Chapter 678: with translation of chapter title

On January 28, Lu Fan convened a five-person meeting to hear the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection's report on the special rectification of 'empty salary' and to study the annual target responsibility assessment work.

Translate: "On January 28, Lu Fan convened a five-person group meeting to hear the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee's report on the special rectification of 'drawing empty pay' and to study the annual target responsibility assessment work."

Check: keep the date exactly as 'January 28' (no year).

After the meeting began, Du Wenlong reported: 'Since the provincial mobilization meeting was convened, the special rectification of "empty salary" has made breakthrough progress. As of now, cities and provincial departments have cumulatively cleared 13,298 personnel involved in empty salary, recovering 1.824 billion yuan in funds. According to regulations, 11,200 personnel have been returned to their posts, 1,300 have had their employment terminated, 721 have been dismissed, and 77 have been removed; the handling of related personnel is still underway. Overall, the rectification work has shown clear results and received a positive social response.'

Translate: "After the meeting began, Du Wenlong reported: 'Since the provincial mobilization meeting was convened, the special rectification of "drawing empty pay' has made breakthrough progress. As of now, cities and provincial departments have cumulatively cleared 13,298 individuals drawing empty pay, recovering 1.824 billion yuan in funds. According to regulations, 11,200 have returned to their posts, 1,300 have had their employment terminated, 721 have been dismissed, and 77 have been removed; the handling of relevant personnel is still underway. Overall, the rectification work has shown clear results, and public response has been favorable.'"

Note: numbers: 13298 people, 1.824 billion yuan, 11200 people, 1300 people, 721 people, 77 people. Keep as is.

Governor Luo Shiyu said with a smile: 'Achieving such great results is thanks to Secretary Lu Fan's demonstration effect of thunderous measures in Yike City; now all levels and departments are trembling with apprehension. Under this high-pressure situation, those involved in "empty salary," no matter how bold, dare not act recklessly or test the law. I believe consolidating this victory is even more important; we must not let the phenomenon of empty salary rise again from the ashes.'

Translate: "Governor Luo Shiyu said with a smile: 'Achieving such great results is thanks to Secretary Lu Fan's demonstration of thunderous measures in Yike City; now all levels and departments are trembling. Under this high-pressure situation, those who draw empty pay, no matter how bold, dare not again flout the law or test it. I believe consolidating this victory is even more important; we must not let the phenomenon of drawing empty pay reignite.'"

Note: 'Lu Fan' refers to Secretary Lu Fan. We'll translate as 'Secretary Lu Fan'. Good.

Lu Fan nodded and said: 'Governor Luo Shiyu's opinion is very important; when superiors enforce strict oversight and the public watches closely, people work diligently. But as soon as some achievement is made, or superiors slightly relax supervision, old habits resurface and the empty salary continues to be taken.'

Translate: "Lu Fan nodded and said: 'Governor Luo Shiyu's opinion is very important; when superiors enforce strictly and the public watches closely, everyone works diligently; but once some results appear, or superiors slightly relax oversight, old habits resurface and the empty pay continues to be drawn.'"

Note: The term 'Luo Shiyu Governor' refers to Governor Luo Shiyu. We'll translate as 'Governor Luo Shiyu'. Good.

Therefore, to rectify the 'empty salary' issue we must implement the 'four clearances': clear the roster, clear the posts, clear the personnel, clear the funds, ensuring accurate data, clear baseline, and thorough cleanup. We must take genuine action, dare to tackle tough problems, and consistently maintain a zero-tolerance attitude to form a strong deterrent.

Translate: "Therefore, to rectify drawing empty pay we must implement the 'four clean-ups': clean up registers, clean up posts, clean up personnel, clean up funds, ensuring accurate data, clear baseline, and thorough cleanup. We must take genuine action, dare to tackle tough issues, and consistently maintain a zero-tolerance attitude to form a strong deterrent."

Note: The term 'zero tolerance' translates to Zero Tolerance.

At the same time, rectifying 'empty salary' must be persistent and relentless; we cannot ease up. We need to establish rules and systems to create a long-term mechanism, especially ensuring that reporting channels remain open.

Translate: "At the same time, rectifying drawing empty pay must be relentless; we cannot let up, we must establish rules and systems to form a long-term mechanism, especially ensuring that reporting channels remain open."

In fact, everyone knows who is receiving 'empty salary'; the broad masses of cadres and the public are well aware. Now that 11,200 personnel have returned to their posts, they are the key targets for supervision, because ordinary people cannot simply obtain such benefits. Therefore, we must fully leverage public oversight, enabling broad cadres and workers to participate in the special rectification work, ensuring that every report is investigated, managed, handled, communicated, and rewarded, so that the public can see our determination and confidence in tackling the 'empty salary' issue. This work is specifically the responsibility of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Translate: "In fact, everyone knows who is drawing empty pay; the broad cadres and masses are well aware. Now that 11,200 have returned to their posts, they are the key targets of supervision, because ordinary people cannot even hope to draw such pay. Therefore, we must fully leverage public oversight, enabling broad cadres and workers to participate in the special rectification work, ensuring that every report is investigated, managed, handled, reported, and rewarded, so that the public can see our determination and confidence in rectifying the drawing empty pay issue; this work is specifically the responsibility of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee."

Speaking frankly behind closed doors, let these people spit out what they have taken; this money is still of great use to me!

Translate: "Speaking frankly behind closed doors, let these people spit out what they have taken in; this money I still have great use for!"

Wenlong, this important task is entrusted to you! The figure of 13,298 people is definitely not the true number of those receiving 'empty salary.' Take Yike City as an example: Wuxian County has over 300 people receiving empty salary, and with more than ten counties in the city, we estimate there are 3,000–5,000 such individuals, not counting those in the city proper, so the number is only higher, not lower. Across the province's dozen or so cities, plus provincial departments, the total will certainly exceed 30,000. Even if each person receives two years of empty salary, at least 3 billion yuan could be recovered.

Translate: "Wenlong, this important task is yours! The figure of 13,298 is absolutely not the true number of those drawing empty pay; take Yike City as an example: Wu County has over 300 drawing empty pay, and with more than ten counties in the city, the estimate is 3,000–5,000 drawing empty pay; adding the city proper, the number can only be higher, not lower. With more than ten cities in the province plus the provincial departments, the total will certainly exceed 30,000; even if each person draws two years of empty pay, at least 3 billion can be recovered."

Note: 'ten-odd' was translated as 'more than ten'. Good.

The Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection must be ruthless and resolute, allowing no one to slip through the net! We must clearly tell those cadres receiving 'empty salary' that if they do not voluntarily disclose the issue and return illegal income, once the commission uncovers it, their only fate will be dismissal. Grassland Province will absolutely not tolerate anyone taking what they are not entitled to!

Translate: "The Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee must be ruthless and resolute, allowing no one to slip through the net! It must clearly tell those cadres drawing empty pay that if they do not voluntarily explain the issues and return illegal income, once the Committee uncovers them, their only fate is dismissal! Grassland Province will absolutely not tolerate anyone taking what they do not deserve."

Du Wenlong replied solemnly: 'Good!' Just one word is enough; among our own people there's no need for pretense.

Translate: "Du Wenlong replied solemnly: 'Good!' A single word sufficed; among our own, no pretense is needed."

After the discussion on 'empty salary' concluded, Organization Department Head Shang Youyang reported on the comprehensive target responsibility assessment work, opening the document and saying: 'This year our province's annual assessment has innovated its mechanism, adopting an 'eight-in-one' model to achieve a single evaluation that determines the outcome, which is a first nationwide.'

Translate: "After the discussion on 'drawing empty pay' concluded, Organization Department Head Shang Youyang reported on the comprehensive target responsibility assessment work, opening the document and saying: 'This year our province's annual assessment has innovated its mechanism, adopting an 'Eight-in-One' model to achieve a single evaluation that determines the outcome—a first nationwide.'"

The Provincial Assessment Leadership Group, adhering to the principles of using assessment to clarify direction, guide conduct, and promote progress, on January 25 formed 12 assessment teams led by members of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and vice governors, which were dispatched to all cities and provincial units to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of eight major categories comprising 62 assessment indicators, with quantitative work accounting for 85 points and qualitative work for 15 points……

Translate: "The Provincial Assessment Leading Group, adhering to the principles of using assessment to clarify direction, guide conduct, and promote progress, on January 25 formed twelve assessment teams led by members of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee and Deputy Provincial Governors, which were dispatched to cities and provincial units to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the eight categories and sixty-two assessment indicators, with quantitative work accounting for 85 points and qualitative work for 15 points……"

According to the scoring results, Wuda City, Yun Valley City, and He Lun City rank among the top three cities, while Qing City, Zhelimu City, and He Shui City are at the bottom three, with He Shui City being last. Among provincial departments, the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, the Provincial Party Committee General Office, and the Provincial Government General Office occupy the top three spots, while the Provincial Market Supervision Bureau, the Provincial Commerce Department, and the Provincial Development and Reform Commission are in the bottom three, with the Provincial Development and Reform Commission ranking last.

Translate: "According to the scoring results, Wuda City, Cloud Valley City, and He Lun City rank among the top three cities, while Azure City, Zhelimu City, and River Bend City occupy the bottom three, with River Bend City being last; among provincial departments, the Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee, the Provincial Party Committee General Office, and the Provincial Government General Office are the top three, while the Provincial Market Supervision Bureau, the Provincial Commerce Bureau, and the Provincial Development and Reform Commission are the bottom three, with the Provincial Development and Reform Commission ranking last."

Upon hearing this result, Governor Luo Shiyu nodded thoughtfully and said: 'We should better leverage the assessment as a 'command baton,' 'wind vane,' and 'propeller' to guide the entire province to press forward and work diligently. This year, the completion of various indicators in Grassland Province has been far from satisfactory; as the overall lead department for economic development, the Development and Reform Commission has indeed failed to play its due role, so being ranked last is understandable. As for He Shui City, among its main economic indicators, 12 items rank in the bottom three among all cities, truly a case of 'mud that cannot be helped up the wall.' I have reviewed this scoring, and it is fair and convincing; I agree with this ranking.'

Translate: "Upon hearing this result, Governor Luo Shiyu nodded thoughtfully and said: 'We should better leverage the assessment's role as a command baton, wind vane, and accelerator to urge the entire province to press on and work diligently. This year, the completion of Grassland Province's various indicators has been far from ideal; the Development and Reform Commission, as the lead department for economic development, has indeed failed to play its due role, so ranking last is understandable. As for River Bend City, among its main economic indicators, twelve rank in the bottom three among cities, truly a case of mud that cannot be helped onto the wall. I have reviewed this scoring, and it is fair and convincing; I agree with this ranking.'"

Du Wenlong said: 'The Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection participated throughout the scoring of all assessment teams; it can be said that this year's annual target responsibility assessment procedure was standardized, standards were public, the process was transparent, and the results were just. I agree with the assessment results.'

Translate: "Du Wenlong said: 'The Provincial Discipline Inspection Committee participated throughout the scoring of all assessment teams; it can be said that this year's annual target responsibility assessment procedure is standardized, standards are public, the process is transparent, and the results are just; I agree with the assessment results.'"

Lu Fan said: 'We should use the assessment results as an important basis for cadre selection, appointment, and commendation of excellence, clearly establishing the assessment orientation that 'those who act have a position, those who are capable can advance, and the excellent are prioritized.' We must uphold both rewarding excellence and punishing poor performance, using rewards and penalties to promote positive motivation and coercive measures in an organic combination. Furthermore, we should increase rewards for outstanding units and individuals, especially frontline units and personnel with outstanding contributions, to cultivate models and boost morale; for units lagging in indicator rankings, we should differentiate circumstances and give reminders, talks, and ultimately organizational action, thereby genuinely strengthening the high-pressure deterrence and rigid constraint of assessment results.'

Translate: "Lu Fan said: 'We must take the assessment results as an important basis for cadre selection, appointment, and commendation of excellence, clearly establishing the assessment orientation that 'the capable have a place, the competent can rise, the excellent come first,' persisting in rewarding excellence and punishing poor performance alike, using rewards for the excellent and penalties for the poor to organically combine positive motivation with coercive pressure. Furthermore, we should increase rewards for outstanding units and individuals, especially frontline units and personnel with outstanding contributions, to cultivate models and boost morale; for units lagging in indicator rankings, we will differentiate circumstances, give reminders, hold talks, and ultimately take organizational action, thereby truly enhancing the high-pressure deterrent and rigid constraint of the assessment results.'"

Before the assessment, the Provincial Party Committee had already established the 'three-article agreement': the last-place finisher would be removed from office on the spot. I suggest removing the Provincial Development and Reform Commission director and the He Shui City Party Committee secretary from their posts, first placing them in reserve at the Provincial Party Organization Department for later discretionary use.

Translate: "Before the assessment, the Provincial Party Committee had already established the 'three stipulations': the last-place finisher would be removed from office on the spot, saying they would do as they said. I suggest removing the director of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission and the party secretary of River Bend City from their posts, first placing them in the reserve of the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department, to be used as deemed appropriate later."

Du Wenlong was the first to express support, saying: 'Only by issuing orders that must be followed, making no compromises, giving no discounts, and leaving no loopholes can the assessment truly function as a 'command baton' and 'tightening spell.' I agree with removing these two individuals from their posts.'

Translate: "Du Wenlong was the first to express support, saying: 'Only with orders carried out and prohibitions enforced, without making exceptions, giving discounts, or leaving loopholes, can the assessment truly function as a command baton and a tight-fitting spell; I agree with removing these two individuals from their posts.'"

Shang Youyang said: 'The superior organization department has issued the Notice on Improving and Promoting High-Quality Development Performance Assessment, which clearly stipulates that we must promote the correct orientation of 'the capable rise, the excellent are rewarded, the mediocre are demoted, and the inferior are eliminated,' guiding leading cadres at all levels to firmly establish a correct performance view, continually enhancing their ability and level to implement new development concepts, and improving institutional execution and governance capacity. I agree with the Provincial Party Committee's opinion on their handling.'

Translate: "Shang Youyang said: 'The superior organization department issued the notice on improving and promoting performance evaluation for high-quality development, which clearly stipulates promoting the correct orientation of 'the capable rise, the excellent are rewarded, the mediocre are demoted, the poor are eliminated,' guiding leading cadres at all levels to firmly establish a correct performance view, continually enhancing their ability to implement new development concepts, and improving institutional execution and governance capacity; I agree with the Provincial Party Committee's handling opinion on them.'"

Luo Shiyu naturally would not dampen spirits, saying: 'Assessment is the 'touchstone' for testing cadres; we must firmly implement rewards and punishments—those deserving rewards must be rewarded in full, genuinely boosting morale and vigor; those deserving punishment must be punished clearly, truly generating pressure and motivation, thereby forging a cadre corps of faith, conviction, discipline, and responsibility. I agree with removing them from their posts.'

Translate: "Luo Shiyu naturally would not dampen spirits, saying: 'Assessment is the touchstone for testing cadres; we must firmly implement rewards and penalties—those deserving rewards must be rewarded in full, truly boosting morale and vigor; those deserving penalties must be punished clearly, truly generating pressure and motivation, in order to forge a cadre team of ironclad faith, ironclad conviction, ironclad discipline, and ironclad responsibility; I agree with removing them from their posts.'"

Seeing that everyone was in agreement, Lu Fan said: 'The Organization Department and the Commission for Discipline Inspection will immediately proceed with the procedures to remove the Provincial Development and Reform Commission director and the He Shui City Party Committee secretary from their posts, with alternative assignments! The Development and Reform Commission bears great responsibility; at present the key task is to interface with the 2027 assessment indicator issuance, requiring capable cadres to take charge. I propose that, for the time being, the Provincial Party Deputy Secretary Liu Xianhao temporarily preside over the Development and Reform Commission's work, and the Mayor of He Shui City, Li Peilin, temporarily preside over the He Shui

Translate: "Seeing everyone's unanimous opinion, Lu Fan said: 'The Organization Department and Discipline Inspection Committee will immediately proceed with the procedures to remove the director of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission and the party secretary of River Bend City from their posts, with alternative assignments! The Provincial Development and Reform Commission bears great responsibility; the key task at present is to interface with the 2027 assessment indicator issuance, requiring capable cadres to take charge. I propose that, for now, the Deputy Secretary-General of the Provincial Party Committee, Liu Xianhao, temporarily preside over the work of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, and the mayor of River Bend City, Li Peilin, temporarily preside over the work of the River Bend City Party Committee. The Provincial Party Committee Organization Department should promptly select suitable candidates to fill key positions, including Haiwu City.'"

Since it's not a formal appointment, it doesn't need to be discussed by the Standing Committee; the Provincial Party Committee has discretionary authority over major work. Lu Fan is currently enjoying a high profile and is also in a honeymoon period with the governor, so his proposal was naturally approved unanimously.

Translate: "This is not a formal appointment, so no need to discuss it at the Standing Committee meeting; the Provincial Party Committee has discretionary authority for major works, and Lu Fan is currently in the limelight, moreover in a honeymoon period with the governor, so his proposal naturally passes unanimously."

With the Spring Festival approaching, on the morning of February 1, Deputy Secretary of the Grassland Provincial Party Committee Lu Fan paid a friendly visit to retired provincial-level cadres, sending holiday greetings and best wishes to all retired comrades and veteran officials across the region.

Translate: "As the Spring Festival approaches, on the morning of February 1, Grassland Province Party Committee Deputy Secretary Lu Fan cordially visited provincial-level retired elders, extending festival greetings and best wishes to all retired elders and cadres throughout the region."

In the afternoon, Lu Fan visited the border defense outpost in He Lun City, warmly greeting and comforting the troops, conveying sincere greetings from the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government to the stationed border guards and sending New Year blessings.

Translate: "In the afternoon, Lu Fan went to the border defense outpost in He Lun City, cordially visiting and consoling the border guards, representing the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government in extending sincere greetings to the troops holding their posts, and conveying New Year blessings."

"Happy New Year! On behalf of the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government, I wish you all a happy Spring Festival!" As soon as Lu Fan stepped out of the car, he conveyed his best wishes to the soldiers on duty at the outpost. He said that while families gather for reunions, border guards remain on duty, defending the nation's frontiers, and they have worked hard. Without the selfless dedication of the broad ranks of soldiers and officers, there would be no peace and stability at the border, nor a safe and comfortable life for the people; the country and its people thank you. He hopes everyone will continue to uphold fine traditions, remember their original aspirations and mission, faithfully fulfill their duties, and safeguard border security.

Translate: "'Happy New Year! I, on behalf of the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government, wish everyone a happy New Year!' Lu Fan, upon stepping out of the vehicle, extended beautiful wishes to the border guards on duty. He said that at the moment of family reunions, border guards continue to guard the borders and defend the nation's frontiers; everyone has worked hard. Without the selfless dedication of the broad ranks of soldiers, there would be no border peace or people's peaceful livelihood; the motherland and its people thank you. May you continue to carry forward fine conduct, remember your original aspirations and mission, faithfully fulfill your duties, and safeguard border security."

Lu Fan shook hands and chatted warmly with each border guard. He inspected the kitchen, dining hall, and soldiers' quarters, checking whether the refrigerators had fresh vegetables, feeling if the heating was warm, asking if the drinking water had been purified, and getting a detailed picture of the electricity, communications, transportation, and other support conditions, while inquiring about any specific difficulties. Lu Fan stressed to the Municipal Party Committee Secretary Zhou Hao and Mayor Huang Hongwen that safeguarding those who defend the border is an inescapable duty; the municipal Party Committee and government must earnestly carry out all support and service work, serving as a strong backing for the troops and soldiers.

Translate: "Lu Fan shook hands and conversed amiably with each border guard. He entered the kitchen, dining hall, and soldiers' barracks to check whether the refrigerators contained fresh vegetables, feel whether the heating was warm, ask whether drinking water had been purified, and gain a detailed understanding of the guarantees for electricity, communications, transportation, etc., inquiring about any specific difficulties. Lu Fan emphasized to Municipal Party Secretary Zhou Haoshu and Mayor Huang Hongwen that safeguarding the personnel who defend the borders is our inescapable duty; the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government must truly carry out various service support work, serving as a strong backing for the troops and soldiers."

Lu Fan also climbed the outpost's watchtower, carefully inspecting the duty facilities and gaining a detailed understanding of the duty situation. He sincerely emphasized that military-political and military-civilian unity is our political advantage; when the military and civilians are united as one, who can stand against us? It is precisely because of the countless soldiers who selflessly devote themselves, defend the home and the country, and sacrifice their small families for the greater good, that our nation enjoys peace and stability and the people enjoy safety and happiness.

Translate: "Lu Fan also climbed the outpost's watchtower to carefully inspect the duty facilities and gain a detailed understanding of the duty situation. He earnestly emphasized that military-political and military-civilian unity is our political advantage; when the military and civilians unite as one, who under heaven could oppose them! Precisely because there are tens of millions of soldiers who selflessly dedicate themselves, defend the home and the nation, sacrificing the small family for the greater good, comes the nation's peace and tranquility and the people's peaceful happiness."

After the inspection ended, Lu Fan met in the hotel with Municipal Party Secretary Zhou Haoshu, Mayor Huang Hongwen, Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee Wei Ruodai, and Secretary of the Municipal Discipline Inspection Committee Li Jun, listening to their words, observing their actions, probing their hearts; in fact, this trip had the purpose of inspecting cadres, increasing control over the whole province.