Chapter 878

Every time Old Zhou spoke like that, Su Yang felt a jolt in his heart; this was definitely not a good thing!

He said: "Dad, go ahead, I'm mentally prepared, just as you said before—after all, the sky won't fall, I have nothing to worry about."

Old Zhou laughed heartily and said: "You little rascal, you've really made progress lately; after the meeting, I had afternoon tea with Secretary Zhou and Minister Fang."

"They let me in on a piece of news: regarding the personnel situation in your Ganzhou Sheng, Secretary Sha may be moved to a secondary post after the New Year."

"Governor Xingbang will likely face disciplinary action over the previous incident; given his age, he already lacked an advantage, and with this punishment, hoping to smoothly succeed to the next level is basically hopeless."

"This came about because, first, we failed to take appropriate emergency measures regarding your Uncle Liu's matter, and the higher-ups were dissatisfied with how we handled it; on top of that, a document leak erupted completely, which in fact can be blamed entirely on the leadership's inaction."

"Originally, this disciplinary action was meant to fall on Secretary Sha, but I won't go into the details here. It will trigger a series of changes, and Secretary Guo will be affected, likely being transferred before the New Year—perhaps that's the best outcome for him."

Su Yang understood that what Old Zhou told him was basically a settled fact. If so, Governor Zhao probably won't get off easy, and he then interjected: "Isn't there still a vacant vice governor position in our province? Did the higher-ups say whether it will be filled by an outsider or by promoting someone locally?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Old Zhou sternly rebuked him: "I've told you many times—when it comes to these personnel matters, you're only a deputy division-level official; you shouldn't meddle in even your county's personnel affairs. Just do the work you're in charge of."

"Oh, you're something—actually caring about a deputy department-level official's affairs; that shows your political immaturity. I know you're mostly doing this at someone's behest, but such things must never happen again."

Old Zhou's tone suddenly turned grave, and Su Yang felt a jolt of fear. In fact, he didn't necessarily need to know whether it would be an outside appointment or a local promotion; mostly it was just his curiosity about how the higher-ups would decide, not a desire to pass information to others.

But to others it looked the same, no difference—when you're scolded you stand at attention; he quickly said: "Dad, sorry for my mistake; I'll definitely pay attention and correct myself from now on."

As soon as his words fell, Zhou Ruohan's voice came from the other side: "Dad, what are you doing? You're always lecturing people—is it really necessary?"

"Such key personnel changes in the province will be noticed by any ambitious cadre; don't they go around inquiring? Why are you criticizing Su Yang?"

"He doesn't have much on his plate these days, devoting himself wholeheartedly to work, while you leaders only look at various effects and casually call him politically immature. If you were in his position at twenty-something, would you be mature?"

Upon hearing his daughter say that, Old Zhou's stern tone softened considerably: "You, it's only been a short time since you left your post, and you've already changed like a different person—how will you ever be able to handle other work in the future?"

Zhou Ruohan said beside him: "I now feel that working at the grassroots is really exhausting, unless you're just idling away time, or you're flattering superiors to become an official, seeking promotion, or even abusing that little bit of power for corrupt gain."

"And to be like Su Yang, wholeheartedly devoted to local economic development, striving for the welfare of the common people—that's truly too tiring."

"I feel I can't be like him, so you don't need to lecture me on those big principles anymore; I'll just find a company and work there peacefully."

Hearing his daughter say that, Old Zhou could only say: "I really can't do anything about you, but you can decide your own affairs, and moreover you can't leave Jingcheng for these two years."

"Forget it, this time I'll break the rule again—remember, I'm breaking it only for you this time; if you inquire about such matters again later, it will be a violation."

"Regarding your province's personnel, Minister Fang hinted that the vacant vice governor position will probably be nurtured locally. As for the party secretary of Jinzhou Shi, Minister Fang normally wouldn't pay attention to someone at that level, but since he previously served in Ganzhou Sheng and knows the cadres, this Secretary Guo won't last past the year-end; he'll be adjusted before the New Year."

"He might go to the provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles to serve as party group secretary, which would be considered giving him a final dignified post."

Su Yang felt a shock in his heart, and at the same time realized a truth: personnel changes within the system are as unpredictable as shifting clouds and winds, impossible to guess.

Just like his earlier news—first they said he would take up the post of standing vice county magistrate, then they said due to various interest balances he should stay put, then again they said to promote him, and so on… he's still marking time in place.

Regarding Guo Haiyan's matter, he had heard rumors and speculated before. In the position of municipal party secretary, she certainly couldn't stay on; given the magnitude of the incident, not being able to pull out the radish without bringing up the mud is already the utmost dignity. Yet he didn't expect the adjustment to come so quickly, and this Secretary Guo was still thinking about treating someone to a meal.

Although the provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles is still a full bureau-level post, its authority compared to that of a municipal party secretary is basically the difference between a full bureau-level position with all its perks and a mere bureau-level threshold.

After filtering this information in his mind, he said: "Dad, let's not keep talking about work—this makes Ruohan unhappy too. How are you and Mom doing? I heard your burden is especially heavy now; you must keep a regular routine."

Old Zhou hearing this felt greatly relieved: "Unlike you young people, although my burden is heavier, I still have a guaranteed regular routine, and my health is fine thanks to regular checkups."

"As for your aunt, there's even less to say—her job is basically like staying at home; she just goes to the office a few fixed times a week, sometimes only once, and when she goes it's to hold meetings deciding major personnel issues."

"As for business matters, she doesn't interfere at all; now if you let her look after the kids, she has plenty of time. So in this regard you should learn from your mom—she is the party secretary and chairwoman of Jiangnan Bank, handling both party and government duties."

"Even so, she completely lets go, because she knows business isn't her forte; she simply stays out of it and just manages personnel well."

Su Yang thought to himself, hearing that, if he were in such a family he wouldn't even go to the office; for any major matter they'd have to come find him to ask for instructions and report. Of course he obediently said: "Thanks for your teachings, Dad—I will absolutely not crave power, just take care of the affairs in my charge."

Old Zhou said: "Good, it's best that you understand this. This time before the New Year you should solidify your work; when the holiday comes and you hold your wedding, you need to rest more days at home."

"Afterward, some higher-up leaders might come; you should sort out the work you've done, plan your future ideas, and think about macroeconomic regulation, economic development, people's livelihood projects, environmental protection, etc., so you're ready if a leader suddenly asks."

Last time you went with me, the leader suddenly asked you a question; fortunately you were prepared and did well. This time a senior leader will come; when that happens, don't be nervous. The reason I'm telling you this in advance is that my work here is quite busy; as soon as I get back I have to go see the leader to report on work, and then attend your wedding, so I don't have much time to talk to you alone about these things.