Nominal: The pinnacle of power began in the sixth province of Handong.

Chapter 164 Strict Handling

Gao Yuliang and Xia Qing stopped talking.

Seeing this, Governor Liu answered the phone and said with a smile:

"Good morning, Minister."

"Comrade Chang Geng, I've come to apologize to you. Alas... I failed to teach you properly. I'm ashamed! Ashamed!" Zhong Zhengguo's tone was extremely guilty, but Governor Liu knew that this was a prelude to what was to come.

Sure enough, Zhong Zhengguo feigned remorse for a few moments, then changed the subject, saying:

"Speaking of which, when I was governor, I often encountered similar headaches... Chang-Geng, you can understand, right?"

Governor Liu was somewhat displeased with this arrogant and condescending talk, but he certainly couldn't show it, so he said:

"Yes, Minister, I'd like to take this opportunity to ask you if there's any suitable solution?"

Gao Yuliang and Xia Qing, who were listening nearby, exchanged a glance and showed admiration.

Governor Liu made a clever move by taking advantage of the situation, not only flattering the other party but also giving them the opportunity to propose their own terms.

Zhong Zhengguo was naturally very satisfied with Governor Liu's understanding and readily agreed:

"Young people can learn from their work methods, but their enthusiasm for work must be maintained. In my opinion, temporarily demoting them and observing their future performance is enough to serve as a warning and educational measure!"

Governor Liu sneered inwardly. Want to protect someone? How can that be done without taking some concrete action?

So he asked:

"Minister, young people should be protected, but what if things escalate too much and become unmanageable?"

Zhong Zhengguo was silent for a few seconds, then coughed twice and said:

"Then we'll handle it according to the situation! Let's not talk about that anymore. Chang Gung, I have a few good projects on hand, all important components of the science park. Do you think you're interested?"

Upon hearing about the project, Governor Liu's eyes lit up, and he repeatedly said:

"Oh, that's great! Thank you for your concern, Minister!"

"Then let's find an opportunity to finalize the details?" Zhong Zhengguo pressed on while the iron was hot, and Governor Liu also happily agreed:

"Yes, yes! We await your instructions!"

The two hung up the phone quickly, and Governor Liu said to Gao Yuliang and Xia Qing:

"We profited by exchanging projects for people."

Gao Yuliang probes the tunnel:

"So, the governor means..."

"Hou Liangping will be demoted to deputy division chief level, but retain his division chief level benefits and continue working at the procuratorate. Xia Qing, is that alright?" Governor Liu was immersed in the joy of introducing the project and was much more lenient in his treatment of Hou Liangping.

Xia Qing didn't speak, but took out two documents from his briefcase and handed them to Governor Liu and Gao Yuliang.

The two took it, glanced at it briefly, and were immediately shocked.

This is a unilateral notification letter.

A top 100 high-tech enterprise in China, which had intended to settle in Handong and had even signed a preliminary strategic cooperation agreement with Handong.

They have sent a letter specifically to inform us that due to the recent large-scale arrests of senior and middle-level executives of companies by the Handong Provincial Procuratorate, they have expressed concern and doubt about the business environment in Handong Province and have unilaterally announced that the cooperation between the two parties will be postponed indefinitely and that the signed agreement is null and void.

What Governor Liu found most unacceptable was...

He pursued this company for a whole year, personally traveled to Beijing for face-to-face talks, and even went out for drinks at his advanced age to finally secure a cooperation agreement.

Now that the agreement has been signed, they're saying they'll postpone it, and they want to unilaterally tear it up?

How can we tolerate this?

Just as Governor Liu was about to erupt in anger, he heard Gao Yuliang say thoughtfully:

"I see this letter arrived today. Could it be... related to Hou Liangping's arrests?"

"Secretary Yuliang guessed correctly. It's precisely because Hou Liangping has been arbitrarily arresting people these past few days, and most of those arrested are mid-to-senior level managers from companies, that other companies are left wondering why they've been arrested. The impact is extremely negative," Xia Qing said helplessly.

"Furthermore, since Secretary Sha took office, he has prioritized anti-corruption efforts. The long-term high-pressure anti-corruption campaign, along with the post-Lunar New Year investigations into Huilong, oil and gas, and other groups, has already brought the business environment in Handong to a freezing point, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty. Hou Liangping's actions may simply be the last straw that broke the camel's back."

Governor Liu and Gao Yuliang both remained silent.

Unexpectedly, this was a long-standing problem in Handong.

In order to break down the Han University gang and bring down Zhao Lichun.

Sha Ruijin's actions seemed swift and decisive at the time, but now it appears that various problems are gradually emerging.

Today, Hou Liangping finally lit the fuse.

Governor Liu can imagine that if one major enterprise denies the existence of Handong, then ten or a hundred other enterprises will also deny the existence of Handong.

This has a huge impact on the business environment in Handong.

Given time, it might have an impact on the overall economy of Handong.

If the bottom line of maintaining overall stability is breached at that time, the entire provincial party committee and government of Handong will bear full responsibility.

This matter is extremely urgent!

Immediate rectification is required!

Before Governor Liu could ask a question, Xia Qing said:

"My suggestion is to severely punish Hou Liangping as a negative example, as a way to give an explanation to the wavering companies. At the same time, the provincial government should speak out to reassure the companies in Handong and win back the confidence of those who have lost faith."

Xia Qing paused for a moment and then continued:

"Then, I will have the Organization Department announce more favorable talent introduction policies, create a more favorable business environment and elite atmosphere, and attract large enterprises to settle in."

Gao Yuliang chimed in at the opportune moment:

"Last year, our Political and Legal Affairs Commission's special campaign to maintain political and legal stability and optimize the business environment was commended by the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission. We can conduct another round this year, which should have a positive impact."

Governor Liu nodded vigorously and said:

"This is the only way. What should we do with Xia Qing and Hou Liangping?"

After careful consideration, Xia Qing said:

"His deputy-department-level benefits were revoked, his position was reduced to deputy-division-level, and he was transferred to work at the Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles."

Governor Liu and Gao Yuliang exchanged a glance.

Federation of Literary and Art Circles?

This is exile!

Can the Chung family give in?

Gao Yuliang didn't react much; the Federation of Literary and Art Circles was the Federation of Literary and Art Circles, and it was irrelevant to him.

Governor Liu, however, could not be so casual. After all, Zhong Zhengguo's call was to him, and if he made such a fuss after hanging up, it would be difficult to handle the situation later.

Seemingly sensing Governor Liu's hesitation, Xia Qing said solemnly:

"Governor Liu, how to deal with Hou Liangping is no longer up to us, but up to public opinion. Only by publicly announcing the results of a strict punishment can we appease the frightened companies and give them the courage to trust Handong again. This time is different from the case of Ouyang Qing; we ourselves couldn't make a decision then. How can we protect Handong's business environment?"

Governor Liu was still hesitant. Transferring him to the Federation of Literary and Art Circles was indeed too harsh. If a compromise could be reached, and he could continue to move within the public security, procuratorate, and judicial system, it might be much better.

Gao Yuliang also stated at this time:

"Minister Xia is right. The public security, procuratorate, and judicial system... really can't tolerate such an undisciplined and unruly monkey. If we don't get rid of him, it'll be difficult to lead the team."

Governor Liu pondered for a long time before slowly saying:

"Alright, then let's prepare to convene a standing committee meeting to report on the results of the investigation."