Qi Tongwei: Sign-in relationship started during student days

The Governor's Office of Handong Province.

"Tongwei, it's been four years since we last met, hasn't it?"

As always, Zhao Lichun was very enthusiastic. As soon as they met, he held Qi Tongwei's hand tightly and did not let go for a long time.

Looking at Qi Tongwei's youthful face, Zhao Lichun was filled with emotion.

At the age of thirty-two, he has already entered the vice-provincial level. His future achievements may be limitless. I may even have to rely on him in the future. If I don't strike while the iron is hot now, when will I ever get another chance?

Qi Tongwei nodded in agreement, "Yes, four years have passed in the blink of an eye."

“Time flies,” Zhao Lichun sighed softly. “Back then, I was really reluctant to see you transferred from Handong, but as it turns out, your choice was right.”

Although Handong is a good place, it is ultimately just a small area, far from the vast open spaces outside.

As the two were catching up, there was a gentle knock on the office door. Zhao Lichun called out, "Come in!" and Zhao Xiaohui and Hou Liangping walked in side by side.

"Senior."

"Committee Member Qi."

"Liang Ping, Mr. Zhao."

Qi Tongwei stood up and shook hands with the two men one by one. He also gave Hou Liangping a hug, and his expression made it seem as if the two were old friends, at least on the surface.

"Liangping, you're quite something, kid. I've heard a lot about it. You've made quite a stir in Handong these past few years! The locals all call you Hou Qingtian (a legendary upright official)."

Hou Liangping smiled modestly, "Senior, please don't make fun of me. What 'Hou Qingtian'? I think he's more like a clueless monkey. I'm afraid many people are complaining about me, saying that I've stirred up trouble in Handong."

"You can't say that. If everyone is peaceful and harmonious, it will be the common people who suffer."

Hou Liangping hadn't expected that his senior would have such an understanding of anti-corruption, which made it easier for him to start speaking.

The group sat down again.

Zhao Lichun said, "Comrade Tongwei, don't encourage this kid."

This kid is already full of energy, and with further encouragement, he'll probably cause even more chaos.

In my opinion, it's better for us in Handong to be peaceful and harmonious, instead of always shouting and killing at our comrades.

Anti-corruption is not the ultimate goal; the core is to uphold the principle of "learning from past mistakes to avoid future ones, and curing the disease to save the patient," meaning we must not only correct errors but also give people a chance to reform.

Qi Tongwei sneered inwardly: What "learning from past mistakes to avoid future ones, curing the disease to save the patient"? I'm afraid those you "cured" were all your cronies and old friends, while those you "punished" were all people who disagreed with your faction.

He was no longer a naive young man; how could he not see through the intricacies of the situation? Hou Liangping's use of this weapon was truly precise, and it must have played a significant role in the power struggle between He and Zhao.

On the surface, he echoed, "Governor Zhao makes a lot of sense. Corrupt officials are like wildfire that cannot be extinguished, and they will spring up again with the spring breeze. Simply fighting corruption is ultimately a temporary solution. Correcting the deviations at the root of the problem and getting to the root of the problem is the only way to solve it."

“Look at Liangping.” Zhao Lichun turned to Hou Liangping and said approvingly, “Your senior has a higher level of awareness. You should learn more from him.”

Hou Liangping nodded in agreement: "My senior has always been a role model I respect and a goal I strive to emulate, without a doubt."

However, Dad, I cannot agree with your point of view.

The principle of "learning from past mistakes to avoid future ones and curing the disease to save the patient" applies to comrades who are first-time offenders, commit minor offenses, and still have a repentant heart.

But those I investigated were deeply entrenched and incurable corrupt officials; they were beyond redemption. Only by completely removing this malignant tumor could we truly eradicate it from its root.

Zhao Lichun pointed at Hou Liangping, then turned to Qi Tongwei and smiled helplessly: "Look at this kid, he always has a whole bunch of twisted logic."

Qi Tongwei nodded and smiled slightly, "Liangping's words make some sense. I think we can use them in combination."

Zhao Lichun nodded. "Tongwei, to be honest, I often criticized him two years ago because of these things."

Later, I gradually came to understand that some people are born unwilling to follow the crowd or conform to the world; they have an indomitable tenacity in their bones.

Moreover, everyone has different political pursuits and principles of conduct. Since he is determined to eradicate corruption and uphold justice, I feel that as an elder and as the provincial governor, I should not discourage his enthusiasm.