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

He paused for a moment, then said the name: "I recommend Comrade Yi Xuexi, the acting mayor of Lüzhou City."

There was a moment of silence in the conference room.

Gao Yuliang's eyelids twitched slightly. Qi Tongwei's expression remained unchanged, but his fingers tapped lightly on the table. Li Dakang's gaze shifted from Tian Guofu's face back to the materials in front of him, without looking up.

Wu Chunlin was the first to speak: "Comrade Yi Xuexi? Wasn't he just promoted to acting mayor of Lüzhou City? It's only been a few months, and he's been transferred again? And from mayor to the Discipline Inspection Commission, this..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear—transferring a local administrative leader to the discipline inspection commission is not a routine procedure in cadre appointments. Discipline inspection commission cadres are usually from professional backgrounds; it's rare to see them transferred from the administrative system.

Moreover, Yi Xuexi was just promoted exceptionally, and before he could even settle into his new role, he was already being promoted again, which could easily leave people with the impression that "there's something wrong with this person."

Tian Guofu had clearly anticipated this question and said calmly, "Comrade Chunlin is right. It is indeed unusual to be transferred from mayor to secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission. However, the position of secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of Jingzhou City is at the level of a full-fledged department director. Comrade Yi Xuexi is currently the acting mayor at the level of a full-fledged department director. The transfer is lateral and there is no problem with the procedure. As for why it was him—let me give you a few reasons."

He held up one finger: "First, Comrade Yi Xuexi served as acting mayor of Lüzhou for less than half a year, but he accomplished several practical things. He withstood pressure from all sides and pushed forward the demolition of the Crescent Lake Food City very effectively. This shows that he dares to confront tough issues and is not afraid of offending people. This is exactly the kind of cadre the Discipline Inspection Commission needs."

The second finger: "Secondly, Comrade Yi Xuexi has worked at the grassroots level for 28 years, progressing steadily from county party secretary to district head to bureau chief to mayor. He is familiar with the situation at the grassroots level, understands the psychology of cadres, and knows how to deal with all kinds of people. This is very important for the secretary of the Jingzhou Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection."

The third finger: "Thirdly, Comrade Yi Xuexi's integrity can withstand scrutiny. He worked in Handong for twenty-eight years, holding more than a dozen positions, and never received a single substantive letter of complaint. How many of you here can do that?"

No one spoke in the meeting room.

Tian Guofu lowered his hand, his tone becoming more gentle: "I'm not saying that Comrade Zhao Zhigang and Comrade Qian Feng are bad. I'm saying that Comrade Yi Xuexi might be more suitable. He has local experience, the work style that the Discipline Inspection Commission needs, and he has no vested interests with Jingzhou. If he comes to Jingzhou, he can work freely."

“Comrade Guofu,” Wu Chunlin frowned, “Comrade Yi Xuexi is indeed a good cadre. But he is the acting mayor of Lüzhou, and he has only been in office for a few months. What will happen to the work in Lüzhou? The demolition of the food city is at a critical stage. If we transfer him at this time, will there be problems in Lüzhou?”

Tian Guofu said, "In Luzhou, Comrade Dong Dingfang is the municipal party secretary and also the vice governor, so he can temporarily preside over the work of the municipal government. As for the demolition of the food court—to be honest, Comrade Yi Xuexi has already tackled the toughest part. The rest of the work can be carried out by someone else."

Wu Chunlin nodded and said nothing more.

Qi Tongwei spoke up at this moment.

“I’d like to add something.” His voice wasn’t loud, but every word was clear. “I have no doubt about Comrade Yi Xuexi’s ability and integrity. I had contact with him when I was on temporary assignment in Daokou County, and he is indeed a very reliable person. But—after being transferred from the administrative system to the discipline inspection system, does he have the professional skills required for discipline inspection work? Discipline inspection cases are about evidence, procedures, and legal provisions. Has Comrade Yi Xuexi accumulated any experience in these areas? If he has to learn from scratch, how long will the adaptation period be? Can the work of the Jingzhou Discipline Inspection Commission wait?”

That's a very practical and weighty question.

Tian Guofu had clearly anticipated this question. He said, “Governor Qi, that’s a good question. My answer is—a secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission doesn’t necessarily have to be a case-handling professional. The primary responsibility of a secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission is political oversight, managing the leadership team, and guiding the direction. Specific cases are handled by the comrades in the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office. Comrade Yi Xuexi has served as a top leader at the grassroots level for so many years; he has rich experience in managing people and affairs. What he needs is to be familiar with the Discipline Inspection Commission’s operational processes, which he can learn on the job. Moreover—”

He looked at Sha Ruijin, then at everyone present: "I will pay close attention to the work in Jingzhou. Comrade Yi Xuexi, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Our Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection will fully support you."

This is Tian Guofu giving political endorsement to Yi Xuexi.

Having said that much, Qi Tongwei didn't press further, but simply nodded.

Li Dakang remained silent.

Sha Ruijin looked at him at this moment, his tone a little more serious than before: "Comrade Dakang, you are the Secretary of the Jingzhou Municipal Party Committee. Yi Xuexi has come to Jingzhou to serve as the Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission. You are the squad leader. You should make a statement."

All eyes were on Li Dakang.

Li Dakang sat there, his expression still calm. His gaze lingered on the table for a moment, then he looked up at Sha Ruijin.

“Secretary Sha,” his voice was not loud, but very steady, “I have no objection to Comrade Yi Xuexi’s character, ability, and integrity. As the municipal party secretary, I welcome him to Jingzhou as the secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission.”

This statement was very frank and surprised some people.

But he didn't finish speaking.

“However,” Li Dakang changed the subject, “I also have a concern. Comrade Yi Xuexi was promoted to the position of acting mayor of Luzhou by Secretary Sha and the provincial party committee. He has only been in office for a few months, and now he has been transferred to the Jingzhou Discipline Inspection Commission. Although it is a lateral transfer, will there be any gossip from the outside world? Will people think that there is something wrong with this person, which is why he is being transferred back and forth? Should we consider the impact of this public opinion?”

Sha Ruijin nodded after listening: "Comrade Dakang's concern has some merit. But I believe that as long as we do our job well, public opinion can be guided. Comrade Yi Xuexi was transferred to the Jingzhou Discipline Inspection Commission not because he has problems, but precisely because he is outstanding. We can make this clear through our propaganda."

The propaganda minister quickly spoke up to express his opinion.

Sha Ruijin then looked at Wu Chunlin: "Comrade Chunlin, what are the Organization Department's opinions on Comrade Yi Xuexi's nomination?"

Wu Chunlin hesitated for a moment. He knew that Sha Ruijin's attitude was already very clear, Tian Guofu was fully supportive, Qi Tongwei had raised questions but hadn't objected, Gao Yuliang hadn't objected either, and Li Dakang had also expressed his welcome. To object now would be to stand up to them head-on.

“From the perspective of cadre appointment, Comrade Yi Xuexi does meet the requirements. However, I also think that the issue of professional competence mentioned by Comrade Tongwei just needs to be considered. I suggest that if the Standing Committee approves Comrade Yi Xuexi’s nomination, we can consider arranging for him to undergo a period of professional training at the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection after he takes office, so as to help him become familiar with his work as soon as possible.”

If he didn't use the candidate recommended by the Organization Department, he had to do something, otherwise wouldn't the Organization Department have no presence at all in key personnel appointments?

Sha Ruijin nodded: "That's a good suggestion. Comrade Guofu, please make the arrangements on your end."

Tian Guofu responded.

Sha Ruijin looked around: "Any other opinions?"

No one speaks.

"Alright, let's vote then. Those who agree to appoint Comrade Yi Xuexi as a member of the Standing Committee of the Jingzhou Municipal Party Committee and Secretary of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, please raise your hands."

Sha Ruijin was the first to raise his hand.

Tian Guofu is the second.

Qi Tongwei was the third. He raised his hand with a calm expression, revealing no emotion.

Gao Yuliang paused for a second, then also raised his hand.

Wu Chunlin then raised his hand.

Others followed suit and raised their hands.

Li Dakang was the last to raise his hand. He didn't raise his hand very high.

Sha Ruijin counted: "Unanimously approved."

He closed the folder in front of him, his tone regaining the composure befitting a meeting chairperson: "Alright, it's settled then. The Organization Department will proceed according to procedures, and the Discipline Inspection Commission will handle the handover. Comrade Yi Xuexi's arrival should be as soon as possible; we should strive for him to report to Jingzhou next week."

He paused, then added, "The Discipline Inspection Commission must investigate Zhang Shuli's case promptly and without delay. The leadership of the Jingzhou Discipline Inspection Commission should also take this opportunity to thoroughly reorganize. Those who need to be adjusted should be adjusted, and those who need to be replaced should be replaced. Comrade Dakang, you and Comrade Yi Xuexi must cooperate well to get the discipline inspection and supervision work in Jingzhou up and running."

Li Dakang nodded: "Understood."

Meeting adjourned.

The Standing Committee members stood up one after another and began tidying up their belongings. Sha Ruijin was the first to leave the meeting room, walking briskly with a blank expression. Gao Yuliang exchanged a few words with Qi Tongwei and then left as well. Tian Guofu and Wu Chunlin walked out side by side, talking in hushed tones.

Li Dakang was the last to stand up. He closed the document in front of him, put it in his briefcase, picked up his teacup, and slowly walked out.

As he reached the door, he paused and glanced back at the conference room.

An oval-shaped long table with twelve chairs, all empty.

He glanced at it for a moment, then turned around and walked out.

In the corridor, Qi Tongwei didn't immediately return to the provincial government building, but caught up with Sha Ruijin in a few steps:

"Secretary Sha, do you have a moment now? There's something I'd like to discuss with you."

Sha Ruijin glanced at Qi Tongwei and smiled:

"Yes, come to my office."

Chapter 196 The New Executive Vice President

Qi Tongwei, carrying a thermos, followed Sha Ruijin at a leisurely pace, through the corridor, and up to the sixth floor.

Bai Jingwen arrived with two others first, then hurried a few steps ahead, walked to the front, pushed open the office door, stepped aside to let them in, quickly brewed two cups of tea, and then left, closing the door behind them.

Sha Ruijin sat down on the sofa and pointed to the seat opposite him: "Sit."

Qi Tongwei sat down, picked up his teacup, blew on the foam, and didn't speak immediately.

The two chatted briefly about the meeting. Sha Ruijin said that while Yi Xuexi's appointment was somewhat unusual, the position in the Jingzhou Discipline Inspection Commission definitely needed someone with a strong personality. Qi Tongwei nodded in agreement, saying that Yi Xuexi's style was suitable for the Discipline Inspection Commission.

Having said that, and having taken a couple of sips of tea, Qi Tongwei put down his cup and naturally changed the subject:

"Secretary Sha, there's something else I'd like to report to you on."

Sha Ruijin looked at him and said, "Speak."

"After Governor Liu retired, the position of Executive Vice Governor became vacant in the provincial government." Qi Tongwei spoke unhurriedly, as if he were talking about something trivial. "I am currently the Acting Governor, and there are countless things to manage in the government, including major projects, financial allocation, and daily work coordination. I need a capable Executive Vice Governor to help me share the burden. I hope this position can be filled as soon as possible."

Sha Ruijin leaned back on the sofa and tapped his fingers lightly twice on the armrest.

"Do you have someone in mind who would be a good fit?" he asked in return.

Qi Tongwei did not refuse and said directly, "To be honest, several members of the provincial standing committee are qualified to take this position. But now Handong is expanding its operations, and several key projects are in critical stages. We need someone with rich local experience, who can get things done, and who can also win people's respect. If we select someone from a theoretical perspective, I'm afraid it won't be of much help to the government's work."

He paused, then laid out the names: "After a comprehensive review, I found that there are mainly two people in the province who meet the requirements—one is Comrade Lin Long'an, a member of the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Governor, and the other is Comrade Li Dakang, Secretary of the Jingzhou Municipal Party Committee. Both of them are of sufficient rank and ability. The specific decision-making process is still up to Secretary Sha."

Sha Ruijin did not respond immediately.

He picked up his teacup, took a slow sip, his eyes fixed on the tea, but his mind was racing.

Qi Tongwei is right. The position of Executive Vice Governor is not in the five-person group, but its actual power and ranking are usually between fourth and fifth in the province. The person selected for this position must be capable, but not too opinionated; they must be respected by the people, but not form cliques.

Lin Long'an was Liu Changsheng's man. During his years in charge of science and technology, education, and industry and information technology in the provincial government, he neither made any major mistakes nor stood out in any particular way. His characteristic was stability—he could handle assigned tasks well, and he would never overstep the bounds of propriety for anything not specifically assigned. After Liu Changsheng was "persuaded to step down," although Lin Long'an didn't publicly express his stance, his cooperation with the government noticeably increased during Qi Tongwei's tenure as acting governor. While not necessarily joining Qi Tongwei's inner circle, his attitude at least leaned towards cooperation.

If Lin Long'an becomes the executive vice president, Qi Tongwei will be able to handle the affairs of the provincial government more easily, and the entire provincial government team will form a relatively close and efficient operating system.

But that's where the problem lies.

As the provincial party secretary, it was almost instinctive for Sha Ruijin to infiltrate key positions within the provincial government. He didn't want the provincial government to become a monolithic entity, nor did he want Qi Tongwei to have absolute authority within the government system.

Even though his main focus is currently on Zhao Lichun and he doesn't have the energy to compete with Qi Tongwei for the time being, this sense of checks and balances is already ingrained in his bones.

With Lin Long'an in charge, things have gone too smoothly for the provincial government.

What about Li Dakang?

Li Dakang's abilities are undeniable; Jingzhou's achievements over the years speak for themselves. Moreover, Li Dakang has his own unique approach to economic work, and if he were to serve as the executive deputy in the provincial government, he would undoubtedly be an excellent candidate.

The problem is, Li Dakang has now become estranged from him.

Sha Ruijin knew in his heart that their conversation in the office that day had broken the unspoken barrier between them. Li Dakang had rejected him, rejected that "it's possible" hint. From that moment on, Li Dakang was no longer a "trustworthy person" to him, but a "person who needs to be guarded against."

Moreover, he just recommended Yi Xuexi to be the secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission in Jingzhou, which clearly indicates that he is preparing to take some action.

Appointing someone who is alienated to be Qi Tongwei's executive deputy? Impossible.

Li Dakang must be crushed in Jingzhou.

Sha Ruijin mentally reviewed the two options and found that neither of them completely satisfied him.

He put down his teacup and looked at Qi Tongwei: "Comrade Lin Long'an has worked in the government for many years and has experience. But he has always been in relatively abstract fields such as science and technology and education. How is his overall grasp of economic work? Can he shoulder the responsibility of executive vice president?"

Qi Tongwei sensed the hesitation in those words but didn't point it out. He simply said, "Comrade Lin Long'an is thorough in his work and has strong execution skills. The core responsibility of the Executive Vice Governor is execution, and he has no problem with that. Of course, if Secretary Sha feels he's not comprehensive enough, Comrade Li Dakang has more experience in economic work—"

“Comrade Dakang cannot leave Jingzhou for the time being.” Sha Ruijin waved his hand, interrupting him, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. “Jingzhou has just changed its Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary, and the leadership needs to be stable. Moreover, the Guangming Peak project is still in a critical period, and it would be inappropriate for him to leave at this time.”

Qi Tongwei nodded and did not insist.

Sha Ruijin pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "How about this, we'll report to our superiors and ask them to transfer someone from outside for this position. Let us clearly state our requirements, and ask the Organization Department to make the overall arrangements."

Qi Tongwei's brow twitched slightly.