Chapter 1369: I Demand Equal Treatment!

Gao Guangquan returned home, listless.

The kitchen range hood was running, emitting a series of humming roars.

A rich aroma of food wafted through the dining room.

His son was doing homework on the balcony; seeing Gao Guangquan return, he asked with a smile, "Dad, it's not the weekend, why are you back?"

Gao Guangquan ruffled his son's hair, pushed his negative emotions to the back of his mind, and said with a smile, "I—I came to the county seat for some business today and decided to stop by home. How is your homework coming along?"

His son's face was full of difficulty as he said, "There are two extra-credit questions left, and I can't figure them out."

Gao Guangquan said with a smile, "Let me take a look for you."

Gao Guangquan walked over to his son's side and carefully examined the two extra-credit questions, but after a long while, he still couldn't think of the answers.

Just then, his wife walked out of the kitchen.

Seeing Gao Guangquan's furrowed brows, she laughed softly: "The questions for sixth grade in elementary school now are not low in difficulty."

A strong sense of frustration welled up in Gao Guangquan's heart, and he said helplessly: "It really is too hard; I can't solve them either."

His son said in surprise, "Dad, so you can't figure them out either!"

Hearing the hint of teasing in his son's words, Gao Guangquan felt the frustration surge again and said: "Let's eat first; after we finish eating, I'll ponder them slowly."

His wife helped Gao Guangquan out of the spot, glaring at their son: "Your dad has been tired all day; let him have a good rest!"

The dining table was filled with dishes that Gao Guangquan loved.

However, Gao Guangquan only took a few light bites.

After dinner, Gao Guangquan walked into the study alone.

Not long after, his wife brought in a bowl of mung bean soup.

"Honey, it's hot out, drink some mung bean soup to cool off. You don't look well, and your mood is very bad; did you run into some trouble?"

Gao Guangquan sighed: "The County Party Committee held a Standing Committee meeting today. I originally thought my transfer could be finalized, but I didn't expect things to change again."

His wife comforted him: "Good things take time. What isn't meant for you cannot be forced, and what is meant for you won't run away."

Gao Guangquan clenched his fists and slammed them hard against the corner of the table: "Sigh, things are even worse than you think. At the Standing Committee meeting, County Magistrate Tang made things difficult by using the data falsification in Chenxin Town. The Provincial Government Inspection Team is currently conducting research in Yechuan; I'm afraid I've gotten into big trouble this time."

His wife looked indignant: "Honey, you've worked hard at the grassroots level for so many years; even if there's no credit, there's been toil. Data falsification is a widespread phenomenon. Don't the data of other towns and townships also contain falsification? If they are only targeting you, that's too unfair."

Gao Guangquan sighed: "Although that is the logic, the situation this time is far more complex than you imagine. Data falsification is the surface; the essence is the power struggle between the County Magistrate and the County Party Secretary, and I have become the sacrificial lamb!"

His wife lowered her voice and said: "Why don't you go find Secretary Ding again? Last time Secretary Ding didn't accept the gift, was it because he thought the money was too little?"

Gao Guangquan shook his head and sighed: "I've figured it out now. The reason Ding Zhen didn't accept the money was because he wasn't confident, knowing that this matter might not necessarily be handled for me. He didn't accept it before, so he definitely wouldn't dare to accept it now."

His wife nodded and said: "Do you want to try changing your approach?"

A look of surprise appeared in Gao Guangquan's eyes: "You mean, give a gift to County Magistrate Tang?"

His wife helped Gao Guangquan analyze: "One can never go wrong with being polite. I think you can give it a try."

Gao Guangquan knew he had no other options now.

Yu Jing's attitude was very clear; he would never bother with him again in the future.

He had sent a message to Ding Zhen, but Ding Zhen still hadn't sent a message back.

Encouraged by his wife, Gao Guangquan dialed Tang Ye's mobile number.

"County Magistrate Tang, I am Chenxin Town Party Committee Secretary Gao Guangquan. I apologize for the late-night disturbance; may I ask if it is convenient for you to take a call now?"

Tang Ye was not surprised that Gao Guangquan had taken the initiative to call.

"Comrade Guangquan, feel free to speak your mind."

"I received news that the County Government Working Group discovered that the economic data of Chenxin Town contains falsifications; I would like to explain the reason to you."

"This matter cannot be explained clearly over the phone; it is better to talk in person," Tang Ye said softly. "How about this: tomorrow morning at nine, come to my office to report in person!"

Gao Guangquan nodded and said: "Alright, County Magistrate Tang, I will come to see you tomorrow morning."

After hanging up, Gao Guangquan's expression was grave.

His wife asked softly: "What's wrong? Did it not go well?"

A touch of helplessness appeared at the corner of Gao Guangquan's mouth: "He asked me to go to his office for a face-to-face talk."

His wife understood Gao Guangquan's mood and held his hand: "Honey, whether it's a good thing or a bad thing, I will always stand by your side."

Gao Guangquan felt his wife's support, and the anxiety in his heart lessened quite a bit.

……

The next morning, before Gao Guangquan left the house.

His wife put an envelope into Gao Guangquan's bag.

"There are a few shopping cards in here; if there is a suitable opportunity, give them to County Magistrate Tang."

Gao Guangquan nodded slightly: "I will act according to the situation."

He had some understanding of Tang Ye; this person's style was upright and clean. If he were to rashly give him a gift, there was no telling if he would end up sending himself in.

However, Gao Guangquan could also understand his wife's intention.

——Treating a dead horse as if it were still alive!

Arriving at the County Government, he first found Tang Ye's Liaison Officer, Ma Ran.

After Ma Ran reported it, he led Gao Guangquan to the County Magistrate's office.

Tang Ye raised his hand and pointed to the sofa: "Please sit."

Gao Guangquan sat down cautiously, his buttocks perched on the edge of the sofa.

Ma Ran brought over a cup of hot tea.

Gao Guangquan said quickly: "Thank you."

After Ma Ran left.

Tang Ye placed a document in front of Gao Guangquan: "Comrade Guangquan, this is the assessment material for Chenxin Town. After on-site verification by the County Working Group, it was discovered that the data you reported has a huge discrepancy with the actual situation. I need you to give a reasonable explanation."

Gao Guangquan wore a bitter expression and slowly began, "County Magistrate Tang, I admit that our data has been padded. However, other townships also have instances of inaccurate data reporting. A few years ago, our Chenxin Town followed the rules and reported truthfully, but as a result, we were left behind."

Tang Ye corrected him, "I will arrange for people to verify the situation you have reported. If other townships also have instances of data fabrication, they will be disciplined according to regulations. But this is not an excuse for your own deception."

Gao Guangquan sighed, "Whatever punishment the county has for me, I can accept it, but I have one request: that everyone be treated equally."

Gao Guangquan's stance was very clear; he could admit his mistake.

But!

Other townships must be held accountable as well.

He was banking on the idea that the law does not punish the masses!

Once all townships and subdistricts were punished, the County Government would inevitably lose face.

As County Magistrate, he would also be hard-pressed to escape blame!

Tang Ye remained calm and said slowly,

"I am very disappointed in you!

Look at yourself right now!

You make mistake after mistake, and instead of reflecting on your own problems, you shift the blame!

Is this the level of awareness and responsibility a township leader should have..."