Chapter 749: Peng Taiping Resigns

Su Xinghui understood why Comrade Qi Jian sought his opinion: Peng Siping was Peng Taiping's younger brother, and the official in charge of reviewing the disaster-affected housing renovation funds this time was Peng Taiping himself.

If Peng Siping's list passed the town's review, Peng Taiping could not escape blame—if he claimed ignorance, it was dereliction of duty; if he knew, it was abuse of power.

This matter must be handled, but how to handle it requires Comrade Qi Jian's careful consideration, because Peng Taiping and Peng Siping have a cousin who is a vice-director in the provincial government— for a township, a vice-director is an enormous official.

Su Xinghui said: "Secretary Qi, this is my thought: the matter must be handled, and handled seriously, otherwise the impact will be too damaging—but I believe we should first inform Secretary Peng."

Comrade Qi Jian nodded—of course they must inform Peng Taiping; that was organizational principle. To discipline a village director, the town must convene a Dangwei Society meeting, and before that, the deputy secretaries must meet privately to set the tone.

If they bypassed informing Peng Taiping and went straight to the Dangwei Society meeting, it would violate organizational principle—this could be a minor or major offense.

Comrade Qi Jian first sought Su Xinghui's opinion because Su Xinghui was the only one in town with sufficient background to overpower Peng Taiping—thus Su Xinghui's opinion became critically important.

To be honest, Comrade Qi Jian's position as town chief was deeply frustrating. Though he was the top leader, several powerful figures loomed over him: Peng Taiping had a vice-director behind him, Yang Huakai had a vice-mayor, and Su Xinghui's background was utterly impenetrable—Comrade Qi Jian often could not make decisions outright.

Comrade Qi Jian said to Chen Xianyi: "Comrade Xianyi, please ask Secretary Peng to come in."

Chen Xianyi nodded and left. Comrade Qi Jian said to Su Xinghui: "Comrade Xinghui, thank you."

Comrade Qi Jian thanked Su Xinghui because he was relying on Su Xinghui's background to handle this matter—there was even a hint of using him. If Su Xinghui had refused and kicked the ball back, Comrade Qi Jian would have had no recourse.

But Su Xinghui did not kick the ball—he promptly voiced his opinion, offering Comrade Qi Jian substantial support, so Comrade Qi Jian naturally had to thank him.

As for whether Su Xinghui had failed to notice Comrade Qi Jian was relying on his background, Comrade Qi Jian dared not think so. Though young, Su Xinghui's conduct over the past two years revealed the maturity of a seasoned bureaucrat—how could he miss such a maneuver?

If Comrade Qi Jian had not said this thank-you, he would have truly offended Su Xinghui—he did not want to offend Su Xinghui, so he had to say it, and say it immediately. This was also why he sent Chen Xianyi to summon Peng Taiping.

Su Xinghui understood all the hidden maneuvering perfectly. He smiled faintly: "Secretary Qi, you overstate it. I've been in Pengjiawanzhen three months—you've always supported my work. So supporting yours is only natural."

Comrade Qi Jian and Su Xinghui exchanged a knowing smile and said no more—there was no time. Peng Taiping's office was nearby; he would arrive any moment. A silent understanding sufficed.

Indeed, no more than a minute passed before Chen Xianyi arrived with Peng Taiping. Peng Taiping smiled: "Secretary Qi, Director Su, what important matter do we need to discuss?"

Comrade Qi Jian said: "Old Peng, sit down."

Peng Taiping sat. Comrade Qi Jian took out his cigarettes and tossed one each to Peng Taiping and Chen Xianyi: "Old Peng, Comrade Xinghui, I've called you here because of one matter. Comrade Xianyi received an anonymous tip today—take a look."

Chen Xianyi produced the tip letter. Peng Taiping smiled: "Director, you go first."

Su Xinghui pretended to read the letter again. When finished, his face showed shock. He handed it to Peng Taiping: "Secretary Peng, you take a look."

Peng Taiping took the letter. His expression had been relaxed, but after reading it, his face flushed and paled alternately. After a long silence, he slammed the coffee table: "This Peng Siping—how outrageous! How dare he do such a thing?"

Comrade Qi Jian said: "Old Peng, don't jump to conclusions. The matter isn't confirmed yet—we still need to investigate."

Su Xinghui said: "Yes, this matter still requires investigation."