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

Lei Liang immediately instructed Xu Qifa, the secretary-general of the municipal party committee, to find out the situation. He learned that Yongchang District had successfully shut down six illegal enterprises without any conflicts or petitions. He was extremely surprised.

However, remembering Li Xuanzhang's instructions, he still called Jiang Yiming and asked him to come over for questioning.

"Mayor Yiming, what's going on in Yongchang District? Wasn't it set before that businesses shouldn't be shut down arbitrarily? Is Yongchang District still part of Jiangcheng City, or even Dongjiang Province? Are they ignoring the instructions from both the provincial and municipal levels?"

Lei Liang asked, his voice trembling with anger.

He knew that going to Duan Lei was less useful than going to Jiang Yiming. After all, Jiang Yiming must have tacitly approved or even instructed this matter. Although Duan Lei was the secretary of the Yongchang District Party Committee, it was clear that without Jiang Yiming's tacit approval, Duan Lei would never have dared to act so decisively—especially at this critical juncture when the provincial and municipal governments had issued orders to "act cautiously."

“Secretary, Yongchang District did not violate the ‘cautious action’ principle of the provincial and municipal governments, but strictly followed the special action plan for comprehensive environmental remediation. All six companies had engaged in environmentally damaging activities, and there were numerous complaints from surrounding residents, which is why Yongchang District had no choice but to initiate enforcement procedures and shut them down in accordance with laws and regulations.”

Jiang Yiming said, "During this shutdown, Yongchang District adopted relevant contingency plans, including four simultaneous mechanisms: personnel stabilization and control, public opinion guidance, compensation payment and re-employment matching. These effectively protected the basic rights and interests of employees and dispelled potential resistance. The simultaneous completion of law enforcement video archiving and document signing ensured that every procedure could withstand review and simulation. The closed-loop handling within two days not only upheld the policy bottom line but also kept pace with the political rhythm. I personally believe that Yongchang District's approach is commendable and deserves to be promoted as a typical case throughout the city."

"The reason why the provincial and municipal governments emphasized 'caution' at the time was because some places showed signs of 'campaign-style shutdowns' in the implementation of policies, which caused serious resistance and intensified conflicts. Now, Yongchang District has taken effective measures to ensure zero conflict and zero petitions during the shutdown process. This approach is commendable and provides a good idea for environmental remediation work in other counties and districts."

“Mayor Yiming, the city’s environmental improvement efforts focus on keeping residents’ homes and surrounding areas clean and orderly, not on shutting down businesses.”

Lei Liang said, "We can't go astray in our work direction."

“Secretary, enterprises pollute the environment by discharging waste gas, wastewater, and waste residue. These are the sources of dirt and disorder in front of and behind residents’ houses, the invisible enemies of clean and orderly streets, and a real threat to the health and safety of the masses. If we don’t address these issues together, even if we sweep the streets ten times, we will not be able to eradicate the root of the problem.”

Jiang Yiming argued forcefully, "If these companies could rectify their practices and meet emission standards in accordance with the law, Yongchang District would not simply shut them down. But the reality is that these companies, relying on their contributions to the local economy, have long been outside the scope of supervision, repeatedly committing violations, making perfunctory rectifications, and even resisting law enforcement under the guise of 'historical legacy.' If we do not take timely action and deal with them according to the law, allowing them to continue discharging pollutants will cause even greater harm."

"No matter what your reasons are, protecting the rights and interests of enterprises is a commitment that our Jiangcheng Municipal Government has made. This is why many enterprises are willing to settle in Jiangcheng, and it is also the cornerstone of our credit in optimizing the business environment."

Lei Liang said, "I hope that when implementing environmental remediation tasks, the city will distinguish between primary and secondary tasks and clarify the boundaries. How about this, we will hold an environmental remediation work promotion meeting this Friday afternoon, which I will chair, and we will emphasize these issues at that time."

"Alright, I have other things to do, you can go back now."

Seeing that Jiang Yiming was unyielding, he didn't bother arguing with him anymore. He planned to convene a city-wide meeting, where he, as the Party Secretary, would personally emphasize and deploy measures to ensure that the requirement of "acting cautiously" was explained thoroughly and that policy boundaries were clearly defined to prevent them from acting recklessly again.

No sooner had Jiang Yiming left than Lei Liang received a call from Li Xuanzhang.

"Governor Xuanzhang, do you have any instructions?"

Lei Liang inquired.

"Come to my office, I need to discuss something with you."

"Okay, I'll come over now."

A moment later, Lei Liang arrived at the governor's office with a feeling of unease.

He thought Li Xuanzhang would get angry about the business closures in Yongchang District, but to his surprise, he had a gentle smile on his face.

"Governor Xuanzhang, I heard you went to the capital. Is there some good news?"

Lei Liang probed.

"You're so well-informed."

Li Xuanzhang smiled and said, "I received a last-minute notice last night asking me to go to the Organization Department of the Central Committee. They talked to me and asked if I had any plans to leave, and if they had any more suitable candidates to recommend after I left."

Lei Liang's heart skipped a beat, and his palms became slightly sweaty—this was clearly the organization paving the way for the reshuffling of the provincial leadership.

He quickly composed himself and smiled, "Governor Xuanzhang is a man of both virtue and talent, with outstanding political achievements. The booming development of Dongjiang Province is inseparable from your leadership. The higher-ups must have seen this, and I'm sure you are on track for a promotion this time."

"Then I'd like to offer my early congratulations to Governor Xuanzhang on his promotion."

Li Xuanzhang waved his hand, his smile undiminished, and said, "This matter is not yet settled. The organization is only in the planning stage. You must keep it a secret."

"Please rest assured, Governor, my mouth is as tight as iron, and not a single word will be leaked."

Lei Liang laughed and said, "But with your departure, Dongjiang Province will lose a great general. There probably aren't many people who can support this grand strategy."

Li Xuanzhang knew that Lei Liang had steered the conversation toward personnel arrangements again, and he knew exactly what Lei Liang wanted to hear. He smiled and said, "Of course there is. You are fully capable of taking on this important task. I believe that under your leadership, Dongjiang Province will continue to ride the waves and move steadily forward."

“I also reported my true thoughts to the relevant leaders. I only recommended you. Of course, my recommendation may not have any effect. In the end, it depends on the decision and comprehensive consideration from above. But I believe that with your abilities, you are fully capable of withstanding the organization's comprehensive examination and the long-term test of history.”

Lei Liang said with a beaming smile, "No matter what the higher-ups consider, I will always prioritize the development of Dongjiang and the well-being of the people. Of course, I will never forget Governor Xuanzhang's recommendation."

Li Xuanzhang picked up his teacup, gently blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface, and said with a serious expression, "Comrade Lao Lei, at this critical juncture, Dongjiang Province must maintain stability, especially Jiangcheng City. This is of paramount importance, and we cannot afford any mistakes. We must also prevent any more news of businesses being shut down from spreading."

Lei Liang's heart tightened, knowing that Li Xuanzhang had already learned about the closure of the six companies in Yongchang District.

He marveled at Li Xuanzhang's excellent information network; he had only just learned of the news himself when Li Xuanzhang found out. But thinking about it, it was understandable. After all, Li Xuanzhang had served as mayor and secretary of Jiangcheng City for many years, and his network of connections and extensive network of informants made it unsurprising that such news reached his ears.

“Governor Xuanzhang, I just found out about this myself. I called Jiang Yiming over and gave him a good scolding.”

Lei Liang said earnestly, "Please rest assured, Governor, I will personally go to Yongchang District this afternoon to supervise the situation and ensure that similar incidents do not occur again in Yongchang District."

"That's hard work."

Li Xuanzhang said, "I have something to report to Secretary Jiale. We'll discuss it in detail later."

"Okay, you're busy."

After leaving Li Xuanzhang's office, Lei Liang called his secretary and personally went to Yongchang District.

"Notify Duan Lei to convene the four leading bodies, and tell him that I will be in the Yongchang District Committee meeting room in half an hour to attend their meeting."

"Okay, Secretary."

the other side.

Duan Lei was at a meeting of the district committee to summarize the phased achievements of the special campaign to improve the environment in Yongchang District. He had just read the twelve characters "zero petitions, zero conflicts, zero public opinion" when his phone suddenly vibrated. It was an urgent call from Lei Liang's secretary.

"Secretary Duan, Secretary Lei will be here soon. He wants you to immediately gather the members of the four leadership teams and wait in the meeting room. He will arrive in half an hour."

"Did the secretary give any specific instructions?"

Duan Lei inquired.

"No, I just asked you to wait."

Secretary Wang said simply.

"Okay, we'll do it right away."

After hanging up the phone, Duan Lei instructed the district committee's duty office to notify the four leading bodies members who were at home to immediately assemble in the district committee's meeting room.

He then went outside and called Jiang Yiming, asking, "Mayor, I just received news that Secretary Lei is coming to Yongchang District, and he also asked me to notify all members of the four leading bodies to immediately assemble in the district committee meeting room—do you know what it's about?"

Jiang Yiming frowned and said, "I have a rough idea of ​​what it is, but I'm not entirely sure. It's very likely related to the closure of six polluting companies."

"Is it really necessary to make such a big fuss over this? Coming here in person and having all four leading bodies in attendance? Isn't this a bit too much?"

"So I'm not entirely sure what he means either."

Jiang Yiming said, "He just called me over and criticized me. Just be prepared."

"Yes, Secretary. I will report to you after his meeting."

After hanging up the phone, Duan Lei and all his staff waited in the meeting room.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was somewhat tense, and everyone sensed that something was amiss.

About half an hour later, Lei Liang pushed open the door and entered. Without looking at anyone, he went straight to the head of the table.

After glancing around, he didn't even look at Duan Lei, and asked directly, "Is everyone here?"

"Because of the tight schedule, one member of the CPPCC leadership team and two members of the NPC leadership team are absent, while three members of the district government leadership team are on their way back."

Duan Lei reported.

"Then we won't wait. After the meeting, make sure everyone understands the spirit of the meeting."

Lei Liang said, “Recently, Jiangcheng City achieved remarkable results by hosting the ‘Jiangqia Conference,’ with both the number of signed projects and the amount of investment reaching record highs, injecting strong momentum into the city’s economic work. Such excellent results in the first quarter are inseparable from the continuous optimization of the business environment and the efforts of cadres at all levels. Both the higher authorities and the province have placed unprecedented expectations and trust in Jiangcheng City’s development this year. Therefore, Mayor Yiming and I feel an even greater responsibility on our shoulders and dare not slacken in the slightest. I have clearly stated to Secretary Jiale and Governor Xuanzhang that Jiangcheng City’s growth rate this year must reach more than ten percent. This is not only an economic indicator but also a political commitment. Therefore, anyone who touches the cheese of the business environment will shake the foundation of the city’s development. I certainly will not let them off easily.”

"Of course, the province has set targets for the city, and the city will naturally set hard targets for each county and district. Without pressure, there is no motivation, and without motivation, there is no implementation. As the district with the strongest industrial base, the most complete range of industries, and the largest number of enterprises above designated size in the city, Yongchang District must shoulder the responsibility of being the main engine of the city's industrial growth."

"Therefore, you must do a good job in serving enterprises, stabilizing the existing stock, and exploring new growth opportunities. You must not hold back."

Lei Liang then changed the subject, saying, "But I heard that your Yongchang District Committee and Government recently shut down six companies. Have you thought about how you're going to report this GDP growth rate at the end of the year?"

"I made a promise to the province that if I fail to achieve the task objectives, I will voluntarily resign from my position as the municipal party secretary and accept any disciplinary action from the organization."

He then looked at Duan Lei and said, "You also need to give me a clear guarantee: what will happen if we fail to complete the task?"