Power and Wealth

Small Meeting Room.

At the County Committee Standing Committee Meeting.

The next appointment that Han Wu proposed and some controversial remarks caused everyone's expression to tighten, signaling that the main event was about to begin. Zhang Dongfang's faction, as expected, didn’t intend just to drag things out; they made their move first. Although this point of action was subtle and not forceful, anyone with a discerning eye could see the situation. They took advantage of the fact that Secretary Dong was still unfamiliar with the environment and the circumstances by holding a Standing Committee meeting right after he had just selected a secretary for promotion. They immediately threw out a nomination; while the Deputy Director of the Finance Bureau position might not be considered particularly important, it was still not trivial. Given the situation, it was clear that they had not consulted Secretary Dong beforehand; this was dropped unexpectedly, which couldn’t exactly be seen as an outright coup but certainly felt like muddying the waters.

If this appointment were to pass, others wouldn’t have anything to say.

Secretary Dong had just passed one, and now County Chief Zhang was passing another; it seemed entirely normal.

However, the problem was that Dong Xuebing was the top leader, and appointing a secretary was a normal matter that should go through without question. It couldn’t be vetoed in the Standing Committee meeting. Yet, the appointment brought up by County Chief Zhang and Minister Han wasn’t mandatory; it was somewhat superfluous and arguably shouldn’t have been proposed in this setting, which seemed a bit out of place. But Minister Han raised it, indicating that this decision was made under Zhang Dongfang's direction, and the implications were thought-provoking.

Not passing it

This option wasn’t feasible.

To everyone, this proposal seemed to be a must, especially since the current atmosphere was relatively harmonious. Moreover, Secretary Dong had just arrived, and his foundation was still shaky. Even though he was the top leader, his confidence in speaking was not strong, and it seemed that now was not the time to confront Zhang Dongfang head-on.

Even if the situation in the county didn’t change dramatically, it wouldn’t be beneficial for Secretary Dong to establish his authority. In terms of power, what was most important externally wasn’t necessarily straightforward, but internally, the most significant aspect was undoubtedly the authority over organizational personnel appointments. This was the root of control, the most crucial element; only by mastering the power of appointments could one indeed sway the country. Han Wu, the Minister of the Organization Department, was currently aligned with Zhang Dongfang, and Deputy Secretary Wei Zhixuan was also part of Zhang’s faction, which created significant obstacles for Dong Xuebing to intervene here. Moreover, Han Wu and Zhang Dongfang proposing this appointment further encroached on Dong Xuebing's sphere of influence. While a Deputy Director of the Finance Bureau might not be considered an influential leader, this signal sent a different impression to others.

Zhang Dongfang was administering a slow poison to Dong Xuebing, aiming to gradually undermine him in a way that Dong Xuebing couldn’t resist.

One leads to two.

Two leads to three.

Continuing down this path, Dong Xuebing could only compromise step by step.

Eventually, when Zhang Dongfang solidified his authority in organizational personnel matters to an absolute position, it wouldn’t be long before Dong Xuebing would have to pack up and leave. However, for now, they hadn’t yet reached the point of a complete fallout. After all, Dong Xuebing had just taken office, and Zhang Dongfang was a cautious leader, so he chose this method. Of course, this also related to Zhang Dongfang not being prepared, as Dong Xuebing’s sudden decision to convene the Standing Committee meeting caught everyone off guard; it was too sudden, and for the moment, they could only make this move.

But Dong Xuebing seemed oblivious. “Let me take a look at the documents.”

Han Wu nodded. “Okay.” He distributed the files and documents.

Meng Hanmei and many others thought that Dong Xuebing hadn’t reacted yet. They all glanced at Secretary Dong, and no one spoke up. Although Meng Hanmei wanted to remind him, it was a meeting, and she couldn’t say anything or know what to say. In her view, Zhang Dongfang’s move was too awkward and insightful, analyzing the situation thoroughly. At this point, it was impossible not to pass the appointment, or they could hold off on the matter until Secretary Dong better understood the situation.

In any case, there wasn’t an excellent way to respond.

Zhang Dongfang’s foundation was solid, with connections above him. After so many years in the political arena, his experience was not something ordinary people could compare to. Everyone believed that Dong Xuebing definitely wouldn’t be Zhang Dongfang’s opponent. Not to mention anything else, the seniority system in the country was severe, and being young was enough.

Dong Xuebing looked at the candidate proposed by Han Wu.

Other County Committee Standing Committee members also occasionally glanced at Dong Xuebing, observing his expression. Still, Dong Xuebing showed no emotion, and nothing could be discerned from him.

Some people shook their heads inwardly.

Some remained passive, feeling it was none of their business.

He was still too young; this made him passive. Why the rush to hold a Standing Committee meeting? Didn’t this just undermine his only advantage?

Everyone had their thoughts.

Even Meng Hanmei harbored a bit of doubt about Dong Xuebing.

But at that moment, Dong Xuebing smiled slightly, put down the file, and said something astonishing: “I’ve looked at the file. They’re all quite good, but we can’t just determine things based on age. Our county’s officials are much older than Minister Han, yet the Minister of the Organization Department is you, and I haven’t seen Minister Han relinquish his position. Ultimately, it’s still about work capability. We can’t give special treatment just because someone is older.” Under everyone's skeptical gaze, Dong Xuebing casually continued, “I think it should be Sun Anshi.”

Dong Xuebing didn’t hesitate.

Dong Xuebing didn’t compromise.

He chose another person.

Many people were stunned, and Zhang Dongfang paused slightly and glanced deeply in Dong Xuebing’s direction. “Sun Anshi is not suitable, right?”

Dong Xuebing smiled and said, “I think he’s quite good.”

Han Wu was furious and immediately retorted, “I think Liu Ping is more appropriate. This comrade...”

Before he could finish speaking, Dong Xuebing directly interrupted him, narrowing his eyes at everyone. “No need to say more. Controversy is a good thing, haha. Let’s vote.” Without even allowing everyone to express their opinions, Dong Xuebing proposed a vote.

Everyone was even more astonished.

No one expected Dong Xuebing to play this card.

You occupy a disadvantage now. Not only did you actively call for the Standing Committee meeting, but you also turned against County Chief Zhang in the meeting, and now you’re actively proposing a vote.

Damn!

This is too unconventional.

Where have you seen someone handle matters this way?

It was truly sudden. Not only Zhang Dongfang’s side but even some neutral leaders in the Standing Committee were caught off guard by Dong Xuebing's move.

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