Chapter 975: with translation of chapter title

For a moment everyone was somewhat at a loss, thinking that such a person either had confidence and an absolute trump card.

Or else he is just a hotheaded youth who completely doesn't understand the rules of the Standing Committee; the top leader has already set the tone, the first agenda item has been completely rejected, and if the next agenda item isn't raised by the Municipal Party Committee Secretary, then this Standing Committee meeting should end here — that's common sense.

But they misjudged Zhang Jiangbo's experience, because he had merely been on a temporary posting in an enterprise, killing time, and had never experienced a regular Standing Committee; all he had in his mind was wishful thinking and self-importance.

After a brief moment of surprise, Zhao Kai did not directly rebuke Zhang Jiangbo's face, but instead turned directly to Municipal Organization Department Director Lu Zhi Xin: 'Director Lu, regarding cadre appointments and whether cadres are competent, you among us have the right to speak. Comrade Huai Zhong also previously oversaw personnel work; the two of you, say something.'

Once this attitude was shown, everyone understood what was going on. But Zhang Jiangbo refused to give up, still holding hope, because this was his attempt to save face. Moreover, as long as Hou Junlai is kicked aside and he grabs this knife in his hand, adding his advantageous position, he doesn't believe Su Yang would dare act recklessly under him.

Lu Zhi Xin said: 'Secretary Zhao called my name, so I will give everyone an explanation on this matter. Cadre appointments have strict regulations; you cannot deny someone's achievements just because of one person's remark, nor can you directly transfer someone away just because of one remark.'

If that were the case, then there would actually be no need for a Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee at all; when comrades feel that a subordinate cadre doesn't suit their taste or align with their thinking, they could simply kick him out and then openly say he 'does not meet appointment standards.'

Regarding the two people you mentioned, let's first talk about Public Security Bureau Director Comrade Sun Chengjun. If you say he exists in irregular promotion, then not a single cadre in the whole city follows organizational procedure.

Do you think being promoted repeatedly in a short time violates organizational procedure? Then I can tell you: this comrade, while stationed in the town, once single-handedly subdued dozens of troublemakers; you could even say these people were gangster thugs. Which policeman would dare face so many gangsters bare-handed?

Now everyone might think this is nothing, after all, these black evil forces naturally intimidate police. But imagine: a police comrade, in order to uphold justice and prevent his conscience from being swallowed, dares to confront his direct superior head-on, even when that superior—the then deputy bureau chief—had a gun pointed at his head, he still insisted on upholding justice, even willing to confront him directly. How many such comrades who dare defy authority can be found in the whole city?

Perhaps someone will say, what's the big deal? It's just a deputy bureau chief, and moreover from the county Public Security Bureau. So finally I ask everyone here: I give you a chance—would you dare take only a few inexperienced newcomers to the provincial government compound to arrest the governor's son?

When these words were spoken, everyone present drew a sharp breath. After all, what actually happened back then is known to only a few, but when Wang Huai Zhong said it at this moment, it must be true—there's no doubt about it, and this is the Standing Committee.

Moreover, all the past chiefs of the Lieshan County Public Security Bureau over the years have been Geng Miao's lackeys and enforcers. The so-called security team of over two hundred at Twin Ditch Large Koji Winery all have firearms, and the entire winery is his stronghold; as soon as he gives an order, those hundred-plus enforcers will immediately commit violence.

Who among the Public Security Bureau comrades would dare to enter directly and, in front of so many people, control the leader of those over two hundred enforcers? Such courage, such boldness, such professional quality—let alone our Jinzhou City, even across the whole province, how many could there be? To doubt this comrade's quality is to doubt the entire provincial Public Security Bureau.

Finally, let's talk about Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Comrade Hou Junlai. Do you think he has been unknown and unnoticed these past years?

Have you ever thoroughly investigated the Discipline Inspection Commission? Have these years been just as you said, with him doing nothing? I tell you, the cases he has reported to the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission over the years number no less than a hundred, and all have been verified; it's just that various circumstances in the city or even the county at the time prevented execution in the county.

Admittedly, the greatest obstruction in this comes from the province.

Most importantly, when removing Geng Miao this tumor, it was Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Hou Junlai who stood on the side of justice, having laid plans in advance, and in a situation where the situation was not yet clear, he stepped forward to confront Geng Miao and his massive backing forces. So, dare you say he has done nothing?

I just ask you: if it were you, would you dare to investigate?

Comrade Jiangbo, we are Municipal Party Committee leaders; no matter what we say or do, we must base it on facts, not speak offhand, nor rely on the power in our hands to do whatever we want.

If that were the case, wouldn't everything be in chaos? What are those rules and regulations for? When we transfer cadres, we need sufficient reasons—such as being incapable, having serious violations, or having other needs—but none of these seem to apply.

As the person in charge of county‑related work, I think we should still face squarely the power in our hands; we cannot act recklessly and do as we please just because a same‑level Discipline Inspection Commission cannot supervise us.

If that were possible, wouldn't it become a one‑man dictatorship of the top leader? Then what's the point of the Standing Committee? We might as well just appoint a County Party Secretary for each county.

After saying that, Lu Zhi Xin lowered his head and began drinking tea.

Each of his words was like a criticism of a subordinate, without mercy, like a whip lashing Zhang Jiangbo's face.

More importantly, he didn't treat this Municipal Party Committee Deputy Secretary as a leader, but rather as a top official of a lower district or county, which is somewhat disrespectful.

Just as Zhang Jiangbo was about to speak and refute, Municipal Party Committee Secretary Zhao Kai said: 'Director Lu, this is giving us a lesson. From now on, in personnel principles and cadre adjustments, we must be cautious. We must not act arbitrarily and exclusively based on our own preferences or interests, becoming local tyrants.'

Comrade Jiangbo, do you have anything else to say?

Having come to this point, Zhang Jiangbo really wanted to slap himself twice; he truly regretted repeatedly trying to save face, only to be slapped each time he attempted it.

Others who go on temporary postings to gild their résumés are treated like ancestors by local leaders; why, when it comes to him, does he have no superiority at all?

Is it his problem, the system's problem, or the problem that these local cadres simply don't understand anything at all? At this moment he fell into deep confusion.

Zhao Kai said: 'Comrade Jiangbo, if there are no other issues, then I think today's Standing Committee ends here. Please promptly disseminate the decision just passed on handling this malicious incident in Lieshan County. That's all, meeting adjourned.'