75: Chapter 74 Post-Dinner Political Relations

Li Zhenguo took Zhu Wenhao by the wrist and walked out of the study, heading straight for the main hall.

In the center of the main hall stood a long, round rosewood table, with the dishes already served.

There were no extravagant sea cucumbers or abalone; most were simple, home-cooked stir-fries.

There were eight dishes in total, including steamed sea bass, blanched choy sum, braised pork ribs, and a steaming bowl of seaweed and egg drop soup.

Walking to the dining table, Li Zhenguo pointed to the seat on his right, gesturing for Zhu Wenhao to sit.

"Zhu Wenhao, sit next to your grandfather tonight."

Zhu Wenhao stopped and pulled his hand back.

"Grandfather, that is not the seat I should take."

"It's a family dinner tonight, so don't worry about those empty formalities. We're family, just sit anywhere."

"Propriety cannot be discarded."

"The hierarchy of seating has been established since ancient times. Rules must not be broken."

After saying this, he turned, walked straight to the end of the long dining table, pulled out a chair, and sat down steadily.

Minister Xiao Dingyu, Deputy Director Liu Qiang, and Director Qi Shan, who were standing behind him, exchanged glances.

This young man had held his ground; his composure was far beyond that of his peers.

Director Qi Shan pulled out a chair and sat down, unable to help turning to look at Minister Xiao Dingyu.

"Minister Xiao, you really must ask Secretary Zhu later how he raised his son to be like this. If my boy had even half this level of composure, I'd laugh in my dreams."

"Your boy's current job keeps him on the covert front year-round, braving wind and rain. As his father, you really are willing to send your own son to such a place where he has to lick blood from the edge of a blade."

Director Qi Shan sighed and picked up the water glass in front of him.

"That kid has loved being a police officer since he was little. He chose his major himself, and even nine oxen couldn't pull him back. I can't control him."

"Besides, if your kid doesn't go, and my kid doesn't go, we can't just expect other people's children to take the risks."

Although he was criticizing his son, the pride in his eyes could not be hidden.

In the public security profession, having two generations of a family wear the police uniform is a legacy etched in the bones.

Everyone took their seats in turn.

Zhu Wenhao stood up, picked up the wine bottle, first filled Li Zhenguo's wine cup, and then poured wine for the other three elders in turn.

Finally, he poured a small amount for himself, just enough for two small cups.

By the old rules, there was no talking while eating or sleeping.

At the dining table, there was only the slight sound of chopsticks touching porcelain bowls.

No one spoke loudly or made grand speeches at the table, nor did anyone toast or urge others to drink.

Twenty minutes later, Li Zhenguo put down his chopsticks and wiped the corners of his mouth with a napkin.

Seeing this, the others also put down their bowls and chopsticks.

The service staff entered efficiently and quickly cleared away the leftovers from the table.

Everyone stood up and moved to the living room.

Liu Ruobing automatically took on the role of a server, placing the freshly brewed Mingqian Longjing tea on the coffee table one by one.

After doing all this, she quietly retreated outside, guarding the door, ready to wait for instructions at any time.

Seven o'clock in the evening sharp.

Accompanied by the familiar opening music, the News Broadcast started on time.

The five people sat upright on the sofa, watching the television screen with full concentration.

For people at their level, these thirty minutes every day were a required course.

Half an hour later, the closing credits rolled.

The television was turned off.

Li Zhenguo picked up his teacup and set the tone first.

"Minister Xiao Dingyu, how is the situation on your end?"

"Old leader, Minister Liao has already been taken away for investigation by the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection."

He paused for a moment, then continued to add.

"Secretary Lao had a talk with me. He asked me to write a profound written self-criticism for next week's Standing Committee meeting of the Provincial Party Committee. However, Secretary Lao clearly stated that this self-criticism will not be included in my personal file, nor will it be reported to the General Office of The Capital."

Li Zhenguo put down his teacup.

"Minister Xiao Dingyu, you've managed to pass through danger this time. However, this matter should also serve as a reminder to you: keep your guard up. The Provincial Organization Department is a position at the forefront of the storm; it cannot tolerate even the smallest grain of sand."

"I understand. However, looking at the current situation, I'm afraid I'll have to wear this hat of Secretary Lao for a while."

He turned to look at Zhu Wenhao sitting in the corner.

"This time, we really must thank Zhu Wenhao. His suggestion to replace the secretary of the Linjiang Municipal Party Committee was very timely, directly providing Secretary Lao with a key point to break the deadlock."

Li Zhenguo did not say much more, turning his gaze to Director Qi Shan and Deputy Director Liu Qiang on his right.

Director Qi Shan reported on the work of the political and legal system.

The Provincial Public Security Department has recently been conducting drills for using police from other jurisdictions. The overall public security situation is stable, and several major cases are proceeding as planned without any issues.

Deputy Director Liu Qiang is in charge of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission and holds the approval power for major projects across the province.

"For the Linjiang City urban investment bond additional issuance project, Mayor Su pulled strings with our top leader, Director Luo. That project was forced through at the routine meeting and is now going through the final approval process."

Li Zhenguo nodded repeatedly, not commenting on their reports, but instead turning his gaze to Zhu Wenhao.

"Zhu Wenhao, this is your first time participating in a discussion. Regarding the current situation, what are your thoughts?"

As his voice fell, the gazes of Minister Xiao Dingyu, Director Qi Shan, and Deputy Director Liu Qiang all locked onto Zhu Wenhao.

Tonight, Zhu Wenhao had been impeccable, whether in his decisive actions on the chessboard or the grandeur in his calligraphy.

Now, they wanted to see what kind of insights this young man could offer.

Zhu Wenhao spoke up.

"Grandfather, I will only express a few personal, shallow views. If I say anything wrong, please correct me, elders."

"Secretary Lao has been parachuted into Jiangnan Province for some time now. In the early stages, he was constrained by the deeply entrenched local forces and had not been able to completely break the deadlock."

"Now, although he has achieved phased results, taking down an executive vice minister and obtaining the important position of Linjiang Municipal Party Committee secretary, this is still far from enough."

"He must now want to take advantage of the chaos in Liu Family to press home his advantage and establish his absolute authority in Jiangnan Province in one fell swoop."

"What we need to do is to hand him a suitable ladder, give him a pretext."

Zhu Wenhao looked at Director Qi Shan.

"Director Qi Shan, I just watched the News Broadcast and noticed several recent social news items. The Capital has a clear trend of encircling and suppressing local gangs and the protective umbrellas behind them."

Director Qi Shan nodded heavily.

"You are very observant. The Political and Legal Affairs Commission of The Capital and the Ministry of Public Security have indeed issued several red-headed documents recently, requiring all localities to make combating gang forces a top priority. The pressure is very tight."

"Director Qi Shan, you have deep seniority in the public security system, and you are currently just one step away from the deputy provincial level threshold."

"Why don't you draft a special report in the name of the Provincial Public Security Department and submit it to the Provincial Party Committee and the Political and Legal Affairs Commission? Combining the latest spirit from the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of The Capital and the Ministry of Public Security, you can take the initiative to request the establishment of an 'Anti-Gang Office' across the province."

Zhu Wenhao continued to deconstruct the subtlety of this move.

"Once this report is submitted, it will inevitably require a powerful figure to lead this work. At that time, Minister Xiao can speak up at the right moment during the Standing Committee meeting of the Provincial Party Committee and suggest that Director Qi Shan be appointed as the deputy head of the Anti-Gang Office."

"In order to coordinate the various units of the public security, procuratorate, judiciary, and legal systems, and for the actual needs of the work, the Provincial Party Committee will surely add a concurrent title of Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission for you."

He pointed out the final bonus.

"If the work of the Anti-Gang Office achieves results and builds prestige, your promotion to the deputy provincial level will be logical, and there will not be any major resistance."

He brought the perspective back.

"Moreover, when Secretary Lao sees this document submitted by the Provincial Public Security Department, he will definitely understand its value."

"Combating gangs is a sharp knife that can directly cut through local interest groups. Secretary Lao is just missing an excuse; once you submit it, he will naturally strongly support it. Borrowing strength to strike, guiding according to the situation. I believe Secretary Lao will seize this opportunity well."

"In this way, our voice in the political and legal sector will be greater, allowing us to advance or retreat."

After he finished speaking, the living room was silent.

Using the spirit of The Capital's documents as an amulet, and the clear slogan of combating gangs as the blade.

Not only did it solve the problem of Director Qi Shan's promotion to the deputy provincial level, but it also catered to the needs of the top leader of the Provincial Party Committee to break the deadlock.

Old Master Li's gaze fell on Zhu Wenhao, revealing unconcealable admiration.

"What a great use of leveraging strength."

Director Qi Shan said, "Zhu Wenhao, how on earth is your brain wired! I will arrange for someone to draft this Anti-Gang Office report as soon as I get to work tomorrow."

"Zhu Wenhao, you are playing a big game." Li Zhenguo said slowly, "When you are in Jingjiang City, come to the Cadre Retirement Home to play chess with me often when you have nothing to do."

Zhu Wenhao stood up, nodded slightly, and expressed his thanks.