Nominal: Who isn't a son-in-law?

"Today's meeting will not be a formality, nor will we seek unanimous approval. Everyone should speak frankly and discuss the reasons on the table. Let's start by having the government present their proposal."

After Li Dakang finished speaking, Zhu Yang sneered and said, "Secretary Li, the purpose of the Standing Committee is to discuss, decide, and pass resolutions. If there's no consensus, it's just empty talk. What's the point of having a meeting?"

hiss!

So brave, did he take some kind of gunpowder?

Liu Yuchen, who was sitting opposite him, was taken aback. This guy had completely abandoned all pretense.

"I think Mayor Zhu's words make sense. Secretary Li, you see, this municipal project was originally under Mayor Zhu's responsibility and the municipal party committee's approval. Now that it has been brought to the meeting for everyone to brainstorm and discuss."

"If the outcome is uncertain, there's no guarantee that the project won't change after the meeting, which inevitably makes the meeting less than genuine."

The speaker was Huang Yuan, the organization minister of Zhencheng City.

"Great, since everyone's here, let's discuss this and set a tone. Whether it works or not, we can immediately begin the necessary arrangements."

One of them spoke up: Zhou Li, the secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission.

"I think so too..."

The support from several people brought a smile to Zhu Yang's face as he glanced at Li Dakang, whose expression had darkened slightly.

How can you fight me? Ignore the people behind you, and you're nothing but an empty shell here!

"Cough cough"

"Comrades, let's put aside the question of whether or not to reach a unanimous decision for now, and talk about the matter at hand."

Liu Yuchen coughed twice to bring the topic back on track, "Comrade Zhu Yang, please tell everyone."

"Alright, now I will give you a brief explanation and report on this matter."

Zhu Yang picked up the document,

"Following the instructions of the Municipal Party Committee, the Municipal Government, together with multiple departments including Natural Resources, Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and Finance, repeatedly analyzed and formulated a complete plan for the bidding of this land parcel."

"The relevant qualification settings, scoring standards, and entry thresholds are all formulated in accordance with industry norms, urban planning, and industrial investment requirements, and the procedures are complete, compliant, and legal."

"Currently, the city faces heavy pressure regarding fixed asset investment and land transfer targets, and deadlines are fast approaching. My opinion is that the Standing Committee should approve this in principle, immediately post it online for public review, and proceed according to plan. We cannot delay the overall development or drag down the city's economy."

No sooner had he finished speaking than the executive vice mayor chimed in, "I completely agree with Mayor Zhu's opinion."

"Under the current circumstances, stabilizing investment, projects, and tax revenue is the most important political task."

"We cannot make unfounded accusations, believe rumors, or delay the city's development plans. Excessive pursuit of stability and excessive internal friction are in themselves a form of inaction and slow action."

The people who had spoken earlier also followed suit.

"Yes, Mayor Zhu's abilities are evident to all. His plans have always been rigorously reviewed at every level, and the procedures are impeccable. There is no need to go through all that trouble."

"When starting a business, the worst thing is to be timid and hesitant, or to be easily alarmed by rumors. We cannot let a few rumors stop us from moving forward."

In an instant, the atmosphere in the meeting room was clearly swayed by Zhu Yang, who seemed determined to force a vote to pass the resolution.

Li Dakang's cold gaze swept over the group, and he raised his hand to tap the solid wood tabletop with a light tap, saying in a chilling voice, "Fine, fine!"

"Several comrades set a very high standard, constantly talking about the overall development situation and stabilizing investment and growth."

"Then, I'd like to ask: Is development that disregards the rules considered reckless development? Is a pace that crosses the line considered arbitrary action?"

Zhu Yang turned his head, his tone unyielding, "Comrade Dakang, if we're talking about setting a high standard, I think you're the one who's setting it high. You're starting by making a big deal out of nothing, trying to put a tight rein on our comrades."

"Oh, that makes sense. You're from Handong, after all, and you don't know our local situation. Let me tell you, decades ago, this place was a bridgehead for development. The reason we were among the top in development was because we dared to think big and act boldly."

"Comrade Dakang, tone down your arrogance and at least familiarize yourself with the local situation first! You are the top leader, that's true, but we don't want to leave an unsightly record."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.

For a moment, even those who had sided with Zhu Yang were stunned. Had this man gone mad?

No, you dare to say anything?

"Hehehe, you said it yourself, I'm the top leader."

Li Dakang sneered, his voice suddenly becoming louder.

"Should I avoid your sharp edge?"

"Stop bringing up things like being from Handong or being local. It's all part of the organization's arrangements. If you're not happy about it, you can immediately submit a report to the provincial party committee and higher authorities. Just say that you think I, Li Dakang, am not qualified for this position. Just say that because I'm an outsider, I've delayed your Zhencheng City's development plan and hindered your mayor Zhu Yang's achievements."

"I'm asking you, do you dare?"

Under Li Dakang's direct gaze, Zhu Yang really didn't dare to respond.

Whoever takes this job is doomed.

"Secretary Li, please calm down..."

Organization Minister Huang Yuan began to offer advice.

"Shut up!"

As soon as he spoke, Li Dakang looked over.

"You are the Organization Minister, appointed by the Provincial Party Committee as the Organization Minister of Zhencheng City. What are your responsibilities? It is to cooperate with the Municipal Party Committee in the selection of cadres, not to boast and talk nonsense all day long, or to go to the Municipal Government to give grand speeches."

"This phenomenon isn't unfounded; some comrades have reported it to me. Do you acknowledge it?"

"I... Secretary Li, I did go there, but it was all about personnel issues..."

Before Huang Yuan could finish speaking, Li Dakang raised his hand to interrupt him, "Personnel issues, can't the municipal party committee report them? I'm not here, and neither is Deputy Secretary Liu?"

"I invited Comrade Huang Yuan here because it involves some personnel changes on the government side."

Zhu Yang spoke up to defuse the situation.

"Oh, I see."

Li Dakang had a look of sudden realization.

"Then please tell me after the meeting what personnel changes were mainly discussed that required your personal attendance as the organization minister, but did not need to be reported to me or the municipal party committee."

"Now, back to the main point, this bidding process appears to be a compliant solution on the surface, but its internal thresholds are deliberately exclusive, and its scoring standards are tailor-made. While it seems like an open tender, it's actually a customized, closed-door operation!"

"I've already heard some rumors; businesses outside are talking about it, and ordinary people can see it clearly."

"As leaders of the municipal party committee, should we turn a blind eye and cover up the truth, or should we confront the problems head-on and uphold our political bottom line?"

Zhu Yang knew that he could not back down now and had to fight to the end, so he immediately said:

"Secretary Li, the plan has undergone joint review by multiple departments and examination by professional institutions. Every point is based on evidence and every procedure is in accordance with regulations."

"You've completely dismissed the government's work and the collective assessments of functional departments based solely on rumors and your own subjective judgment. Isn't that subjective conjecture? Doesn't it indicate a lack of trust in the government team's ability to fulfill its responsibilities?"

"Constantly using rules and bottom lines to pressure people, and labeling the progress of normal projects as misconduct, not only dampens the enthusiasm of cadres but also easily leads to confusion within the leadership team and a loss of workflow!"