Right path to power

District Mayor's Office.

After reporting on the meeting, Deputy District Head Zhang Changming said angrily, "District Head, I can't do this job anymore. I'm caught in the middle, pleasing neither side. Environmental protection is being strictly enforced, which is hindering business production and affecting investment attraction. Don't blame me for this."

Yang Songfeng's face darkened: "What are you saying? You're in charge of environmental protection, whose responsibility isn't yours? Is someone preventing your Environmental Protection Bureau from fulfilling its duties? I've repeatedly emphasized that we must improve efficiency, maintain strict control, and provide good service. When have I ever said we can ignore everything?"

Zhang Changming felt very wronged.

Judging from Lin Xiao's attitude, as the deputy district head in charge of environmental protection, he would inevitably have to take responsibility, but he always felt that none of this was his fault.

Now, Yang Songfeng is clearly trying to shift the blame.

He immediately lost his temper: "Anyway, the Environmental Protection Bureau has already taken everything down. If they want to cause me trouble, I won't admit it! There's probably no benefit in opening up some issues. I hope the district chief will speak up for me."

Seeing Zhang Changming's confident demeanor, Yang Songfeng became furious: "What do you want me to say? Are you suggesting I cover for you when you haven't done your job properly?"

He was already in a bad mood, and Zhang Changming's sarcastic remarks only made him angrier.

Zhang Changming was stunned; he hadn't expected Yang Songfeng to get so angry.

A moment later, his face turned ashen and he sneered, "Does taking your anger out on me do any good? If you're so capable, go over there and yell a couple of times."

After saying that, he got up and walked towards the door.

"you......"

Yang Songfeng was so angry that his beard stood on end, but he did not take any further action.

Zhang Changming acted with such impunity because he had relatives in the provincial Party committee's organization department. It was precisely because of this connection that Yang Songfeng assigned him to oversee the thankless and demanding tasks of urban management, work safety, and environmental protection.

Previously, Huang Jingneng shared the same attitude towards environmental protection work, so he assigned the responsibility to the lazy and procrastinating Zhang Changming, which allowed everyone to make the best use of their talents and things went smoothly.

But Lin Xiao had only been there for two days when he launched a heavy crackdown on environmental protection work, not only putting forward "six points of advice" but also purging the entire Environmental Protection Bureau team.

More importantly, Lin Xiao had not discussed any of this with him, the rightful district head.

This indicates that the young new leader not only disapproves of the district's previous actions but also denies his past achievements as district head.

Yang Songfeng, who was already resentful that Lin Xiao had "seized" the top position, now hated it even more.

Zhang Changming returned to his office, angrily made a phone call, and then went to a meeting at the Environmental Protection Bureau.

At this moment, the Environmental Protection Bureau is filled with anxiety and gloom.

No one expected that the three bureau chiefs who went to the district meeting would be taken away by the discipline inspection commission at the same time.

"Isn't this new Party Secretary a bit too ruthless? He's making an example of us."

"Yeah, everyone knows we're scapegoats. If it weren't for the boss's orders, would we have done nothing?"

"I told you long ago that these three were suspicious, and now it's come true."

"Well, never mind, we're just talking. Anyway, we're not the leaders. We just do what the leaders tell us to do."

"That's right, in this world, you just need to mind your own business."

Inside the Environmental Protection Bureau, many people gathered in small groups, discussing the matter in hushed tones.

Everyone felt that things were about to change.

As Fan Shixin, the secretary of the district discipline inspection commission, arrived at the Environmental Protection Bureau, an emergency meeting of all staff members of the bureau was immediately convened.

The meeting was chaired by Fan Shixin, and Zhang Changming, the deputy district head in charge, attended as an observer.

Facing all the staff, Fan Shixin, with a serious expression, announced in public: "Several members of the original bureau leadership are under investigation for suspected disciplinary violations. In order to ensure the uninterrupted environmental protection work and the orderly progress of the rectification work, in accordance with the instructions of the district party committee's main leaders, Xu Wenbo, the captain of the Environmental Inspection Brigade, will temporarily take charge of the daily business operations of the Environmental Protection Bureau, and be responsible for daily affairs such as investigation and rectification and enterprise supervision."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire room fell silent.

Fan Shixin scanned the room and continued to emphasize: "This is only a temporary emergency arrangement. Comrade Xu Wenbo is only responsible for the implementation of daily affairs. All major matters, such as personnel, large sums of money, and major penalties, must not be decided by him. They must be reported and requested at each level. Subsequent arrangements will have to wait for the Standing Committee of the District Party Committee to study and determine them."

Xu Wenbo remained calm and immediately stated that he would fulfill his duties and do a good job in the rectification work.

Zhang Changming, standing to the side, had a complicated expression and felt a heavy weight on his heart.

He knew perfectly well that the "key leader" Fan Shixin was referring to was actually Lin Xiao.

In other words, under the pretext of urgency, Lin Xiao initially took control of the Environmental Protection Bureau by acting as its de facto administrator.

Therefore, Lin Xiao is just young, but his behavior is mature and experienced.

After the meeting, Fan Shixin spoke a few more words to Xu Wenbo and then left, with Zhang Changming following him.

Subsequently, Xu Wenbo convened a general meeting of all cadres and staff.

He first conveyed the district discipline inspection commission's decision to take double-regulation measures against Guo Zhen'an and others, then conveyed Lin Xiao's speech on the pollution problem of enterprises in the industrial park, and put forward several requirements for all cadres and employees.

There are two main aspects: First, discipline. Those with problems are encouraged to confess proactively in hopes of receiving lenient treatment. Everyone is required to strictly adhere to disciplinary boundaries. Second, work. The entire bureau is required to immediately engage in a comprehensive investigation and accurately register any pollution discharge issues by enterprises.

After speaking, Xu Wenbo scanned the entire room.

After the leadership shake-up, the atmosphere in the Environmental Protection Bureau meeting room was oppressive, and everyone was on edge.

Meanwhile, after finishing her work, Lin Xiao went to the office of Hao Yongren, the secretary of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection.

"Xiao Lin, the municipal party committee has entrusted Zhenxing District to you. You've got quite the nerve," Hao Yongren said with a smile.

Lin Xiao said, "Secretary Hao, although I have just taken office, I have already felt that there are many problems in the district. Some people have ruined the atmosphere of the entire cadre team and have also distorted their understanding of economic development. Therefore, I still need Secretary Hao's strong support."

Hao Yongren laughed and said, "It seems Secretary Lin doesn't come here unless he has a reason. Alright, then tell me."

Lin Xiao then handed over Xie Guangyan's statement: "Secretary Hao, this is a document written by Xie Guangyan, the director of the district party committee office. He spoke with me at length yesterday and his understanding is quite profound. I personally believe that this comrade can still be saved. Of course, I will obey the organization's decision."

"Oh, you're voluntarily confessing? Let me see."

Hao Yongren then opened the materials and began to read them carefully.

At first, his expression was rather gloomy, but it wasn't until he saw the final pieces of evidence that his expression relaxed slightly.

"In my opinion, Xie Guangyan still has some principles. What do you think?"

Lin Xiao nodded and said, "I think so too, but accepting and giving gifts and attending banquets definitely violates relevant regulations. As for his promotion, it's normal in Zhenxing District, but it needs to be verified in other places."

Hao Yongren nodded and smiled: "I understand what you mean. However, there are no trivial matters in the work of the Discipline Inspection Commission; everything must be done according to normal procedures. I will have someone register this material and discuss and decide on his punishment at the Standing Committee of the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission as soon as possible."

Lin Xiao said, "Okay, we'll do as Secretary Hao instructs."

Next, Lin Xiao reported on the arrangements made by the District Commission for Discipline Inspection and the District Party Committee's Supervision Office to carry out special inspections, and stated that the district would make great efforts to change the work style of its cadres.

"You did the right thing!"

Hao Yongren agreed with Lin Xiao's approach, then added, "I guess no one expected you to get into the role so quickly. Even if a new broom sweeps clean, it usually takes time. You've made such a big splash, so the impact must be significant. But you still need to be wary of two things: some cadres might become fearful and hesitant; others might secretly band together for mutual support. In short, some tasks can start with a bang, but the follow-up must be gradual; you can't just rush in headfirst."

Lin Xiao nodded: "I understand, thank you for your guidance, Secretary Hao."

"Okay, I hope you achieve results as soon as possible. If anything happens, we'll communicate promptly."

"Okay, Secretary, thank you."

After leaving the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, Lin Xiao visited Ma Yuanhang, the director of the Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau, to discuss the problems of the Zhenxing District Environmental Protection Bureau and hoped to get strong support from the Municipal Bureau.

Ma Yuanhang welcomed the offer and said he had no problem with either personnel or technology.

Environmental protection work is inherently difficult, and the results are often not visible. However, once a problem arises, the Environmental Protection Bureau is primarily responsible. Lin Xiao's personal involvement in environmental protection as the top leader demonstrates strong support for the work of the Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau.

Therefore, Ma Yuanhang would naturally reciprocate.

After having lunch with Ma Yuanhang, Lin Xiao returned to the district and called Xie Guangyan, asking him to come to the office in the afternoon.