Chapter 1049: Time to Get the Old Bones Moving

The two elders already knew that Su Yang was being given special attention, and Lao Zhou and Zhou Lao went straight to Qiao Laozi.

In recent years, apart from Su Yang's wedding, the two elders had never gathered together over something like this.

Even though Lao Zhou is currently in a critical period, they still didn't meet to discuss anything, at most a phone call. But this time clearly crossed the two elders' bottom line.

Especially Zhou Lao's fiery temper, he smashed Qiao Laozi's most beloved purple‑clay teapot. After breaking it, he realized it was at Qiao Laozi's house, but Qiao Laozi couldn't even bother with that; he asked anxiously:

"What's going on? Why is the Discipline Inspection Commission being so ruthless? This is just shameless! And isn't Zhou Cheng in the Discipline Inspection Commission? Didn't they ask what the reason actually is?"

Lao Zhou said: "This time it's a joint action by several departments, with the Discipline Inspection Commission taking the lead. Moreover, judging from earlier incidents, they've been plotting for a long time, just waiting for the right opportunity."

"It's also because I never went to Lieshan Xian before to clarify those people's backgrounds. The Former County Magistrate there is fairly close with some members of the Discipline Inspection Commission, but I never leveraged that connection, just waiting for this full‑scale strike. Of course, other schemers also seized the chance to swarm the attack; otherwise how would they dare treat Su Yang that way?"

Afterwards, Lao Zhou recounted in detail to the two elders the matters Su Yang told him today, and added his own analysis.

The two elders, after listening, wore very grim expressions. Especially Qiao Laozi, who is usually extremely amiable and rarely gets angry, but this time was different; he was furious:

"Zhou Weiguo has come this far, facing dangers and even being jointly besieged by them, yet they still kept to the bottom line. This time they blatantly broke the rules, so don't blame me!"

"Lao Zhou, it's about time these old bones get moving, otherwise some people will truly forget us. How about this: I'll personally contact the office, see if the senior leader has time; if so, I'll meet him tomorrow."

Zhou Lao said: "Is what we're doing a bit unorthodox?"

Qiao Laozi said: "They've already knocked on the door, and you're still talking about rules? You're usually quite unreasonable, doing whatever you want; why are you now, in old age, so timid? Moreover, he's someone I once brought up; every year at the Youth League Committee he comes to me personally and checks on my situation."

"I just think there's currently nothing that requires him to step in, but now it's different; I only want justice, others' opinions are actually not that important."

Zhou Lao thought for a moment and said: "Zhou Cheng, then we'll make a trip; we can't let some people think we're truly infirm. But we also need to keep a close eye on Ganzhou Sheng to prevent any unforeseen emergencies."

"Su Yang is not only a tough guy but also stubborn; sometimes he knows something is unwise yet insists on doing it. If he provokes the Discipline Inspection Commission, it might become truly uncontrollable; even if we later restore justice, what good would that be?"

Zhou Weiguo said: "Don't worry, I've already spoken with Xia over the phone; he will keep a close eye on the Investigation Team's situation."

"What about your side? As a Governor in charge of attracting investment, this huge incident—how will you report to the senior officials? Moreover, these projects are now your key support, and a slip‑up is certainly not good for you; some people will definitely use this as a talking point. Looks like this year is indeed a tumultuous one."

Zhou Weiguo said: "I know my own situation; I've roughly guessed the outcome. Anyway, the same old saying—no matter which stage the matter eventually reaches, I can accept it calmly."

Zhou Lao said: "Right, having that awareness is good. Anyway, you're still young; waiting another three to five years isn't impossible."

Qiao Laozi firmly objected: "You've spent your whole life in the troops; the age limits there are strict, but can they compare to Zhou Weiguo's current situation? I've spent a lifetime in Cultivation Organization work, so I know the key points—comrades who truly ascend are already at the round table by age 50, because after that they must undergo another term of training before reaching the core."

"So even if he can squeeze in now, there's a hurdle at 55. If you can't get in now, can you be sure there'll be a chance next term? Even if there is, by then you'll be 60, and the chance becomes even slimmer."

"Therefore this time, we must move forward no matter what; we have to get in first. Many comrades entered the arena in their 40s; Zhou Weiguo isn't exactly a Young and Strong Faction member, just a bit better than others."

"The reason I didn't give many suggestions before was that I thought a step‑by‑step approach would work, but now that so many are causing trouble, it probably won't be that smooth."

"And a good mindset doesn't guarantee a solution. If you think you can wait, others will think you can wait even more, letting you wait five, ten years. Within the System, especially at your level, it's like rowing against the current—no progress means regression. Ten years fly by; if there's no achievement by then, you'll only be moving backward."

Zhou Weiguo felt a bit embarrassed: "Dad, you're right; I haven't seen things that clearly, and I also have my shortcomings."

Qiao Laozi said: "You have your strengths; you've been developing the economy all along, and the country is now vigorously expanding the economy, so you happen to be the talent the nation needs."

"As for the shortcomings you mentioned, everyone has them; some are well hidden, some are obvious, and yours isn't a big deal. Alright, you don't need to worry about these matters any longer; just take care of your own affairs."

Besides the two elders barely sleeping that night, some others in Jingcheng were also busy in various ways. They knew this matter was crucial; the incident in Lieshan Xian was just a shadow, the real drama was here in Jingcheng.

In the city, Zhaikai now has a huge headache. He's never dealt with a high‑level Investigation Team in his life, and they bypassed him to directly inquire about county matters, which makes it clear they distrust the Municipal Party Committee Secretary.

He immediately wanted to check on Su Yang's situation, but with his rank he was blocked. Yet he couldn't just watch the matter unfold, so he urgently convened a Standing Committee meeting.