12: Chapter 12 The Dispute Over the Cross-River Bridge

"Yes, it's not enough. There are currently three in operation. The oldest one was built in the 1960s; it's a single lane, four meters wide. Cars can pass each other, but it gets congested very easily;

The second one was built in 1985. It's a two-way, two-lane bridge called the People's Bridge, and it suffers from severe congestion during morning and evening rush hours. The third one was completed and opened to traffic in 1998; it's a two-way, four-lane highway bridge.

Overall, the existing transportation network cannot meet the traffic demand. The key issue is that it isn't keeping pace with development."

Secretary Man Chaojian said, "Therefore, at the beginning of last year, the city decided to build a new two-way, four-lane cross-river bridge. It's named the Chaojiang Cross-River Bridge. The bridge deck is 310 meters long and 16 meters wide—wider, longer, and built to higher standards than the previous ones."

"This is a good thing and should be supported," Zhang Huaijing said.

Secretary Man Chaojian touched the thick, black wig on his head and sighed. "I arrived last December, before the leadership transition. The bridge construction was the responsibility of Comrade Niu Panlong, who was then the Executive Vice Mayor. It had already passed the Standing Committee, the plan was finalized, and the environmental assessment was cleared. It was to be a two-way, four-lane bridge with a total investment of 70 million yuan, co-funded by the province and the city at a 1:1 ratio.

At that time, everyone was busy with the transition and elections, so it was temporarily shelved, and the bidding process hadn't started yet. After the transition ended, I finally took a serious look at this matter..."

At this point, he suddenly paused. "Come, Huaijing, let's sit down and talk."

The two sat back down on the guest sofas.

"Huaijing, what do you think about this?"

Secretary Man Chaojian was being a bit circuitous. Zhang Huaijing didn't quite understand what he was really trying to ask, so he followed suit with riddles: "Secretary, I think this is a good thing."

"Of course, it's a great thing for the country and the people." The smile on Secretary Man Chaojian's face suddenly vanished. "Don't you see any problems?"

Without investigation, one has no right to speak. Zhang Huaijing didn't know Haizhou well enough and hadn't been to the site, so it wasn't appropriate to offer an opinion. However, he felt that since they were putting in so much effort to build a cross-river bridge, why not make it six or even eight lanes?

Solving the traffic bottleneck once and for all would be best. As vehicles increased and development accelerated, four lanes would inevitably become insufficient.

Such is the law of economic and urban development.

But he didn't say anything, only shaking his head and waiting for the Secretary to clarify.

Secretary Man Chaojian had hoped to hear the answer he wanted. Seeing that Zhang Huaijing remained silent, he had no choice but to say, "True, you just arrived and don't know the situation. Let me tell you, four lanes are too narrow. I want to build a two-way, six-lane bridge, and also equip it with non-motorized vehicle lanes, sidewalks, and scenic paths. I want to build it beautifully, grandly, and with class, making it a landmark and a star building of Haizhou City. It wouldn't just solve traffic problems; it would also enhance the city's image."

Zhang Huaijing nodded convincingly. "Secretary, you stand high and see far; you truly have great foresight."

"Don't you also think four lanes are too narrow? It looks sufficient now, but what about three or five years later? As private cars increase and the city expands, it will become obsolete."

"I feel the same way. If we're going to build it, we should do it right the first time."

"Huaijing, I wasn't wrong about you; you are a kindred spirit!" Secretary Man Chaojian put down his teacup, lit a cigarette, and took a deep drag. "The problem is, not everyone has seen the world or has the foresight that you do, my younger brother. The Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government are not in agreement. The Mayor insists on following the original plan and design. I don't agree, so this matter has been at a stalemate until now."

"Then what is the Mayor's reason for refusing to change the plan?"

"First, this was decided by the previous leadership and passed by the Municipal Standing Committee. It wouldn't look good for a new leadership to overturn the previous one's plans as soon as they take office;

Second, there's a suspicion of it being a 'vanity project';"

Secretary Man Chaojian became a bit agitated as he spoke, saying angrily, "Third, it increases the budget and wastes manpower and resources. The Mayor said he ran himself ragged going to the province to secure the project and the funding. Now, changing it to six lanes and raising the construction standards not only requires a design change but also adds at least 30 million yuan to the budget.

The city has no money, and the province certainly won't provide more. The problem is, in a few years when the city has developed and the existing bridge is insufficient, we'll either have to build a new one or demolish and rebuild this one. That would be the real waste of manpower and resources!"

After hearing this, Zhang Huaijing sighed with a solemn expression, picked up his teacup, and took a few slow sips.

This matter was likely not that simple.

Who would believe there was no intent to create a vanity project here? This was Secretary Man Chaojian's first major project since taking charge of Haizhou; naturally, he wanted it to be a massive success and be deeply branded with his name.

The Mayor secured the project, and Secretary Man Chaojian changed the plan after arriving. This was equivalent to swooping in to snatch the credit, forcibly turning a 'Mayor's project' into a 'Secretary's project.' Naturally, the Mayor couldn't stomach that.

Niu Panlong was an official who had risen through the local ranks, with deep roots and a wide network. Zhang Huaijing saw that he had quite a bit of personal charisma and likely many supporters. As a result, the voices supporting Secretary Man Chaojian in changing the plan were not very loud.

Zhang Huaijing's arrival gave Secretary Man Chaojian hope that the scales would tip in his favor. Therefore, from the very beginning, he wanted to show everyone that he intended to win over Zhang Huaijing, even directly declaring his 'ownership' of him at the cadre meeting.

This was a matter of picking sides.

Zhang Huaijing recalled his pre-appointment talk with the head of the Provincial Organization Department, and his heart couldn't help but tighten slightly.

He asked a key question: "What is the province's opinion?"

Secretary Man Chaojian was prepared and said with confidence, "Changing a project finalized by the previous leadership is a major and sensitive matter. Naturally, I had to ask the province for instructions first. I've reported to Provincial Secretary Kang Zheng, the Governor, and the Executive Vice Governor in charge. The opinions of the three leaders are quite consistent: they agree in principle to the change, but they want me to handle the placating work well. The Municipal Committee must first unify its thinking; we cannot have a one-man show, we cannot have a split, and above all, we cannot have chaos."

Zhang Huaijing acted as the 'straight man' and said, "With the support of the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government, it's like having a weight off your mind."

"The problem is, there are still many dissenting voices. So, my brother, as the Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, you must support me." Secretary Man Chaojian reached out a chubby hand and patted him on the shoulder.

He was stocky and short, somewhat round. In reality, he wasn't that fat, but he gave the impression of being a little chubby man.

Zhang Huaijing said noncommittally, "Based on my experience, for an important bridge like this that connects two developing areas, one must consider the long term. Four lanes will definitely be insufficient in the future."

"You are absolutely right. There is a Standing Committee meeting tomorrow afternoon to deliberate on this matter. Comrade Huaijing, I hope you will present your views."

Zhang Huaijing said calmly, "Rest assured, Secretary, I will seek truth from facts. However, tomorrow morning, I'd like to visit the site first to understand the situation."

"Good, I was just about to say that. Tomorrow morning, I'll go with you."

"Then I won't disturb the Secretary's rest any longer." Zhang Huaijing stood up to take his leave.

Secretary Man Chaojian personally escorted him to the office door. Zhang Huaijing repeatedly said, "Secretary, please, stay here."

Secretary Man Chaojian stopped, took his hand, and said with emotion, "Huaijing, chatting with you really feels like finding a soulmate over a thousand cups of wine; I haven't had my fill yet."

"I feel the same. Thank you for your guidance, Secretary; I've benefited greatly."

"I don't know if you read history. During the Five Dynasties period, there was a powerful minister in the State of Wu named Xu Zhigao. When he guarded Runzhou, he built a pavilion over a pond in the back garden of his residence, which could only be reached by laying down wooden planks.

He often called his strategist Song Qiqiu to discuss affairs in the pavilion. Once, he had the planks removed and talked secretly with Song Qiqiu all night. What they discussed was unknown to outsiders."

Secretary Man Chaojian let go of Zhang Huaijing's hand and continued the history lesson. "Later, with Song Qiqiu's assistance, Xu Zhigao successfully seized power and established the Southern Tang, becoming its founding emperor. He also returned to his original name: Li Bian. He was the grandfather of the great poet Li Yu."

Zhang Huaijing knew this bit of history, but he smiled and said, "This is the first time I've heard that. The Secretary is truly well-read."

"Because Song Qiqiu was instrumental in his enthronement, he became a founding hero and was highly valued, serving as Chancellor and Director of the Secretariat. His power was immense. Even when he later became arrogant and broke the law, Li Bian didn't really punish him. So, you see, at any time, providing help in an hour of need is better than adding flowers to a bouquet."

Zhang Huaijing understood the intention behind this history lesson, but he feigned ignorance. "Secretary, the history of the Five Dynasties is quite niche. For you to know even this story like the back of your hand is truly impressive. I'll have to brush up on my ancient history when I get back."

"Huaijing, you're too modest. You're a smart man; you understand everything, don't you?" He gently patted Zhang Huaijing's arm, his words full of hidden meaning.