The Official Ladder: I ascend to the pinnacle of power, wielding the power of life and death.

"Cheng Shaodong, you have disappointed me greatly."

Xiao Mingyuan shook his head and said, "Since you're unwilling to talk about it, then explain the situation to the Discipline Inspection Commission."

He then made a phone call and invited them in.

Cheng Shaodong was taken aback for a moment, then quickly said, "Secretary-General Xiao, which Party discipline or Party constitution did I violate? You sent people from the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection to arrest me, there has to be an explanation, right? Besides, does Mayor Jiang know about this?"

"This is a case handled by the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, and the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection will naturally report to the mayor."

After Xiao Mingyuan finished speaking, two people came in and took Cheng Shaodong away.

Many people witnessed this scene, but no one reported it to Jiang Yiming.

After all, this was taken from the office of the Secretary-General of the Municipal Government, and Xiao Mingyuan couldn't possibly not report it to Jiang Yiming, so they wouldn't go out of their way to report it to a higher level for no reason.

Jiang Yiming then took Wu Xianjun to conduct research.

That evening, Duan Lei traveled from Yiyang City to Jiang Yiming's residence.

Early in the morning, Jiang Yiming called Duan Lei and asked him to come to Jiangcheng City today because he had something important to tell him.

Duan Lei was Jiang Yiming's old subordinate, and it was Jiang Yiming who brought him up. Since his old leader was looking for him, he naturally wouldn't refuse.

"You haven't eaten yet, have you? Let's grab something to eat together, and then we can chat in the study later."

Jiang Yiming invited Duan Lei to sit down and have dinner together. Xia Shining and Nuannuan were also at the table, and everyone chatted about everyday things.

While eating, Duan Lei wondered why Jiang Yiming had called him all this way.

Fortunately, no one drank alcohol. After finishing their meal in half an hour, Jiang Yiming gestured for Duan Lei to follow him into the study.

"Minister Duan, we invited you here to seek your opinion."

Jiang Yiming said, "You must have heard about what happened in Jiangcheng City recently. Fei Liangcai, the secretary of the Yongchang District Committee, was dismissed, and a position on the Standing Committee of the Jiangcheng Municipal Committee has become vacant. The selection of this person is related to the next step of our work. Therefore, I recommended you to the province to serve as the secretary of the Yongchang District Committee and concurrently as a member of the Standing Committee of the Jiangcheng Municipal Committee."

"Upon arriving in Jiangcheng, your rank will be raised by half a grade, making you a full-fledged department-level cadre, and your responsibilities will be heavier. However, Yongchang District is a major economic district in Jiangcheng, with a large number of key enterprises and projects located there, making the position of the district party secretary particularly crucial. In particular, there is a significant amount of heavy industry, leading to considerable pressure for industrial transformation and upgrading, intertwined with environmental and social stability issues. A slight misstep could trigger a chain reaction. Heavy industry was promoted and led by Governor Xuanzhang during his tenure, and many enterprises currently exhibit pollution and high energy consumption. Jiangcheng's future development must break free from its path dependence on traditional heavy industry and embark on a path of green and high-quality development. The next step is to break the old pattern of interests and promote industrial restructuring. Doing so could easily infringe upon the vested interests of Governor Xuanzhang and Secretary Lei, and might even provoke their dissatisfaction. Therefore, working in Yongchang District is both an opportunity and a challenge; you will need to face potential political pressure and a complex situation head-on."

Duan Lei never expected that Jiang Yiming had called him over to talk about this matter. His heart was filled with turmoil, and his hand unconsciously tightened around the teacup.

As cadres, few of them don't want to move up in rank.

In particular, positions at the director-general level are extremely rare and represent a crucial step towards a higher stage.

Moreover, being in charge of a major economic district like Yongchang is even more of a rare opportunity.

I doubt how many people would fight tooth and nail for this position.

"Mayor Jiang, I am extremely grateful for your trust in me. I am deeply honored by this important responsibility and know that it is a heavy burden. The transformation of Yongchang District has far-reaching consequences. If I take up the post, I will prioritize the overall situation, face difficulties head-on, and strive to overcome them. Under your leadership, I will work hard to explore new paths for green development, properly balance the intensity of reform with social stability, and never fail the trust and expectations of the organization."

Duan Lei earnestly stated, "As for external pressure, I am mentally prepared and know that the road ahead will not be smooth. But the more difficult it is, the more someone needs to take responsibility. As long as the organization trusts me, I am not afraid of my personal advancement or retreat, honor or disgrace. I will only do my best to help Yongchang embark on a new path of sustainability. Mayor Jiang, please give me this opportunity. I will certainly live up to your trust and go all out."

Given his qualifications and background, reaching the level of a full-fledged department director would not be an easy task.

He would need to transition from the position of Minister of the Organization Department to the position of Executive Vice Mayor or Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, which typically requires at least two years of experience. Even then, he might not be promoted. And even if he were to advance further, reaching the position of Executive Vice Mayor or Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, he might not be able to smoothly enter the ranks of officials at the ministerial level.

Now, Jiang Yiming has paved the way for his advancement, which is not only a sign of gratitude but also a manifestation of political trust.

Duan Lei knew that once this step was taken, there was no turning back. The only way to break the deadlock was to work hard, follow in Jiang Yiming's footsteps, and stand firm at the forefront of the conflict.

"Good, I'm relieved that you're prepared for this. Yongchang's transformation is not only an economic issue, but also a political test. The key lies in whether we dare to take real action and whether we can safeguard the ecological bottom line. After you go back, do your job well and wait for the provincial Party committee's organization department's inspection. On the other hand, in your spare time, you should think carefully about how to develop Yongchang District."

"Yes, Mayor Jiang, I will certainly live up to your expectations."

Duan Lei nodded seriously.

After discussing it with Duan Lei, Jiang Yiming saw him off.

He called the other party over mainly to clearly tell them that Jiang Yiming was the recommender for Duan Lei's progress this time.

In this way, when promoting work in the future, Duan Lei will be more determined to stand on his side and work with him to advance various tasks.

The following day, Jiang Yiming learned from Wu Yijun that Cheng Shaodong had disappeared.

"Did you find out exactly where Cheng Shaodong went?"

Jiang Yiming inquired.

“I just asked around, and someone said they saw Cheng Shaodong being taken away by people from the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection in Secretary-General Xiao’s office.”

Wu Yijun reported.

"Were they taken away by the municipal discipline inspection commission?"

Jiang Yiming frowned and asked, "Did they say what the specific reason was?"

"No."

Wu Yijun said, "They all thought it was with your consent, since the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection usually gives advance notice when handling cases. But this is so sudden, without even letting anyone know, and they just took the person away from the office. It's really unusual."

"Call Xiao Mingyuan over; I need to understand the specifics."

Jiang Yiming said.

"Yes, Mayor."

A moment later, Xiao Mingyuan walked in.

"Mayor, you're looking for me?"

Xiao Mingyuan inquired.

How much do you know about Cheng Shaodong being taken away by the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection?

Jiang Yiming looked steadily at Xiao Mingyuan.

He was truly disappointed with this municipal government secretary-general.

When the municipal discipline inspection commission arrested Cheng Shaodong, he didn't even report it, showing no respect for his position as mayor!

"Mayor, yesterday I received a notice from the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection asking me to call Cheng Shaodong to my office. I thought they had reported to you, so I did as they asked and called him to my office. Then the people from the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection took Cheng Shaodong away. I don't know the specific reason."

Xiao Mingyuan said casually.

"Okay, I see."

Jiang Yiming didn't know if the other party was genuinely unaware or pretending, and he had no interest in asking. His immediate priority was to find Cheng Shaodong and ascertain the real reason he had been taken away.

Immediately afterwards, he personally called Wan Qiuqiu, the secretary of the municipal discipline inspection commission.

"Mayor, what are your instructions?"

Wan Qiuqiu asked.

"Secretary Wan, I heard that your Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection took away one of our municipal government office's cadres yesterday? Do you not even trust me? You didn't even inform me, the mayor?"

Jiang Yiming's voice held a hint of accusation.

“Mayor, you misunderstand. Our Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection certainly had to report to you before taking away the people from the Municipal Government Office. We contacted Secretary-General Xiao, and I assumed he had already reported to you, so I didn't report separately. Could it be that Secretary-General Xiao didn't report to you in a timely manner?”

Wan Qiuqiu said.

"Whether or not to report is not the key issue; the key issue is why Cheng Shaodong was taken away."

Jiang Yiming inquired.

"It seems he's involved in a corruption and bribery case. The specifics are being handled by the investigators, and I don't know the full details yet. Should I report back to you once I've found out?"

"No need, you arrange it, I'll meet with Cheng Shaodong."

“Mayor Jiang, this is probably not in accordance with regulations. According to disciplinary review regulations, during the investigation of a case, no one may contact the person under investigation without authorization.”

Wan Qiuqiu was puzzled.

"Could this investigation involve me?"

Jiang Yiming said in a deep voice, "If it doesn't involve me personally, I will meet with Cheng Shaodong accompanied by your staff to get information and will not interfere with the investigation."

"This……"

Wan Qiuqiu said, "I'm afraid I need to consult Secretary Lei."