"In the midst of cherry petals dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there."
"Really? Go on," Shen Zile was somewhat surprised and also noticed Lu Weimin's inner hesitation, nodding solemnly.
"County Magistrate Lu is said to have a good relationship with Director Mao Rong. I would like to ask you to speak with County Magistrate Lu and request him to work on Director Mao Rong, to get her to take office as soon as possible. Our Three Special Work Office needs to fully launch its work, and it requires Director Mao Rong to steer and coordinate, especially now that some progress has been made. Director Mao Rong's role is even more important, as it involves many specific needs and coordination with relevant townships and departments. Additionally, we need County Magistrate Lu to further strengthen work guidance," Lu Weimin carefully chose his words.
Shen Zile's expression changed, and he immediately understood the hidden meaning in Lu Weimin's words.
"Little Lu, have you heard something?"
Seeing Shen Zile's gaze, Lu Weimin hesitated about whether he should remind Shen Zile.
After all, Shen Zile came from the provincial government and did not truly understand the intricacies of the county. He believed that this election would be smooth, especially with An Dejian in charge, making it as stable as a rock. However, he underestimated Qin Haiji's influence. Recently, Qin Haiji and Cao Gang seemed to be very默契 (cooperative) in visiting the countryside, which left Lu Weimin with an indescribable feeling.
To be honest, he didn't dare to believe that Qin Haiji and Cao Gang would dare to engage in vote-buying. After all, it was the early 1990s, and this was an election for county magistrate, not vice-county magistrate. If there were problems with an equal election, it would mean that An Dejian had lost his ability to control the situation and his political acumen. Therefore, Lu Weimin didn't pay much attention at first.
However, one day, while chatting casually with Zou Hua, Zou Hua mentioned that he had been very busy, accompanying his boss on visits to the countryside. Out of the eight districts in the county, Secretary Qin had already visited two, and ten townships, even going down to the village level to hold representative forums to understand the representatives' opinions and suggestions, with strong reactions. This made Lu Weimin subconsciously more alert.
With over a month left before the county people's congress, Qin Haiji's active visits to the countryside seemed off to Lu Weimin. He didn't believe that Qin Haiji would openly challenge the rules unless he had received instructions from above.
But Shen Zile was already designated as the acting county magistrate, not the vice-county magistrate temporarily in charge, which meant that Shen Zile was not a transitional figure but was to be officially elected as county magistrate. No representative would be unaware of this, unless someone deliberately misled them or had ulterior motives.
If Qin Haiji's visits only raised a slight alarm in Lu Weimin, then Cao Gang's frequent visits to the townships were even more suspicious, especially their默契 (cooperative) approach to avoid overlapping targets, which made Lu Weimin even more suspicious.
Lu Weimin didn't believe that An Dejian hadn't noticed these anomalies, but could Shen Zile take the initiative to do something?
So far, Lu Weimin still hadn't figured out what Qin Haiji and Cao Gang were up to. The position of county magistrate wasn't something you could just claim because you thought you were more suitable. Challenging the organization's intentions in this era was pure folly, as a simple piece of paper could remove you from your party position and force you to leave. Taking such a risk was utterly foolish.
What were Qin Haiji and Cao Gang up to?
But regardless of what Qin Haiji and Cao Gang were doing, Lu Weimin felt that Shen Zile should do something.
"County Magistrate Shen, I think the Three Special Work Office needs Director Mao Rong to return. Without a leader, our work lacks legitimacy. Her return to take on the responsibility will be more beneficial for our work," Lu Weimin smiled. "Additionally, I think County Magistrate Shen should communicate more with Director Lin. The enthusiasm for the county people's congress's work hasn't been fully realized. Recently, I've noticed that Secretary Qin and County Magistrate Cao have been very active in visiting the countryside for research, but Director Lin has rarely done so due to transportation issues. I think the county government should consider improving the working conditions of the county people's congress."
Mao Rong not only had a good relationship with Lu Yuchuan but was also said to have distant relatives in the county's vice-secretary and chairman of the county people's congress, Lin Shunlu. With the county people's congress about to convene, mending the strained relationship with Lin Shunlu and strengthening the county government's influence was crucial for Shen Zile, something he had overlooked earlier.
Shen Zile's gaze towards Lu Weimin was filled with surprise. To think of this, unless one was thoroughly familiar with the intricacies of the government, it was almost unimaginable. How could Lu Weimin think so comprehensively and meticulously?
Was someone giving Lu Weimin some hints?
For an equal election for county magistrate, Shen Zile wasn't too worried. After all, An Dejian's influence in the county was unshakable, and he had the responsibility to ensure his smooth election, a point that An Dejian and Shen Zile, both well-versed in political rules, understood. He believed that Qin Haiji and Cao Gang also understood this, but their actions still made Shen Zile somewhat wary.
Shen Zile was well aware that his sudden appearance was a significant blow to Qin Haiji and Cao Gang, blocking the crucial step of the county magistrate position. This meant that even if An Dejian left, they could only watch as Shen Zile succeeded him or the region appointed another person as county party secretary. Neither outcome was what they wanted.
At this time, any actions by Qin Haiji and Cao Gang could not be ignored.
Shen Zile once again realized Lu Weimin's exceptional qualities. This young man always chose the right moment to offer unique insights, making it impossible to ignore him.
"Alright, I understand. Do you have any other good suggestions?" Shen Zile nodded with a smile. Having such a person firmly in his grasp was truly satisfying.
"The Shanghai sedan used by the county people's congress and the county political consultative conference is quite old. Now, the higher-ups are also actively promoting the role of the people's congress in supervision. I think the county should consider improving the transportation for the county people's congress to facilitate its role more effectively."
Lu Weimin knew that saying this was somewhat overstepping, but he couldn't help it. Shen Zile's experience in grassroots work was too short, and he was still too naive in many aspects. He had to remind him in this somewhat abrupt way.
Thank you to the many enthusiastic readers, including Drunken God, Lao Zhou, Liang Yan'er, Lonely Universe, Moon Chest Big Sin, High Mountain Wind, hyming_101, Sweet Sugarcane, and Akang for their daily support. I will strive to write this book well and capture its essence.