Chapter 786: Prestige—hasn't it just arrived?

Mo Tai was completely dumbfounded. He had expected to be reprimanded by Su Yang today, and even possibly be summoned by the Discipline Inspection Commission for routine questioning.

As the oldest veteran in the Public Security Bureau and also the Political Commissar, he bears responsibility for turning a blind eye to the bureau's murky affairs. He had prepared himself for forced early retirement, but Su Yang's move left him unable to react.

As Public Security Bureau Chief, who wouldn't want that? Ten years ago he already had the qualifications to become chief, but his upright personality repeatedly offended superiors.

Not to mention becoming the incoming chief; even keeping his Political Commissar post required him to exhaust all means. He never expected that, at this final moment, it would actually fulfill his dream. He was speechless for a long time.

Sun Chengjun was the same. He knew Su Yang's political wisdom far surpassed his own, but he didn't anticipate that Su Yang would directly propose, or rather, per Su Yang's wording, recommend the old Political Commissar Mo Tai to the organization for appointment as Public Security Bureau Chief.

Before this, he hadn't been given the slightest hint. Although it's said to be a recommendation to the organization, in reality, in today's Lieshan County, Su Yang is the one who can decide everything. So-called recommendation to the organization is just lip service, merely going through the motions.

Earlier, when they said to let him oversee the Public Security Bureau's work, he had secretly guessed he might later be allowed to take over as bureau chief, but his seniority really couldn't justify it; even if he forcibly took the post, others wouldn't accept it. And as he knew, the old Political Commissar should retire soon. This arrangement is truly wonderful.

Besides feeling moved, the old Political Commissar also realized Su Yang's intention. Given his situation, even being held accountable would not be excessive, but why suddenly appoint him as bureau chief? Put bluntly, it's to pave the way for Sun Chengjun, to let him transition, and the real authority in the Public Security Bureau should still go to Sun Chengjun.

He said, "Thank you, County Magistrate Su, for your favor. I will retire in eight months. Taking up a bureau leadership position now would be inappropriate; it's better to let a young, energetic comrade take the post."

Sun Chengjun said beside him, "Political Commissar Mo, you know the bureau's situation—except for you coming out of retirement, no one can hold it down. So as a fellow team member, I sincerely hope you can serve as our bureau chief. If you're unwilling, I'll call all the mid-level cadres over to hear their opinions."

Sun Chengjun is also adept at handling things; given his long relationship with Su Yang, he knows Su Yang's thinking and also knows Old Mo is inwardly moved. Such modesty is merely a polite refusal.

Not to mention eight months until retirement; even if only one month remained, temporarily filling a regular post would be a dream for cadres within the system.

Su Yang glanced at Sun Chengjun and thought: He's made considerable progress lately; at critical moments he handles timing and measure very well, so there's no need for him to say more.

Indeed, the old Political Commissar, with some excitement, said: "Since that's the case, I'll thank County Magistrate Su, thank Bureau Chief Sun, and thank the comrades. If I pass the organization's inspection, I will certainly devote myself to reorganizing our Public Security Bureau's forces and give County Magistrate Su a satisfactory answer."

Su Yang shook his head and smiled: "You don't need to give me a satisfactory answer; just give the whole county's people a satisfactory explanation. Besides, you just gave me this list—I won't look at it; I'll hand it back to you."

"You and your bureau's Party Committee comrades should deliberate; I believe the old Political Commissar won't misjudge people. As for the deputy chief candidate you just recommended, I also know this comrade: he has strong principles, high awareness, solid professional ability, and serving as deputy chief and criminal police team leader should be widely welcomed. Then your bureau's Party Committee can directly submit the recommendation to the Organization Department."

Mo Tai heard these words, inwardly giving Su Yang a thumbs-up. Previously he only knew Su Yang was young and vigorous, with energy and background; now it seems Su Yang's political wisdom is not inferior to his.

This time he was given full face; after so many years in the system, he understands reciprocity. Moreover, recommending him as bureau chief is not enough—he was also given substantial personnel adjustment authority.

You should know many in the Public Security Bureau were personally mentored by him. What's more, the so-called bureau Party Committee actually consists only of him and Sun Chengjun now.

Besides those few he had decided to recommend wholeheartedly, the rest can be left to Sun Chengjun to handle; as long as they're not lacking in integrity, he would wholeheartedly approve them.

Thus he could also understand why Su Yang, at a young age, could become a standing committee vice county magistrate—truly not simple. Within the system, as long as one understands one's position and mission, one basically won't do poorly.

"Thank you, County Magistrate Su, for your trust. I will absolutely not disappoint your expectations; I will certainly restore the Public Security Bureau to its proper state. At the same time, I will sort out all the backlogged case files from the years, pursuing what should be pursued and handling what should be handled, with no leniency."

Su Yang laughed and said: "You don't need to thank me; if you want to thank someone, thank your years of down-to-earth effort, thank the organization's trust in you." "The County Public Security Bureau under your leadership—I believe not only the County Party Committee and County Government, but also the common people will feel reassured. In the coming period, besides maintaining daily order and cracking crime, our main work also includes fostering a positive, good business environment. So your Public Security Bureau's work is indeed a heavy responsibility."

Mo Tai stood at attention, gave a sharp salute, and said: "I guarantee to accomplish the mission!"

After settling the personnel issue, Su Yang still met with the other comrades. Following convention, like other leaders, he also gave an impassioned speech.

Basically there was nothing special; mainly he said past events are past, no blame for the past, but in the upcoming work we must give our all, to satisfy the people and satisfy the organization.

Upon seeing Su Yang, besides awe, they felt a special sensation they had never felt when seeing Ye Xianggao before.

As work was ending, the old Political Commissar and Sun Chengjun insisted on inviting Su Yang to a meal. Su Yang couldn't refuse, so he agreed, but he made it clear he would only eat in the Public Security Bureau cafeteria, not go outside.

Now Lieshan County is at a critical juncture; he began to pay attention to every word and action, every move.

Even eating in the cafeteria, Lao Mo and company had prepared abundantly—at least eight dishes were served.

Those dining together were Lao Mo, Sun Chengjun, Lao Ding, and several previously marginalized deputy team leaders. This inevitably involved the usual drinking-culture rituals, but this time the one being toasted was Su Yang.

Accompanying the meal were Lao Mo, Sun Chengjun, Lao Ding, and several deputy captains who had previously been sidelined; as usual, the drinking-table rituals were observed, but this time the one being toasted was Su Yang.