Chapter 1813

Chapter 1813: Chapter 1813

"I understand."

Song Guanchao nodded, though these words didn’t really need to be pointed out to him.

Reorganizing the City Government and gaining control over the narrative were matters Wu Qiangwei already planned to address.

Even without saying it, it should be scheduled.

"But there is one thing I don’t quite understand." Song Guanchao wore a look of inquiry, gazing at him.

Wang Jinming smiled at him, signaling him to ask directly.

Song Guanchao said, "Isn’t Minister Wang worried that Secretary Zhou will find out about your relationship with Mayor Wu?"

Wang Jinming didn’t expect him to be so forthright.

Instinctively, he wanted to come up with an excuse, but he caught himself and felt there was no need.

Since he had already decided to align with Wu Qiangwei, further concealment would backfire instead.

So he shook his head and candidly said, "I don’t see him succeeding."

Song Guanchao nodded, not continuing to ask.

He glanced at Wu Qiangwei; the latter raised her teacup, and Wang Jinming did the same, exchanging a smile that said everything without words.

After dinner, he left first, leaving Song Guanchao leaning back in the high chair, saying, "About Mayor Sun, shall I handle it?"

Wu Qiangwei asked, "How do you plan to do it?"

"Observe first." There are many ways to deter someone from making rash moves, but regardless of the method, you must first determine the person’s character and habits, to find weaknesses and seize the opportunity when they err.

No one is perfect; as long as one is human, mistakes are unavoidable.

If they don’t make mistakes, find a way to create them.

Even someone as strong as Lu Zhizhong can err.

In Song Guanchao’s eyes, Sun Jiajun, who was promoted by a stroke of luck, was entirely vulnerable.

Dealing with him is no harder than dealing with a dog.

Wu Qiangwei wants to completely control the City Government; besides Sun Jiajun, there’s Chang Youcai.

Besides Chang Youcai, there are heads of the city departments.

Foremost among them is the Finance Bureau.

Although the Finance Bureau is a city department, customarily, the appointment of its director generally requires the approval of the City Secretary.

After all, it’s the purse of a city.

Without control over the finances, how can one speak of controlling the narrative of a city?

Currently, Jiangzhou’s city departments do not conflict with Wu Qiangwei’s interests.

But once there is a disagreement between the City Committee and the City Government, and they need to take a stand, problems will emerge.

Song Guanchao doesn’t want to scramble to fix things at that moment.

It’s best to settle them in advance, getting them to align with Wu Qiangwei early.

Song Guanchao doesn’t need their loyalty; he just needs them not to oppose at critical moments.

It’s a significant workload, and even Song Guanchao can’t guarantee success.

So he only mentioned dealing with Sun Jiajun, harboring other considerations silently to avoid claiming what can’t be achieved.

Wu Qiangwei responded with a hum, saying, "Keep an eye on matters in Gaoshui County."

...

In the government office of Gaoshui County, Director Zhao Kang slumped onto a chair, face pale, muttering, "It’s over..."

He had just received a call from the office of the Municipal Organization Department.

On the call, the other party officially stated a personnel removal decision.

Mayor Cao Xiaolou of Gaoshui County was immediately removed from office.

This was not a routine "dismissal," but a demotion that would be recorded in his file.

The department did not mention subsequent arrangement post-demotion, yet the decision came less than a week after the mayoral inspection, coupled with occurrences of misappropriating public funds during this time.

Considering all the circumstances, even a fool knows Cao Xiaolou is not heading for a promotion but a cold shoulder.

Zhao Kang sat in the chair for about fifteen minutes before a knock came, and the composite science director, holding a document, walked over with an anxious face.

"Director Zhao, this is the document just sent by the Municipal Organization Department." He placed the document down, standing aside, watching Zhao Kang nervously.

Zhao Kang grabbed the document, his last hope completely extinguished.

The call was merely a verbal notice; now, with the official document, everything was settled.

"You may leave."

The composite science director’s lips moved several times, but in the end said nothing, turning to leave.

Zhao Kang sat a while longer before taking the document to find Cao Xiaolou.

From Cao Xiaolou’s grim expression, he knew the other was already informed.

"County Magistrate Cao." Zhao Kang placed the file down, flooded with questions yet unsure where to begin.

Such as why, in spite of the City Secretary’s backing, Cao Xiaolou ended up in such a plight?

Though he misappropriated education funds, he provided an acceptable explanation.

As long as Wu Qiangwei was willing to turn a blind eye, this wouldn’t be an issue.

Yet, he was still removed.

The reason is quite evident; Wu Qiangwei intends to deal with him.

However, Zhao Kang couldn’t grasp why Wu Qiangwei had to make things so harsh?

Was it because someone obstructed and complained during the inspection broadcast?

It’s indeed a plausible reason, yet Zhao Kang sensed there was more beneath the surface.

Nevertheless, the event has transpired, and the verdict is settled, unalterable.

Zhao Kang stood for a while longer and seeing no indication of conversation, he left.

...

"Secretary Xie, this is the decision of the Standing Committee."

In the County Committee office, the Organization Minister personally apprised him of the Standing Committee proceedings.

Secretary Xie’s expression was calm, but inwardly, he couldn’t help feeling shaken.

Both Wu Qiangwei and Song Guanchao had approached him for talks earlier. He guessed then that events would eventually unfold to this stage.

However, back then he wasn’t entirely sure, thinking Zhou Zheng’s towering barrier wasn’t so easily surmounted.

"Secretary Xie, should County Magistrate Cao be summoned?" the Organization Minister inquired.

Secretary Xie shook his head, "No need."

Sometimes in the official realm, people don’t leave behind cooling reception but leave with the tea immediately discarded, forfeiting a chance to cool.

Others were unclear about the specifics of Cao Xiaolou’s dismissal; he was well aware.

Wu Qiangwei couldn’t merely act on an isolated complaint or an accident during the inspection.

She had set the tone even before her inspection visit.

The so-called complaint must have been arranged by her.

Also, considering Cao Xiaolou has already been stripped of his position, the priority now is maintaining distance from him, avoiding meetings altogether, eliminating any association.

The Organization Minister gave thought, with Secretary Xie saying, "Dispatch notice, then have Cao Xiaolou clear his office as soon as possible."

The Organization Minister raised his head in bewilderment: "Secretary Xie, is this... isn’t this rather rushed?"

Though Cao Xiaolou was dismissed, it was only dismissal, not expulsion from the party.

The city still plans to assign him a role. Even if demoted, after all, he has a City Secretary backing him.

Creating distance this abruptly, should Cao run to Secretary Zhou and complain, they would face rough times.

Secretary Xie advised earnestly: "Cao Xiaolou was removed, and I’m nearing retirement; we must decisively convene to discuss the succession for the county magistrate’s position. Besides, Cao made a mistake this time, prompting the city to respond swiftly. We must act promptly, for delay could reflect poorly on Mayor Wu."

This revelation caused sudden clarity in the Organization Minister.

The overlooked detail vividly emerged within his speech.

"Secretary Xie’s guidance is valuable; I’ll proceed with notification right away."

The Organization Minister hurriedly rose, barely walking two paces before being called back by Secretary Xie: "Also, drop a message to Mayor Gao, tell him I wish to see him."