In the afternoon, Fu Ying dragged Song Guanchao out of the house and onto the streets for a shopping spree.
"This piece of clothing is too mature, it doesn’t suit you."
Fu Ying held up a yellow coat, while Song Guanchao shook his head decidedly.
"It’s not for me anyway."
Fu Ying said, "You’re going back to your hometown, so I’ll buy a few pieces of clothing for you to take to the old lady."
Song Guanchao was stunned for a moment, then felt a bit awkward as he scratched his head.
Turns out the clothes were meant for the elderly in his family.
He wanted to say it wasn’t necessary, but the words just wouldn’t come out.
"Alright, you pick them."
Hearing Song Guanchao’s words, Fu Ying’s eyes crinkled with a smile.
Song Guanchao dropped Fu Ying off at Secretary Tu’s house.
He didn’t go in but sat in the car waiting.
At eight o’clock in the evening, Fu Ying came out.
After she got into the car, seeing her thoughtful expression, Song Guanchao asked as he drove, "What did he talk to you about?"
Fu Ying replied, "He gave me a list."
"He wants me, after becoming the county magistrate, to help him put the people on the list away."
Song Guanchao raised his eyebrows, "Did he say it like that?"
"Did he give you any evidence?"
"No, I haven’t agreed yet. He said that once I agree, he would hand over the evidence against these people to me."
Song Guanchao now understood what Secretary Tu was plotting.
He had somewhat underestimated Secretary Tu’s vengeful nature.
He thought Tu was just targeting County Magistrate Hou.
But now it seemed that he planned to purge the entire Dujiang County.
Secretary Tu was truly ruthless and clever.
He held the evidence against these people, but he couldn’t act on it himself.
After all, there were too many people he aimed to eliminate.
Therefore, he handed this task to Fu Ying.
If you want to be the county magistrate, then you need to take out these people for me.
He had asked him to get in touch with Zhang Meilin, apparently with the same goal in mind.
Song Guanchao said, "Agree to his terms."
"Don’t hesitate, just agree," Song Guanchao insisted. "If those people didn’t have issues, you wouldn’t have the chance to put them away even if you wanted to."
"Since Secretary Tu has the evidence, it means they do have issues, and serious ones at that."
"After all, they can’t be put away if the evidence isn’t heavy enough."
"Moreover, Dujiang County’s power structure is deeply entrenched and mostly local. Even if you take over Hou’s position, those who disregard you will continue to do so."
"Purging them will allow you to promote your own people, and that will make your future work in Dujiang County much easier."
After deep reflection, Fu Ying finally nodded lightly, having made her decision.
Early the next morning.
Song Guanchao, carrying a variety of bags, returned to the city.
After getting home, he made a phone call to Zhang Meilin.
"Secretary Zhang, do you have time tonight?"
"Tonight? I should have some free time; what’s going on?"
"Secretary Tu has invited you to dinner."
Zhang Meilin perked up, "No problem, I’ll arrange it."
He knew that Song Guanchao had settled things with Secretary Tu.
He just hadn’t expected Song Guanchao to be so efficient.
At 7:30 in the evening, in a private dining room of a restaurant,
Song Guanchao and Zhang Meilin arrived early.
Before long, Secretary Tu arrived.
"Secretary Tu," the three shook hands with each other and immediately took their seats.
Halfway through the meal, Secretary Tu put down his glass and said, "Once my personnel transfer order is issued, I will recommend Secretary Zhang for the position of County Party Secretary to the City Committee."
Zhang Meilin nodded and lifted his glass, "Thanks a lot."
He then toasted to Song Guanchao separately.
He knew that this position was something Song Guanchao had fought for on his behalf.
Secretary Tu said, "Secretary Zhang, don’t rush to thank me. I recommend you, indeed because of Secretary Song. But, I need you to do something for me. If you are unwilling, then even if some accidents happen, I can only choose someone else."
As he said this, he deliberately glanced at Song Guanchao.
He believed Song Guanchao must already know from Fu Ying what he wanted.
Summons had been specifically issued for today; he also worried that if he met Zhang Meilin alone, he might be rejected.
Zhang Meilin asked, "What does Secretary Tu want me to do?"
Secretary Tu took out a letter and handed it to him.
Zhang Meilin withdrew the paper; it was a list of names with their respective positions appended.
He was puzzled and about to inquire further when Secretary Tu said, "After you take office, I want them sent in."
When he said this, he deliberately observed Song Guanchao, and seeing no sign of surprise, he confirmed that he indeed knew.
Zhang Meilin was startled and visibly furrowed his brows.
He did not rush to reply but looked at Song Guanchao.
Song Guanchao picked up his teacup, rinsed his mouth, grabbed a napkin, and wiped his lips, making the decision on behalf of Zhang Meilin: "No problem."
Secretary Tu then broke into a smile, raised his glass, and said, "Let’s have a drink."
Coming out of the restaurant, after Secretary Tu had left, Zhang Meilin asked, "Secretary Song, this list..."
Song Guanchao replied, "Brother Zhang, do you want to be a County Party Secretary who’s merely a figurehead, or one who can decisively manage Dujiang County’s affairs?"
Zhang Meilin partly understood; Song Guanchao continued, "Secretary Tu isn’t asking you to purposely find trouble with them. After you take office, he will provide you with evidence of their legal violations. What you need to do is follow due process and send them in."
"After they’re gone, their positions will be vacated."
"At that time, you and County Magistrate Fu can discuss who to appoint."
"Fortune favors the bold, Brother Zhang. This is a rare opportunity for you."
Zhang Meilin finally understood.
He realized that this was indeed his opportunity.
But, this required reporting to Minister Zhou.
After parting with Song Guanchao, he went to the home of Minister Zhou.
It was quite late; Minister Zhou had just taken a bath and was preparing to rest.
Zhang Meilin reported to him about the evening’s events.
Minister Zhou asked, "Did you refuse?"
Zhang Meilin shook his head, "Secretary Song agreed on my behalf."
"Hmm, you should have agreed," Minister Zhou said. "You’re new to Dujiang County, and without capable people under you, you are as good as blind there. This list will allow you to quickly cultivate your own people and firmly grasp power in your hands. This is a good thing."
"Moreover, pay attention to that County Magistrate Fu."
"Yes, I’ve looked into her file; she and Song Guanchao were university classmates. In addition, she’s backed by Secretary Wu. She’s also been marginalized in Dujiang County. With such a connection, you can trust her, collaborate well, and do a good job."
After talking with Minister Zhou, Zhang Meilin felt much more at ease.
What he had worried about the most was arriving in Dujiang County only to be sidelined by his subordinates, becoming a puppet in name only.
But now, with this list in hand, there was no longer any need to worry.
The list was like the King of Hell’s register of life and death.
Whoever was on the list saw their political career ticking down to zero.
Zhang Meilin felt a surge of excitement and anticipation.
His starting point was countless times stronger than other secretaries sent down to the local level.
He would step in as the top official in the county and also had many departments to cultivate his own people.
In at most three to five years, no, it wouldn’t even take that long; perhaps within a year and a half, he would be able to fully control Dujiang County!
No, not just Dujiang County, but Dujiang City!
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