Chapter 46

Chapter 38, Prelude to a New Round of Power Struggle at the County Government

Unfolding the provincial party organ newspaper, which had caused a huge uproar and been criticized to the bone, Su Nan, sitting in his office on the third floor by the window, couldn't help but laugh out loud at the article titled "On Deepening Reform" and the name signed below it—Yang Zixuan.

This feels so good!

Yang Zixuan is really digging his own grave!

Su Nan sighed. Young people are still young, after all. Although his methods are ruthless, his mentality is a bit hasty. He even made the county government planning committee revisit old issues and set up the so-called Honghe Economic Development Zone. It's no wonder he ended up in the line of fire amidst the changing domestic and party situation!

"Vroom vroom vroom" The sound of an engine came from outside the window. Su Nan turned his head and could see the Santana with the county committee's No. 2 plate returning from Daming City to the county committee compound. A smug smile crept onto his lips. He naturally knew that Yang Zixuan had been called to the city for a work report by the mayor. Just now, he had also received a call from an acquaintance in the city, saying that Yang Zixuan had been scolded for half an hour in the mayor's office by Mayor Tang!

How satisfying!

Su Nan started humming a tune!

Yang Zixuan, as usual, strode into the county government office and encountered Fang Ling, who was dressed like an ordinary woman.

Fang Ling was not from Hongshui County but from the poorest and most backward Panjiang County in Daming City. However, after joining the workforce, she had always stayed in Hongshui County. Her husband was also from Panjiang County. Now in her early forties, she had a round face and looked like a neighbor's auntie on the surface, but she was actually a shrewd person. Before entering the standing committee, Fang Ling had been adept at navigating all sides and had gained the trust of Li Sicheng, overseeing several important county government departments, such as finance. Her influence in the county government was even greater than when Yang Zixuan was not yet the county magistrate.

"County Magistrate, you're back." Fang Ling's expression was somewhat evasive. She held a document tightly against her chest, as if afraid that Yang Zixuan would see it.

However, although Yang Zixuan only saw the edge of the document, he knew it was the draft of the document submitted to the city party committee for the establishment of the Honghe Economic Development Zone. He quickly guessed that Fang Ling had likely taken advantage of his absence to go to Su Nan's office and discuss the flaws and issues in the document with him.

It seems that there is indeed a subtle relationship between Fang Ling and Su Nan. Although Fang Ling is unlikely to completely side with Su Nan, they may have reached a cooperative agreement in some areas.

Yang Zixuan knew that Fang Ling, from any perspective, would not support the establishment of the Honghe Economic Development Zone.

There are two main reasons. First, from the current party situation, continuing to push for major reforms and setting up an economic development zone during this sensitive period could anger the higher-ups, leading to their dismissal as a warning to others. Fang Ling would not take such a risk with Yang Zixuan. Second, from a political struggle perspective, Fang Ling would not support the establishment of the economic development zone. If this project, driven by Yang Zixuan, were to succeed, it would greatly enhance his prestige in the county government, which would be a significant blow to Fang Ling's position!

Fang Ling's influence in the county government has already been squeezed, and many section chiefs who were close to her have gradually distanced themselves. For example, Guo Long from the finance bureau has been visiting the county magistrate's office more frequently recently!

Moreover, Yang Zixuan's aggressive stance in the county government has led many seasoned officials to start aligning with him. Fang Ling is almost reduced to a regular vice-county magistrate. Sometimes she feels that her influence is even less than that of some heads of important county government departments, which she absolutely cannot tolerate.

"Vice-County Magistrate Fang, let's have a party group meeting in the county government office tomorrow afternoon. All members of the party group will attend to continue discussing the establishment of the Honghe Economic Development Zone." Yang Zixuan, holding his briefcase, said to Fang Ling.

Yang Zixuan doesn't have much good feeling towards Fang Ling. From the way he has always suppressed her work in the county government, he sees her as a conservative old cadre from Hongshui County, with a typical mindset of being content with her own small territory!

Such a person, Yang Zixuan does not intend to give any platform to. He wants people who can get things done.

Fang Ling nodded and left.

Back in his office, before he could even sit down, Lan Le's head poked in.

"County Magistrate, what does the city think of our economic development zone?" Since being criticized by Yang Zixuan, Lan Le has undergone a transformation. He has become more energetic, and in just a few days, he has redone the project documents for the economic development zone.

Once established, this would be the first economic development zone in Daming City, with a population of over 5 million!

So Lan Le is very excited, as if he has found the same sense of enthusiasm and determination he had when studying at Daming Finance College.

"At the city government, it was rejected!" Yang Zixuan calmly poured cold water on Lan Le.

"Can't be, County Magistrate. Why?" Lan Le was a bit anxious. In the time he has been working with Yang Zixuan, he has found that this young county magistrate is truly capable. He has heard about the county magistrate's authority in the standing committee meetings. Now, he has developed a blind trust in Yang Zixuan.

"Mayor Tang said everything must prioritize stability. Don't think about any unrealistic new ideas. He asked me to write a self-criticism." Yang Zixuan's tone was still calm, as if he were talking about something unrelated to himself.

Write a self-criticism? That's a bit serious. Lan Le's expression changed, and he looked at Yang Zixuan with some confusion and doubt.

"County Magistrate, what do you think? Should we proceed with the economic development zone?" Lan Le now spoke more formally, using honorifics.

"Of course, I want to proceed, but will it do any good? The city won't approve it." Yang Zixuan's lips curled into a bitter smile. It's really hard to get things done at the grassroots level. Not only do you have to smooth out relationships and work below, but you also have to navigate the relationships above.

"As long as you want to proceed, what can't be done? If the city doesn't agree, we can do it ourselves." Lan Le lowered his voice.

"This involves significant political risks. Aren't you afraid?" Yang Zixuan stared at Lan Le with a half-smile, half-serious look. He was quite satisfied with Lan Le's recent performance and wanted to test him.

If Lan Le were to distance himself because of the criticism and self-criticism in the city, no matter how capable he is, Yang Zixuan would not use him again.

"County Magistrate, you are much more senior than me. If you're not afraid, why should I be? At worst, I won't be the director anymore, or I'll get a reprimand!" Lan Le's expression was resolute. "The key is, after this period of research and investigation, I believe that establishing this economic development zone will be greatly beneficial to the entire county. I don't mind telling you, County Magistrate, I grew up in poverty and hunger. I know the difficulties people face when they can't even solve their basic needs. I have always wanted to do something for our county. Perhaps the leaders above don't understand now, but history will prove that our actions are correct."

Yang Zixuan stood up, walked around the desk, and patted Lan Le on the shoulder, smiling faintly. "I can assure you now, your choice and actions are correct!"

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