Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 403 Liao Chenggong's "Dream of the Red Chamber"

Wu Zhiyuan looked at Zhou Tianwen: "You worked diligently for six years at the National Development and Reform Commission, and your achievements are obvious to all."

I am aware of some objective difficulties, or rather, minor setbacks on the road ahead.

Comrade Tianwen, I'm speaking with you to understand the situation and also to give you a signal.

For Qingyan to develop, it needs capable, competent, and successful cadres.

The organization will not overlook such cadres, nor will it allow them to suffer indefinitely.

Zhou Tianwen took a sip of water and said, "County Chief Wu, I understand what you mean."

I was probably too stubborn before. I was so focused on pulling the cart that I didn't pay attention to the road or the person leading the way.

I feel wronged and sometimes can't understand things, but more than that, I feel resentful and like I have no way to use my skills.

Being able to sit here today and listen to what you have to say makes me feel much more at ease.

To be honest, we have all seen what you have done and what tasks you have taken charge of during your time in Qingyan.

Be pragmatic, avoid empty gestures, and focus on solving problems.

This gives those of us who want to get things done a sense of hope.

With a pragmatic and responsible leader like you at the helm, pointing us in the right direction and providing support, I feel at ease, have more direction, and am more motivated!

I, Zhou Tianwen, don't have any other special skills, but once I've chosen the right path and followed the right person, I'll definitely put in all my effort and never let them down!

Wu Zhiyuan nodded: "Okay, it's good that you have this understanding."

Having enthusiasm and direction is important, but putting them into practice is even more crucial.

Talk is not enough; we need to see action and results.

The development of Qingyan cannot wait, nor can the expectations of the people.

Wu Zhiyuan concluded by saying, "Let's end our conversation here."

I have three questions for you to think about carefully when you get back. Don't rush to answer them, but think deeply and form your own insights.

We'll discuss these issues in more detail later.

"County Magistrate Wu, please speak."

Wu Zhiyuan asked three questions: "First question: If you were to lead the development of Qingyan County’s industrial development plan for the next few years, which three leading industries would you choose? Why?"

The second problem is that Qingyan County receives a considerable amount of transfer payments and project funds from higher levels every year, but these funds are often used in a fragmented and inefficient manner.

If you were to pool these funds, which areas would you prioritize investing in? How would you ensure the funds are used to their maximum efficiency?

The third question: The county is planning a number of major projects that lay the foundation for long-term development. What do you think are the three projects that Qingyan urgently needs to advance? Please explain your reasons.

Zhou Tianwen took careful notes in his notebook. After Wu Zhiyuan finished speaking, he said, "County Chief Wu, I've got it."

I will definitely give this serious consideration when I get back. I will thoroughly understand and address these three issues, taking into account Qingyan County's actual situation, resource endowments, and development shortcomings. I will not be perfunctory or evasive, and I will not let you down.

……

Yuan Jin's office.

When Wu Zhiyuan knocked on the door, Yuan Jin was leaning back in her chair, resting with her eyes closed.

Upon seeing that it was Wu Zhiyuan, Yuan Jin said, "Zhiyuan, you're here."

"Secretary Yuan, I'm here to report to you."

Yuan Jin gestured for Wu Zhiyuan to sit down and asked, "Zhiyuan, you've been in Qingyan for two or three months now. How are you finding it? Are you adjusting well?"

"It's alright. The food in Qingyan suits my taste, but I still can't quite understand some of the local dialects, so I need to bring a translator when I go to the countryside."

Yuan Jin laughed and said, "I was the same when I first came here."

In some mountainous towns, people speak in a winding, circuitous way, like singing. Take your time, you'll understand eventually.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Wu Zhiyuan got down to business: "Secretary Yuan, I've been visiting some townships and county-level departments recently."

The more I explored, the more I realized that Qingyan wasn't lacking in resources or potential; the key was how to motivate its people.

Yuan Jin leaned back in her chair and nodded slightly: "Yes, please continue."

Wu Zhiyuan continued, "During my time in Qingyan, I noticed a phenomenon."

In some positions, there is a long-term mismatch between the person and the job, with capable people being sidelined and incapable people occupying the positions.

When superiors come to inspect, the reports are written beautifully, but once you get to the actual site, the problems and conflicts are still the same.

If this continues, it will be the ordinary people who suffer, and the credibility of the county party committee and government will be damaged.

Yuan Jin was silent for a few seconds before saying, "Zhiyuan, cadre adjustments are not as simple as you think."

This involves many aspects; the capable rise, the mediocre fall—it's easier said than done.

Wu Zhiyuan continued, "Secretary Yuan, I think that while you are still in charge of Qingyan, we can sort out some personnel issues left over from the past."

Firstly, it gives hope to capable cadres; secondly, it lays a solid foundation of cadres for the future development of Qingyan.

If we can sort out these cadres who have achieved results but have not been properly utilized, it will not only be an explanation to them personally, but also reflect the county party committee's personnel policy—to ensure that those who work hard do not suffer losses.

In the future, if any inspection or research teams come to Qingyan and see that the cadres in Qingyan are in good spirits and have a positive personnel selection orientation, this will also be a plus for Secretary Yuan.

Yuan Jin stared at Wu Zhiyuan: "Zhiyuan, have you heard something?"

Wu Zhiyuan smiled slightly: "Secretary Yuan, to be honest, there is indeed some talk about it in the community."

They say you have extensive experience and strong abilities. In the past few years in Qingyan, the county has undergone significant changes. The higher authorities should be willing to give you a more important platform.

Yuan Jin smiled and said, "It's just gossip; don't take it too seriously."

For those of us working at the grassroots level, the most important thing is to stay calm and do our job well.

The organization will make arrangements for the rest.

Wu Zhiyuan nodded in agreement: "Secretary Yuan is right."

Although the few months I worked under you were short, I gained a lot from them.

As you know, Qingyan is a poor county with a weak foundation and a lot of historical debts.

It's not easy for you to stabilize the situation and push all the work to this point.

To be honest, I've learned a lot from you.

Yuan Jin waved her hand: "Zhiyuan, you've gone too far with what you're saying."

The achievements of Qingyan are not my achievement alone, but the result of everyone's hard work.

"Haven't you done quite a lot since you arrived?"

Wu Zhiyuan humbly said, "This is all thanks to Secretary Yuan's guidance and direction."

I'm young and inexperienced; without your support, many things simply wouldn't have been possible."

"Zhiyuan, I have achieved some successes and also have some regrets during my years in Qingyan."

The biggest regret is that some cadres, who are capable and have achieved results, have not been properly utilized for various reasons.

As the Party Secretary, I bear responsibility in this regard.

"Secretary Yuan, you are too modest. The problem of cadre appointments is not the responsibility of any one person, but a problem of the system and mechanism, as well as a problem left over from history."

"Now that you are still at the helm of Qingyan, resolving these historical burdens would be a great service to Qingyan's long-term development."

Yuan Jin said emotionally, "Zhiyuan, what you said warms my heart."

To be honest, after all these years in Qingyan, braving wind and rain, it would be a lie to say I didn't want to move up in the ranks.

But what I care about more is walking steadily and with peace of mind.

Wu Zhiyuan nodded: "Secretary Yuan is right. Being down-to-earth is the most important thing."

Yuan Jin tapped her fingers lightly on the table twice, as if she was considering something. After a while, she said, "If that day really comes and the inspection team comes down to talk to you, I hope you can be truthful."

Everything I've done in Qingyan over the years has stood the test of time.

But inevitably some people will criticize and nitpick.

As the county head, your words carry weight with the inspection team.

Wu Zhiyuan knew that during the investigation and interview, the important thing was not how to praise, but to avoid making a mess.

For example, if the higher authorities were to examine Yuan Jin, whether or not they discussed his political achievements, or how many achievements he had, was actually not important, because whether or not he had achievements, the higher authorities would still propose his promotion.

Moreover, unlike in a business, there are no real standards for measuring political performance in officialdom.

What Yuan Jin feared most was that someone would report him during the conversation.

For example, if Wu Zhiyuan were to report that Yuan Jin had a complicated relationship with Liao Chenggong, or even produce a video of Yuan Jin having an affair with a woman at the villa, then it would be difficult for him to be promoted, let alone retain his position as county party secretary.

Wu Zhiyuan did not intend to report Yuan Jin.

He has never liked reporting others, even when there is solid evidence.

Besides, even if Yuan Jin is reported and dismissed, his replacement may not be more honest or upright.

Wu Zhiyuan smiled faintly: "Secretary Yuan, don't worry. If the inspection team talks to me, I will give a comprehensive and objective report, taking responsibility for the organization and the overall development of Qingyan."

"During your years in Qingyan, Qingyan has achieved tangible results in all aspects of its economy and society, and I will reflect this truthfully."

He paused, then added, "Especially during your tenure, Qingyan County did not experience any major problems, and all tasks progressed steadily. This is no small feat in a poverty-stricken county."

Yuan Jin nodded slightly, a satisfied look on her face.

Wu Zhiyuan hit the nail on the head—at the grassroots level, the greatest skill is to avoid trouble.

Although Qingyan has not experienced any major development in recent years, it has also not had any major problems.

Yuan Jin nodded repeatedly, agreeing with Wu Zhiyuan's words.

"Secretary Yuan, there's something I'm not sure if I should say."

Yuan Jin's expression hardened: "Zhiyuan, you speak."

Wu Zhiyuan lowered his voice: "I haven't been in Qingyan for long, but I've heard some rumors."

They say you have a close relationship with Liao Chenggong, the general manager of the Daling Group, and that you frequently visit Liao Chenggong's villa. Some even go so far as to claim that the villa offers a one-stop service for eating, drinking, and entertainment, and that there are many young and beautiful girls there, making it Liao Chenggong's "Red Mansion" for corrupting and wooing officials.

Wu Zhiyuan paused for a moment, then continued, "Secretary Yuan, just listen to these unfounded rumors. Listening to both sides leads to clarity, while believing only one side leads to darkness."

You are the Party Secretary of Qingyan County, and Mr. Liao is an entrepreneur in the county. It's normal for you to have professional dealings with him.

But at this critical juncture, some people with ulterior motives may use these things to their advantage.

As you know, when evaluating cadres, in addition to their work performance, the higher authorities also place great importance on a cadre's integrity and self-discipline.

Especially in the area of ​​government-business relations, the investigations are now more stringent than ever before.

It's not easy for a deputy director-level cadre to emerge from Qingyan.

This is the glory of Qingyan, and the pride of all the cadres in the county.

I don't want your future to be affected by some unfounded rumors at this time.

I suggest that Secretary Yuan maintain a certain distance from Liao Chenggong to prevent anyone from using this as an excuse to affect your promotion.

"Zhiyuan, thank you for reminding me. I've been to Liao Chenggong's villa a few times, but it's not what I've heard about."

Sometimes it's for work-related socializing, and sometimes it's for the county's investment promotion needs, where they borrow his place to receive some businesspeople.

But you're right, it's crucial to be mindful of boundaries during critical times. I understand the situation.

Wu Zhiyuan nodded: "I'm relieved that Secretary Yuan thinks that way."

I meant well; after all, it hasn't been easy for you to get to where you are today. Better safe than sorry.

Wu Zhiyuan's mention of Liao Chenggong and the villa was ostensibly a friendly reminder, but his real purpose was to give them a warning.

Yuan Jin is a smart man; how could he not understand?

"Zhiyuan, I think the personnel adjustments you just mentioned are very necessary."

Only by truly placing capable and willing people in suitable positions and clearing the blocked waterways can the water flow again.

The county head is in charge of the economy and projects, but he also has to manage people. Without people, nothing can be accomplished.

Regarding the recent adjustments to some positions, what specific thoughts and suggestions do you have? Feel free to share them.

"As long as it's for work and for the development of Qingyan, I will fully support it."