148: Chapter 148 Supporting and Endorsing

The air in the conference room suddenly congealed.

Everyone held their breath, their gazes shifting back and forth between Xu Weidong and Township Head Jiang Tiansheng.

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng's expression changed for a moment, but he quickly returned to normal. However, the hand holding his teacup trembled slightly, causing the tea inside to slosh and nearly spill.

Secretary Wei Kuan said in a measured tone, "I am going to clarify this issue in front of everyone today."

"The Party leads everything; this is stipulated by the Party Constitution and is an unquestionable political principle."

"The Party Committee Secretary of Hukuang Township is Comrade Weidong. He is the top leader of Hukuang Township and the head of the Party Committee team."

"The Township Head must carry out work under the leadership of this head; this is a political rule and an organizational principle."

"If someone doesn't even understand this principle, then they are not fit to be this Township Head."

"If someone is spreading rumors outside that there is conflict between the Secretary and the Township Head, then such a person is malicious and is betraying the principle that the Party leads everything."

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng's face was as white as paper. His hand holding the teacup no longer trembled because it had gone rigid.

He knew who Secretary Wei Kuan was saying this for—it was for everyone present, but especially for him, Township Head Jiang Tiansheng.

Secretary Wei Kuan did not name him, but every word was directed at him.

The conference room was so quiet that the humming of the air conditioner could be heard. No one spoke; no one dared to speak.

Xu Weidong leaned back in his chair with a calm expression, as if he were listening to something that had nothing to do with him.

Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming lowered his head and wrote something in his notebook; the corners of his mouth curled up slightly, but he quickly suppressed it.

Committee Member Gao Jin sat up straight, his gaze shifting between Secretary Wei Kuan and Xu Weidong as if he were trying to catch a signal.

Secretary Zhou Song was expressionless, his hands folded on the table, showing no emotion.

Zhou Lan held her teacup, took a slow sip, and set it down, her face wearing an indifference born of having seen it all.

Deputy Township Head Gong Zizhen had his hands folded on the table in a neutral posture, but his gaze lingered on Secretary Wei Kuan's face for a long time, as if he were weighing something important.

Committee Member Chen Ruo sat in the corner with his head down, his pen drawing circles in his notebook, one after another, not daring to look up at anyone.

Luan Ping's expression was also ugly. His gaze landed on the report materials on the table, but he couldn't read a single word; only one thought was in his mind.

"It's over, completely over."

The County Head had personally come to support Xu Weidong, saying such things in front of the entire team; this meant the county's attitude was clear.

The foundation that Township Head Jiang Tiansheng had built in Hukuang Township over more than a decade had completely collapsed, starting from today.

After finishing, Secretary Wei Kuan turned his gaze to Township Head Jiang Tiansheng, his tone softening slightly but still carrying an unquestionable authority.

"Comrade Tiansheng, you are the Township Head and the top leader of the government branch. You have been in Hukuang Township for so many years and are the most familiar with the situation in the township."

"Comrade Weidong is young, and he may not understand some situations as thoroughly as you do. You must support him more, cooperate with him more, and get the work of Hukuang Township up to standard."

"State your position."

Township Head Jiang Tiansheng's throat felt blocked by something; he swallowed and then squeezed out a voice.

"County Head Wei Kuan, I firmly support the Party's leadership and firmly support the work of Comrade Weidong. The Hukuang Township team is united, and Comrade Weidong and I cooperate very well."

"Those rumors outside were fabricated by people with ulterior motives and are not credible."

"Please rest assured, County Head Wei Kuan, please rest assured, County Party Committee. I will definitely work under the leadership of Comrade Weidong to do a good job in the government branch and will not let down the organization's trust."

After Township Head Jiang Tiansheng finished speaking, the smile still hung on his face, but it was as stiff as a mask, looking unnatural no matter how one looked at it.

Secretary Wei Kuan nodded and said nothing more.

The atmosphere in the conference room relaxed a bit, but it was still as oppressive as the sky before a storm.

After the symposium ended, Secretary Wei Kuan called Xu Weidong to the small conference room next door.

The door closed, and only the two of them were inside.

Secretary Wei Kuan leaned back in his chair and lit a cigarette.

"Weidong, I know all about the situation in Hukuang Township."

"In less than a year, you have been able to stabilize the situation and improve the work; that is not easy."

"That person Jiang Tiansheng has been in Hukuang Township for more than a decade, has deep roots, and has many connections. You must have suffered quite a few grievances working with him, right?"

Xu Weidong smiled and said, "County Head Wei Kuan, it's not really a grievance. Township Head Jiang Tiansheng is experienced and more familiar with the township's situation than I am. I still have to consult him on many things."

"Having different opinions at work is normal, and it's all for the sake of doing the work well."

Secretary Wei Kuan flicked the ash from his cigarette and shook his head, his tone carrying a sense of exasperation.

"Weidong, you are just too polite."

"Some old comrades, relying on the fact that they have worked at the grassroots level for a few years, treat themselves like local tyrants. They think the new Secretary is young and doesn't understand the situation, so they can disregard him."

"I have seen too many people like this. Don't be afraid; you need to be tough when it's time to be tough."

"You are the Secretary, you are the top leader, and the Party Committee leads everything. This is a matter of principle; you cannot yield."

Xu Weidong did not respond, only nodded.

Secretary Wei Kuan took a puff of his cigarette, extinguished the butt in the ashtray, leaned forward, and lowered his voice by half a degree.

"Weidong, let me say something from the bottom of my heart. You are doing well in Hukuang Township, and the county sees it."

"If there are really some blind old things blocking your path, just tell me directly."

"I will have a word with the Secretary, adjust his work position, and have him stay somewhere else."

"Changyuan County is neither big nor small; arranging for a person or two is no problem."

Secretary Wei Kuan paused, picked up his teacup for a sip, and his tone was as casual as if he were talking about something trivial.

"By the way, the Chairman of the Renmin University of China of Shangouzi Township is about to retire."

"The day before yesterday, Secretary Yang and I were chatting about this matter. That position is opening up, and someone needs to fill it."

"You know about Shangouzi Township; it is the most remote and backward township in the entire county. Most cadres working there have no future or prospects to speak of."

"Of course, I'm not saying I must send anyone to Shangouzi Township; I'm just mentioning it in passing. Just keep it in mind."

Xu Weidong understood what Secretary Wei Kuan meant.

Shangouzi Township—the most remote and backward place in Changyuan County. Going there was equivalent to being exiled.

Secretary Wei Kuan was telling him that if he wanted to kick Township Head Jiang Tiansheng out, the county would cooperate.

"County Head Wei Kuan, thank you for your kindness."

"The work in Hukuang Township has just started to improve, and the team is still in the phase of working together. Adjusting anyone at this time is not conducive to stability."

"I cooperate quite well with the comrades in the team, especially Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming. He has strong work capabilities and has done a lot of solid work in Party building and organizational work."

"With him assisting me, the work in Hukuang Township will not have any problems."

Secretary Wei Kuan looked at him, was silent for a few seconds, and then smiled. That smile carried a sense of 'you kid has his own ideas'.

"Fine, as long as you have a plan. Hu Ming, I have noted this name."

Secretary Wei Kuan stood up, patted Xu Weidong on the shoulder, and his tone returned to that official, businesslike style.

"There is another meeting in the afternoon, so I won't stay long. As for the work in Hukuang Township, feel free to do it; the county supports you."

Xu Weidong stood up, shook hands with Secretary Wei Kuan, and saw him out of the small conference room.

The motorcade was already waiting at the entrance of the Township Government; the Deputy County Head and the Director of the Agriculture Bureau had already boarded their vehicles.

Before getting into the car, Secretary Wei Kuan specifically called Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming over to praise him a few times, telling him to cooperate well with the work of Comrade Weidong.

Deputy Party Secretary Hu Ming was flattered!

He wished he could immediately become Xu Weidong's loyal follower!

Heaven knows what kind of situation he was in before this!

If it weren't for his family sacrificing themselves, would he still have a future to speak of?

But now he had followed the right Secretary Xu!

Even the County Head knew his name and even praised his work!

What does this mean?

It means that choosing the right side is often ten thousand times more important than working hard!

It was worth it that even after he was in charge of personnel and discipline inspection, he still didn't forget to serve tea, pour water, and clean up for Xu Weidong.

All of this was so worth it!