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

Chapter 57 Xia Qing Makes a Move

"That's right. The department's research is progressing well overall, but we have also discovered many problems, among which the phenomenon of 'sick officials' is the most serious."

Xia Qing deliberately emphasized the words "sick official," paused slightly, and then continued:

"The existence of corrupt officials directly affects the public's perception of the government's image and can lead to a significant loss of public trust. Therefore, I am prepared to conduct an investigation, starting with the clues I have collected, to trace back the entire promotion process and prevent corrupt officials from taking office."

"The preliminary investigation of clues is carried out by the Organization Department. Once a problem with a corrupt official is found with conclusive evidence, clear indication, and high verifiability, the case will immediately enter the filing and approval process."

"At that time, a special investigation team will be established to conduct a thorough investigation."

After Xia Qing finished speaking, she looked around slowly and deliberately.

His gaze swept over each member of the Standing Committee.

As expected, everyone looked at Xia Qing with surprise.

This is the first time that this seemingly amiable organization minister has proposed carrying out a special project at a standing committee meeting.

Such a big move!

Such a tough stance!

The implication in Xia Qing's words also prompted the Standing Committee members to begin speculating.

The officials who were investigated and promoted despite their illnesses were all left behind by Zhao Lichun. After Sha Ruijin arrived in Handong, he only promoted one person, Yi Xuexi.

Xia Qing couldn't target Yi Xuexi, so he could only conduct a thorough investigation of the cadres from Zhao Lichun's era.

So, what does Xia Qing's action mean?

Are they preparing to join forces with the Discipline Inspection Commission to launch an attack on Zhao Lichun?

Unlike Xia Qing's style.

Li Dakang sensed the doubt in Sha Ruijin's eyes. At this moment, Sha Ruijin needed someone to take the lead and find out Xia Qing's true purpose for him.

So, Li Dakang opened his notebook with one hand and held a pen in the other, asking:

"Minister Xia, I'd like to ask a more detailed question: Does the investigation of corrupt officials include provincial and ministerial-level officials?"

Li Dakang's words once again pointed the finger at Gao Yuliang.

Gao Yuliang remained eerily calm as he turned to Xia Qing, awaiting her reply.

Xia Qing calmly replied:

"Of course not. Provincial and ministerial-level officials are managed by the Organization Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. What right does my provincial Party Committee's Organization Department have to investigate?"

Xia Qing implied that the matter wouldn't escalate to the provincial or ministerial level, and Gao Yuliang silently turned his head back upon hearing this.

He was certain that Xia Qing was not using Tian Guofu's environmental inspection as a pretext to attack him.

Then it's alright.

Li Dakang seemed to have anticipated Xia Qing's answer, and feigned sudden realization, saying:

"Oh, so that means it includes bureau-level officials. Minister Xia, if a bureau-level official got promoted by forming cliques and flattering others, and has some unclear issues, wouldn't that be considered a promotion despite having problems?"

Xia Qing pondered for a moment, then nodded and said:

"A cadre like that must be a little sick."

Xia Qing's answer once again pushed the meeting in an unpredictable direction.

Sha Ruijin's eyes widened slightly. He didn't know what Xia Qing wanted to do, but at least it was contrary to Xia Qing's behavior since arriving in Handong.

Or is Xia Qing planning to cooperate with me to quickly break through the Han University gang and squeeze out the festering sore left by Zhao Lichun?

The Standing Committee members were puzzled.

Everyone knows that Li Dakang is targeting Qi Tongwei.

Xia Qing actually agreed with Li Dakang's statement? What kind of signal is this sending?

Tian Guofu lowered his head, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curved upwards.

Gao Yuliang's nerves, which had just calmed down, tensed up again.

Is Xia Qing about to make a move against Qi Tongwei?

Gao Yuliang felt a sudden, inexplicable panic, all because there was no one left up there.

Without people, there are no channels of communication, no sources of intelligence, and no way to grasp any developments in the capital.

If Xia Qing's attitude suddenly changes, or even if she wants to use the position of "Medical Inspector" to deal with Qi Tongwei.

That only shows that the winds have finally shifted, and Xia Qing has joined forces with Sha Ruijin to launch an attack on the Han University gang.

Even if that's the case, Gao Yuliang has no choice but to accept the challenge.

Qi Tongwei was his most cherished student, and also one of his few weaknesses.

No matter what kind of attack they face, they must protect Qi Tongwei.

Gao Yuliang was about to speak when Xia Qing continued:

"However, whether someone is sick or not is not something we can judge subjectively. We need to listen to the feedback from the masses, look at their work performance, and check relevant files and procedures. What Secretary Dakang just said is very subjective. Not to mention that the ministry has not received any reports about department-level cadres forming cliques, sycophancy is unheard of. Without actual evidence, making subjective judgments is very one-sided and arbitrary."

"Therefore, I plan to add another provision during the specific investigation: as long as department-level cadres voluntarily report problems and admit their mistakes, and the problems are not particularly serious, and if they rectify the issues in advance, we will only issue criticism and warnings. After all, punishing cadres is not the goal; curing their illnesses, saving them, and reinstating them is the only way to ensure the vitality of the team."

Upon hearing what Xia Qing said, Li Dakang was speechless.

The original plan was to use Qi Tongwei to further punish Gao Yuliang, but unexpectedly, Xia Qing not only exonerated Qi Tongwei but also gave him a chance to admit his mistakes.

Now the situation is different.

Xia Qing has made it clear that she wasn't targeting Qi Tongwei.

So, what are Xia Qing's plans?

Is it really just about doing work without any other purpose?

Sha Ruijin and Tian Guofu exchanged glances, and the latter shook his head.

Gao Yuliang's eyes lit up, and he also discerned a certain meaning in Xia Qing's words.

Xia Qing was essentially telling Gao Yuliang directly what Qi Tongwei should do next!

Governor Liu listened silently and quickly understood Xia Qing's plan.

Ministerial-level officials are not subject to investigation; department-level officials conduct their own investigations.

The organization department will investigate those at the division level and below.

This includes important county-level positions.

For example, county party secretaries, county heads, and directors of important provincial departments.

There are also bureau chiefs from districts and counties under Jingzhou City.

The Organization Department will play a pivotal role in the evaluation, recommendation, and appointment of these candidates.

It's almost equivalent to making a decision.

If Xia Qing can use this investigation of sick officials to replace a group of people and then replace them with his own people.

Furthermore, given the opportunity for self-examination, all the department-level officials would feel insecure and would gravitate towards Xia Qing to express their determination.

Xia Qing effectively controlled cadres at both the grassroots and provincial levels, firmly grasping personnel power and intelligence networks in his own hands.

Governor Liu couldn't help but sigh.

Xia Qing, from being cautious when he first arrived in Handong, has now quickly made his move after gaining a foothold.

It's truly breathtaking.

He looked at Sha Ruijin, whose expression was extremely unpleasant.

Governor Liu couldn't help but chuckle to himself.

I've heard that Sha Ruijin isn't good at economics, but he's a first-rate political player.

Unexpectedly, in front of Xia Qing, he was defeated by his own best strategy of open warfare!