Nominal: Starting with an entrance exam for a PhD in Economics at Peking University

"The inspection revealed that the Handong Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection had problems in fulfilling its supervisory responsibilities, such as being afraid to confront tough issues and being unwilling to take responsibility. Supervision of some key areas and positions was not in place; the investigation and punishment of some issues that the public strongly complained about was not strong enough; and the handling of some cadres suspected of violating discipline and laws was too lenient."

Tian Guofu's expression changed.

He didn't expect the inspection team to target the disciplinary committee.

Zhang Jiguo looked at him, his tone calm but unquestionable: "The Discipline Inspection Commission is the specialized organ for intra-party supervision. If the Discipline Inspection Commission dares not or is unwilling to supervise, then who will supervise? This issue must be taken very seriously."

Tian Guofu lowered his head and wrote a few lines in his notebook, but only he knew what he wrote.

Zhang Jiguo took a sip of water and turned to the last page.

"The above five issues are the main problems discovered by the inspection team during its three-month work in Handong. Of course, there are also some specific issues that have been transferred to the relevant departments for handling according to procedures. What we are reporting to the Provincial Party Committee today are the main issues and general opinions."

He closed the materials, looked up, and gazed at the attendees below the stage.

"Comrades, the purpose of the inspection is not to find fault, but to solve problems. The higher-ups sent us to Handong not to find fault, but to help Handong improve its work. Discovering problems is for the purpose of solving them, and pointing out problems is for the purpose of correcting them. I hope everyone understands and treats this correctly."

He turned to look at Sha Ruijin.

"Next, Comrade Sha Ruijin will make a statement on behalf of the Provincial Party Committee."

Sha Ruijin sat up straight.

His expression was serious, but not nervous. He was aware of most of the issues raised by the inspection team. In some cases, he knew about them earlier and in more detail than the inspection team did.

"Team Leader Zhang, Deputy Team Leader Sun, and fellow members of the inspection team," Sha Ruijin's voice was steady and powerful, "Just now, Team Leader Zhang, on behalf of the inspection team, reported the inspection findings to the Provincial Party Committee. The problems pointed out by the inspection team were factual and incisive, making us blush and feel extremely uncomfortable. These problems are both a 'health check report' and a 'prescription for treatment.' On behalf of the Provincial Party Committee, I accept them all sincerely."

His voice echoed in the conference room.

"The five issues pointed out by the inspection team are all incisive and hit the nail on the head. The problems of the political environment, the selection and appointment of personnel, the risks of corruption in key areas, the conduct of leading cadres, and the supervisory responsibility of the discipline inspection commission—these problems do exist in Handong, and some are quite serious. As the provincial party secretary, I bear the primary responsibility. Here, I would like to make a profound self-criticism to the provincial party committee, the inspection team, and the cadres and people of Handong."

He stood up and bowed to the audience.

A low murmur rippled through the meeting room. It was unusual for the provincial party secretary to bow and offer a self-criticism.

Sha Ruijin sat back down and continued, “We must not only acknowledge the problems pointed out by the inspection team, but also rectify them. Moreover, we must truly, practically, and thoroughly rectify them. The Provincial Party Committee will immediately establish a leading group for rectification work, with myself as the group leader, to personally oversee the rectification. For every problem raised by the inspection team, we will establish a ledger, clarify responsibilities, and set a time limit for rectification. The rectification progress will be reported to the inspection team in a timely manner and communicated to the entire province as appropriate.”

He paused, then his tone became more resolute.

"Here, on behalf of the Provincial Party Committee, I would like to make a statement: no matter who is involved, no matter how complex the problem is, we will investigate it thoroughly and never tolerate it. The political environment of Handong must be purified; the cadre team of Handong must be rectified; and the development environment of Handong must be improved. This is the Provincial Party Committee's commitment to the higher authorities, and also a commitment to the people of the whole province."

After he finished speaking, applause rang out in the conference room.

Zhang Jiguo nodded, gesturing for him to sit down.

"Comrade Sha Ruijin's statement was very firm and excellent," Zhang Jiguo said. "We hope the Provincial Party Committee will keep its word and take immediate action to rectify the situation. Although the inspection team is leaving, the rectification work has only just begun. Three months later, the Leading Group for Inspection Work will conduct a 'look back' on the rectification progress. At that time, we will have an explanation as to whether the rectification has been done well and whether it has been thorough enough."

He glanced at the audience below and said one last thing:

"Comrades, Handong is a good place with a solid foundation and great potential. I hope that the comrades in Handong can take this inspection as an opportunity to work hard, be pragmatic and enterprising, and do a good job in Handong. This is the expectation of the higher authorities and the hope of the people."

Applause erupted again.

Zhang Jiguo closed the documents and exchanged a few words with Sha Ruijin in a low voice.

The feedback meeting has officially ended.

After the feedback meeting, there will be a small-scale communication meeting.

The number of participants was small: several leaders of the inspection team, members of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee, and some leaders of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Organization Department of the Provincial Party Committee.

The content of this meeting will be more specific and direct than the feedback meeting we just had.

The meeting room was moved to the Standing Committee meeting room on the third floor. About twenty people sat around the round table, and the atmosphere was even more serious than before.

Zhang Jiguo got straight to the point: "The previous meeting was just going through the motions. Now, in this smaller meeting, let's get down to business."

He looked at Sha Ruijin: "Secretary Sha, there are some things that are inconvenient to say at the meeting, but you can say them now."

Sha Ruijin nodded: "Team Leader Zhang, please go ahead."

Zhang Jiguo opened a small notebook, which was filled with notes.

"Let's start with the first question, which concerns Comrade Zhao Lichun."

The meeting room fell silent.

Zhao Lichun, the former provincial party secretary of Handong, is now the vice chairman of a special committee of the National People's Congress. Although he has left Handong, his influence remains, his network of connections remains, and his shadow still looms over this land.

“During the inspection, we received some reports about Comrade Zhao Lichun’s work in Handong.” Zhang Jiguo’s tone was very calm, as if he were talking about an ordinary matter. “It mainly focused on several aspects: First, there was a problem of nepotism in the selection and appointment of cadres; second, there was a problem of personal decision-making in some major projects; and third, his relatives, especially his son Zhao Ruilong, used his influence to engage in business activities in Handong and obtain improper benefits.”

Zhang Jiguo looked at Sha Ruijin: "Some of these problems were discovered by the inspection team, and some were reported by the public. According to procedure, we will report to our superiors. Before that, let's inform the provincial party committee first."

Sha Ruijin nodded without saying anything.

Zhang Jiguo continued, "Regarding Zhao Ruilong's case, the inspection team has obtained some specific information. For example, the Luzhou Food City project, some land transfer projects, and some construction projects. These issues are wide-ranging, span a long period of time, and are complex. It is recommended that the Provincial Party Committee focus on these areas during the rectification process and conduct in-depth investigations."

Gao Yuliang sat next to Sha Ruijin with a calm expression, but his heart was in turmoil.

Although Zhang Jiguo did not name names, every word he said was like a knife cutting into the Zhao family.

Zhang Jiguo seemed to see through his thoughts and turned to look at him.

"Comrade Gao Yuliang, you are a veteran of Handong, having worked in Lüzhou and for many years in the province. You should be quite familiar with Comrade Zhao Lichun's situation. The inspection team hopes that in the upcoming rectification process, you will actively cooperate with the provincial party committee and truthfully report what you know to the organization."

Gao Yuliang adjusted his glasses and said in a steady voice, "Team Leader Zhang, rest assured, as a veteran Party member, I have always trusted and relied on the organization. Whatever the organization needs me to do, I will do my best to cooperate."

Zhang Jiguo nodded and did not ask any further questions.

"The second question concerns the work of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection." Zhang Jiguo looked at Tian Guofu. "Comrade Tian Guofu, you are the Secretary of the Commission for Discipline Inspection. As mentioned at the meeting, the Commission for Discipline Inspection has a problem of not daring to confront tough issues. This is not just empty talk; the inspection team has uncovered some specific examples."

Tian Guofu sat up straight.

"For example, regarding Comrade Hou Liangping's case," Zhang Jiguo said, "Hou Liangping was reported for personal issues during his job transfer, and this matter has been widely discussed in Handong. As the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, did you intervene in the investigation? Did you report the relevant situation to the inspection team?"

Tian Guofu's expression changed slightly.

This was the Zhong family expressing their dissatisfaction with the attempt to frame them for the reason given for Hou Liangping's transfer.

"Team Leader Zhang, regarding Comrade Hou Liangping's case, we have conducted a preliminary investigation according to procedure. The information we have so far is that there is no conclusive evidence regarding the so-called 'breakup fee' rumor."

"Then why not make it public?" Zhang Jiguo interrupted him. "Is letting rumors spread the right work attitude?"

Tian Guofu opened his mouth, but couldn't say a word.

Zhang Jiguo's tone softened somewhat: "Comrade Tian Guofu, I'm not targeting you. I just want to tell you that although the work of the Discipline Inspection Commission is carried out under the leadership of the Party organization at the same level, it must also keep a close eye on its own 'acre of land'. It is unacceptable to only talk about politics and not discipline."

Tian Guofu nodded: "Team Leader Zhang's criticism is correct, I accept it."

"The third question concerns Comrade Li Dakang." Zhang Jiguo turned to look at Li Dakang.

Li Dakang's expression was calm, but his palms were sweating.

"Comrade Li Dakang, you have worked in Handong for many years, with both achievements and controversies. The inspection team has received some complaints about your family members, mainly concerning your wife, Comrade Ouyang Jing, who allegedly used your position to engage in business activities."

Li Dakang's lips twitched slightly.

Zhang Jiguo looked at him, his tone calm but serious: "The inspection team has already transferred this matter to the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection for handling according to procedure. I hope you can take it seriously and actively cooperate with the investigation."

Li Dakang was silent for a few seconds before speaking: "Team Leader Zhang, I, Li Dakang, have always been upright and honest in my work. If my family members do have problems, I will never cover them up. But if anyone tries to use this to frame me, I am not afraid."

Sha Ruijin frowned and said, "Comrade Dakang, Team Leader Zhang is here to help us, not to mess with anyone. What you said is inappropriate."

Li Dakang realized he had misspoke and lowered his head: "Team Leader Zhang, I'm sorry, my attitude was bad just now. I accept the organization's investigation and am willing to cooperate."

Zhang Jiguo waved his hand, not taking it to heart.

"The fourth question concerns Comrade Qi Tongwei." Zhang Jiguo looked at Qi Tongwei.

Qi Tongwei sat up straight, his expression calm.

“Comrade Qi Tongwei, you are a newly appointed vice governor, and although you haven’t been here long, the inspection team has noticed some issues with you,” Zhang Jiguo said. “During your time at the checkpoint, you had a good reputation and did some practical things. But after you came to the province, did you use your position to ask favors or ask favors for your former subordinates or acquaintances? Did you accept any banquets or gifts from them?”

Qi Tongwei's expression remained unchanged, but his mind raced; this was probably just a minor, insignificant reprimand.

“Team Leader Zhang, I admit that after I arrived in the province, I did keep in touch with some of my old colleagues at the checkpoint. During holidays, some people would send me local specialties. But I can say with certainty that I have never used my position to seek any improper benefits for them.”

Zhang Jiguo nodded: "I hope you remember what I said today."

He closed the notebook and looked at Sha Ruijin.

"Secretary Sha, the words spoken at this small meeting were more specific and direct than those spoken at the main meeting. Some of them may be unpleasant to hear, but they are all the truth. I hope the Provincial Party Committee will take them seriously and handle them properly."

Sha Ruijin nodded: "Team Leader Zhang, rest assured, the Provincial Party Committee will verify and handle these specific issues one by one. We will investigate what needs to be investigated and deal with what needs to be dealt with. There is only one principle—seeking truth from facts."

Zhang Jiguo stood up and extended his hand: "Alright. Then the inspection team's work ends here. I wish the comrades in Handong a smooth work and that Handong will continue to develop and prosper."

Sha Ruijin grasped his hand: "Thank you, Team Leader Zhang, and thank you to all the comrades in the inspection team. You've worked hard for the past three months."

Everyone stood up, shook hands, and exchanged pleasantries.

The atmosphere in the meeting room finally relaxed a bit.

After the meeting, everyone saw the inspection team off.

Gao Yuliang walked at the back, his pace slower than usual.

He walked out of the provincial party committee building. The April sun was dazzling and scorching. He stood on the steps, squinted at the sky for a moment, and then slowly walked down the steps.

After the inspection team boarded the Coaster, Gao Yuliang returned to his office.

I sat in the chair and closed my eyes.

Zhang Jiguo's words kept echoing in my mind.

Zhao Lichun's issues have been brought to the table.

Although the inspection team did not say it explicitly, the meaning was clear—the higher-ups wanted to take action against Zhao Lichun.

The only difference is the extent to which it needs to be changed.

Having served in his official career for over twenty years, what hasn't he seen and experienced?

But this time, it's different.

This time, it's really different.

He took out his phone and scrolled to an unmarked number in his contacts.

That was Zhao Lichun's private number.

He stared at the number for a long time, but in the end, he didn't dial it.

He put his phone back in his pocket and closed his eyes again.

Some phone calls cannot be made.

Once it's made public, even if no one knows about it, the nature of the situation is completely different.