"This really seems like they're beginning to take action against us."
Hearing the conversation between the two people and looking at several subordinates who were a bit agitated, Qiu Tu lit a cigarette. He smoked, suppressing his own shock and quietly contemplated.
It was only after a few subordinates had come to the office that he became aware of the news.
Just ten or so minutes ago, all of his subordinates had been collectively suspended. The reasons given were roughly the same, stating there were other arrangements.
But... if it were one or two with "other arrangements", it could be seen as a coincidence.
Dozens of people, including Wang Dawei and Li Ke who later sided with Qiu Tu, were suspended, and that can only be described as too targeted.
If it were the Investigation Bureau trying to correct the chaos and revert the promotions given during Yan Chen's absence a few days ago?
That wouldn't be right either.
Because, in the past few days, it wasn't only Qiu Tu's confidants who were promoted. The confidants of Tang Feifei, Yu Zhengyi, and Shi Youxin, as well as The Five Elders' people, were also promoted.
Now, apart from Qiu Tu's people, none of theirs were touched.
'Damn it... It must be that bastard Yan Chen!'
'Divide and rule, pull in one batch, keep another, and strike another! Such a skillful tactic!'
With just a bit of thought, Qiu Tu guessed Yan Chen's intention.
Frankly, the actions Qiu Tu and Tang Feifei had taken some time ago were too much. Promoting hundreds of people collectively had occupied all the middle-level positions in the Investigation Bureau.
But... precisely because it was excessive, too many people were involved. Even Yan Chen, the Bureau Chief, wouldn't dare to demote everyone.
That could lead to backlash from various powers and hostility from many in the middle and lower ranks.
In this troublesome autumn, even Yan Chen wouldn't want to invite such trouble.
Yet, he couldn't swallow his pride.
So... he sorted through the several hundred people who had been promoted.
Yu Zhengyi and Shi Youxin had always been close to him, and although they had defected recently, they could be brought back. Hence, being promoted remained. He simply accepted it.
The Five Elders and Tang Feifei... one had tremendous influence in Xinjie City and the other had a profound background in the Sanctuary.
Making hasty moves could easily cause trouble, so he left them alone for the time being, planning to deal with them after Dongye State was established.
After considering all these, Qiu Tu was the easiest target to squeeze.
So, he guessed that it only took a verbal command from Shi Youxin to suspend all of Qiu Tu's people.
This was probably just his first move: testing the waters.
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He clearly wanted to see, after moving against Qiu Tu's people, whether Qiu Tu had strong enough countermeasures; and how intense the reactions of Tang Feifei and The Five Elders would be.
If everything was within his tolerance, he would continue to take action against Qiu Tu.
For example, by adjusting Qiu Tu's responsibility in the Political Department, stripping away the intelligence and interrogation departments, in this way probing Qiu Tu's bottom line.
If the cards Qiu Tu played still couldn't threaten him, then he would further shrink Qiu Tu's "living space."
For instance, he could send Qiu Tu to the Clean Government Office to be a Deputy Division Chief without changing Qiu Tu's rank.
Plainly put, Yan Chen had now completely identified Qiu Tu as an enemy and started making his move....
After thinking this through, Qiu Tu started to feel a bit frustrated.
One rank higher in office can crush a person, and he was still three ranks below Yan Chen.
Even his strongest tactics became mild when applied to Yan Chen.
To pose a threat to Yan Chen was truly a difficult challenge.
'No... it can't continue .'
'I must find a way to hit Yan Chen's soft spot! To let him know, I can also hurt him, or take him down with me!'
Thinking this way, Qiu Tu's mind spun rapidly, considering ways to break the situation.....