Chapter 1005: Su Yang Takes a Bribe?

Zhang Jiangbo said lightly, "Don't make this a thing; we're comrades in the same team, just with different organizational duties, so don't turn it into a class hierarchy."

He almost repeated what Zhao Nanxing had just said, but the meaning was completely different.

This was originally a very serious meeting room, but with all this commotion, some people couldn't help but want to laugh, yet they could only force themselves to hold it in.

After Zhang Jiangbo sat down he said, "Comrades, I called you here today for a meeting, but there's nothing particularly important; under normal circumstances it wouldn't even need to go to the Standing Committee—comrades could just meet privately and settle it."

"But you all know the situation in Lieshan Xian; whatever happens gets examined under a microscope, you can pick a bone out of an egg, let alone the fact that we indeed have some problems."

"In the past two days we've received some public feedback alleging that the leadership of our County Party Committee has issues of interest exchange. I won't hide it here; after all, we solve problems behind closed doors, so we're not afraid this family disgrace will be exposed."

"According to the public feedback, they're referring to the current projects for the county seat's main roads—repair, widening, hardening, and street lighting."

"Under normal procedures, a project involving over a million would have to go through a formal bidding process, then multiple rounds of screening, expert reviews from the industry and our government leaders, various horizontal and vertical comparisons, and finally select a qualified company to carry it out."

"In fact, this project didn't go through the formal process; instead, our own Su Yang, on a whim, handed the two public‑works contracts to local native contractors."

"Comrades, you all know the state of our county; if this were ordinary, it wouldn't be a big deal—frankly, which county doesn't operate like this? But our county has endless issues, and it's not just the Municipal Party Committee; even the Provincial Party Committee is watching us."

"Your way of slapping a seal on a project, we might understand, but can the Municipal and Provincial leaders understand? Moreover, if there's bribery, receipt of bribes, or illicit benefit transfers involved, it becomes even more indefensible."

"Comrade Su Yang, this matter happened to you; please step forward and give everyone an explanation—was there any exchange of interests? Any illegal operation? Any acceptance of others' benefits?"

"Also, I want to ask, Comrade Hou Junlai of our Discipline Inspection Commission—did you know about this? Did anyone inform you? Is the Discipline Inspection Commission turning a blind eye or deaf to it?"

"Furthermore, at that time our county's Party Committee members weren't all present due to special circumstances; only four comrades were there. Among the four, Secretary Zhou holds the highest position—did Secretary Zhou hear any rumors about this?"

"Moreover, as the Organization Department, although not as special as the Discipline Inspection Commission, shouldn't the head of the Organization Department, as a County Party Committee Standing Committee member, have some supervisory authority over our county cadres?"

What a fellow, with that one mouthful he immediately dragged Su Yang, Zhou Yanru, Hou Junlai and Chen Bo all into it. That move was a full‑blown group attack, something he hadn't done even when he first arrived, despite his imposing demeanor.

It seems today he has absolute confidence and a sure‑win mindset. That not only caught Su Yang and the others off guard, but also Zhao Nanxing.

Zhao Nanxing thought to himself, "This time you better have a trump card you can play, otherwise this Standing Committee meeting won't be so dignified."

Chen Bo and Su Yang exchanged a glance; just as Chen Bo was about to speak, Su Yang said, "Secretary Zhang, regarding this matter I had intended to convene a Standing Committee meeting in advance, to explain to Secretary Zhang, County Magistrate Zhao, and all comrades."

"Since it's already been raised, I'll openly and frankly admit the issue in front of everyone. Regarding this project, I personally led the launch and handed it directly to the two local engineering teams. We didn't follow the procedures; that's an objective fact."

"I don't deny that point. But at the time we were considering our tight schedule and heavy tasks; if we had to convene a review committee or go through a bidding process, I estimate the project still wouldn't have been launched by now. Dragging it out like this, we probably wouldn't finish the road by year‑end."

That's not a good sign for attracting investment. Of course, the responsibility lies with me, and I will bear it entirely—whether it's a warning, a penalty, or a major demerit, it's all the same.

"But in the end I must clarify that this matter has nothing to do with the other comrades. At that time I was in charge of the county work, Secretary Zhou was sorting out other matters, and the Organization Department was busy with personnel brewing and assessment of the county's vacant posts."

"The Discipline Inspection Commission is even more involved, because of Geng Miao's case—there are over a dozen Section Chief Level and Deputy Section Level cadres, all of which keep our Discipline Inspection comrades busy."

Chen Bo was getting a bit anxious; with Su Yang taking on such a massive responsibility, if the punishment is actually imposed, others probably won't be able to share the burden.

Moreover, she knows that someone like Su Yang is expected to be transferred elsewhere before the end of the year; if he were to be penalized, it would set him back at least a year or more. Now that Su Yang has taken the discussion this far, whatever she says can't salvage the situation.

That's the effect Zhang Jiangbo wanted; he had expected a verbal duel, but Su Yang's straightforward admission surprised him, and he felt quite pleased.

"Comrade Su Yang, your attitude is good—you dare to act and take responsibility. But as far as I know, it's not just that. According to public feedback, these two construction firms lack any qualifications and are wholly incapable; in the end they're just a makeshift troupe."

"The reason they could get such hardening projects is that they actually gave you benefits. I also checked with the two foremen; they personally admitted giving you gifts and cash. One named Zhang Dahai gave 50,000 yuan, and another named Liu Mi gave 68,000 yuan."

Now even Su Yang was shocked; he had never dealt with these so‑called foremen. Saying they lack qualifications may be true, but claiming they gave him gifts is baseless. The total of over a hundred thousand yuan—who would need that kind of petty cash? He's not a man short of such money.

"But for them to speak up now, they must have evidence in hand," she said. "Secretary Zhang, I truly never received their money. If they say otherwise, I think they must have been incited or threatened by someone. Moreover, if this were really done, the Discipline Inspection Commission would uncover it, and I don't want to bear the charge of taking bribes. So I'll apply for an investigation by the relevant departments of the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission."