Chapter 99: Push and Pull

Ning Xingong indeed seemed to be a tough opponent; he wouldn't give in easily. Now, demanding that everyone follow his opinion was a bit excessive, wasn't it? Wasn't this forcing the issue?

"Ning Xiangzhang, are you in such a hurry? Road construction requires unified planning and cannot be carried out arbitrarily. Although the funds come from the Transportation Bureau, we need to coordinate the arrangements. If you insist on rushing the construction, you will be responsible for any problems that arise!" Wang Jian's words were now tinged with a strong sense of confrontation.

"I will take responsibility, isn't Secretary Wang advocating faster development? Why are you now insisting on waiting? When will the provincial funds arrive? Is there a specific time? If there is, we can wait!" Ning Xingong was not to be outdone, directly hitting Wang Jian's weak point.

Ning Xingong's words clearly aimed to probe when Wang Jian could secure the funds. However, Wang Jian himself did not know when the funds would arrive, so he was momentarily at a loss for words and could not directly respond to Ning Xingong.

"How can the provincial government give me a specific time? Anyway, it will be soon. If you want to start, go ahead!" Wang Jian said, using a retreat to advance.

"Since Secretary Wang has spoken, I will start first!" Ning Xingong did not fall for Wang Jian's tactic and directly took the initiative.

This made Wang Jian quite angry, but he had no words to counter. He said directly, "Ning Xiangzhang, it's time for the meeting. Let's go!"

Ning Xingong walked out of Wang Jian's office with a proud stride, heading towards the small meeting room. Wang Jian followed closely behind, closing the door.

In the meeting room, Ning Xingong did not walk behind Wang Jian but entered the room first and took his seat. This detail was immediately noticed by the meticulous members of the two committees.

"Lao Ning's confidence is growing!" Tang Linzheng whispered to Li Xiangshan.

Although Li Xiangshan was on Wang Jian's side, he did not respond to Tang Linzheng's comment, merely smiling without a word. Tang Linzheng also did not press the issue.

Wang Jian personally chaired the meeting, speaking solemnly, "I have been in the provincial capital for a week. Everyone has worked hard in the township. After listening to Ning Xiangzhang's report, I feel that everyone has done a good job. However, we are still far from meeting the requirements of our superiors and the people of Xianhe Township. I hope everyone will continue to work hard. Now, please let each of you in charge report on your respective work."

By mentioning that Ning Xingong had reported to him, Wang Jian emphasized that he was the top leader of Xianhe Township. He first praised and then criticized, highlighting his authority. Asking everyone to report also showed that he was the boss.

After speaking, Wang Jian suddenly turned to Ning Xingong and said, "Let's start with Ning Xiangzhang!"

Ning Xingong did not expect Wang Jian to ask him to report again and was momentarily at a loss, saying, "Secretary Wang, haven't I already reported?"

"Oh, report it again. I also need to report on my trip to the provincial capital." Wang Jian said casually.

Ning Xingong understood that Wang Jian was deliberately trying to show his status in front of everyone. If he did not comply with Wang Jian's request, it would be a direct challenge to the township party secretary, violating organizational principles. Moreover, Wang Jian had said he would report on his trip to the provincial capital, making it difficult for him to refuse.

"Alright, I will report!" Ning Xingong had no choice but to agree.

Ning Xingong then reported on the township's family planning, agricultural restructuring, and road construction preparations. Wang Jian listened very attentively, taking notes from time to time. After Ning Xingong finished, Wang Jian said, "Ning Xiangzhang's report was good. Next, let's hear from Secretary Han."

Han Yuting then reported on the recent work situation, speaking briefly. Next, Cao Guoqing and Zheng Qingzhi reported. After Zheng Qingzhi finished, Wang Jian said, "Comrade Zheng, pay attention to the construction of the organizational and personnel aspects. There will be some adjustments in the township's personnel, and you should provide more opinions on this!"

Zheng Qingzhi was unsure of Wang Jian's intentions, feeling very uncomfortable. He and Ning Xingong were on the same side, and Wang Jian asking him for opinions on personnel matters was either a subtle insult or an attempt to win him over. Wang Jian's simple words made Zheng Qingzhi uneasy. Everyone knew that only the top leaders had the authority to adjust township officials, and others had no say. Wasn't Wang Jian pushing the conflict of personnel adjustments onto him? Wang Jian was too cunning.

"Please let Secretary Wang and Ning Xiangzhang decide. I dare not make the decision!" Zheng Qingzhi quickly distanced himself, not wanting to be a scapegoat for Wang Jian.

Wang Jian smiled, "I didn't ask you to make the decision. As the organizational commissioner, it's your responsibility to strengthen the evaluation of cadres and recommend suitable candidates to the township party committee. This will gather various talents to provide a cadre force for the development of Xianhe Township, ensuring that we have the right people when needed!"

Zheng Qingzhi felt humiliated by Wang Jian's words, his face turning pale. He had always opposed Wang Jian, who had never targeted him before. But today, it seemed Wang Jian was not going to be lenient. If Wang Jian started to make things difficult for him, he would have a hard time. Even if he was just left out, it would be unbearable. His only hope was that Ning Xingong would become strong enough to support him.

Ning Xingong watched coldly without speaking. It was not the right time to say anything. After Wang Jian finished, he said, "Please let Comrade Liu speak."

Liu Fang began to speak, and Wang Jian occasionally interjected with humorous and witty comments, making Liu Fang laugh. After Liu Fang finished, Fang Zhiming spoke. Fang Zhiming was very nervous. Wang Jian's strong demand for Ning Xingong to report had been a significant shock. When Wang Jian was the township head, he could make Zheng Shiguang look bad. Now, as the township party secretary, could he not handle Ning Xingong? Although Ning Xingong was also strong and had a wide network, Wang Jian still had the upper hand. If Wang Jian were weak, Ning Xingong might have real power. However, Wang Jian was not weak; he was very tight with power. If he joined forces with Ning Xingong to oppose Wang Jian, the outcome was uncertain.

After Fang Zhiming spoke briefly, Wang Jian smiled, "Fang Xiangzhang's report was very practical and profound. The work on family planning has been done with dedication. I think we should increase the budget for family planning to ensure that our township does not lag behind in the county."

In his seemingly casual words, Fang Zhiming felt the difference in how Wang Jian treated him compared to Zheng Qingzhi. Not only did he praise him, but he also promised to increase the budget for family planning, which was a good thing. Fang Zhiming smiled without a word, not declining.

Ning Xingong's face immediately turned sour. Wang Jian was using both push and pull tactics, pushing Zheng Qingzhi and pulling Fang Zhiming. This push and pull could undermine his position. He hoped Fang Zhiming would refuse the increased budget, but Fang Zhiming clearly disappointed him. He not only did not refuse but was very pleased. Ning Xingong thought, "Don't be too pleased. The funds Wang Jian approves cannot be withdrawn without his signature." But then he thought, if he did this, Fang Zhiming would completely turn to Wang Jian. Fang Zhiming's strategy of playing both sides was indeed clever.

After Fang Zhiming finished, Li Xiangshan began to speak. Wang Jian did not say much to his ally. After Li Xiangshan finished, Zhu Zhaoming spoke. Zhu Zhaoming was in charge of agricultural work, and Wang Jian listened very carefully. After Zhu Zhaoming finished, Wang Jian said, "We need to take bigger steps in agricultural restructuring. I have introduced an investor from the provincial capital who will soon invest in our township. You, Zhu Xiangzhang, need to coordinate the land. Once the factory is established, our township's vegetables will not be hard to sell. Make sure to explain this to the people!"

"No problem!" Zhu Zhaoming replied.

After Zhu Zhaoming finished, it was Tang Linzheng's turn. Tang Linzheng was in charge of the People's Armed Forces Department and had nothing to report, so he said, "Secretary Wang, I have nothing to report. When you were away, I did nothing. Now that you're back, please assign new tasks!"

When Tang Linzheng spoke, everyone wanted to laugh. This was clearly a flattering remark, but it was also very crude and direct. Others had done a lot of work, but he said he did nothing, which was self-deprecating. However, Tang Linzheng had his own thoughts. The more straightforward he was, the more the leaders would trust him, showing that he had nothing to hide and was not forming cliques. He saw that Wang Jian's purpose in calling this meeting was to let everyone know that he, Wang Jian, was the boss of Xianhe Township, not Ning Xingong. The meeting situation also showed that Wang Jian was very strong, and even with Ning Xingong's abilities, he could not match Wang Jian. Although staying neutral was the best choice, showing favor to Wang Jian was also beneficial, and Ning Xingong would not say anything. He was not pursuing advancement anymore, was he?

Hearing Tang Linzheng's words, Wang Jian could not help but laugh. Tang Linzheng was indeed a rough man, saying whatever came to mind. However, since he said it, he had to criticize him a bit. As the top leader, he could not let his subordinates do nothing and remain indifferent.

"Comrade Tang, I have to criticize you. You must take the initiative in your work and not just wait for the leaders to assign tasks. I think you should participate in the road construction command center to avoid feeling like you have no work to do!" Wang Jian suddenly had an idea to win over Tang Linzheng, letting him participate in road construction, which was a desirable position.

Tang Linzheng did not expect that a casual flattering remark would bring such a significant benefit. Wang Jian's assignment to participate in road construction was highly desirable. As the head of the People's Armed Forces Department, he had little to do, and Wang Jian entrusting him with this task was a sign of trust. This showed that Wang Jian was good at using people, and Tang Linzheng was not one to be jealous. If he wanted to do a good job, he would do it well.

"Is that true, Secretary Wang?" Tang Linzheng was a bit skeptical.

"Of course, it's true. Does anyone have any objections?" Wang Jian asked the group.

In this situation, no one wanted to offend Tang Linzheng, so no one spoke up. Tang Linzheng had gained an unexpected benefit.

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Note: The last part of the text appears to be a list of titles or names, possibly from a different context. It has been omitted from the translation.