Right path to power

Gong Lei initially frowned, but his face darkened as he hung up the phone. He never expected that he would be rebuffed by Yan Zhao.

After thinking for a moment, he called Lin Xiao first and said, "Xiao Lin, I don't know what's wrong with Yan Zhao, he won't budge an inch. But don't worry, I'll call Secretary Huang right away."

During the call just now, Yan Zhaoming subtly brought up the county party secretary, being polite on the surface but not really respecting him at all.

But since this matter involves Lin Xiao, he has to make his stance clear.

After making the call, Gong Lei got straight to the point and talked about Lin Xiao's situation, believing that the training of young people should be balanced, and there was no need to nitpick. Young people should be given more opportunities.

"Old Lei, the campaign to rectify the work style of cadres in Nangang Township is a very meaningful thing, and I fully support it. As for what you mentioned, I think it's just a small matter. Besides, young people really can't be too casual. As the saying goes, 'A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit.' Receiving some criticism and education is no big deal; on the contrary, it's beneficial to their growth. So, don't be so anxious."

Huang Zaichuan was indeed calm and composed, and what he said was a double entendre.

Gong Lei's face darkened again. He took a deep breath and said, "Secretary Huang, I still stand by my opinion. I believe that as long as no one makes a fundamental mistake, we can be more tolerant of young people. After all, we were young once too. I'll go back and report to you in person."

Huang Zaichuan said calmly, "Alright, we'll talk about it when you get back. But my opinion is that we should trust the grassroots Party organizations and not interfere arbitrarily. Even if problems arise in the end, it's not too late to correct them then."

After hanging up the phone, Gong Lei's expression turned serious. He couldn't understand why even the county party secretary wouldn't budge on such a trivial matter.

Could it be that Huang Zaichuan is really trying to show that he is too impatient, not only about Lin Xiao's situation, but also about the "county magistrate position"?

After a moment's thought, he made up his mind.

At lunchtime, Wu Di, overjoyed, went to the bulletin board with a notice in hand. Seeing that a crowd was gathering, he shouted loudly:

"Everyone, please take a close look at this. This is the disciplinary decision regarding Lin Xiao. I hope everyone will learn from this."

Before Wu Di had even finished speaking, the crowd began to stir.

"Lin Xiao was punished? What happened?"

"What's wrong with him?"

"I heard he was absent from work for half a day without cause, and I can't get through to him on the phone."

"What?! Really? They're going to punish me for something so small?"

"He just had bad luck; he happened to run into the line of fire."

"It's just a warning. If I remember correctly, he was supposed to be in the rating stage too. Now he's completely finished."

"Yes, although the probation period is six months, it not only affects his annual performance evaluation, but also prevents him from being promoted by a leader during this period. It's such a pity."

"What a pity? It's one thing for a provincial-level selected graduate not to be strict with himself, but to be undisciplined and disregard organizational discipline. I think he has only himself to blame, there's nothing to regret."

"Do you think anyone will still protect him?"

"Your former backer is dead, who do you think would want to get involved in this mess?"

……

There were all sorts of opinions, some expressing regret, others gloating, and as the discussions grew, the crowd of onlookers also grew larger.

"Excuse me, excuse me, let me see."

A powerful female voice instantly silenced all other voices, and then He Saihua pushed her way out of the crowd.

Upon seeing the announcement, her face immediately darkened. She then turned and walked over to Ding Shangkun, who was watching the commotion from the sidelines, and said angrily:

"Director Ding, this is going too far. Xiao Lin clearly called you yesterday to ask for leave."

Ding Shangkun glanced at it and said coldly, "Director He, didn't you see what kind of stamp it was? Let me tell you, firstly, this is a disciplinary decision from the township party committee; secondly, leave requests must be in writing and approved before they take effect; finally, even if you requested leave yesterday, what about this whole morning? You neither requested leave nor could you be reached by phone, treating organizational discipline like a joke. So, is this punishment excessive?"

"Even if Xiaolin's leave application was irregular, it was only half a day. A reprimand would suffice; it shouldn't warrant a disciplinary action. Besides, which of you hasn't had something similar happen to you? Ask yourselves honestly. And Director Ding, if I remember correctly, you left work at noon last Wednesday and Thursday. Does that mean you were absent in the afternoon as well?"

Ding Shangkun was somewhat embarrassed, but still said with a flushed face, "I was in the county on business. Secretary Yan and Secretary Wei both knew about it. How can this be the same as Lin Xiao's situation?"

"Xiao Lin was also going to the county leaders on business!" He Saihua retorted again.

"County leaders? Which county leader are you working for? And what are you working for? Do Secretary Yan and Secretary Wei know? Who else knows?"

Now, He Saihua was truly speechless. She genuinely didn't know which county leader Lin Xiao had gone to do business for, and she wasn't even sure if it was true. After all, if it were true, why would the township forcibly punish him?

She was genuinely worried about Lin Xiao. With Lin Xiao's promotion imminent, if he were to receive a disciplinary action, not only would he miss the promotion deadline, but his future career would likely be hindered.

"I'll go find Mayor Kong."

He Saihua turned and ran upstairs, while Ding Shangkun still pursed his lips and said coldly, "Find whoever you want, it won't make a difference."

The decision was personally proposed by Yan Zhao, the Party Secretary of the township, and received support from people including Wei Shaogong, the Deputy Party Secretary. However, when the decision was discussed at the meeting, Kong Changgeng, the Township Head, did not utter a single word.

Therefore, Ding Shangkun believed that it didn't matter who he contacted!

"Do you think this young widow is in such a hurry because she's fallen for that pretty boy?" Wu Di said with a sly smile, his mind racing.

"She has someone else in her bed at home, how can you call her a widow? But they might actually be having an affair."

"They went to Songmao Village together yesterday. A relative of mine said they left quite early, but when did He Saihua return? And wasn't it raining heavily during that time? Who knows what they were doing while they were taking shelter from the rain?"

Wu Di was very pleased with his imagination and thought that this was the whole story, while the people listening nearby also enjoyed the scene.

"You didn't see it, yesterday... that white skin with black showing through, so alluring... it was truly unforgettable..."

Wu Di continued, but before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by an angry shout from behind.

"Wu Di, you old bastard!"

Wu Di hurriedly turned around, only to be met by He Saihua, who had just come downstairs. Wu Di smiled awkwardly and stood there, not intending to hide. In his opinion, He Saihua could not get close to him no matter what, after all, there were many people in front of him who wanted to hear gossip.

However, just as he made up his mind, a powerful slap landed on his face.

"You...you dare..."

Before he could react, the second slap landed.

At this moment, those around him noticed that Wu Di had several scratches on his face, some of which were beginning to ooze bright red blood.

Strangely, no one stopped He Saihua, which allowed her to take the opportunity to kick Wu Di hard in the groin.

"what……"

The screams echoed through the courtyard, accompanied by increasing laughter.