Chapter 828: Do You Know Who Serves as County Magistrate?

Zhaikai and Xu Liguo's expressions instantly changed slightly. What kind of occasion is this? This is Director Bai's own private stronghold; being able to invite everyone over, indeed they treat us as their own people. But for such a high‑end setting, how could we possibly be drinking this local wine?

Especially you, Su Yang, sitting with us, we more or less value the network behind you and will definitely give you face.

But Director Bai is Director Bai, and the other party is Chief Secretary No. 1; arranging a banquet here, you're basically stealing the spotlight, which is a pure sign of immaturity. This one lack of prudence could make today's banquet awkward.

Bai Zhantang surprised them. He said, "You now use the stored Shuanggou Daqu in your county for official receptions, and you don't allow them to drink during work hours. I didn't expect that when you come to us for a meal you still stick to your own principle. That's good; leading by example yields the best result. Since that's the case, today we'll taste your local specialty. As for the dishes, I'll have this place prepare them; you have no objections, do you?"

Su Yang replied, "No, no, I wouldn't dare have any objections."

After everyone settled down, it was all about drinking; as for work matters, not a single word was spoken. Su Yang became even more resolute, seeming that earlier Xu Liguo and Zhaikai had already communicated with Bai Zhantang.

The three of them negotiated face‑to‑face; Bai Zhantang acted as a go‑between and gave them full face. If later the dealings among the three don't turn out as currently described, it's essentially none of his business. This fully reflects Bai Zhantang's worldly shrewdness.

Of course, Su Yang also understands; he has always been on good terms with Lai Juncheng and bears the Zhou Family label. Bai Zhantang's relationship with him is destined not to be especially close, but not poor either. It won't be merely formal, yet he can't go all‑out to solve his problems; he can say it's good, but not great.

The drinking went on for over two hours, and the four of them consumed nearly four jin of Shuanggou Daqu. Xu Liguo then began to look drunkenly dazed, bubbles spilling from his mouth. Zhaikai saw this and said, "Director Bai, Old Xu doesn't seem to be holding up; shall I escort him back first? I'll arrange another round later; you must honor us with your presence."

Bai Zhantang said, "I've had quite a bit too; if you set up another round, I'm already willing but powerless. Let's leave it at that—next time we have a chance we'll meet again. You take him back first."

Zhaikai said to Su Yang, "Brother Su, when you go to the provincial capital for business, remember to call me so I can extend my hospitality."

Su Yang replied, "Alright, alright, I'll definitely trouble you."

Bai Zhantang watched their backs as they went down the stairs, then the sound of a door closing echoed; the drunkenness in his eyes vanished instantly.

"You've probably been told about the two of them, right? Both matters are actually quite tricky. Especially the thing Xu Liguo wants—whether it can be approved, and when—even the provincial party committee can't decide. It first depends on whether the higher‑ups will launch an investigation; he's being too hasty."

"But at fifty, if he can't make this move, his whole life might end that way. If it were you or me, we might feel the same; you must be very understanding—these matters are about doing one's part and leaving the rest to fate. Zhaikai's situation is actually a bit easier, but he's also in a sensitive period now; even if there's a personnel change, it won't happen until after the New Year, and then it'll depend on his luck."

"I think they'll definitely do everything they can to help you; if they can't, there's simply no way. You'll have to be tolerant of that. Perhaps you wonder why I haven't stepped forward; whether I'm present or not, the effect is the same, and sometimes my presence might even make your conversation less smooth."

As he spoke, Qinhuai Ru brought up two bowls of sobering soup. He continued, "Are you surprised? I guess he told you; the story is rather bizarre, but there's nothing to hide from you. My grandfather's generation had six siblings, and one of his sisters was given away to another family when she was young."

"That was a very common occurrence back then; families were poor and couldn't support so many children. Moreover, some people moved for various reasons, and after he and his sister went their separate ways they never saw each other again—that separation lasted a lifetime."

"Usually there would be no chance to meet again, but unexpectedly two months ago, that sister—my great‑aunt—came looking for relatives. They're both now in their eighties, nearing ninety, and still managed to find each other and meet. This generation's bonds are far deeper than ours. These two recognitions—don't summon all the elders and youngsters of our family—so I came to know Jin Zhe."

"That counts as a rather distant relative; whether we keep in touch or not is fine, but the family's attitude is firm—we must let us younger ones continue this kinship, not cut it off. As for me, I originally planned just to get by, but Jin Zhe has also been in the Within the System before, so I have to seize this chance and won't let go easily."

"That woman is his former associate; originally he took her to do business, then placed her here with me. Of course, through my connections she also handled some municipal projects. That's the whole story—otherwise we'd have had this relationship earlier, and she probably wouldn't be serving as a secretary in the county."

After he said that, Su Yang finally understood that there was indeed such a layer of kinship. He had to admit that people of the old days were very sentimental and loyal; especially after decades without meeting, a reunion is a huge joy. Being asked to look after Jin Zhe, he probably can't refuse.

He said, "Oh, no wonder. I was just thinking about this earlier. Anyway, I really have to thank you specially this time. If you hadn't set up this arrangement today, the highway project couldn't even be approved, let alone start construction in March next year."

Bai Zhantang laughed, "That's being distant; I'm not helping you to help someone else, am I? Moreover, you truly act for Lieshan Xian's development. But have you considered that after doing so much, you might not reap the credit, and if anything goes wrong, all the responsibility will fall on you."

"This time, because the situation in your county is special, besides the four current County Standing Committee Members, the rest are all parachuted in from the province, and one is being brought over from Jingcheng. I don't know much about that person from Jingcheng, but if you want to investigate, you'll certainly be able to get the facts, and he'll assume office after the New Year—you probably already know that."

"The other few are all from various provincial‑direct and political‑legal systems; each of them carries a strong arrogance, and after staying in the bureaucracy long, they love to boss the lower‑level cadres. I can't say what other abilities they have, but when it comes to scheming for credit, they're top‑class. By the way, do you know who the incoming County Magistrate will be?"