Official excuse: I was sent to work at the grassroots level for training, and Hou Liangping arrested

Page 135

That evening, Zhao Mengsheng finished a long day of hard work.

It was only from his secretary, Zhao Longpeng, that he learned about his son-in-law Lin Yunfei's "Ask the Government of Handong" column.

Zhao Mengsheng's eyes lit up; he hadn't expected his son-in-law, Lin Yunfei, to have such courage and boldness.

Such a program, once implemented, would definitely cause a huge reaction throughout Handong Province and even the whole country.

As the provincial party secretary, I can also take this opportunity to demonstrate to the people of the whole country my determination and ability to govern Handong Province.

Thinking of this, Zhao Mengsheng couldn't help but feel excited. He quickly stood up and paced back and forth in his office.

. . . . .

He pondered for a moment.

Zhao Mengsheng picked up the red secure phone on his office desk and dialed the number of Zhao Anbang, the governor of Handong Province.

"Anbang, this is Zhao Mengsheng. There's something I need to tell you."

Zhao Anbang was still in the office, not yet off work: "Brother, what is it? I will definitely do as you say."

Zhao Mengsheng didn't waste any words and went straight to the point: "It's like this, Yunfei called me today... wanting to collaborate with CCTV's news channel on a program called 'Ask the Government of Handong'."

"This program mainly involves CCTV reporters going down to various counties and prefecture-level cities in Handong to conduct both overt and covert investigations. They aim to identify the livelihood issues that local people care about most..." Zhao Mengsheng slowly began, recounting the general program flow.

"Of course, this requires the support of your Handong Provincial Government."

Zhao Anbang was silent for a moment on the other end of the phone, then laughed and said, "Brother, this is quite a generous offer. Yunfei has some ideas, 0.7. Alright, since you've asked, how could I, Zhao Anbang, not support you?"

“However,” Zhao Anbang changed the subject, “we need to finalize the details, such as how to ensure the safety of CCTV reporters, what to do if we encounter resistance during the undercover investigation, and the follow-up handling mechanism after the program airs. We need to think about all of these in advance.”

Zhao Mengsheng nodded in agreement, his expression serious and solemn: "You're right, Anbang. These details are indeed important. I think we should set up a special working group, with you, the governor, personally in charge, and Yunfei as the deputy head, specifically responsible for liaising with the central bank."

“Okay, no problem.” Zhao Anbang readily agreed. “Then I’ll have my secretary draft a plan right away. Tomorrow, the Handong Provincial Government will hold a meeting and invite all the relevant department heads to discuss and study it together.”

Zhao Mengsheng hung up the phone with satisfaction, secretly admiring his son-in-law's courage and strategy. He knew that if this "Ask the Government of Handong" program succeeded, it would not only accumulate valuable political achievements for Lin Yunfei, but also inject new vitality into the reform and development of Handong Province.

143. At the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee meeting, Gao Yuliang and Li Dakang jointly opposed the meeting.

143. At the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee meeting, Gao Yuliang and Li Dakang jointly opposed the meeting.

The next day, at dawn, the sun shone brightly over the land, piercing the darkness.

Jingzhou City, Handong Province, welcomes a brand new day, seemingly brimming with vitality.

The proposal for the program "Asking the Government of Handong" has been sent to Zhao Anbang.

. . . . .

Lin Yunfei, dressed in a white shirt and police uniform, strode into the Handong Provincial Government building with his secretary Liu Can.

Afterwards, Lin Yunfei went to the top floor and spoke briefly with Zhao Anbang in the governor's office.

"Uncle Zhao, my idea is to invite thirty provincial political committee members to the program..."

"Local officials who handle major issues affecting people's livelihoods will be evaluated on-site."

"From one point to ten points. One point is the lowest, and ten points is the highest."

Lin Yunfei's expression was solemn: "Invite one hundred ordinary people to sit in the audience below the stage. They should all wear masks."

"Furthermore, the production team will also invite the township leaders in charge. They will question their work directly and bluntly," Lin Yunfei said slowly, his words startling.

Lin Yunfei's expression was solemn: "Uncle Zhao, you can imagine that an ordinary deputy mayor dared to embezzle 815 million yuan."

“Ding Yizhen’s secretary, Zhou Yunyi, embezzled 20.14 million yuan and owned 57 properties.”

Zhao Anbang's expression was serious and solemn. He put down his teacup and looked at Lin Yunfei: "Yunfei, there are only the two of us here. Tell me honestly."

"Is your plan to question the government of Handong targeted at Li Dakang?"

Lin Yunfei pondered for a moment, then leaned forward: "Uncle Zhao, Li Dakang has already been punished. He received a major demerit in the Party's internal records."

"There are so many corrupt officials. Take Guangming District of Jingzhou City as an example. Pulling out one radish brings out the whole mud."

"The central government has been carrying out anti-corruption work and has identified the bad elements in the cadre ranks."

"People nowadays don't believe the government will do good deeds."

"I'll take the deceased Gao Mingyuan as an example. He called himself the Minister of the Underground Organization Department of Green Vine City. How arrogant he was!" Lin Yunfei said shockingly, raising his right hand to slam the maroon table.

"Gao Mingyuan's biggest protector is Wang Zheng. Who is Wang Zheng?"

"The executive vice governor of Handong Province, a high-ranking official at the vice-ministerial level."

"There are also protective umbrellas below: Wu Shuangling, the executive vice mayor of Lvteng City, and He Yun, the executive vice director of the Lvteng City Public Security Bureau."

Lin Yunfei became extremely agitated, clenching his right fist: "What's even more shocking is that He Yun also gave birth to a son for Gao Mingyuan."

"The National Security Bureau has located Gao He. He has now changed his name to Sun Xing."

"Because Gao He killed someone more than ten years ago."

Lin Yunfei took a deep breath, trying to calm his agitated emotions: "Uncle Zhao, think about it, how can ordinary people believe that the government can do good things when something like this happens? All they see and hear are these dark sides, these cases of corruption."

"We must make changes, we must let the people see the government's determination and actions." Lin Yunfei's eyes were firm, and his tone revealed an undeniable resolve.

"The program 'Ask the Government of Handong' is an opportunity, an opportunity for the government and the people to have direct dialogue and for officials to be subject to public supervision."

Zhao Anbang was silent for a moment before slowly speaking: "Yunfei, I understand your thoughts and your starting point. However, once this program is launched, it will inevitably cause a huge stir. Are you prepared?"

Lin Yunfei nodded and said without hesitation, "Uncle Zhao, I'm ready. No matter how much pressure and difficulty I face, I will continue to do this program so that the people can see the changes and efforts of the government."

“If I were afraid of offending people, I wouldn’t be a local official,” Lin Yunfei said firmly.

"Uncle Zhao, let me speak from the bottom of my heart. I used to live a very comfortable life in the capital."

"I count money every day until my hands cramp, and then I sleep until I naturally wake up."

“My grandfather insisted on bringing me to Handong so that I could gain experience at the grassroots level.”

Lin Yunfei made a startling statement: "To put it bluntly, with a net worth of billions, why would I need to live such a hard life, working from dawn till dusk?"

"The people and cadres in Handong have been brought down through a systemic corruption scandal."

Zhao Anbang sighed softly, stood up, walked to the window, looked at the bustling city outside, and said with a deep voice, "Yunfei, you're right, the problems in Handong are indeed serious, and the corruption has reached the point where it must be eradicated. But you must know that reform is never smooth sailing, especially when it touches on the interests of so many people."

Lin Yunfei also stood up and walked to Zhao Anbang's side, his gaze firm: "Uncle Zhao, I understand. But I understand even more that if we don't stand up and make changes, then the future of Handong Province will be even bleaker."

"Once the people's trust is lost, it is very difficult to regain it."

Zhao Anbang turned around and patted Lin Yunfei on the shoulder: "Yunfei, I am very moved by your courage and determination. But we can't rush this. We have to take it one step at a time. At the same time, we must also be prepared to deal with various risks."

Lin Yunfei nodded solemnly: "Uncle Zhao, you're right. I will act cautiously and make sure every step is taken steadily. I believe that as long as we sincerely serve the people, they will definitely feel it."

Requesting flowers...

That morning, Zhao Anbang established a special task force. He served as the team leader, and Lin Yunfei as the deputy team leader. They finalized the specific details with the heads of various departments.

At noon, the two of them had a simple meal at the provincial government canteen.

A phone call came in directly.

Sha Ruijin called and went straight to the point: "Governor of Anbang Province. I heard... you're planning to start a political inquiry program in Handong?"

Zhao Anbang nodded and put down his chopsticks: "Yes, Secretary Sha."

Sha Ruijin paused for a moment on the other end of the phone, his tone tinged with caution: "Governor Anbang, the program's initial intention is good, but you need to consider the potential chain reaction it might trigger. The situation in Handong is complicated; once this door is opened, it may be difficult to untangle."

Zhao Anbang frowned slightly, but still maintained a respectful attitude: "Secretary Sha, we decided to launch this program precisely because of the current situation in Handong. The public's trust in the government is very low right now, and we need a channel to rebuild that trust."

Sha Ruijin sighed softly: "I understand your concerns, but this matter must be handled with care. You must ensure that the program does not become a show, and even more so, that it does not become a tool to attack specific targets."

"Secretary Sha, rest assured," Zhao Anbang said firmly, "We will strictly control the program process to ensure fairness and impartiality. The core of this program is supervision and accountability, and its purpose is to promote transparency in government work."

Sha Ruijin on the other end of the phone seemed to be persuaded, and his tone softened: "Since you have made up your mind, let's hold a meeting of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee."

"Understood, Secretary Sha." After hanging up the phone, Zhao Anbang turned to look at Lin Yunfei.

A hint of excitement flashed in Lin Yunfei's eyes, but it was also tinged with seriousness: "Uncle Zhao, don't worry. I will discuss and coordinate with the central government."

. . . . . .

At 3 p.m., a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee was held.

After reading the program's proposal, Li Dakang frowned and immediately objected: "Secretary Sha, Governor Anbang, I disagree with producing such a television program."

Li Dakang, with a serious expression, continued, "The situation in Handong is already complex. Launching such a program would undoubtedly expose the contradictions and could trigger a series of uncontrollable consequences. Those officials who are held accountable will inevitably harbor resentment, which could then affect the normal conduct of their work."

After careful consideration, Gao Yuliang nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "Secretary Dakang is absolutely right. This program may seem to be for supervision and accountability, and to promote transparency in government work, but in practice, it is extremely difficult to implement."

"How can we ensure that accountability is fair and impartial? How can we prevent the program from becoming a tool for some people to attack others? These are all urgent issues that need to be addressed. Moreover, once the program airs, it may attract excessive attention and criticism from the public, putting unnecessary pressure on the government's work."

Li Dakang's expression was solemn as he continued, "Secretary Sha, Governor Anbang, I believe that our current focus should be on stabilizing the situation and promoting the implementation of various policies, rather than organizing a program that could potentially cause chaos."

"I suggest that we postpone this plan and consider it again after the situation has stabilized."

The other standing committee members also whispered among themselves, discussing the matter. Some expressed their support for Li Dakang and Gao Yuliang's views, believing that the program was too risky.

Others remained neutral, awaiting further discussion and decision-making.

Sha Ruijin's expression was solemn. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Everyone's concerns are valid. This program does indeed carry certain risks, but we cannot stop moving forward just because we are afraid of those risks."

"The problems in Handong Province have reached a point where they must be addressed. We need a breakthrough to rebuild the people's trust in the government. The 'Ask the Government of Handong' program presents both challenges and opportunities. We cannot easily give up this opportunity that could bring about positive change."

Li Dakang frowned, wanting to argue a few more words: "Secretary Sha..."

Sha Ruijin raised his hand to interrupt him: "Comrade Dakang, don't rush to object. Let's discuss this further and see how to mitigate the risks and make this program a success. Everyone is welcome to express their opinions and suggestions."

Ruijin's attitude was clear: adapt to changing circumstances.

Because he knew that the "Ask the Government of Handong" program was Lin Yunfei's idea.

Sha Ruijin came to Handong with a political mission.

Gao Yuliang's face was ashen, and he objected without hesitation: "Secretary Sha, Governor Anbang, I strongly oppose and disagree with having such a political inquiry program."

Gao Yuliang's main concern was that someone wanted to use this program to make a fuss about the Han University gang and Qi Tongwei.

Zhao Anbang frowned: "Comrade Yuliang, you need to think this through?"

"Governor Anbang, I am very clear-headed right now. The situation in Handong Province is very complicated..."

Gao Yuliang began to speak slowly and deliberately.

Sha Ruijin's eyes lit up; he seemed to see an opportunity. Had Zhao Anbang and Gao Yuliang broken ties?