Chapter 98

Old age without death is a thief!

This phrase is not always derogatory.

At least, at this moment, Yang Weitian did not feel that it was a derogatory term when applied to Yan Wangsong.

Indeed, decades of experience in the political arena were not for nothing. Yan Wangsong showed Yang Weitian what a true old fox was like.

Not only did he handle heavy matters with ease, but the play he put on today immediately foiled Qin Guotong's well-laid plans.

Yang Weitian naturally knew what Qin Guotong was up to. Although there were still some disputes over the issue of individual private economies, Yang Weitian was certain that the state would come to a conclusion on the regulation of individual households in the near future. In other words, if Wude County punished individual households at this time, it might be a wrong decision, and they would have to take responsibility for it. However, Yang Weitian was sure that Qin Guotong would not be so kind as to remind the old secretary Yan Wangsong. It was likely that this matter was a trap he had set.

Considering the hints he had received from the mayor a few days ago, Yang Weitian's judgment became even more certain.

Yang Weitian was promoted by Mayor Zhu Yiqun and naturally belonged to the mayor's inner circle. Every time he went to the city, he would definitely report to Zhu Yiqun at the municipal government. After the last report a few days ago, Zhu Yiqun hinted to Yang Weitian that there would be some changes in Wude County soon and hoped that he would position himself correctly.

In most cases, when a leader asks someone to position themselves correctly, it means it's time to choose sides.

In the political arena, choosing sides is a very complex matter, or rather, the greatest wisdom in politics is choosing sides. In the political arena, should one maintain an independent personality or be a "grandson" against one's will? This is a choice that every politician must face.

Choosing sides. Deciding who to stand with is a test, a judgment, and a wisdom. However, more often than not, it is a test of one's character. On one side is a suppressed sense of justice, on the other is prominent power; on one side is a humble dignity, on the other is a realistic promotion. Should one maintain an independent personality or be a "grandson" against one's will? Like Yang Weitian, many people often face such painful choices. They tread on thin ice, stand on the brink of a precipice, and carefully avoid becoming a victim of the struggle.

For Yang Weitian, if it were a month ago, he would definitely choose to protect himself and turn a blind eye to Qin Guotong's trap for Yan Wangsong. After all, his superior had given him a hint, and Yan Wangsong was not from his faction. Their relationship was not good, and if Yan Wangsong fell, it would be greatly beneficial to him, as he would have the opportunity to take over as the county party secretary. Considering all these factors, if nothing unexpected happened, Yang Weitian would have chosen to be a bystander, just like in Xu Junran's previous life.

Fortunately, there was Xu Junran!

Thinking of that young man, a smile involuntarily appeared on Yang Weitian's lips. Because of him, Yang Weitian and Yan Wangsong had cooperated. The two leaders, who both hoped for Wude County's development, had communicated and collaborated, and the good news he brought made Yang Weitian consider whether he should lend a hand to Yan Wangsong.

After all, in a certain sense, the projects initiated by Xu Junran could be considered a collaboration between Yang Weitian and Yan Wangsong.

At this moment, Secretary Yan and County Chief Yang had unknowingly become partners in the same boat.

With a bitter smile, Yang Weitian even wondered if Xu Junran had foreseen this situation and thus facilitated the cooperation between him and Yan Wangsong, pushing forward so many things in Lijia Town Commune, and then painting a beautiful future for him, all to make him stand up at this moment.

Looking at Qin Guotong, whose face was somewhat pale, Yang Weitian felt a bit of sympathy for him. His carefully planned scheme had been ruined by a young man. He wondered if Qin Guotong would be so angry that he would spit blood when he found out the truth.

To be honest, Yang Weitian really wanted to see Qin Guotong spit blood.

Looking up at Yan Wangsong, who remained calm, Yang Weitian sighed. This old man was very shrewd. Xu Junran must have explained the situation to him clearly; otherwise, how could the old secretary, who always prioritized the party line, handle the issue of individual households so lightly? Not to mention, Yan Wangsong's words just now did not blame Qin Guotong but instead pushed the responsibility onto the Public Security Bureau, clearly giving Qin Guotong a choice.

To share the responsibility with Cheng Hongda or to take the lead in criticizing the individual private economy?

Clearly, although Qin Guotong wanted to protect Cheng Hongda, he absolutely dared not put himself in opposition to national policy.

Yang Weitian glanced at Qin Guotong and slowly said, "Secretary Yan, I think Secretary Qin made a mistake in the moment and did not consider the situation thoroughly. He was thinking about the work of the entire county, so he felt that these individual households would disrupt our economic order. The Public Security Bureau did make a mistake in arresting people without cause. I suggest that the Public Security Bureau apologize to the individual households and return their belongings. Let's leave it at that."

Qin Guotong was initially stunned, wondering why Yang Weitian would speak up for him. However, as Yang Weitian continued, his face turned grim. Yang Weitian's suggestion clearly implicated Cheng Hongda. Although he did not say it directly, once the apology and release were carried out, how could he still scheme against Yan Wangsong?

Just as he was about to speak, Qin Guotong heard Yan Wangsong cough and nod solemnly, "County Chief's words make sense. Old Qin, you are an old-timer in Wude County. These people are just trying to make a living by selling things they produce at home. Why be so harsh? I heard that some of them are from Qin Family Village. What do you think of Cheng Hongda's actions? As the deputy secretary in charge of the economy, you should severely criticize the Public Security Bureau for this behavior!"

Hearing this, Qin Guotong's expression became very complicated, as if he had eaten something he shouldn't have, his face turning green and white.

Although Yan Wangsong's words were not explicit, they were essentially pointing a finger at Qin Guotong, asking if he could do this to his fellow villagers.

For a native of Wude County, if Qin Guotong's actions were known, it would be seen as betraying his own people. As an old-timer in Wude County, being so harsh on his fellow villagers would make Qin Guotong a target of public criticism if the content of the Standing Committee meeting were to leak.

Would the content of the Standing Committee meeting leak?

The answer is yes.

In China's political arena, there are no secrets. No matter how confidential the matter, as long as more than three people are involved in the meeting, the content will definitely leak. This has become a common phenomenon in the political arena, and the so-called "unofficial organization minister" is a result of this. For example, when a cadre is promoted, the Standing Committee may have just discussed it, but before the organizational talk even begins, the cadre has already been congratulated. Similarly, when a new leader is appointed, people may visit the new leader even before they take office.

The political arena is complex, but it is not as absurd as it seems. It's like an outsider seeing the excitement and an insider seeing the essence. Those who don't understand think these matters are very complex and hard to fathom, but those who understand the inside story know how to make the right choices.

In China, to be a politician, one must have a heart that can endure loneliness and be able to adapt to the situation.

Enduring loneliness means that the political arena is like a battlefield, and one must never act rashly. This is like a hunter hunting a fox; one must have the patience to face everything, including political opponents, superiors, and those one wants to scheme against.

Adapting to the situation means learning to choose sides. As long as it does not involve fundamental principles, disputes between factions can be negotiated. Everyone is a leader, representing the interests of certain people. As long as it does not involve irreconcilable issues, everything can be negotiated. Politics is a grand chess game, and only those who take it step by step can win in the end. Blindly following the tide without principles is not advisable, but being stubborn and unreasonable can become a stumbling block to one's progress.

Thinking of this, Qin Guotong quickly said to Yan Wangsong, "Old Secretary, you are absolutely right. I did not consider the situation thoroughly."

He was not foolish. Losing a bit of face at this moment was better than losing his position later. Besides, as long as he remained in his position, he would have countless opportunities to deal with Yan Wangsong. As the saying goes, "I'm not afraid of thieves stealing, but I am afraid of thieves thinking about it." Although the saying is crude, the principle is correct.

As for Yang Weitian's sudden change of heart, Qin Guotong was slightly suspicious and did not understand why the county chief suddenly intervened, given that the relationship between Yang Weitian and Yan Wangsong was not well-known.

Yan Wangsong nodded, looked at Qin Guotong, and said calmly, "Then let's handle it as the county chief suggested."

Pausing, he looked at Li Dongyuan, who had not spoken, and said, "Secretary Li, your Political and Legal Affairs Commission should strengthen the quality of the cadres in the Public Security Bureau. The Public Security Bureau should not be neglecting criminal activities and instead doing the work of the Industry and Commerce Bureau and the Health Bureau. What kind of talk is this?"

Qin Guotong's heart tightened. He knew that by saying this, Yan Wangsong was clearly asking Li Dongyuan to extend his influence into the Public Security Bureau.

Li Dongyuan's expression remained calm. Hearing Yan Wangsong's words, he nodded and replied, "Old Secretary, rest assured. Our Political and Legal Affairs Commission will soon launch a campaign to improve the quality of cadres throughout the county, implementing the spirit of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Conference."

Looking sternly at the Standing Committee members, Yan Wangsong stood up, "That's all for today. Dismissed!"

The Standing Committee members, with various expressions, watched as Yan Wangsong and Yang Weitian left first, each with their own speculations.

Li Dongyuan, full of doubts, walked toward his office.