245: Chapter 245 Wei Kuan: Not generous!

The Standing Committee of the County Party Committee meets promptly at nine o'clock every Wednesday morning, rain or shine.

This rule was set by Secretary Wei Kuan. He said the Standing Committee is the core of the county-level power operation, and regular meetings allow the Standing Committee members to communicate in a timely manner, unify their thinking, and form a joint force.

Previously, these words sounded high-sounding, but now County Mayor Bai Weijun and Xu Weidong have tasted a different flavor.

Regular meetings mean regularly making you uncomfortable.

At 8:30, the staff of the County Party Committee Office had already tidied up the conference room.

The long table was wiped spotless, the teacups were arranged neatly, and in front of each seat was a copy of today's meeting materials, with a kraft paper cover stamped with the red characters "Confidential".

The materials were not thick, only a few pages, with only one core topic: the candidate for the Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Commission.

At 8:40, the Standing Committee members arrived one after another.

Secretary Liu Qingfeng was the first. He sat down upon entering and opened his notebook, his expression serious, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Minister of Organization Huang Xuan was the second. He was holding a thermal mug, greeted Secretary Liu Qingfeng, and sat down at his seat.

Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhou Zhenglians was the third. When he entered, he exchanged a look with Minister of Organization Huang Xuan. They said nothing, but they understood each other tacitly.

Deputy Secretary Qian Taifeng was the fourth. He looked down at his phone as he entered, looked at no one, sat in his seat, and continued looking at it.

Vice County Magistrate Mi Baizuo was the fifth. He had a smile on his face when he entered, greeting this person and exchanging pleasantries with that one, but his eyes were constantly counting heads.

The Minister of Propaganda, the Director of the County Party Committee Office, and the Minister of the Armed Forces Department entered one by one.

At 8:58, Xu Weidong arrived. He scanned the room upon entering, sat in the empty seat opposite Deputy Secretary Qian Taifeng, opened his notebook, and spoke to no one.

At 8:59, County Mayor Bai Weijun arrived. He walked with light steps, sat next to Xu Weidong.

Then he opened his notebook, his gaze calm, revealing no emotion.

At 9:00 sharp, Secretary Wei Kuan pushed the door open and entered.

He was wearing a dark jacket, his hair combed meticulously, and the expression on his face was no different from usual—indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger.

He sat in the main seat, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, pausing for a moment on the faces of County Mayor Bai Weijun and Xu Weidong respectively, then moved away.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and opened the folder in front of him.

"Comrades, the main topic of today's Standing Committee meeting is personnel issues. The position of Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Commission has been vacant for some time, and there has been no suitable candidate."

"The Organization Department has proposed two preliminary candidates after investigation, deliberation, and solicitation of opinions."

"Minister of Organization Huang Xuan, please introduce the situation."

Minister of Organization Huang Xuan opened the notebook in front of him, cleared his throat, scanned the conference room, and spoke unhurriedly.

"Fellow Standing Committee members, the position of Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Commission mainly oversees fixed asset investment and key project construction."

"This position has high requirements for professional ability, coordination ability, and overall planning ability."

"After careful consideration, the Organization Department has proposed two candidates."

"The first is Comrade Li Dakui, Deputy Township Head of Pingyuan Township."

"Comrade Li Dakui is forty-two years old this year, has a university degree, and is a Party member."

"He worked in the County Government Office for many years, is familiar with the work procedures of the government, and was later sent down to Pingyuan Township as Deputy Township Head, in charge of economic work, with relatively rich grassroots experience."

"His work is solid, his style is steady, and he has a good reputation among cadres and the masses."

"The second is Comrade Xie Lei, Deputy Director of the County Archives Bureau."

"Comrade Xie Lei is thirty-nine years old this year, has a graduate degree, and is a Party member."

"He once served as Deputy Director of the County Personnel Bureau, has outstanding professional ability, and is familiar with cadre and personnel policies."

"Later, he was transferred to the Archives Bureau as Deputy Director, working conscientiously and diligently."

"Both comrades have their own advantages. Please express your opinions."

After finishing, Minister of Organization Huang Xuan closed his notebook, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his gaze fell on the face of Secretary Wei Kuan.

Secretary Wei Kuan leaned back in his chair, tapped his fingers gently on the tabletop, and a trace of a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"Comrades, everyone is clear about the situation of the two candidates."

"Let me talk about my view first."

"Comrade Li Dakui worked in the County Government Office for many years and is very familiar with government work procedures. Later, he went to the township to train for a few years, so he has both agency work experience and grassroots work experience."

"The work of the Development and Reform Commission requires docking with the province and city above, and coordinating with townships and departments below. This kind of compound cadre is more suitable."

"My personal opinion is that I lean towards Comrade Li Dakui."

County Mayor Bai Weijun's fingers moved slightly. He didn't rush to speak, his gaze sweeping over the tabletop.

Vice County Magistrate Mi Baizuo was the first to take up the conversation, his voice not loud, but his attitude very clear.

"I agree with Secretary Wei's opinion."

"I knew Comrade Li Dakui when he was in the County Government Office. This person has strong professional ability, a solid work style, and after working in Pingyuan Township for a few years, he also has grassroots experience."

"He is indeed quite suitable for the position of Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Commission."

County Mayor Bai Weijun's face sank slightly. Vice County Magistrate Mi Baizuo expressing his position so quickly and standing clearly on the side of Secretary Wei Kuan made him very uncomfortable.

He invited Vice County Magistrate Mi Baizuo to dinner last night, and that meal was a waste.

He took a deep breath and swallowed the words that rushed to his lips.

Xu Weidong spoke, his voice not loud, but every word was very clear.

"Secretary Wei, County Magistrate Mi, let me share a different opinion."

"Comrade Li Dakui is indeed not bad, but I think Comrade Xie Lei is more suitable."

"Comrade Xie Lei served as Deputy Director of the County Personnel Bureau and is very familiar with cadre and personnel policies."

"The work of the Development and Reform Commission is ostensibly about managing projects and funds, but in reality, it involves coordination in all aspects."

"It is difficult for a cadre who does not understand personnel and policies to do this work well."

"Although Comrade Xie Lei has worked in the Archives Bureau for a year, his professional ability has not been wasted."

"When I went to the Archives Bureau for research, I chatted with him. He knows the county's economic and social development like the back of his hand and is very familiar with the policies of the province and city."

"Such a person can play a role if placed in the Development and Reform Commission."

Secretary Wei Kuan's fingers paused slightly. He knew Xu Weidong would object, but he didn't expect the objection to be so direct and logical.

He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his gaze fell on Xu Weidong's face.

"County Magistrate Xu, I have heard your opinion. What about other comrades? Any other thoughts?"

The conference room was quiet for a few seconds. Minister of Organization Huang Xuan put down the pen in his hand, leaned back in his chair, and spoke unhurriedly.

"Secretary Wei, let me say a few words. I know Comrade Xie Lei quite well."

"This person has strong professional ability, a high policy level, and a very good reputation among cadres. He was later transferred to the Archives Bureau for some reasons. That was not his problem; it was a problem with the personnel arrangement at that time."

"For the sake of the overall situation, he worked in the Archives Bureau for a year, working conscientiously without ever complaining."

"We should give such a cadre a chance. He is fully competent for the position of Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Commission."

Secretary Wei Kuan gripped the pen in his hand tightly. The Organization Department manages cadres, and the candidate recommended by the Minister of Organization has natural weight at the Standing Committee meeting.

He had greeted Minister of Organization Huang Xuan before, asking him to support the work of the County Party Committee more, but he didn't expect Minister of Organization Huang Xuan to lean towards Xu Weidong so quickly.

He didn't speak, his gaze falling on the face of Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhou Zhenglians.

Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhou Zhenglians was drinking slowly with his teacup. When he put down the cup, he said: "I also want to say a few words. The Discipline Inspection Commission has been in contact with Comrade Xie Lei."

"Someone previously reported that he had violated regulations in recruiting civil servants during his time at the County Personnel Bureau. We investigated later and found no problems."

"This shows that this comrade is innocent and can withstand the organization's scrutiny."

"It is not easy for a cadre to emerge unscathed from the verification of the Discipline Inspection Commission."

"We should protect and reuse such a cadre. I support Comrade Xie Lei for the position of Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Commission."

Secretary Wei Kuan's heart sank. The Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission recommending a cadre at the Standing Committee meeting carries no less weight than the Minister of Organization.

Minister of Organization Huang Xuan and Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhou Zhenglians were both on the side of Xu Weidong, plus Secretary Liu Qingfeng, Xu Weidong had at least three votes.

He glanced at Secretary Liu Qingfeng. Secretary Liu Qingfeng was leaning back in his chair, tapping his fingers gently on the tabletop.

"I haven't had much contact with Comrade Xie Lei, but since the comrades from the Discipline Inspection Commission and the Organization Department both recommend him, it shows that this comrade indeed has merits."

"I have no different opinion. I support Comrade Xie Lei."

Secretary Wei Kuan's heart sank completely. Secretary Liu Qingfeng's expression of support meant that Xu Weidong had four votes.

He glanced at County Mayor Bai Weijun. County Mayor Bai Weijun sat there, his expression calm, revealing no emotion, but he knew County Mayor Bai Weijun would definitely support Xu Weidong.

That was his iron-clad brother; it was impossible for him to undermine him.

Five votes! Plus County Mayor Bai Weijun, that's five votes!

He counted on his side in his heart: Vice County Magistrate Mi Baizuo, the Director of the County Party Committee Office, the Minister of Propaganda, plus himself, four votes.

Deputy Secretary Qian Taifeng was still watching, and the Minister of the Armed Forces Department always abstained.

Five to four, the probability of him losing was extremely high!

The defection of Minister of Organization Huang Xuan and Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhou Zhenglians was clearly something he had not expected.

Deputy Secretary Qian Taifeng was drinking slowly with his teacup, his gaze drifting back and forth between Secretary Wei Kuan and Xu Weidong.

He had been struggling in the officialdom for so many years, and what he was best at was judging the situation.

In this situation today, although Secretary Wei Kuan was the top leader, he did not have the advantage in numbers at the Standing Committee meeting.

Minister of Organization Huang Xuan, Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhou Zhenglians, and Secretary Liu Qingfeng were all on the side of Xu Weidong, plus County Mayor Bai Weijun and Xu Weidong himself, five votes.

On Secretary Wei Kuan's side, there were only Vice County Magistrate Mi Baizuo, the Director of the County Party Committee Office, the Minister of Propaganda, and himself, four votes.

Only if Deputy Secretary Qian Taifeng, as the Deputy Secretary, voted for Secretary Wei Kuan, could a five-to-five tie be achieved.

This would be a considerable blow to the authority of a County Party Committee Secretary.

He weighed it quickly in his heart and could never choose to show his cards completely.

Seeing this, Deputy Secretary Qian Taifeng also spoke: "Secretary Wei, let me say a few words. Both Comrade Li Dakui and Comrade Xie Lei are excellent cadres. Whoever goes up or down, both have reasons."

"I support the organization's decision. No matter what result the Standing Committee finally discusses, I will obey."

Saying this was equivalent to saying nothing. He neither supported Comrade Li Dakui nor Comrade Xie Lei, kicking the ball back to Secretary Wei Kuan.

Deputy Secretary Qian Taifeng meant that he would not get involved. You fight among yourselves; whoever wins, he will listen to whoever.

Secretary Wei Kuan glanced at Deputy Secretary Qian Taifeng and cursed "old fox" in his heart, but it did not show on his face.

The air in the conference room seemed to have frozen. Secretary Wei Kuan leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers gently on the tabletop.

He was weighing: if he insisted on Comrade Li Dakui going up, it would be a five-to-four vote, and he would lose.

Losing very ugly, being defeated head-on by Xu Weidong at the Standing Committee meeting—if this spread, where would his prestige as County Party Committee Secretary be?

He took a deep breath, closed the folder in front of him, and his voice was as calm as if he were talking about something that had nothing to do with him, but everyone could hear what was suppressed under that calmness.

"Comrades, today's discussion is very full. Both candidates have their own advantages and are excellent cadres."

"Since the Standing Committee members support Comrade Xie Lei more, we will respect the opinion of the majority."

"The position of Deputy Director of the Development and Reform Commission will be held by Comrade Xie Lei."

"The Organization Department will handle the relevant procedures according to the procedure. Meeting adjourned."

Secretary Wei Kuan stood up, picked up the folder, turned around, and walked out.

The sound of the door closing was not heavy, but everyone felt what was hidden behind that door.

County Mayor Bai Weijun leaned back in his chair and let out a long breath.

Xu Weidong lowered his head and wrote a few strokes in his notebook, with no expression on his face.

Minister of Organization Huang Xuan and Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhou Zhenglians looked at each other and said nothing.

Secretary Liu Qingfeng stood up and walked out slowly.

Vice County Magistrate Mi Baizuo's face was very ugly. He glanced at County Mayor Bai Weijun, then at Xu Weidong, and the regret in his heart gnawed at his nerves like ants.

He had chosen the wrong side, clearly supporting Secretary Wei Kuan at the Standing Committee meeting, and had completely offended County Mayor Bai Weijun and Xu Weidong.

Vice County Magistrate Mi Baizuo really had no choice. Who could have thought that the Organization Department and the Discipline Inspection Commission would suddenly turn against him?

Deputy Secretary Qian Taifeng was the last to leave the conference room.

Secretary Wei Kuan had lost this round and would definitely find a way to win it back.

And he, Deputy Secretary Qian Taifeng, was the vote that Secretary Wei Kuan must win over.

And on Xu Weidong's side, in order to maintain the advantage, they would definitely come to win him over as well.

At that time, he could completely compare the conditions of both sides. In this fierce battle, he was simply the biggest winner.

Secretary Wei Kuan returned to his office and threw the folder on the table.

Then he sat in the chair, lit a cigarette, took a puff, and exhaled slowly.

He looked at the sky outside the window, gray, just like his mood at the moment.

The defection of Minister of Organization Huang Xuan and Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhou Zhenglians was something he had not expected.

He thought Minister of Organization Huang Xuan was sent down by the Municipal Party Committee Organization Department and would not easily take sides.

He thought Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhou Zhenglians was an old discipline inspector with strong principles and would not easily lean towards anyone.

He was wrong, wrong very outrageously!

Minister of Organization Huang Xuan and Discipline Inspection Commission Secretary Zhou Zhenglians were not unwilling to take sides; they just didn't want to take his side.

They were waiting for Xu Weidong, waiting for that young man to extend an olive branch.

One by one, their eyes were only on the merit of helping a new ruler ascend the throne!

What should he, this whetstone, do?

Now everyone has become a good person, and only he, the County Party Committee Secretary, has become the big villain!

It really is!

Is there anything more speechless than this?

These two people voted so quickly, could it be that some Municipal Party Committee leader secretly greeted them?

No?

Buddy is here charging into battle, if they don't help, that's fine, but what's with them dragging their feet one by one?

Before surrendering, they should have at least told him, right?

Secretary Wei Kuan was worried to death in his office. Being a villain was originally a bitter job, and now there are people secretly tripping him up. How does this let him continue to play the villain well?

He can't... he can't go to the province to find someone, right?

Do they really think he has connections to the heavens?!