Chapter 785: Wang Qigang Plays Power Games

To avoid a direct confrontation with Wang Qigang, Shi Liantang did not want to bring the sensitive issue up for discussion.

But under Lin Dongfan's questioning.

He also had no room to evade.

He could only steel himself to answer: "Based on what we currently know, the situation mainly involves several construction firms, demolition companies, and… relevant personnel of the Zhao Group."

"The Zhao Group."

Lin Dongfan repeated it, turning his gaze to Wang Qigang: "Secretary Wang, I recall that three years ago, when I was still at National Fortune Technology, the Zhao Group bid for the national-level smart energy project, and I already found serious problems with their technical solution. How large is this group's business scale in Wuzhou?"

Wang Qigang's expression unchanged: "The Zhao Group is one of Wuzhou's key enterprises. Over the years it has made huge contributions to local economic development, employment, and tax revenue."

Saying that, Wang Qigang gave an unconvinced smile.

The conversation turned lively: "As the saying goes, 'In a big forest, all kinds of birds appear.' Likewise, a large company is bound to have some individuals whose conduct is not up to standard, and this should be distinguished from the company itself."

"I agree that we should distinguish them."

Lin Dongfan nodded.

Suddenly shifting tone: "But what if an individual's misconduct already constitutes a crime? What if such conduct has also received protection and indulgence from some law‑enforcement personnel?"

The air in the meeting room suddenly tightened.

Wang Qigang's smile faded a little: "Comrade Dongfan, what do you mean?"

Lin Dongfan took out a document from his briefcase.

Only two pages.

He pushed the document to the center of the table:

"This is the preliminary result of last night's surprise interrogation.

According to Li Chuangen's confession, he accepted bribes from Wang Lao San, the person in charge of the demolition company under the Zhao Group, with the cash alone exceeding two million yuan.

Lao San also admitted that, in the Liu Jianjun death case, he directed the investigating officers to downplay major issues, characterizing a case that might involve intentional injury as an ordinary civil dispute."

Saying this, Lin Dongfan intensified his tone:

"This is not merely a work‑style issue; it involves suspected bribery, abuse of power, and perverting the course of justice! Moreover, this is likely just the tip of the iceberg. The Zhao Group has operated in Wuzhou for years, forming an interest network with law‑enforcement personnel like Li Chuangen—who knows how many similar problems lie behind it?"

Fan Ye really doesn't give face, aiming straight at the heart—his questioning made Wang Qigang angry from the heart, and his face naturally darkened.

In Wang Qigang's view:

Lin Dongfan isn't discussing the issue; he's being overbearing! He's assigning blame!

The implication is that he, Wang Qigang, has been tolerating Zhao Tianyu's illegal operations—and even suspects that Wang Qigang and Zhao Tianyu are in cahoots!

A nameless anger rose in Wang Qigang's heart, then he pressed it down.

As the Municipal Party Committee Secretary, although he is Wuzhou's top leader, directly confronting Lin Dongfan head‑on is not a wise move!

It's not a matter of whether he can endure or wants to endure; behind Lin Dongfan stands Lin Zhenhua, so even if he cannot bear it, he must endure.

Having thought this through in silence,

Wang Qigang forced out a faint smile and continued along Lin Dongfan's line: "If the situation is true, then the nature is even more serious. The Discipline Inspection Commission must dig deep and investigate thoroughly, no matter who is involved, to the very end."

Wang Qigang picked up the Leading Group proposal again.

He added: "Therefore, establishing this Leading Group is all the more necessary and urgent. Not only must we rectify work style, but we must also dig deep into the underlying interest chain."

Lin Dongfan looked at Wang Qigang; their gazes collided silently in the air.

"Secretary Wang, I agree to establish the Leading Group." Lin Dongfan finally stated: "This is indeed a necessary measure for deepening rectification and systematically solving problems."

Wang Qigang's face showed a relieved smile.

Like a broad‑minded elder seeing a subordinate grow: "Good, Comrade Dongfan has this awareness, and we now have the basis for unified thinking."

However……

What Wang Qigang did not expect was that Lin Dongfan suddenly shifted the topic again.

Directly breaking down the division of authority:

"Given the complexity of the issue and the possible depth involved, I suggest that the Leading Group's structure and authority need clearer division of labor, to ensure the rectification work reaches the heart of the problem, not just goes through the motions."

After a brief pause.

Lin Dongfan then put forward a concrete proposal:

"First, the Leading Group Office should not be merely a coordinating body.

but should possess independent authority to verify leads and conduct preliminary investigations, able to directly connect with letters‑and‑visits, audit, and even the investigation stage of specific cases, with all units required to cooperate unconditionally.

"Second, to thoroughly investigate any industry‑wide or systemic risks that might emerge from the Li Chuangen case, the Leading Group should have the right to demand a retrospective review of law‑enforcement and approval files for specific enterprises and time periods.

For example……

such as items related to the Zhao Group, which had close dealings with Li Chuangen.

"Third, under the unified leadership of the Municipal Party Committee, the Leading Group should be granted the authority to temporarily coordinate relevant law‑enforcement forces for major, urgent leads during the rectification period.

and to establish a fast‑track reporting channel directly to the Leading Group, to avoid delays caused by layered reporting."

These three suggestions look simple.

In fact, each one is an attempt to give the soon‑to‑be‑established Leading Group "teeth," especially targeting the Zhao Group and setting up a fast‑track channel, trying to bypass possible obstacles.

The meeting room fell quiet again, and everyone's gaze turned to Wang Qigang.

Wang Qigang's smile remained unchanged; he lightly tapped the table with his finger and then, in a tone of putting the bigger picture first, said: "Comrade Dongfan has considered this very thoroughly, showing a highly responsible attitude toward work. These ideas all aim to make the work more solid, and in principle I support them……"

Supporting in principle means it's actually unworkable.

Wang Qigang didn't hide anything either.

Then came the next sentence:

"But we also need to pay attention to methods and measures, and keep a good sense of proportion."

The Leading Group carries out its work under the leadership of the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee; this is the fundamental principle.

Specific delineation of authority—especially matters like mobilizing law‑enforcement personnel or reviewing case files—must be carried out strictly in accordance with existing laws and regulations, through standard procedures.

This turn, although made quite smoothly, made the atmosphere in the whole meeting room much more solemn.

Needle point against wheat awn!

Everyone present held their breath, silently watching Wang Qigang and Lin Dongfan in their power struggle.

Wang Qigang remained very composed.

He then turned to look at the Organization Department head and the Political and Legal Affairs Commission secretary, his tone becoming earnest: "We cannot, for the sake of investigating one issue, lightly break the existing, effective work order and power operation rules. Otherwise, it may cause new chaos and affect overall work. My opinion is……"

When he got to the point, Wang Qigang sat up straight.

He gave out a decisive deployment plan:

"First, the Leading Group's office will be set up under the Municipal Party Committee Office, with Comrade Li Bin of the Municipal Party Committee Office responsible for daily coordination, meeting organization, and document flow."

"This will facilitate the Leading Group's timely and comprehensive implementation of the Municipal Party Committee's decisions and arrangements, and also make it easier for various departments to liaise."

Hearing this, Lin Dongfan smiled without anger.

Wang Qigang placed the Leading Group's office under the direct management of his own confidants, aiming to control the information hub and the rhythm of daily operations.

Lin Dongfan calmly looked at Wang Qigang: "Secretary Wang, please continue."

Wang Qigang spoke slowly:

"Second, besides the deputy leaders of the Leading Group previously agreed upon by all, I suggest adding a division leader from the Procuratorate."

"Professional issues in the political and legal system require professional oversight to ensure every step can withstand legal scrutiny."

Hearing this, Lin Dongfan continued to remain silent.

Wang Qigang's bringing in conservatives to join the Leading Group is merely to dilute Lin Dongfan's influence and increase internal checks and balances.

Wang Qigang then continued:

"Third, regarding the specific investigation work, of course it needs to be thorough."

"All leads related to the Li Chuan-gen case must be pursued by the Discipline Inspection Commission in accordance with law and regulations, to the end, with the Leading Group responsible for supervision."

"As for the 're-examination' of past projects of certain enterprises mentioned by Comrade Dongfan, the Leading Group may propose suggestions, which after procedural approval can be handed over to the relevant functional departments to carry out in accordance with law and regulations."

"We must both clarify the problems and protect the legitimate operations of law-abiding enterprises, safeguarding the overall business environment."

Upon hearing this, Lin Dongfan almost jumped up and slammed the table!

The right to re-examine cases is a key power of the Leading Group; Wang Qigang has downgraded it from 'direct investigation authority' to 'proposal authority,' which must go through the approval process before being handed over to the functional departments to take charge.

By setting up multiple buffers, he has indirectly weakened Lin Dongfan's control.

Damn it!

Could it be that Wang Qigang really has ulterior motives?

Before Lin Dongfan could devise a countermeasure.

Wang Qigang then said:

"Fourth, all major decisions and important progress must be promptly reported to the full meeting of the Leading Group, and even to the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee."

"We must uphold democratic centralism, collective decision-making, and collective responsibility."

"Comrade Dongfan, how do you find this arrangement?"

"It both gives the Leading Group the necessary working space and ensures that all work proceeds smoothly, orderly, and in depth under the strong leadership of the Municipal Party Committee."

"As the Executive Deputy Group Leader, you are to take the lead; you should shoulder more responsibility and worry about the concrete work, raise any difficulties promptly, and the Municipal Party Committee will be your strongest backing."

"!!!"

Lin Dongfan, whose mind is as deep as an abyss, was momentarily speechless.

He now has to admit that he indeed underestimated Wang Qigang's political scheming; Wang Qigang's tight-knit arrangement is spoken of as righteous and flawless.

On the surface, he gives full support and full authority.

In reality, through institutional setup, personnel arrangements, procedural control, and reporting mechanisms, he has firmly confined Lin Dongfan's actual operational space as Executive Deputy Group Leader within a controllable range.

All the standing committee members present also understood the subtleties, their eyes subtly shifting between Lin Dongfan and Wang Qigang.

Lin Dongfan himself knows that he has lost this confrontation today.

Wang Qigang, relying on his authority as the top leader and the home-field advantage, has already maximally locked down the situation; whether directly confronting or refuting these 'reasonable' arrangements, it would be irrational.

After a moment of silent thought.

"Following the principle of advancing by retreating, Lin Dongfan calmly nodded at Wang Qigang: 'Secretary Wang has considered this very thoroughly, clarifying responsibilities and emphasizing rules; I fully agree with this arrangement. The Leading Group will, under the leadership of the Municipal Party Committee, fulfill its duties conscientiously and carry out the rectification work thoroughly and meticulously.'"

All kinds of setbacks or dissatisfaction, if vented on the spot, would be a foolish act.

Obviously, Master Fan does not want to become a laughingstock.