Chapter 774: A Proper Arrangement for Song Zhong

Su Yang, just as he was about to leave, suddenly remembered something.

He said to Minister Lu: "Leader, this time we only saw the list of those punished and the details, but I think some comrades might have also performed meritorious deeds this time, right?"

Minister Lu replied: "According to the Municipal Party Committee's view, not punishing everyone outright this time is already good enough; where is there any merit? As for your case, you already know that whether you can advance further is not something our city can decide. If this authority were delegated to the city, I would definitely fight for you."

Su Yang shook his head and said: "It's not about me; I can accept any disciplinary action the Organization imposes on me or anything else. I'm talking about comrade Song Zhong, the captain of the armed police squad who turned the tide on site. If it weren't for him this time, the situation might have truly descended into chaos, and Geng Miao and their informants might have succeeded."

Minister Lu finally realized: "Oh, I see. But his case probably hasn't risen to the Municipal Party Committee level, and it wasn't the Committee that sent him directly; it should be with Secretary Wang. It should be commended within their political-legal system; our Organization Department can't intervene directly, but I will bring it up."

At this point he suddenly realized it wasn't just a simple commendation; if it were merely a commendation, they could go to Wang Huaizhong, no need to discuss it with him. Moreover, Song Zhong's rank isn't high enough to reach the Municipal Party Committee's Organization Department.

He continued: "You mean you want to find a post for Song Zhong, but his current status limits him to the public prosecution and judicial system. We still need his personal consent, and if you need me to coordinate, just let me know."

Su Yang said thank you, then turned and went down the stairs.

This time, Song Zhong undoubtedly performed a great feat, and Zhou Tong's repeated instructions earlier were essentially to use this opportunity to secure a better, more promising position for Song Zhong.

Moreover, although Geng Miao has been eliminated here in Lieshan Xian, Sun Chengjun will soon settle into the position of Deputy Director of the Public Security Bureau, temporarily overseeing the bureau's work as Deputy Director, and later will look for a suitable moment to make the appointment permanent.

If problems arise, you can communicate with Chen Bo then, but before that, a proper arrangement must be made for Song Zhong.

After going down, Su Yang immediately contacted Secretary Sha's secretary, Bai Zhantang, calling several times with no answer. Su Yang knew such a high-ranking official's unfamiliar number would basically go unanswered, so he drafted a message and sent it: "Director Bai, this is Su Yang from Lieshan Xian. I'm coming over to report to Secretary Sha. May I ask when Secretary Sha will be available?"

The moment the message was sent, before the phone was even put back in his pocket, Bai Zhantang called back. Clearly, he knew Su Yang, or Secretary Sha had already briefed him, so he sounded especially enthusiastic on the phone: "County Magistrate Su, hello. I was attending to the leaders just now, so I couldn't answer your call promptly; please forgive me."

Su Yang knew this was just polite talk; given his status, even as a Vice County Magistrate, let alone a Vice Provincial Governor, he might not be so courteous. He hurriedly replied: "Director Bai, no need for the courtesy; I was the one who presumptuously disturbed you."

Director Bai said: "No, no, the leader asked this morning specifically when you would come to the provincial capital; I was just about to call you. The leader has a meeting this morning and another working session in the afternoon; you can come at 4 p. m. The leader explicitly instructed that extra time should be set aside for you."

Su Yang was flattered and startled; even with connections behind him, just being able to meet Secretary Sha was already a favor, let alone being given extra time—what a huge amount of face! No city-level chief or provincial agency leader enjoys that kind of face.

"Then thank you, Director Bai; I will definitely be on time."

From Jinzhou to the provincial capital is only about two hours, so his schedule is relatively free; he simply called Song Zhong and invited him out for a chat. After such a huge help, at least some gratitude is owed.

Song Zhong was very pleased; he had originally wanted to call Su Yang directly, but after thinking he feared it would look like self-promotion. According to Zhou Tong's view, given his temperament, if he didn't take the initiative to approach Su Yang and stayed in the armed police squad, there would be little hope. Since Su Yang's call came, he gladly accepted the appointment.

Half an hour later, Su Yang and Song Zhong met at the tea house they had arranged.

"Brother Song, I should have invited you out long ago, but the county's affairs have been overwhelming lately; I can't get away, please understand. If it weren't for you this time, I might have been finished; those people in our county Public Security Bureau really can do anything, damn it."

"They deliberately tried to fire, hoping to provoke Geng Biao and Geng Le into shooting me. Honestly, I was drenched in cold sweat then; if you hadn't fired in time, I think I would have been dead by now."

Song Zhong sheepishly scratched his head: "County Magistrate Su, where did that come from? Isn't that just my duty? Moreover, Zhou Tong even called me specifically to give instructions; if I have to express gratitude, I must thank you for giving me this chance, otherwise it's training every day, just training."

Su Yang said with a smile: "If that's the case, we're even; no one needs to thank each other. Zhou Tong also mentioned you to me, considering all your qualifications, so I wanted to ask whether you'd be willing to work for the Public Security Bureau? You could go to the municipal bureau or to our Lieshan Xian Public Security Bureau."

"However, if you go to the municipal Public Security Bureau, placement would be difficult and the position wouldn't be guaranteed. If it's the county Public Security Bureau, we can use this personnel adjustment to assign you a suitable post. Of course it's not a very high-ranking post; it would likely be captain of the Public Security Brigade, at Deputy Section Level."

Song Zhong didn't hesitate, replying: "County Magistrate Su, even if it's just as a squad member, I'm fine, as long as I can work with you; I don't care about those things. The main point is you truly serve the Common People. Besides, someone like me wouldn't do well if I were made a leader directly."

He's straightforward, unlike others within the system who always speak evasively. Su Yang especially admires such people: highly professional, yet not overly scheming, and can step up decisively at critical moments.

He said: "In that case, I'll report to the relevant leaders and expedite your appointment to a position within the county."