Right path to power

Zhu and Lin frowned as they saw Dong Yimei's anxious expression.

"The Pengning Township Party Committee just reported that Cao Changjie, the township party secretary, was involved in a car accident on his way back to the township and has died."

Lin Xiao was taken aback; he had just returned from Pengning Township that afternoon: "When did this happen?"

"The car accident happened about half an hour ago, and the county hospital announced ten minutes ago that the rescue efforts had failed."

Zhu Lishu thought for a moment and said, "Director Dong, could you take the lead in coordinating this? I'll go and offer my condolences later. Also, please organize the situation and report it to the city as soon as possible, and try our best to secure compensation and related benefits."

She paused, then added, "If appropriate, we can increase the publicity."

Dong Yimei wrote down Zhu Lishu's request and said, "Then I'll go to the hospital first to find out the situation and meet his family. I'll report back to the two leaders later."

After Dong Yimei left, Zhu Lishu sighed, "People are so fragile. They can leave so suddenly. Cao Changjie should be under fifty, in the prime of his life. It's such a pity."

"Yes, I'll go take a look with the Party Secretary then."

Although Lin Xiao was dissatisfied with his work in Pengning Township, and Cao Changjie was Ding Junning's man, and the illegal mining in Pengning Township was probably related to him, he still respected the dead.

"Okay," Juliet said.

That evening, Dong Yimei reported what she had learned: On his way back to Pengning, Cao Changjie collided head-on with a large truck. The vehicle was severely damaged, and broken glass severed a major blood vessel, causing massive blood loss. Although he was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment, he died due to the severity of his injuries despite all efforts to save him.

"County head, his wife has made three requests: first, that Cao Changjie be recognized as having died in the line of duty, with a compensation of no less than one million yuan; second, that he be posthumously awarded the title of Outstanding Party Member and posthumously awarded a second-class merit; and third, that his son be given a civil servant position."

Lin Xiao was speechless after hearing this, and her brows furrowed slightly.

Isn't this request a bit excessive?

If Cao Changjie works diligently and achieves outstanding results, then he can be considered for consideration.

Even if his work is mediocre and he doesn't have any outstanding achievements, it's still barely acceptable.

In fact, during Cao Changjie's tenure as the head of Pengning Township, illegal mining broke out. Although it may not have been directly related to him, he could not escape blame for his poor management.

In addition, during the recent large-scale cadre assessment, the county party committee's organization department had already received many reports about Cao Changjie, but there was no conclusive evidence. They only registered and kept the reports and did not transfer the relevant clues to the county discipline inspection commission for a long time.

Now, his lover, Hong Cuixiu, is actually making these demands; it's really going too far.

"Do you think her request is reasonable?" Lin Xiao asked.

Dong Yimei blurted out, "This is simply outrageous! This is asking for an exorbitant price. Although we should respect the dead, Cao Changjie's reputation has never been very good. If we go too far in giving him preferential treatment this time, I'm worried it could easily have a negative impact."

"Okay, I understand. Let's discuss the details tomorrow."

"Yes, County Head."

The next morning, in Julie's office.

Gao Chengce, deputy secretary of the county party committee, He Zhiqiang, head of the organization department of the county party committee, and Dong Yimei, director of the county party committee office, walked in one after another.

Lin Xiao was the last to come in, and everyone nodded and greeted her.

"County Chief Lin is here. Director Dong, could you please explain the details?" Zhu Lishu's tone was somewhat solemn, and her expression was also slightly grave.

"Okay, Secretary."

Dong Yimei first explained that Cao Changjie had died in a car accident and the request made by his wife, and then said, "This morning, Hong Cuixiu called again and said that Cao Changjie's body would not be cremated until the county's aftermath plan was finalized."

Juliet said in a deep voice, "Now that we know the situation, let's all talk about it."

He Zhiqiang spoke first: "First of all, respect for the deceased is paramount. I suggest that this be properly resolved within the maximum allowable scope of existing policies, and that the application for recognition of death in the line of duty be submitted as soon as possible, and that the compensation be determined in accordance with national standards."

Second, prepare relevant materials simultaneously and submit them to the city for the title of Outstanding Party Member and Second-Class Merit.

Thirdly, regarding the employment of children, care and preferential treatment will be given within the policy framework, but the recruitment process must be conducted in accordance with regulations, and no guarantees can be made.

Zhu Lishu nodded, indicating her approval of He Zhiqiang's approach.

Dong Yimei nodded in agreement.

Gao Chengce said calmly, "I agree with Minister He's opinion. In addition, I think the county can actively strive for commendation and Party care and consolation funds to demonstrate the organization's concern."

Zhu Lishu nodded slightly, but did not immediately express her opinion. Instead, she looked at Lin Xiao, who had remained silent, and asked, "County Chief Lin, what is your opinion?"

Lin Xiao took a deep breath and said, "I have no objection. The person is already gone. As long as we don't cross the policy bottom line, let's handle it according to Minister He's approach."

Zhu Lishu could sense Lin Xiao's dissatisfaction with the family's opportunistic coercion, but with the deceased being the most important and maintaining stability as the priority, she could only handle the matter leniently.

She then concluded: "Since everyone's opinion is relatively unified, then it's settled."

First, those who die on duty must be reported in accordance with laws and regulations, and the compensation will be strictly implemented in accordance with national standards. If the family is in financial difficulty, they can receive assistance through compliant channels such as civil affairs and trade unions. No additional subsidies will be provided.

Second, after the full investigation of the accident is completed, we will apply for relevant honors from higher authorities based on the actual situation.

Third, the employment of children will be addressed and assisted within the scope of policy, but there is no promise to provide them with a permanent position.

In short, while respecting the deceased is paramount, all work must be carried out within the bounds of policy.

She paused for a moment, then continued, "Later, we'll all go to the funeral home to pay our respects to Cao Changjie and offer our condolences to his family. Director Dong, you'll come along too. After we leave, you can represent the county to have a detailed discussion with the family."

After saying that, she glanced around and said, "That's settled then. We'll depart in fifteen minutes. County Chief Lin, please stay behind."

Everyone got up and left.

Zhu Lishu took a sip of tea and said with a wry smile, "I can tell you're not very satisfied with this outcome. To be honest, I am too. Putting aside whether Cao Changjie has committed any illegal or disciplinary violations, his performance at work has been less than satisfactory."

But sitting in this position, there are some things that have to be considered in terms of their impact on society, and even things that have to be done to set an example for the public.

Lin Xiao said, "From a personal perspective, I do feel that we made too many concessions, but from the perspective of the overall situation in the county, I have no objection."

"Yes, we are the leaders, and we have to make some concessions on certain matters. This matter will be handed over to the Organization Department and the County Party Committee Office to implement according to the established principles."

Lin Xiao nodded slightly, remaining silent.

Around 9 a.m., Zhu Lishu, the county party secretary, personally led a team, including acting county head Lin Xiao and several other county leaders, to the funeral home.

Upon arrival, the group first bid farewell to Cao Changjie's remains, and then shook hands with his wife and son to express their condolences.

Hong Cuixiu was extremely agitated and didn't care at all about the level of the leaders who came to offer their condolences. She kept repeating that her husband had died in the line of duty and that he had lost his life for his work. She also repeatedly emphasized that the county should not mistreat honest people, otherwise she would not let it go.

Her younger brother, Hong Quan'an, chimed in, praising his brother-in-law for his dedication and hard work, saying the county must provide maximum compensation to ensure the orphaned mother and her child could not live in poverty.

Cao Changjie's son, Cao Shige, remained silent.

"Please rest assured, the county will definitely handle the aftermath properly, and we hope you can let Comrade Cao Changjie rest in peace as soon as possible," Zhu Lishu comforted them.

She then left with her group.

Dong Yimei stayed behind to convey to Hong Cuixiu the preliminary aftermath plan discussed by the county.

"What? Even with everything included, it's only 600,000? That's still half short! Absolutely not! I don't agree!"

If it's less than a million, don't even think about making me burn Old Cao down.

Also, my son's job needs to be resolved. Your system must have designated positions and preferential quotas; he can't be allowed to take the exam like everyone else.

After hearing the proposal, Hong Cuixiu immediately jumped up, completely ignoring the other mourners, and started shouting loudly on the spot.

Hong Quan'an rushed forward, glaring fiercely at Dong Yimei, and said, "You are blatantly bullying people. I think one million is too little. We want two million. Otherwise, we will not cremate her and will make a scene in the city, the province, and even the north of the city."

His spittle landed on Dong Yimei's face, startling her so much that she took several steps back.

"you……"