Chapter 810

Although Zhou Laozi's tone was very stern, Zhou Ruohan still pouted and refused to give in: "Grandpa, they're being too bullying like this. I know the Cultivation Organization really wants to do this; there must be a reason, and it must be legal. Some things are not allowed in principle, but they can do them—why? Because they themselves are the principle."

"This kind of situation usually occurs at a rising juncture, not at this juncture. Previously, it happened with the county's top official, whose achievements were too outstanding; even after becoming Deputy Secretary, they still held their original post, but such a situation wouldn't last long before they stepped down."

"Zhang Jiangbo clearly intends to stay locked in that position, while the main work is handled in the county. A Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee Member naturally can firmly suppress those below, especially the Deputy Secretary, a key post; all personnel changes in the county, he has decisive say."

"Just think about it—he also has the status of a heavenly person placed here; among those county officials sent down, who wouldn't rush to flatter him and crowd around him? Even if Su Yang were more capable, he'd be nothing but a bare-bones commander—wouldn't that hinder local development?"

"Moreover, Su Yang has already settled the Messy Situation left behind by Shuanggou Daqu, while simultaneously raising benefits for all county cadres and launching investment promotion. You've met Su Yang yourself—whatever he says he'll do, he already has a clue; the entrepreneurial park he wants to set up will surely be completed soon."

"Zhang Jiangbo going down now—clearly he's just out to pluck the fruit, isn't he? If it were only about plucking the fruit, that would be fine, but he'll also do everything he can to suppress Su Yang; where's the fairness in that?"

Zhou Laozi said: "You're being narrow-minded, aren't you? They going down might not necessarily slack off; once they reach Vice-department level and higher, it's not just a word from above that can promote them—they need solid achievements. Their going to pluck the fruit is understandable."

"Those who achieve great things depend on timing, luck, and fate—none can be missing. If this wave succeeds for him, he can smoothly break through upward; if he fails, he'll have no chance left. Although Su Yang faces difficulties, if he can withstand the pressure and do his job well, he'll shine brightly."

"Moreover, I've heard that this time someone above is also paying attention. As the old saying goes, 'The sword's edge comes from sharpening; the plum blossom's fragrance from bitter cold.' This Zhang family young man is the best whetstone. Step back and think: although he's only a Deputy Secretary now, even if he makes a mistake this time, there's still room to maneuver."

"But what about later? Once you reach a higher level, there's no room to maneuver at all—for example, this Zhang family young man this time. His opportunity is excellent, but if he wastes such a good opportunity, his official career will be finished."

"Don't worry about these things now; just take care of yourself. Besides, we old-timers are here—even if he goes, he won't dare act recklessly. Alright, go rest quickly; sleeping too late is bad for your health."

Zhou Ruohan was still fuming, but since Zhou Laozi had said that, she couldn't say more. However, she truly hated Zhang Jiangbo and his gang—this is pure opportunistic robbery, using power to press people, the strong bullying the weak.

The next day, Su Yang went to the Transportation Bureau for research. Because the former Bureau Chief of the Transportation Bureau had been taken away, the current acting chief is the incoming Bureau Chief. Seeing Su Yang come over, their attitude was as respectful as possible; he also benefited from this wave of county-wide personnel adjustments—otherwise, he'd still be stuck helplessly in the Deputy Chief position.

Su Yang said: "Comrades, I came here today for one core matter: to plan all the roads in our county—repair what needs repair, widen what needs widening."

"At the same time, we will build a Yingbin Dadao. As for all the reception and dining segments you've painstakingly prepared, they're all canceled. From now on, whenever I come, there's no need to deliberately do this work—focus all your thoughts on work. Moreover, there's no need for everyone to come out to greet me; such formalism is unacceptable."

The Transportation Bureau leaders and cadres who had been standing neatly downstairs now looked somewhat embarrassed. They used to do this often, and it was the Bureau Chief who had gone in who notified and required them to do so, instilling in them the idea that only by cozying up to superiors could their bureau get more activity funds.

Their bureau had money, which allowed these people's pockets to bulge and gave them something to skim. Of course, that's what was said, but all the money ended up being scooped up by that one person.

Su Yang then said: "Since you're all here, I might as well chat with you right here. But please don't be too stiff—just grab a few small stools and sit down. It's also a good chance for me to meet all of you comrades, so you can get to know me and I can get to know you."

Such a down-to-earth leader—likely they've never encountered one before. As a result, the previously fancy-decorated meeting room went unused, and the logistics staff scrambled to bring out some chairs.

After Su Yang sat down, he told everyone: "I ask you to review all the county's main thoroughfares; after that, decide that wherever needs widening must be widened, wherever needs hardening must be hardened, and at some key spots, streetlights must be installed. After all, streetlights and roads are a city's facade—if investors come to Lieshan Xian and see nothing but barren earth, nine out of ten times they won't invest. As the saying goes, 'Only if you can plant phoenix trees will you attract golden phoenixes.' You must finish this work within a week; as for the funds needed for road repairs, liaise directly with the Finance Bureau, and for any signatures required, come find me directly."

The Transportation Bureau naturally fully cooperated; their former Bureau Chief had relied on Geng Miao's backing to openly defy Su Yang and oppose him, and now he's locked up eating cornbread. Normally, road repairs in the Transportation Bureau aren't that fast—from project initiation to survey to actual construction, it takes at least several months. But this time Su Yang spoke up; they rallied from top to bottom, and the incoming Bureau Chief took the lead, declaring: "County Magistrate Su, rest assured, we will definitely complete the task! We'll finish sorting out the entire county's roads within three days and produce a detailed plan!"

Everyone's hearts skipped a beat—truly, a single remark from the leader has them running ragged. The county's roads include the main thoroughfares of all townships and the county seat; this kind of work used to take a year and a half to finish, now it must be done in three days. Before they were just pretending to be busy; now they'll probably really have to get busy, working day and night.

Even so, nobody dares to say half a no, because they've heard the wind: county cadres' benefits are to be raised. This benefit shows up in bonuses, and bonuses are tied to their concrete work. Regardless of whether the leadership is truly enthusiastic, the grassroots workers sincerely want to do their jobs well.

In the afternoon, Su Yang again convened the Lieshan Xian County Standing Committee for a meeting, beginning discussion on establishing an Industrial Park and building a highway in the county.