Chapter 306: Bystanders Are Fired Up!
Returning home in the evening, Tang Ye received a call from Wan Ming.
Wan Ming's tone carried a sense of relaxation and relief.
"I have brought that brat Zhang Jinbiao under control. He was promoted single-handedly by Chen Bo; back then, Chen Bo arranged many shady jobs for him, and it was also he who arranged for people to hit my wife and daughter."
Tang Ye understood Wan Ming's state of mind.
He had gone to Suiyuan to serve as Public Security Bureau Chief, much like a lion entering a hyena den—he had the intent to kill, but he could not withstand the fact that the opposition was numerous and powerful, and they loved using dirty tricks!
"You've only just taken office, and you've already removed a Deputy Bureau Chief; that's quite a ruthless way to establish your authority!" Tang Ye teased.
"I didn't expect it either! I can only say that the problems in Suiyuan are too severe," Wan Ming sighed. "I heard the Finance Bureau has also run into trouble?"
Tang Ye smiled faintly, "Five hundred million is unaccounted for; someone must come forward to take responsibility."
Wan Ming took a deep breath, "Back when I was in Tianling County, I felt there were a mountain of problems. Now I've discovered that the problems in Suiyuan are even more severe."
Tang Ye thought to himself, this was the reason why the province chose to have Zhou Chengwu parachuted into Hanzhou.
They were even worried that Zhou Chengwu would be unable to stand alone, so they arranged for Jiang Jing to come and provide support!
On Tuesday morning, Tang Ye accompanied Jiang Jing as they stepped into the meeting venue for the municipal finance system.
Because Lin Ru was present, out of etiquette, Tang Ye unobtrusively stepped back a few paces, positioning himself in a slightly peripheral spot.
However, his gaze was burning and his ears were pricked up, focusing his entire attention on Jiang Jing, not missing a single word.
Walking into the spacious conference room, Tang Ye quietly took a seat in the corner.
At this moment, Cao Zhengchun stood at the front to preside over the meeting. His voice was loud and resonant, carrying a hint of deliberate flattery: "Today, Mayor Jiang and the various comrades from the Municipal Government have come to our bureau to inspect and guide our work. Below, let us welcome Mayor Jiang to give important instructions on our bureau's work with warm applause!"
Jiang Jing swept his gaze steadily across the room and began to speak: "Comrades, I believe you have all heard about the financial problems in Suiyuan County. The Municipal Party Committee attaches great importance to this, and Secretary Zhou has specifically issued instructions requiring a comprehensive review of the municipal finance system.
Next, regarding the reform of the municipal finance system, I will emphasize three aspects: First, strengthen budget management; second, innovate investment and financing mechanisms; third, strengthen capital supervision..."
Tang Ye listened intently, waves of emotion surging in his heart.
Jiang Jing's speech today was closely related to the municipal finance system report he had submitted a few weeks ago.
However, the leader stood at a higher level and, with a broader perspective, further sublimated those ideas.
The wonderful thing about being a Secretary lies in this: even though one is always in a supporting role, one can witness those ideas, into which one poured one's heart and blood, being pushed forward layer by layer and implemented on the ground.
It is just like challenging a powerful enemy across levels in a fantasy novel, filled with an indescribable sense of achievement.
Jiang Jing's tone suddenly deepened, "Everyone, finance is the lifeblood of a city's development; once problems arise, the city's development will be fraught with crises.
Everyone knows the situation in Suiyuan County; individual cadres in the Finance Bureau colluded with businessmen, forged project data, and embezzled financial appropriations.
This kind of unhealthy trend must be resolutely curbed!
Comrade Zhengchun, as the Director of the Finance Bureau, you must not only grasp the operational work well but also attach importance to the development of work style.
Our cadres must strictly observe the bottom line; money that should be spent must be spent reasonably and in compliance with regulations; money that should not be spent must not be touched by even a cent!"
Fine beads of sweat seeped out on Cao Zhengchun's forehead, and his back was already soaked through with cold sweat.
He knew clearly in his heart that Jiang Jing's visit this time was an inspection on the surface, but in reality, it was to knock him down a peg.
The structure of the finance system was intricate and complex.
Although Jiang Jing was the supervising leader, the Provincial Department of Finance held more weight over the municipal finance system.
Moreover, in his daily work, Cao Zhengchun had a close relationship with Xiao Jingyu; for the signing process of many projects, he would bypass Jiang Jing and report directly to Xiao Jingyu.
After matters were decided upon, Xiao Jingyu would then convey them to Jiang Jing in the form of an order.
Once Jiang Jing raised objections to a decision or refused to cooperate, Xiao Jingyu would invent excuses at government meetings.
He would use the name of collective decision-making to put pressure on Jiang Jing.
Following the exposure of Mingsheng Group and Qin Xue's arrest, she confessed to a massive amount of inside information, and the hidden ills of the finance system were exposed one after another like falling dominoes.
These problems were like a Sword of Damocles hanging over Cao Zhengchun's head, making him live in fear all day long.
Even in such a passive position, Cao Zhengchun still braced himself at the meeting, trying to show his tough stance.
In the eyes of many, a supervising leader and their subordinate should be perfectly in sync and follow orders strictly.
But in reality, cadres in key positions like Cao Zhengchun, who held core authority, were well-versed in the ways of workplace survival.
—Blind obedience would instead lead to a loss of dignity, while appropriately revealing one's personality could actually shape a unique leadership charm.
Moreover, although Jiang Jing had the power of management and supervision over Cao Zhengchun, he was helpless when it came to personnel appointments and removals.
The misalignment between personnel and management power gave Cao Zhengchun the confidence to maneuver.
A seemingly submissive smile hung on the corner of Cao Zhengchun's mouth, but his tone hid a sharp edge:
"Mayor Jiang, I have already taken the spirit of your instructions just now to heart.
However, regarding the financial budget plan and investment and financing strategies, according to regulations, they must be reported in detail to the Provincial Department of Finance, strictly following the province's financial policies.
You also emphasized that the municipal finance system must strictly observe principles and procedures, and we will certainly act according to regulations. I have previously reported the problems in Suiyuan County to Mayor Xiao, and he clearly stated that we cannot blindly push for large-scale reforms because of localized problems."
These words seemed to be expressing his difficulties to Jiang Jing.
In reality, he was using the influence of the Provincial Department of Finance and Xiao Jingyu to secretly refute Jiang Jing's reform proposals.
Jiang Jing had anticipated this long ago; if Cao Zhengchun were not fundamentally insubordinate, he would not have needed to specifically convene this finance work meeting to establish his authority.
Jiang Jing looked straight at Cao Zhengchun!
"The financial problems in Suiyuan County are still in the investigation stage; whether the Municipal Finance Bureau is involved, you know better than anyone.
I hope you will take this as a warning and not repeat the same mistakes. The financial innovation measures I proposed will naturally undergo rigorous verification, and their implementation will also take time, which cannot be separated from the support of the province.
But please remember, the procedural processes of provincial finance must never become a shield for you to remain conservative and resist reform!"
Cao Zhengchun heard the stern warning in Jiang Jing's words, and a chill ran down his back.
No matter what, Jiang Jing's status as the supervising Vice Mayor was there.
Coupled with the fact that the financial problems in Suiyuan County had become a festering sore, if he continued to argue forcefully, it would undoubtedly be adding fuel to the fire.
Weighing the pros and cons, Cao Zhengchun chose to respond with silence.
Jiang Jing is a good leader; these words make her position and attitude clear.
She came to Hanzhou to accomplish something, and since she is in charge of the Ministry of Finance, she must achieve tangible results.
Because the issue with Mingsheng Group was resolved well, Jiang Jing has the authority and determination to reform the Hanzhou financial system.
Although there are heavy difficulties at present, the reform will affect many people's interests and cause many obstacles.
However, Jiang Jing has the breadth of mind and courage of a reformer!
Even though he is a bystander, Tang Ye feels his blood boiling with excitement!
End of Chapter
