Qi Tongwei: Sign-in relationship started during student days

Chapter 974 The Secretaries' Problems

Hanjiang River, Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection.

An unsigned letter of accusation was delivered to the desk of Liu Huatao, the newly appointed secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission.

Liu Huatao adjusted his glasses and looked at his secretary. "What is it?"

"It's a letter of accusation. Director He doesn't dare to handle it and says he needs to consult you."

Liu Huatao took it and pulled out the letter.

After reading it, Liu Huatao slowly put it aside and asked his secretary, "How many people have read this letter?"

"Besides Director He, there's only one staff member. I've already instructed them to keep it confidential."

"Hmm." Liu Huatao nodded, calmly put away the letter of accusation, and continued working at his desk.

Seeing her boss so calm, the secretary also suppressed the turmoil in her heart and focused on her own thoughts.

He knew that the calmer the surface, the more intense the undercurrents were.

The storm is coming.

-

In the evening, Liu Huatao, under the guise of taking a walk, strolled to the doorstep of Pei Yihong, the provincial party secretary.

At that moment, Pei Yihong also went out to digest his food.

"Comrade Hua Tao, what a coincidence."

"Yes, together?"

Pei Yihong nodded with a smile, "Okay."

The Han River is located in the north, and by September, the plane trees in the London plane trees have already turned yellow and their leaves have fallen.

The commotion and chaos brought a sense of coolness, yet also a touch of melancholy.

The two strolled along Republic Road.

Pei Yihong shrugged, stretching his muscles, and looked at the dimly lit street scene in the distance. He said softly, "Hua Tao, are you getting used to it here?"

Liu Huatao nodded slightly, his gaze steady and his tone calm: "It's alright. The temperature here isn't much different from Kyoto, so there's not much need to adapt to the climate."

"That's good." Pei Yihong stopped and turned to face him, her tone becoming more serious. "From now on, you'll have to put more effort into the work of the Hanjiang Discipline Inspection Commission. Get them arrested as soon as possible."

Our reform efforts along the Han River have reached a critical juncture. Once we take this step, the Han River will experience a qualitative leap forward.

Once the dual-engine development of the north and south is established and both engines work together, the economy of the Han River region could at least double. But the closer we get to this point, the less we can afford to relax.

We cannot allow the common people to become rich before our leading cadres are already corrupt beyond recognition.

Therefore, when it comes to corruption, we must be serious, dare to take a firm stance, and never be lenient.

Liu Huatao listened quietly and nodded gently: "I will sort out the existing problems as soon as possible, establish a dynamic supervision procedure, and promote the implementation of the 'accountability' mechanism."

Pei Yihong said seriously, "Speaking of the current problems, I've recently heard some very bad news. I don't know if you've heard about it."

Liu Huatao nodded. "I did hear a little bit of a rumor, about Li Yongbao, right?"

“Yes,” Pei Yihong said, “The problems at the Hongqi Grain Depot are shocking!”

The grain that had been stored away vanished without a trace; the entire granary was in cahoots, engaging in fraudulent activities.

This is no longer just a matter of grain theft; the entire food system has been completely paralyzed.

If we encounter a year of great disaster, our Han River will be dragged down to hell by this bunch of rats.

Yesterday, I instructed Comrade Gao Yuan to have the Grain Bureau conduct a self-examination and rectification, and at the same time to thoroughly investigate grain depots throughout the province.

Our provincial Party committee and discipline inspection commission must also take immediate action, stationing themselves in the Grain Department, and working with the department's discipline inspection team to go down to the grassroots level and dig out these corrupt officials!

Liu Huatao stated, "Yes, our Discipline Inspection Commission is already making preparations, and the working group can go down tomorrow."

Regarding the work at the Grain Bureau, this is my plan... I plan to first isolate and investigate Li Yongbao.

“I agree! He is the executive deputy director, and the Hongqi Grain Depot is one of the things he is responsible for. Such a big mess has occurred. Even if he wasn’t involved, I think he can’t escape blame.”

Liu Huatao hesitated and said, "Should we say hello to Comrade Zhengping?"

Pei Yihong glanced at Liu Huatao and smiled meaningfully, "You don't need to test my attitude."

My stance is firm: no matter who is involved, I will investigate thoroughly.

What kind of grain is the grain that's been stored away? It's the grain of heaven.

No one has special privileges.

Therefore, no matter who is involved, the matter must be thoroughly investigated.

If our provincial Party committee and discipline inspection commission lack the authority, then we will report to the central government. We will absolutely not allow such a black sheep to infiltrate our ranks.

Liu Huatao understood immediately and took out the letter of denunciation he had received that morning from his pocket. "Secretary Pei, I don't know if you've received this?"

Pei Yihong took it, glanced at it, nodded, and handed it back with a solemn expression. "This is the second thing I wanted to say."

If what's said inside is true, it's terrifying! It could very well become a disgrace and a stain on our leadership team!

A high-ranking official, whose secretary and wife are both corrupt—this is...this is simply outrageous!

"Regarding the content here, I will not comment on the content concerning Comrade Zhengping."

He only gave instructions regarding the issues of his wife and secretary.

You must investigate thoroughly. We cannot allow others to frame our senior officials and their families, but we also cannot allow those around our senior officials to engage in corruption.

Pei Yihong spoke very cautiously, but Liu Huatao understood what he meant.

Just one word—investigate!

Investigate with confidence! Investigate boldly! You can even investigate further back in your line of command!

After giving his instructions, Pei Yihong returned to the issue of the Red Flag Grain Depot.

Do you know how Comrade Gao Yuan discovered the problems at the Hongqi Grain Depot?

"They probably heard some rumors."

Pei Yihong pointed to the letter in Liu Huatao's hand, "Someone sent him a message that accurately marked which granary had a problem."

Liu Huatao understood. "You mean..."

"That's right, this is not an ordinary corruption case. It is likely to involve a power struggle among various parties. The fact that he was able to collect so much information so quickly is something that no ordinary person, or even an ordinary-level cadre, could do."

It is highly likely that some of our high-ranking officials are involved in this, fueling the flames.

Instead of addressing the problem directly to me, they resort to these shady methods to achieve their goals.

"Tell me, what exactly are the people behind this trying to do?"

Liu Huatao took a deep breath. The cool air was refreshing and made him more clear-headed. "It's nothing more than gaining considerable benefits from it."

"So, you not only have to investigate this corruption case, but also find out who's behind it! We at Hanjiang will not allow anyone to pull these kinds of dirty tricks behind the scenes!"

"I see."

As they spoke, the two had already circled around for a long time. When they looked up, they saw the No. 4 compound of the Provincial Party Committee next to them, Qu Zhengping's small villa.

Just a hundred meters further ahead is Yu Huabei's home, Courtyard No. 3.

The two glanced at Qu Zhengping's small villa, but continued walking without stopping.

Pei Yihong looked at the brightly lit No. 3 courtyard not far away and said, "There's something else, about the overseas inspection team, which you probably don't know about yet."

"The overseas inspection team? They've run into trouble too?" Liu Huatao was shocked.

The person Pei Yihong keeps mentioning must be no ordinary person. Could it be that Qi Tongwei is corrupt?

"It's Lao Yu's old secretary. This Mayor Tian not only solicited prostitutes overseas, but he was also photographed. Isn't that ridiculous?"

Pei Yihong's face was very ugly.

With two high-ranking officials' secretaries running into trouble one after another, how could he possibly be in a good mood?

Liu Huatao inquired about the situation, and Pei Yihong recounted the whole story again.

Pei Yihong did not receive complete information because Yu Huabei omitted the detail of framing Qi Tongwei.

If Pei Yihong knew that Tian Fengyi was still up to these petty tricks inside, he would never have been so calm.

It turned out to be Tian Fengyi.

Liu Huatao calmed down a bit.

As long as it's not Qi Tongwei, it's fine.

If Qi Tongwei were to run into trouble, not only the entire Han River region, but the central government would be shaken.

"This mayor who was caught soliciting prostitution will be returning to the country tomorrow. Arrange for someone to pick him up." He added, "Old Yu has also told me that he hopes I will deal with this former secretary seriously. What do you think about this?"

How do you even look at it? Is there even a need to look at it?

Of course, we will act in accordance with laws and regulations.

In accordance with the latest disciplinary penalty regulations.

According to Article 151 of the "Red Star Party Disciplinary Punishment Regulations", any Party member who engages in prostitution shall be expelled from the Party.

This clause only has one level of disciplinary action: expulsion from the party.

Regardless of the severity of the circumstances or whether the crime was completed, it applies once it is determined.

It's that simple.

He didn't believe that Pei Yihong was unaware of this rule.

But since the other party has asked, things can't be that simple.

After thinking about it for a moment, Liu Huatao understood.

Since the deputy secretary had always been supportive of Pei Yihong's work, Pei Yihong naturally couldn't bring himself to take drastic measures.

If the punishment is too harsh, it will inevitably cause resentment between the two.

In any case, Tian Fengyi was Yu Huabei's old secretary and the mayor he promoted.

How many years of relationship? Can you really bring yourself to punish them to the fullest extent of the law?

Furthermore, if the punishment is severe, will it indirectly affect Yu Huabei's next promotion? These are all things that the top leader needs to consider.

After all, maintaining the stability of a team is one of the important tasks of the top leader.

Liu Huatao thought for a moment and said, "This comrade's influence is indeed bad, but fortunately, Comrade Tongwei has kept things under control within a manageable range."

In my opinion, he did make some contributions to Wenshan after all.

We should still adopt a patient-centered approach and give him a chance, or else give him a serious warning.

Pei Yihong waved his hand, "That's too lenient. My opinion is that, in addition to that, he should also be transferred from the position of mayor of Wenshan City. After what happened, he can no longer continue to hold such an important position."

Liu Huatao nodded in agreement, saying, "Of course, that's for sure."

"Then where do you think would be a suitable place to put him?"

“I heard that this comrade usually likes to mentor students, so why not put him in the education department?”

Pei Yihong laughed, "Hua Tao, he himself is not upright. Putting him in the education department would only mislead students."

Liu Huatao smiled, then fell silent.

Where do you want to put it? Give me a hint.

"However, that reminds me that he is a great professor, but unfortunately, he can't apply what he has learned."

If that's the case, then it means he hasn't learned enough. He should be placed in a place where he can learn, preferably a place where everyone is honest and upright, and where people have high moral standards.

Liu Huatao immediately thought of a position, "Secretary Pei, how about the Provincial Writers Association?"

Pei Yihong was taken aback for a moment. "Hmm? Well, that's good. Let him interact with those authors, write some things, and cultivate his mind."

The two tacitly decided on the mayor's fate.

……

Meanwhile, at the Provincial Party Committee Compound No. 4.

The phone rang incessantly.

But Qu Zhengping was in no mood to answer the call.

He is now preoccupied with worry about Li Yongbao's situation.

He only received the message from Hongqi Grain Depot at noon today. This message was not reported by Li Yongbao or Gao Yuan.

Instead, Zhao Anbang called him to his office at noon and gave him a good talking-to, only then did he learn that such a big thing had happened at the Hongqi Grain Depot.

What does this mean? It means that both superiors and subordinates are consciously isolating themselves.

This incident has had a very negative impact.

If Li Yongbao cannot escape responsibility, then he is very likely to be implicated. Who would dare to inform him?

After all, before being promoted to the position of Executive Vice Governor of the Provincial Party Committee, he was the Vice Governor in charge of agricultural work in the province.

The deficit at Hongqi Grain Depot most likely occurred during his tenure.

He even suspected that this matter was most likely orchestrated by his old secretary.

The phone was still ringing. Qu Zhengping's mind was racing, and he tried his best to sort out his thoughts.

At this moment, his wife, Zhang Mingjie, came downstairs yawning and complained, "The phone has been ringing for so long, why didn't you answer it? It's so noisy!"

Zhang Mingjie just returned from visiting her daughter abroad today and is currently adjusting to the time difference.

Qu Zhengping said irritably, "Why answer it? I know it's Li Yongbao calling."

"What's wrong? Did you two start arguing again?"

Zhang Mingjie was unaware of what had happened at the Hongqi Grain Depot; she only assumed that her husband and Li Yongbao had a falling out.

I instinctively wanted to answer the phone, to give the two of them a way to ease the tension.

In the past, the two often disagreed, and she was always the one who mediated between them.

"I advise you not to answer this call, I'm afraid you'll have trouble explaining yourself later."

Zhang Mingjie stopped halfway through reaching out her hand and looked at her husband with a puzzled expression.

"What do you mean?"

"What do you mean? The Hongqi Grain Depot has lost grain from several warehouses, and the province has now determined that Li Yongbao is primarily responsible."

He's calling now to ask for help, I won't answer, and I advise you not to answer either.

The person in charge of the Hongqi Grain Depot has been placed under investigation and his movement is restricted. The next step will likely be isolation and further investigation.

Qu Zhengping knew that his wife and Li Yongbao must have embezzled funds in some matters.

He can only pretend he was unaware and draw a line. That's better for everyone.

Zhang Mingjie sat down on the sofa in a daze, feeling her heart pounding wildly.

"Zhengping, if we don't answer, won't the higher-ups contact you... or me?"

I think... we should take this opportunity to discuss a solution as soon as possible.

Besides, you're innocent, so why are you afraid of the provincial party committee investigating?

"It's just a call for help from your old secretary. You don't have to give a direct answer, but you should at least know the next course of action."

My wife is right.

He will have to face the possible changes in the situation ahead, and Li Yongbao's attitude will be crucial.

Even a rabbit will bite when cornered, and a dog will jump over a wall when cornered, let alone a person?

What if my failure to answer the phone makes the other party resentful and try to smear me?

Qu Zhengping thought for a moment and then picked up the phone.

"Old leader, you've finally accepted it," Li Yongbao said with a wry smile.

Qu Zhengping said in a calm tone, "I just got home, and as soon as I entered the house, I heard the phone ringing non-stop."

Why didn't you call my cell phone?

"Your phone is switched off."

"Look at me, I forgot. I had a very important meeting this afternoon, so I turned off my phone and haven't turned it back on."

Qu Zhengping offered a brief explanation, then changed the subject, "Yongbao, I've heard about your situation. My advice is that you should accept the investigation. I will do my best to mediate on your behalf with the Provincial Party Committee."

No one can pin the blame on you unless you did it.

However, now that things have come to this point, you need to be mentally prepared and take responsibility for what you're supposed to.

Hearing this blatant implication, Li Yongbao felt a chill run through him, but he still said:

"Don't worry, senior leader, I know what to do, and I will take responsibility for what I should do."

Over the years, thanks to your promotion and cultivation, I, Li Yongbao, have been able to rise from the son of a worker to where I am today.

To be honest, I have no regrets. It's just that I won't be able to serve you as before anymore. Please take good care of yourself.

Li Yongbao's words were so sincere that Qu Zhengping's eyes welled up with tears.

Looking back on the ups and downs of these years, the two have walked hand in hand, and their relationship is far more than just that of a superior and subordinate.

Moreover, he was well aware that Li Yongbao had contributed significantly to his political career.

Sometimes he felt that Li Yongbao was like his superior, paving the way for him step by step.

His rise to become the youngest deputy provincial-level official in the Han River region is undoubtedly related to Li Yongbao's contributions.

Now that the old secretary is about to reach the end of his road, his former boss is still trying his best to distance himself from him.

Ultimately, it was he, as the leader, who had wronged his subordinate.