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

Li Dakang.

He paused for a long time in front of this name.

These are the people he personally protected after arriving in Handong.

It wasn't because Li Dakang was clean, but because he was useful.

Li Dakang had been Zhao Lichun's secretary. He knew a great deal about his success, things that only he knew. Moreover, there was a rift between him and Zhao Lichun—they had a falling out when Li Dakang was transferred from Luzhou because of the food court project.

This can be utilized.

At the time, he judged that as long as he handled Ouyang Jing's matter well and gave Li Dakang a way out, he could become the key to unlocking Zhao Lichun's problem.

He protected him, spoke up for him in front of the inspection team, shielded him from Gao Yuliang's questioning at the Standing Committee meeting, and secured a relatively lenient conclusion for him regarding the nature of Ouyang Jing's case.

It's better to make mistakes than to make merits—he convinced himself with this saying and took that step based on this logic.

Li Dakang knew that he had protected him and knew what he owed. After that, he was indeed more cooperative and obedient. At several Standing Committee meetings, at some crucial moments, he was the first to speak up and support Sha Ruijin.

That judgment was correct.

The problem is that he never actually used the key for its original purpose.

He protected Li Dakang, gaining a stable ally, but an ally is not a tool. Li Dakang is a man of his own judgment; he cooperates, but he won't proactively say what needs to be said; he supports, but he won't proactively reveal old stories he knows.

Sha Ruijin had already given Li Dakang hints through various channels, and he believed that Li Dakang understood them, but had not responded.

He was aware of Li Dakang's attitude and never pressured him.

But Sha Ruijin is now in a predicament: he must extract those things from Li Dakang to use against Zhao Lichun.

There is only one way to retrieve it—leaving Li Dakang with no other choice.

In other words, we need to put pressure on him.

Ouyang Jing's case was given a lenient treatment at the time, but a lenient treatment does not mean it is closed. The evidence and materials are still there, and if necessary, it can be restarted, re-examined, and reclassified.

Sha Ruijin went over this idea in his mind again and again.

Then he stopped and remained silent for a long time.

The words "blade facing inward" pierced his heart like a knife.

Li Dakang was the person he protected, and the "benchmark for getting things done" that he set up in Handong.

If they were to take action against Li Dakang, what would his subordinates think of him once the news got out? Would the person protected by the provincial party secretary suddenly become a pawn? His authority, his credibility, and his principles of personnel selection would all be shattered by this one blow.

But if we don't do this, Zhao Lichun won't be able to move.

If Zhao Lichun is unable to move, his original intention of coming to Handong cannot be fulfilled.

One small change can have far-reaching consequences.

Principles and political maneuvering were fiercely torn within him. His domineering nature made him unwilling to admit weakness, but at this moment, he did feel a trace of regret that he was unwilling to acknowledge.

—Perhaps, I shouldn't have jumped into this quagmire of Handong.

Finally, he took a deep breath, sat back down in his chair, and called Bai Jingwen in:

"Xiao Bai, contact Li Dakang. I need to see him tomorrow morning."

Let's meet one more time, face to face, and see if we can persuade Li Dakang.

Let's give each other another chance.

Chapter 192 Sand and Lee

Li Dakang has an office in the provincial party committee building of Handong Province, but he rarely works there.

He was used to staying in the Jingzhou Municipal Party Committee building, keeping a close watch on his own little corner of the world.

But since Sha Ruijin had summoned him, Li Dakang naturally had to come.

Today he wore a sharp, dark gray suit, the collar buttoned up perfectly, his back straight as a pine tree, his steps steady yet without the slightest hint of haste. His secretary, Xiao Jin, followed half a step behind, respectful yet measured.

Sha Ruijin's personal secretary, Bai Jingwen, was waiting outside the office door early in the morning. Seeing Li Dakang approach, he immediately went to greet him, a perfectly measured smile on his face—neither obsequious nor aloof, striking the perfect balance.

"Secretary Li, you've arrived. Secretary Sha is waiting in his office and specifically instructed that you be invited in directly upon arrival without needing to announce your arrival."

Li Dakang paused slightly. The imposing manner he had cultivated over years of governing a region vanished, instantly revealing a level of insight and familiarity that only a seasoned secretary possessed.

In his early years, he served as the full-time secretary of Zhao Lichun, the former secretary of the Handong Provincial Party Committee, and was the leader of the so-called "secretary clique." He knew best the weight of the position of a leader's secretary—to convey the leader's intentions and handle affairs from all sides, every word and action was an extension of the secretary's attitude, and the slightest mistake could trigger a chain reaction.

This deep-seated understanding made him treat Bai Jingwen with exceptional respect. He extended his hand, his palm slightly heavy, the pressure just right, his tone friendly yet weighty: "Director Bai, thank you for waiting here so early in the morning."

Bai Jingwen quickly returned the gesture with both hands and bowed slightly: "Secretary Li, you flatter me. It's just my duty, I dare not say it's been hard work."

Li Dakang's tone carried a hint of nostalgia: "I also worked as a secretary in the Provincial Party Committee Office in my early years, so I know best the difficulties of our position. Although we are people close to the leaders, in reality, a single move can affect the whole situation. We have to thoroughly understand the leaders' intentions and coordinate affairs with all parties. Even the details of tea, itinerary, and reception cannot be taken lightly."

Bai Jingwen nodded and said, "You are a senior leader and veteran in Handong, and a powerful official who rose from the position of secretary of the provincial party committee. You are a role model for us younger generations. I hope you will give me more guidance in the future."

"It's not so much about giving guidance, but rather about each doing their own job and supporting each other." Li Dakang gently patted Bai Jingwen's arm, his tone sincere, his eyes revealing understanding for the newcomer. "The situation in Handong is complex, and the entire province has countless tasks that depend on you working alongside Secretary Sha. Jingzhou is the provincial capital, the face of the province. Secretary Sha's work in Handong cannot be separated from Jingzhou's cooperation. If you need anything in the future, Director Bai, just ask. The Jingzhou Municipal Party Committee will do its utmost to ensure that we don't cause any trouble or create any problems for Secretary Sha."

Bai Jingwen felt a warmth in his heart and understood Li Dakang's intentions even more clearly—this Secretary of Jingzhou was not simply being polite, but rather extending goodwill to him as a senior figure.

He nodded repeatedly, his tone becoming increasingly respectful: "Thank you for your understanding, Secretary Li. I will certainly convey your kind wishes to Secretary Sha. Please come in, the tea is ready."

Li Dakang nodded slightly, straightened his suit collar, pushed open the door, and entered with light, deliberate steps.

Sha Ruijin was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the ancient trees in the provincial party committee compound below. Hearing the sound, he turned around. His dark blue Zhongshan suit made his face appear even more square, his eyes deep, and he exuded the composure and imposing presence unique to a high-ranking official.

Upon seeing Li Dakang enter, Sha Ruijin smiled warmly and gestured, "Comrade Dakang, you've arrived. Please sit down."

"Secretary Sha," Li Dakang greeted respectfully, taking a seat on the sofa. He sat upright, his back straight, his hands naturally placed on his knees, his gaze level, neither humble nor arrogant.

Sha Ruijin walked over and sat down opposite him. Bai Jingwen served two cups of pre-Qingming Longjing tea, the tea soup was clear and green, and the aroma was wafting. He then quietly withdrew and closed the door.

The office fell silent.

"Comrade Dakang, your achievements during your four years in charge of Jingzhou are evident to all." Sha Ruijin picked up his teacup, his tone calm and soothing, and began by discussing the work: "Your GDP growth rate has consistently led the province, and you've effectively implemented the industrial park upgrade, old city renovation, and business environment optimization. Although the Guangmingfeng project has experienced some setbacks, its overall progress has been orderly. The aftermath of the Dafeng Factory incident has also been handled properly. The Provincial Party Committee has seen this and remembers it. Jingzhou is the leading city in Handong, and you, as the Party Secretary, bear a heavy responsibility and have made great contributions."

Li Dakang bowed slightly, his posture humble, and his tone pragmatic: "It is all thanks to the correct leadership of Secretary Sha and the Provincial Party Committee. Jingzhou's achievements today are inseparable from the policy support and guidance of the Provincial Party Committee. I am just doing my job well, shouldering the responsibility of development, and ensuring the well-being of the people. I dare not slack off in the slightest."

“To perform one’s duties to this standard is no ordinary feat.” Sha Ruijin put down his teacup, his gaze slowly falling on Li Dakang. His tone deepened, and his eyes held a hint of inquiry. “I’ve been in Handong for six months, and I’ve been gradually getting to know the political landscape, personnel dynamics, and historical issues of the entire province. Handong’s economy has grown significantly in recent years, with its GDP consistently ranking among the top in the country. However, it has also accumulated many deep-seated problems. The higher-ups have seen and taken note of the issues raised by the public, the conduct of officials, and the boundaries of power.”

He paused, lowered his voice even further, and spoke clearly, his tone carrying an undeniable weight: "I was sent to Handong not to guard the status quo, nor to be a complacent official. I am here to clean up the silt, to reshape the political ecosystem, and to sort out all the old, messy, and muddled accounts accumulated over the years. Some things cannot be avoided or escaped."

Li Dakang's fingertips tightened slightly, his face remained calm, but his heart sank.

Sha Ruijin's words may seem broad, but they actually hit the nail on the head—the root of the old score in Handong lies with Zhao Lichun.

Zhao Lichun served as the top official in Handong for many years, rising from provincial party secretary to deputy-level leader of the Senate. He cultivated deep connections over decades and is the biggest "former master" in Handong's officialdom.

He himself was a cadre promoted by Zhao Lichun. From Jinshan County to Lincheng City, and then to Jingzhou City, every step he took was inseparable from Zhao Lichun's patronage. He was a recognized "old subordinate of Zhao" in the Handong officialdom, and the core of the "secretary clique".

Even though there were minor differences later on, his political fundamentals remained unchanged.

“If Secretary Sha gives instructions, I, Li Dakang, will not hesitate. The Jingzhou Municipal Party Committee will resolutely implement all decisions and plans of the Provincial Party Committee and fully cooperate with all tasks of the Provincial Party Committee. Whether it is dredging and detoxification in Jingzhou or developing the economy, I will always be at the forefront.”

Li Dakang spoke firmly, making his stance clear first, but deliberately avoiding sensitive terms such as "past personnel issues" and "historical context," attempting to limit the scope to Jingzhou.

Sha Ruijin looked at him with a knowing look in his eyes. He knew Li Dakang's character all too well—pragmatic, upright, protective of his reputation, focused only on development and political achievements, never involved in factional infighting, and even less likely to get caught up in the vortex of power struggles.

He stopped beating around the bush.

"Comrade Dakang, you are a cadre who grew up in Handong. You were personally promoted and carefully cultivated by Comrade Zhao Lichun all the way. This kindness is hard for ordinary people to repay." Sha Ruijin changed the subject, his tone became solemn, and his gaze was fixed on Li Dakang's face. "The root of Handong's problems lies above, in the long-standing abuses of power. If the higher-ups are to take real action, they need solid evidence and solid materials. They need people who know the truth to come forward and truthfully reflect the facts of what happened back then to the organization."

“You have worked in Handong for more than 30 years and have personally witnessed the personnel changes, policy shifts and power operations during Zhao Lichun’s tenure. You know more about some things than I do and have more authority to speak on them.”

There's no turning back now.

Sha Ruijin's meaning was crystal clear—he wanted Li Dakang to produce materials detailing Zhao Lichun's violations of discipline and law, using them as a breakthrough to bring down his former master.

Li Dakang remained silent for a long time. His fingertips gently caressed the inside of the teacup. The warm tea seeped through the porcelain cup, but it couldn't warm the chill in his heart.

Now that things have been said to this extent, there's no room for refusal.

But if he compromised easily, he wouldn't be Li Dakang.

He raised his head, a signature humble smile on his face: "Secretary Sha, I understand your intentions and I am aware of the determination above. The political environment in Handong needs to be purified, old scores need to be settled, and Party discipline and national laws need to be upheld. I agree with all of this and firmly support it. But I, Li Dakang, have my own bottom line in my conduct and actions."

He paused, his tone calm yet resolute: "Comrade Zhao Lichun has been a mentor to me. When I faced setbacks in Jinshan County, he gave me an opportunity; when I started my business in Lincheng, he supported me; and when I took charge of Jingzhou, he provided me with a platform. I will always remember this kindness. Even though he has now retired to the second line, and even if he has made mistakes in his duties, that should be investigated and verified by the higher-level discipline inspection commission in accordance with regulations, and dealt with by the organization in accordance with regulations. I cannot do anything like submitting evidence behind his back. This is the bottom line of being a decent person, and it is also the duty of an official."

"Furthermore, regarding Comrade Zhao Lichun's matter, I truly have no evidence. Secretary Sha, you are also aware of the inside story of the Luzhou Food City. It was precisely because I refused to give the green light to Zhao's son's project that I became estranged from Comrade Zhao Lichun. Therefore, if it is true that Comrade Zhao Lichun's family has infringed upon the interests of the Party and the people, then not a single penny will be taken from me. I guarantee this with my Party spirit and personal integrity."

Sha Ruijin remained noncommittal, saying indifferently, "You've been in Handong for so many years, haven't you heard any news?"

Li Dakang maintained his smile: "Secretary Sha, since I wasn't involved, they're avoiding me like the plague, why would they tell me? I probably don't know as much as you and the Discipline Inspection Commission do."

"Tell me what you know."

Li Dakang's smile faded slightly: "When I was in Jinshan County, the only project in the county was road construction, a paltry sum that Young Master Zhao wouldn't even consider. Later, at the Provincial Economic Commission, it was all at the implementation level, and there were none. When I arrived in Lüzhou, as you know, it was the Crescent Lake Food City project, which I didn't approve. When I was in charge of Lincheng, we had just had a falling out, and Young Master Zhao avoided me, so there were no projects from the Zhao family. Later, when I came to Jingzhou, I couldn't avoid him anymore, but as far as I know, only the Shanshui Group might be a bit shady."

Sha Ruijin stared into his eyes and said, word by word, "Xiao Gangyu has taken over all the nominee shares and hidden shares of Shanshui Group."

Li Dakang was taken aback, then suddenly realized: "It looks like the work of Comrade Zhao Lichun."

"How to say?"

"I was Comrade Zhao Lichun's secretary. Whether it was planning or administration, he was meticulous and left no room for error."

Sha Ruijin frowned: "Really, there's nothing else?"

Li Dakang smiled and said, "Some rumors and unfounded things won't work on someone of Comrade Zhao Lichun's level, or even on Xiao Gangyu."

Sha Ruijin stood up and stood by the window for a long time. After a while, he turned around and said, "What if I asked you to report that Zhao Ruilong embezzled state-owned assets by abusing Zhao Lichun's power during the demolition of Dafeng Factory?"

Li Dakang asked in surprise, "Didn't Shanshui Group pay the outstanding land transfer fees?"

"When the Discipline Inspection Commission investigated Liu Xinjian, it discovered that the land transfer fee was actually paid by Handong Oil and Gas Group."

Li Dakang frowned: "But didn't Xiao Gangyu acknowledge all the hidden shares in Shanshui Group?"

Sha Ruijin laughed, a hint of coldness in his smile: "As the saying goes, even a great man is bound to have an unvirtuous wife and unfilial children. I suspect it's because that young master Zhao was greedy and unwilling to pay his share, which exposed such a huge flaw. Why should Liu Xinjian do Xiao Gangyu such a big favor for nothing? Ten billion yuan, without any transfer of benefits, is it really a free favor?"

Li Dakang remained silent.

Sha Ruijin's gaze fell on him, his tone calm but brooking no refusal: "Xiao and Liu both insist that it's because of friendship. So, I need you to step in and bring down the Zhao family."

I've really tried my best, staying up later and later each night; it wasn't intentional that I stopped updating.

Chapter 193 Fabricated Charges

Li Dakang forced a smile, his expression somewhat unnatural: "Secretary Sha, I've never had any dealings with the Shanshui Group, so what can I do?"