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

"I don't need to guess, I know that Jiang Xuangui, Zhang Yuntao, and Wang Xianming must have had dark and gloomy faces at the conference!"

Chen Xujian laughed and said, "The list of the newly formed leading group was only issued less than a week ago, and it was rejected by the city. This is too quick a slap in the face. I'm afraid even Jiang Xuangui can't save face."

"However, they deserved it. We were doing so well, and they had to interfere, not only that, they even took the pot from us. I've never seen anyone so shameless!"

"Once you realize it, it's not a big deal."

Jiang Yiming said, "The municipal-level leading group for optimizing the business environment has just been established, and some people have not yet taken office. There was no time to arrange for supervision before the holiday, but supervision will definitely be carried out after the holiday. As the place where the work of optimizing the business environment started, Xinping County must take the lead in everything and play a benchmark and leading role."

"After the meeting, go and report to Secretary Xuan Gui again to see if he will relent. If he does, then deal with those nine cadres who violated the rules before the end of the year."

"If Secretary Xuan Gui still insists on sticking to his guns, then we'll have to wait for the city's supervisory team to arrive after the holiday to conduct supervision and rectification!"

"Okay, I'll take care of it then."

Around 10:30, Jiang Yiming walked to the podium with a cup and a notebook in his hand.

Previously, Wang Xianming's nameplate was placed slightly ahead of his, but this time it has been switched.

Just as Chen Xujian said, Zhang Yuntao and Wang Xianming looked extremely grim, as if they were going to a funeral.

Unfortunately, Jiang Xuangui did not come.

"It's time for the meeting, let's begin."

Zhang Yuntao said, "Before we begin, let me explain that Secretary Xuan Gui was originally going to attend this meeting in person, but due to health reasons, he has to regretfully be absent, and I will be the one to chair it."

Jiang Yiming did not expect Jiang Xuangui to be absent.

"That's too narrow-minded!"

Jiang Yiming shook his head. Jiang Xuangui, not wanting to lose face, simply skipped the meeting.

The morning meeting was very simple: it conveyed and studied the spirit of the city's meeting and announced the adjustment of the leadership team list.

As soon as the news was announced, a cacophony of whispers erupted in the meeting room.

Everyone was quite surprised by this adjustment.

Such a serious matter was changed in less than a week, it's like playing house, it's really embarrassing.

"The meeting is dismissed!"

Zhang Yuntao naturally didn't want to stay a minute longer. Once the formalities were completed, he immediately announced the meeting was adjourned.

Jiang Yiming called out to Lu Hansheng, who was about to return to Xigou Township.

"Secretary Hansheng, please come and sit in my office."

"Okay, that just so happens I also have something to report to you."

Lu Hansheng followed Jiang Yiming into the office and asked with a smile, "Secretary, is there any instruction?"

"Just looking for a chat."

Jiang Yiming pointed to the sofa opposite him: "Sit down and let's talk."

Lu Hansheng knew that his superiors were all busy and wouldn't chat with him for no reason.

But he couldn't figure out why Jiang Yiming had contacted him.

"Didn't you just say you needed to talk to me? Let's talk about your business first."

"It's not a big deal. It's just that Fei Feng used his position to force agricultural business owners to buy red wine. The county keeps saying it wants to optimize the business environment, but when something actually happens, they don't do anything about it. People in the township are cursing us cadres, saying that we say one thing and do another and have no integrity at all."

Lu Hansheng said, "Fei Feng was not punished. Instead of keeping a low profile, he was very high-profile. He boasted that no one in Xinping County dared to deal with him."

"Whether it's township officials or ordinary people, they all have a lot of complaints about him."

"Is this matter truly unsolvable and destined to be left unresolved?"

"No, Fei Feng's case is very typical, it will definitely be dealt with, it's just a matter of time."

Jiang Yiming said, "Let's put this matter aside and talk about something else."

"Secretary Hansheng, you've been the secretary of Xigou Township for over two years now, haven't you?"

"Yes, I went there in September 2001."

Have you ever thought about moving around?

Jiang Yiming inquired.

"Currently, there are no vacancies in county-level departments, and even the larger towns are all occupied. I'd like to move to another position, but there probably aren't any suitable options for me."

Lu Hansheng laughed and said, "Besides, Secretary Xuan Gui doesn't like me. I doubt he'd consider me for a better position. Of course, I haven't done anything wrong, so he probably won't transfer me to a worse one, right?"

"There are no openings in the county, but there are in the city."

Jiang Yiming smiled and said, "The city has established a leading group for optimizing the business environment, but it is currently short-staffed. The city plans to draw people from Xinping County, and I plan to recommend you for the position. The condition is that your rank will be raised."

Lu Hansheng, who was holding a cigarette, dropped it on the ground without even noticing when he heard Jiang Yiming's words.

He never dreamed that he would have the opportunity to be promoted to deputy director.

Although he had some connections—otherwise he wouldn't have been able to get the position of township party secretary—his connections were limited to Xinping County, and their abilities could only help him secure the position of township party secretary; they couldn't help him get a better position.

He planned to serve two terms, then become the head of a less desirable county-level department, and before retiring, he just needed to secure the salary of a deputy director.

Jiang Yiming told him that he would not only transfer him to the city, but also help him improve his rank.

He never dared to even think about such a thing before!

"Secretary Yiming, are you kidding me?"

Lu Hansheng was still a little taken aback.

"Why would I joke about something like this?"

Jiang Yiming smiled and said, "Things aren't completely settled yet. I'd like to ask for your opinion first. If you're unwilling..."

There are no "what ifs," and "what ifs" will not exist!

Lu Hansheng quickly replied, "Secretary Yiming, please feel free to assign me. I will definitely assist you in your work in the city and make sure that the work of optimizing the business environment is done well and achieves results!"

"Okay, I understand your thoughts. I'll let you know when I have news."

Jiang Yiming nodded.

"Secretary Yiming, I won't say much more in thanks. Just watch how I performed!"

Lu Hansheng stood up, grasped Jiang Yiming's hand tightly, and said sincerely.

"I believe in your abilities and I also believe in my judgment. The Leading Group for Optimizing the Business Environment is a good opportunity. If you can seize it, taking the next step forward will not be difficult."

"I understand, and I will definitely cherish the opportunity you fought for me!"

"You go back first. We'll get together and celebrate for you once things are settled."

"Yes, Secretary, I'll treat you to drinks then!"

Lu Hansheng left the office with light steps.

On the other side, Chen Xujian found Jiang Xuangui.

"Secretary Xuan Gui, I heard you weren't feeling well. Are you feeling any better?"

Chen Xujian knew the other person was faking it, but he still had to greet them.

"Thank you for your concern, Secretary Xujian. I was just a little dizzy, but after taking the medicine, I feel much better."

Jiang Xuangui asked, "What does Secretary Xujian want with me about?"

"Secretary, what's your opinion on what happened last time?"

Chen Xujian said, "The city attaches great importance to optimizing the business environment, and Xinping County is the place where this work was initiated. We must take the lead and set an example."

"You mean Fei Feng and the others?"

Jiang Xuangui said, "Didn't I tell you that dealing with one or two section-level cadres is enough? There's no need to expand the scope."

“Secretary, their actions are damaging to the business environment. If Xinping County doesn’t take action, how will we explain it to the city’s supervisory team if they come to investigate?”

“Isn’t Secretary Yiming the deputy director of the leading group office, and he’s in charge of this area? Go and talk to him and put this matter under control. The supervisory team will naturally stop saying anything.”

Jiang Xuangui said, "No matter what, Jiang Yiming is the deputy secretary of our Xinping County. He can't just ignore this matter."

"Secretary, you know he's the deputy director of the leading group office, yet you still let him make a mistake? Isn't that just reckless!"

Chen Xujian said, "If you don't want us to deal with them, that's fine too. Just write an instruction yourself, and I will absolutely not hold anyone accountable!"

"Secretary Xu Jian, are you kidding me? How can you issue such an order so casually?"

“Secretary Xuan Gui, you must be joking! You neither allow them to be punished nor are you willing to write an instruction. When the city investigates and holds them accountable, you will deny everything, and I will be unable to clear my name even if I jump into the Yellow River.”

Chen Xujian said, "I have reported everything I need to. Since you are unwilling to write an instruction, I can only follow the regulations."

After saying that, he left without looking back.

"what!"

Jiang Xuangui's face turned ashen with anger, and he slammed his fist hard on the table.

He didn't expect Chen Xujian to be just as tough as Jiang Yiming.