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

Chapter 102 The Tea Is Still Warm

Xia Qing's words were extremely disrespectful, but Tian Guofu had nothing to say.

There is indeed no evidence.

However, Tian Guofu never expected that Xia Qing would seize upon his habit of always saying "I heard," "It is said," or "Someone said" to launch an attack.

Who would dare to bring these things up normally?

Even if the way a secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission speaks is problematic, no one dares to take it seriously.

Sha Ruijin had actually subtly reminded Tian Guofu not to speak so ambiguously and not to hide anything.

Tian Guofu didn't listen.

Today, Xia Qing seized the opportunity and suppressed him severely.

Seeing that Tian Guofu couldn't refute, Secretary-General Wang of the Provincial Party Committee Office quickly chimed in, saying:

"Oh dear, today is a democratic life meeting, so let's not keep focusing on personnel and organizational issues. Minister Xia's work in the Organization Department is extremely difficult, as we all know, including his predecessor, Minister Chunlin, who was always very cautious, walking on thin ice! Take cadre appointments and removals, for example—they're all his favorites. If he appoints one, he leaves another out in the cold; it's a tough job for the Organization Department! Today, it would be better if we focused on criticism and self-criticism. What do you think, Secretary Sha?"

Sha Ruijin knew that, given the current situation, if the discussion on Qi Tongwei's issue continued, he would most likely be promoted to vice-provincial level today.

Sha Ruijin would definitely not agree to this.

Therefore, it's best to avoid personnel issues.

If the topic is changed, it will somewhat reduce the influence of Gao Yuliang and Xia Qing's previous remarks on Qi Tongwei.

At the same time, it also gives Secretary-General Qian and Tian Guofu some time to regroup.

Thinking of this, Sha Ruijin immediately replied:

"That's right, it's a democratic life meeting, so everyone should look for problems within themselves and make good use of self-criticism! Personnel issues won't be discussed at this meeting! Okay, anyone else want to speak?"

Xia Qing and Gao Yuliang exchanged a glance.

Sha Ruijin is clearly taking sides; seeing the situation turn unfavorable, he calls for a pause.

That's the authority of the top leader, after all.

Seeing this, Secretary-General Wang knew his chance to take credit had come.

Having served as the provincial party committee's chief secretary for so many years, and even as the former secretary-general of Zhao Lichun, he had many opportunities to impress the new secretary, Sha Ruijin.

But the crucial opportunity is right now!

Not to be missed!

Having figured this out, Secretary-General Wang raised his hand and said:

"Let me say a few more words. After listening to everyone's remarks, I have a deep understanding of this 'factionalism'! How should I put it? In the eyes of the comrades in the Provincial Party Committee Office, am I, Wang, not also a member of a faction? They actively gravitate towards me, and I'm both afraid of making a mistake and a little overconfident. So, based on my own experience, factionalism is truly unacceptable!"

After saying this, Secretary-General Wang changed the subject, looked at Gao Yuliang, and said:

"Now that I've finished talking about myself, let me talk about Comrade Yuliang. You just said that there aren't that many factions in Handong? You're wrong. Even I, the secretary-general, am a faction. You, Comrade Yuliang, are the full-time deputy secretary of Handong. Aren't you an even bigger faction? Our influence over the cadres below us is extraordinary."

Xia Qing understood what was going on when she heard this.

Another one trying to drag Gao Yuliang into self-destruction.

First, they define themselves as a faction, and then, by analogy, define Gao Yuliang as a faction as well.

Gao Yuliang's claims cannot be denied at all.

Since the positions are all there, even a secretary-general admits to being a faction leader, so how dare you, the deputy secretary, say that you are not one?

Who would believe that!

However, Gao Yuliang refuted the claim of factionalism.

They would immediately be labeled as hypocritical.

You, Gao Yuliang, have a gang at Han University, and Qi Tongwei recognizes you as his leader; everyone knows that.

How can you do it but not admit it?

At that time, Gao Yuliang's prestige in this meeting, and even in the Standing Committee, will be greatly enhanced.

It will be greatly discounted.

After thinking about it carefully, Xia Qing realized that Gao Yuliang's rebuttal had been almost completely blocked.

Hilltops are an unavoidable topic!

Thinking of this, Xia Qing cursed inwardly.

These Sha family gang members have absolutely no sense of martial ethics.

One by one, they've resorted to this self-destructive tactic that inflicts heavy damage on both sides.

But the key point is that there are a lot of people from the Sha family gang in this conference room!

If they dragged you down one by one and forced you to self-destruct, even Gao Yuliang couldn't withstand it!

We can only wait and see how Gao Yuliang responds.

After carefully taking notes, Gao Yuliang glanced at the paper twice and answered confidently:

"Old Wang, what you're saying isn't quite right. Just because you, the secretary-general, are a faction, does that mean I, the deputy secretary, am also a faction? Then wouldn't Secretary Sha, as the top leader, be a faction within a faction?"

These words were spoken.

This immediately caused a stir throughout the venue.

Everyone looked at Gao Yuliang with surprise, their faces showing an expression of "So that's how it can be done."

Sha Ruijin's face immediately darkened.

How could Secretary-General Wang make such a low-level statement!

Isn't this like digging a pit right under my feet?

Seeing this, Secretary-General Wang was sweating profusely and quickly tried to cover it up:

"No, that's not what I meant. I mean, yes, I mean that if we really risk being used as a faction by others, we must fulfill our duties and obligations even more, effectively guide and educate our subordinates, and set a good example! Comrade Yuliang, look at you, as Qi Tongwei's teacher and leader, you failed to educate and guide him, which is why he has attracted so much gossip. I think you can't shirk your leadership responsibility!"

Qi Tongwei mentioned again?

What happened to the agreement that we would only conduct criticism and self-criticism, and not touch on personnel issues?

This group of people doesn't play by the rules; they're just messing around!

Gao Yuliang gave Secretary-General Wang a deep look, and at the same time glanced at Sha Ruijin.

Seeing that the other party showed no intention of stopping.

Gao Yuliang sighed, having made up his mind.

The thought of what I was going to say made me chuckle.

"Old Wang, you've said so much, let me ask you a question too."

Gao Yuliang calmly clasped his hands together and said:

"The tennis court in our provincial party committee compound has been converted into a basketball court. Isn't that thanks to your provincial party committee office?"

Secretary-General Wang replied without hesitation:

"This renovation has been approved and reported, and all the expenses are clearly documented. It's probably unrealistic to expect to find anything specific in it, Professor."

His tone was full of smugness.

"What I meant was that the old Party Secretary used to love tennis, so the courtyard was a tennis court. Now that Party Secretary Sha loves basketball, you've set up a basketball court."

A sharp glint flashed in Gao Yuliang's eyes as he calmly said:

"The renovation plan for the compound requires the provincial party secretary's signature. Since Secretary Sha has reviewed the plan and clearly knows you are trying to curry favor with him, yet he didn't stop you from carrying out the renovation, can't this be interpreted as Secretary Sha failing to fulfill his leadership responsibility of educating and guiding you?"

boom!

As soon as Gao Yuliang finished speaking, Secretary-General Wang's mind went completely blank.

He swallowed hard, his eyes trembling as he looked at Sha Ruijin.

Sha Ruijin's eyebrows furrowed, his lips were tightly closed, and he crossed his arms, coldly staring at us.

It’s over.

I don't know about the others.

All Secretary-General Wang knew was that he would be transferred from his post tomorrow because his left foot stepped into the office building first.

And Governor Liu, the Minister of the United Front Work Department, and the military region leaders.

Everyone seemed very busy, their fingers constantly tracing patterns on their lips.

It was as if he was trying to hide a smile.

Secretary-General Wang then looked at Gao Yuliang.

Only then did Gao Yuliang slowly open the thermos and take his first sip of tea from the meeting.

And then say it with a smile:

"Old Wang, this tea is still warm."