The current political discourse across the country primarily revolved around the economy. It appeared that as long as the government excels in economic management, its political performance would naturally follow suit.

Jiang Xiaochuan acknowledged the significance of the economy, but when there was a one-sided emphasis on economic development speed, it could lead to societal issues, such as an increase in security incidents.

Monday marked another workday.

The new house, which belonged to the deputy mayor, was finalized last Sunday. He arranged for movers to relocate himself and his father into the small single-family building, bidding farewell to their somewhat cramped previous residence for the time being.

The Municipal Building’s interior was splendid, serving as the city’s public face, and the surrounding landscaping was top-notch.

Last night, I received a call from the secretary. The mayor and the Municipal Party Committee Secretary jointly issued a message, summoning most of the municipal cadres to Chengzhou Business Hotel on Monday to welcome a foreign investment delegation. Jiang Xiaochuan was among those who must attend.

In the eyes of the mayor and others, he was there to fulfill a quota, signifying Chengzhou’s significant commitment to these foreign-funded enterprises.

After all, the focus must be on economic aspects. If a few of these multinational corporations chose to invest in Chengzhou concurrently, the city’s economic growth index for this year would undoubtedly rank among the top in the country. It was all about these metrics.

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Passing by the Petitions Office, Jiang Xiaochuan overheard and observed. The mailbox was overflowing with numerous letters, yet he was aware that most of these letters would eventually land on the director of the Petitions Office’s desk and remain unnoticed. It all seemed like writing in vain…

He contemplated the report letter that Xue Yan had mentioned.

Who could be reporting him?

He was now thinking about the watch. Perhaps he could resolve it in another week. If Xue Yan was indeed the same person from his previous life, he would likely opt to leave the TV station, take the national exam in a few days, and ultimately join the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Jiang Xiaochuan sensed that Xue Yan didn’t hold him in high regard, but he could see a strong sense of justice in him, which might prove beneficial.

By then, his self-examination letter might offer a perfect solution to the problem.

Furthermore, Lian Cheng was arriving soon.

Recently, various government departments had begun spreading rumors of this nature. Those with discrepancies in their accounts were quickly auditing their finances, and those with issues in their lifestyles were promptly mending their ways. There was no room for any power-for-money transactions. Everything appeared impeccably honest and transparent.

However, Jiang Xiaochuan was skeptical. The information from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection was nearly top secret. The swift cover-up actions in the city government indicated that the news must have leaked out. It seemed that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection was not as pristine as he had initially imagined.

He exited the elevator and headed to his office. On the way, he encountered Tan Xi, the Director of the Petitions Office, smoking a cigarette in the corridor. When Tan Xi noticed him, his somber expression quickly transformed into a servile smile.

“Good morning, Mayor Jiang,” he greeted.

“Director Tan, you’re here early,” Jiang Xiaochuan replied.

Observing Tan Xi’s evident concerns, he knew that Tan Xi had some challenging matters to discuss, but he refrained from inquiring. Asking would only exacerbate the situation. Everyone was aware that Mayor Fu Peng held a grudge against Tan Xi.

Jiang Xiaochuan didn’t know the underlying reasons but was content to stay informed without getting involved. The role of the Petitions Office Director was thankless, and it was often assigned to individuals disliked by those in power. Tan Xi probably didn’t find the position comfortable at all.

As a clerk in the Petitions Office, what could one do?

Handling grievances and complaints from the public inevitably irked numerous government officials. Even with commendable performance, promotion prospects were slim. Failing to address grievances didn’t lead to progress either.

Perhaps superiors viewed non-action as an achievement, but this was all beneath the surface. Colleagues might acknowledge one’s competence, but it didn’t translate into career advancement. Moreover, everyone was aware of the discord between Tan Xi and Mayor Fu Peng.

Tan Xi seemed to believe that Jiang Xiaochuan would blame him, but in reality, he was overly anxious. While Jiang Xiaochuan was strategic, he wasn’t ruthless enough to blame someone for their mistakes. The entire Municipal Government might be eager to see Tan Xi’s downfall, but he was in a difficult position himself.

Jiang Xiaochuan’s principle was to always leave room for others and himself in every situation. Just as one shouldn’t speak or act with absolute certainty, especially in this particular scenario.

He smiled reassuringly at Tan Xi and explained, “Director Tan, don’t worry, the Petition Office isn’t to blame for this incident, and I can’t assist you. Just dealing with the media will put you under a lot of pressure. Besides, there has been an inspection by someone from the central government recently, which I believe is of utmost importance. There’s nothing that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection can’t handle. Director Tan, simply relax and let this matter blow over. Stop dwelling on it.”

Some of the sentences were illogical, especially when he mentioned the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Tan Xi’s eyelids twitched, he glanced at Jiang Xiaochuan, casually stubbed out the cigarette butt, and placed it in the ashtray on the trash can.

Jiang Xiaochuan frowned but didn’t say anything.

Tan Xi sighed, “Thank you, Mayor Jiang, I’m going down to work.”

What is he going to work? It was an empty talk.

Jiang Xiaochuan had a hunch that Tan Xi’s position as the Director of the Petition Office might not be salvageable.

It was said that Rong Shaobai’s side was also very concerned and was currently searching for a suitable scapegoat. They were attempting to sever their connection about the accident. However, the TV station had the resolute Xue Yan, and it seemed that he won’t let Rong Shaobai had his way.

Tan Xi walked away with a hunched posture, appearing somewhat forlorn.

This ruthless political landscape was replete with unending power struggles. When one person fell, many others stepped in to take their place, and the same drama, whether successful or not, continued.

Regardless of how many times the actors change, the scenes remain clichéd and trite, yet they never fail to captivate ordinary people.

Even in the darkest of times, a glimmer of desire could intoxicate and captivate.

Jiang Xiaochuan pushed open the door and entered. Secretary Zhang Xiaoli was still seated at the computer. She always arrived early, likely because Jiang Xiaochuan, as a new official, was keen to achieve results.

Upon seeing him, Zhang Xiaoli turned around and greeted him. Jiang Xiaochuan nodded. Just as he was about to enter his office, he thought of the ashtray in the trash can outside the door. He said to Zhang Xiaoli, “Empty the ashtray on the trash can outside the door.”

Zhang Xiaoli was momentarily surprised but nodded.

Jiang Xiaochuan couldn’t think of anything else to do. He approached his desk and examined the neatly organized documents. He recognized Zhang Xiaoli’s competence, but… the relationship between Zhang Xiaoli and Vice Mayor Zhou Qian…

Jiang Xiaochuan picked up an old pen that had been used for many years and turned it between his fingers. He removed the cap, gazing at the slightly worn nib, pondering how to address the issue of Zhang Xiaoli. Dealing with a problem in the secretary’s position wasn’t a simple matter.

Zhou Qian was also a deputy mayor, but his subordinates oversaw profit-generating departments, primarily related to finance.

Qian Qiming managed the Municipal Economy, especially foreign investments, while Zhou Qian was responsible for the “Municipal Finance,” akin to domestic finances. There was substantial financial gain involved, and everyone collaborated to generate revenue. Sometimes, even insiders like Jiang Xiaochuan, who had previous experience, found it challenging to tolerate.

Over the past few years, there were petitions for the construction of dams and resettlement of immigrants in Dajiang. The plan had been in place for a long time, but financial issues had yet to be resolved. Even the Municipal Party Committee Secretary, who held financial power, had some reservations.

There seemed to be an insurmountable roadblock. Thus, no progress had been made.

The initial enthusiasm for the hearing had now waned, rendering it an empty promise.

Jiang Xiaochuan finished dealing with the documents in his hand and provided some approvals. As he examined the empty words on the paper, he felt a sense of helplessness.

How resilient must one be to withstand the environmental pressures?

The general atmosphere was like this, and being non-corrupt made one an outlier.

Zhang Xiaoli knocked on the door and entered, placing a document on his desk. She said, “This is the investigation report that was just submitted. The police have declared that these issues have become increasingly serious lately. You mentioned wanting to review it in person, so I brought it to you.”

Jiang Xiaochuan instructed her to put down the document, then picked it up and began to read it.

Zhang Xiaoli added, “You have meeting at Chengzhou Business Hotel at ten o’clock this morning. When should you leave?”

Jiang Xiaochuan replied, “Just depart as soon as possible.”

He didn’t need to arrive too early. He wasn’t in charge of finance and economics, and for the officials there, it would seem unusual if he arrived early.

Zhang Xiaoli would handle the driver’s arrangements and coordinate the timing based on Jiang Xiaochuan’s schedule.

He watched Zhang Xiaoli exit the room, then picked up the document and read it carefully.

Could it be that Rong Shaobai didn’t resort to extreme measures this time?

A waiter at Rong Family’s Club confessed to verbally humiliating Uncle Qiu’s son and physically assaulting him, but they were unaware of the child’s heart condition. As soon as they saw the boy collapse, they fled the scene, leaving no witnesses. They believed that by avoiding the situation, they could escape punishment. They remained silent for an extended period until now, as these details were recorded in the documents.

At first glance, Jiang Xiaochuan knew this story didn’t add up. Surveillance cameras were installed throughout Rong Family’s Club, and only a few areas lacked them, such as suites or confidential locations.

However, the alleged incident occurred at the corner of a stairwell, an unconventional place. Nevertheless, Jiang Xiaochuan realized that Rong Shaobai must have the means to ensure that this evidence could not be refuted.

Cameras could be removed, and the data in the club’s recordings could be tampered with. Even if the camera couldn’t be dismantled, it could be claimed that it was malfunctioning that day.

Rong Shaobai had indeed found a convenient scapegoat.

Jiang Xiaochuan suspected he wouldn’t learn all the details of this matter.

What sorts of dealings were happening in Rong Shaobai’s club, and why was he so confident despite facing a life-threatening lawsuit?

A gangster in a provincial capital city must have influential backing – who was behind Rong Shaobai?

Jiang Xiaochuan shook his head and halted his train of thought.

He hesitated for a moment, then signed his name on the document.

Others might unaware of the truth, but Xue Yan might have some insights. Jiang Xiaochuan understood that by signing this letter, he was essentially making an enemy of Xue Yan. However, there were some things he couldn’t ignore.

Rong Shaobai’s tactics were formidable, or his support was significant, making it impossible for Jiang Xiaochuan to take action against him.

Jiang Xiaochuan knew the audacity of these gangsters.

When investigators from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection came to scrutinize matters, they faced assassination attempts and even seemingly accidental bombings.

Zhang Qing was an example – he might not have regretted involving his family in the turmoil of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

But what was the true purpose of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection?

The virtuous ones remained single, and those with families tended to keep their distance from the commission, fearing for their loved ones’ safety.

Jiang Xiaochuan might not fear death, but he feared for Jiang Encheng’s well-being.

His father’s time was limited. Jiang Xiaochuan hoped his father could enjoy his twilight years. Perhaps he could find a loving partner and marry before he passed away…

His thoughts ventured too far. He peered at his signature on the document, which no longer appeared as raw as before. It looked sophisticated and smooth, just like his handwriting.

The words were akin to the person. As he gazed at them, they seemed to dazzle him. He covered his signature with a document, then checked the time and left.

The ashtray outside his office in the corridor was spotless.

Jiang Xiaochuan smiled and proceeded to the elevator.

Having the ashtray there inadvertently led people to believe he had a smoking habit, and he couldn’t afford that misconception. Furthermore, cigarettes were beyond his means.

Upon arriving at Chengzhou Business Hotel, many attendees had already gathered, most of them chatting in the lobby.

Local state-owned enterprise bosses from Chengzhou and city leaders were in attendance, engaging in casual conversations. State-owned enterprises also had party structures, and senior party cadres were among them, making discussions straightforward.

Before Jiang Xiaochuan could approach, a friendly-looking man in his thirties greeted him. This gentleman exuded a mature and composed demeanor, and his mannerisms revealed a well-educated background.

Among businessmen, only a few wore gold-rimmed glasses, and Jiang Xiaochuan immediately recognized him as Dai Xu, the head of Rongyuan Heavy Industry, a state-owned enterprise, and also a party cadre.

“Boss Dai, you’re here early.”

“Foreign companies are present, and as a state-owned enterprise, it’s only natural that I want to come and have a look.”

Dai Xu adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses with his fingers and smiled, but his words carried a less friendly undertone.