appointments.

Wu Zhiyuan didn't go into too much detail, only touching on the subject briefly.

He had to let Lü Xinghua know that he had been a great help.

Any leader will make sure, in various ways, that they have helped promote their subordinates.

In this way, subordinates will be grateful and remember the leader's kindness.

Lü Xinghua understood the weight of Wu Zhiyuan's words and immediately replied, "County Chief Wu, I understand. I, Lü Xinghua, will never forget your trust and support in using me despite the pressure."

Going forward, I will certainly follow the direction you just indicated, and build the government office into an iron army that can be summoned at any time, fight effectively, and win decisively, becoming your most capable right-hand man in promoting the development of Qingyan.”

Wu Zhiyuan waved his hand: "Stop shouting slogans about the Iron Army. Aren't there enough units and systems calling themselves Iron Army these days? What I want are real, tangible results."

The work of government offices, in essence, is about providing services.

We must serve the leadership's decision-making, the departments' implementation, and the grassroots people well.

If you do these three services well, my job as county head will be much easier.

Lu Xinghua nodded solemnly: "County Chief Wu, I've got it."

……

That evening, Wu Zhiyuan was in the temporary housing when Liao Chenggong knocked on the door and came in.

You can't hit someone who's smiling.

Liao Chenggong was a well-known entrepreneur in Qingyan County, so Wu Zhiyuan still welcomed him in very politely.

Liao Chenggong brought a box of fruit.

"County Chief Wu, I've been looking for an opportunity to visit you, to report on the development of our Daling Group, and to hear your instructions for our private enterprises."

I happened to be passing by today, so I took the liberty of dropping by. I also brought a box of fruit; it's just a small token of my appreciation.

Wu Zhiyuan has his own bottom line when it comes to delivering gifts to his door.

If it's fruit or something, then we'll accept it.

However, I absolutely refuse to accept tobacco, alcohol, cordyceps, jewelry, jade, or calligraphy and paintings by famous people.

If water is too clear, there will be no fish. If you criticize someone harshly every time they bring you fruit, making a mountain out of a molehill, then probably no one will dare to come to your door in the future.

All who come are guests.

Wu Zhiyuan brewed Liao Chenggong a cup of tea.

Liao Chenggong sat up straight and said respectfully, "County Chief Wu, I'd like to report to you that the dispute between Shunfa Cement and Dajiang Cement has been resolved."

"Rest assured, there will never be a next time. I've spoken with Mr. Tang, and from now on, we'll compete fairly and make money amicably."

Wu Zhiyuan nodded: "Very good. It's normal for companies to compete, but it must be legal and compliant. They can't resort to underhanded methods, let alone disrupt the normal production and business order."

For Qingyan to develop, it needs a fair, just, and transparent business environment.

As a well-known entrepreneur, Mr. Liao should take the lead in maintaining this environment.

Liao Chenggong nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, County Chief Wu is right. I will definitely take the lead and absolutely defend him."

At Daling Coal Mine, the leadership's shift system for going down the mine has been revised, and a duty roster has been arranged to ensure that similar mistakes will never be made again.

Equipment maintenance and hazard identification have been assigned to specific personnel.

In addition, we invited colleagues from the Safety Supervision Bureau and the Coal Mine Safety Supervision Branch to point out any problems and rectify them immediately.

Safety in production is a matter of life and death. We were indeed careless before; thank you, County Head Wu, for your timely reminder.

Wu Zhiyuan smiled and said, "Recognizing the problem and making thorough rectifications are the most important things."

It's not easy for a business to grow big, and it's even more important to tread carefully, especially in high-risk industries like coal mining. Safety is the foundation, and everything else is secondary. Without safety, everything is zero.

I'm very pleased that Mr. Liao has this understanding.

Liao Chenggong smiled broadly and humbled himself: "That's right, that's right, County Magistrate Wu has great insight and foresight."

Our Daling Group has been able to make some contributions to Qingyan over the years thanks to the care and support of successive leaders.

"County Chief Wu is young and promising, with a broad vision. We look forward to your continued guidance and will resolutely carry out any instructions you may have."

Wu Zhiyuan waved his hand: "It's not about giving instructions; the government is there to serve businesses."

As long as you operate legally, pay taxes in accordance with the law, protect workers' rights, and ensure safe production, the government will naturally support you.

If there are any difficulties, those that comply with policy will be resolved to the best of our ability.

The two chatted for a while longer before Liao Chenggong got up to take his leave: "County Magistrate Wu, I won't disturb your rest any longer."

Please keep this fruit and try it; it's just a small token of my appreciation.

After Liao Chenggong left, Wu Zhiyuan opened the fruit box.

There were some apples inside, but mostly cash.

One bundle costs 10,000 yuan, and there are 20 bundles in total.

Two hundred thousand in cash.

In the eyes of people like Liao Chenggong, there are no officials in the world who are not corrupt.

Wu Zhiyuan's assertiveness, in his view, was nothing more than an attempt to "extort" him, to set a price—a common tactic among many officials.

Liao Chenggong's sending money was both a test and a way of getting in touch, a "stepping stone" to gain access to connections.

Wu Zhiyuan dialed Liao Chenggong's number.

"Mr. Liao, have you gone far?"

Liao Chenggong said, "County Magistrate Wu, I just got in the car and am about to head back. What can I do for you?"

"Take that fruit box back with you."

"County Magistrate Wu, what are you doing? It's just a box of apples, it's not worth much, you can keep it and eat it."

"Mr. Liao, I accept the apple, thank you for your kind gesture. But please come back now and take everything underneath it, untouched."

Liao Chenggong was stunned.

He hadn't expected Wu Zhiyuan to be so direct and leave no room for negotiation.

"County Chief Wu, please don't misunderstand, this is just a small token of my appreciation, nothing more."

You work in Qingyan, and there are many places where you need money, so this is purely...

Wu Zhiyuan interrupted him: "I don't care what you mean. I won't take a single penny of this money!"

If you don't come back to take it now, I'll hand it over to the county discipline inspection commission first thing tomorrow morning!

"Then the nature of the matter will be different!"

Liao Chenggong said helplessly, "County Chief Wu, you're being too serious. Fine, fine, I'll turn back right away, I'll be right back."

Liao Chenggong knocked on Wu Zhiyuan's door again.

Wu Zhiyuan opened the door and pointed to the fruit box on the ground, which had been resealed: "President Liao, the things are here. Take them with you."

Liao Chenggong laughed awkwardly, "County Chief Wu, why are you doing this? I was just trying to be helpful..."

Wu Zhiyuan said seriously, "President Liao, I appreciate your kindness."

If you truly support my work, then run the business well, operate legally, pay taxes according to regulations, create more jobs, and give back to society. That's the greatest support you can give me.

Liao Chenggong nodded repeatedly: "Yes, yes, County Chief Wu is right. I will definitely do as he says."

Back in the car, Liao Chenggong angrily cursed, "Damn it! They won't even take money that's offered to them. Are there really cats in this world that don't steal fish?"

A young county magistrate who doesn't want money or power is either a truly honest official who wants to make a difference;

Either they're too ambitious and don't care about this little bit of money, wanting to catch a bigger fish.

Liao Chenggong pondered: since he couldn't give away the money, he would use a honey trap.

These days, even heroes can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman. Countless honest officials have resisted the temptation of money, only to fall victim to women in the end.

Wu Zhiyuan is so young and single. At such a vigorous age, can he resist the temptation of beautiful women?