Chapter 134: Entering the Game

Song Sifeng’s address toward Yang Dong had undergone a fundamental change; he now referred to him as Director Yang, rather than Team Leader Yang. This was because Yang Dong, as a deputy section-level cadre representing the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, now held a title that warranted such a respectful form of address.

“Director Song, there’s no need for such a grand display. You should have the comrades drive back,” Yang Dong said. After shaking hands with Song Sifeng, he gestured toward the line of vehicles and the group of Kaiyang County officials standing behind him.

Although he had anticipated that Kaiyang County would prepare for his arrival, he had not expected them to place such emphasis on it. Having the County Party Committee Secretary’s liaison officer come personally to meet him at the county border was a significant gesture. Why such importance? Yang Dong understood the underlying message perfectly well. However, as he was here on assignment for the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection under the instructions of Secretary Guan, he had to maintain his own firm stance regardless of the county’s attitude.

“Director Yang, I assume you haven’t met these comrades yet? I must introduce them to you,” Song Sifeng said, ignoring Yang Dong’s suggestion. Instead of dismissing the group, he began introductions.

Seeing that Song Sifeng insisted, Yang Dong could not flatly refuse without appearing rude. His work in Kaiyang County would require the full cooperation of the local authorities; if he soured these relationships, progress would be impossible. In local governance, if the authorities refuse to cooperate, accomplishing anything becomes harder than ascending to heaven. Every region has its own rules, and once on their turf, one must respect those customs. Yet, while respecting those rules, he had to guard his own bottom line and remember the purpose of his mission. The "everything is fine and everyone is happy" approach was out of the question—especially since Guan Mushan, the Municipal Discipline Inspection Secretary, had been crystal clear: the Zhao Pengcheng case must be handled with the utmost seriousness. The blade had to fall. As for who it would strike and how, that was where Yang Dong’s own judgment would come into play.

“This is Wu Yang, Deputy Director of the Kaiyang County Public Security Bureau!” Song Sifeng, fearing that Yang Dong might not play along, quickly introduced the people around him with a smile. The first official presented was Wu Yang. Aside from the executive deputy director, the other deputy directors of the county Public Security Bureau were all at the deputy section level. The man in his forties, tall with a somewhat dark complexion, was Wu Yang.

“Hello, Director Wu!” Yang Dong smiled and reached out to shake his hand. This was a high-ranking official in the county’s police force, and since they would inevitably cross paths, it was better to be acquainted.

“Hello, hello, Director Yang!” Wu Yang felt a complex mix of emotions toward Yang Dong, who was more than a decade his junior. He had accomplished many feats and endured many hardships to eventually reach the rank of deputy section-level deputy director. Yet, here was this young man in his twenties who had just attained the same status. While they were technically on the same level, Yang Dong held the title of a special envoy from the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection, and Wu Yang dared not offend him, making the situation incredibly awkward.

“This is Comrade Lang Hai, Deputy Director of the Kaiyang County Government Office,” Song Sifeng continued. Lang Hai was a man in his thirties with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and the distinct appearance of a government official, dressed in a crisp white shirt.

“Hello, Director Yang!” Lang Hai also approached with a warm smile and a polite, respectful attitude.

Another deputy section-level official… After shaking hands with Lang Hai, Yang Dong realized the pattern. Kaiyang County had staged such a grand welcoming party at the border, but everyone sent was at the deputy section level. Since Yang Dong himself held that rank, the county was treating him according to protocol. Still, because he represented the Municipal Commission, the fact that they had sent the County Party Secretary’s top aide was a clear sign of their deference.

“This is Comrade He Yunfeng, one of our ‘Gods of Wealth’ in Kaiyang County,” Song Sifeng said with a smile, introducing the Deputy Director of the County Finance Bureau. He was indeed a "God of Wealth"—perhaps not the person with the final say, but certainly someone with significant influence.

“Hello, Director He.” Yang Dong shook his hand, giving the man his due respect. As the saying goes, one should avoid the King of Hell at night but pay respects to the God of Wealth by day. Whether at the county, municipal, or provincial level, the Finance Bureau is always the most prominent department. No entity is larger than the Finance Bureau. Anyone who manages to become the head of that bureau wields real power and is a sign of being highly trusted.

“Seeing Director Yang, I finally understand the meaning of ‘young and promising,’” He Yunfeng said with a beaming smile, flattering Yang Dong in front of everyone.

“Director He is too kind. I wouldn’t dare claim to be ‘young and promising,’” Yang Dong replied, refusing to take the bait. The negligence and corruption of officials often start with such sycophantic praise. A thousand-mile embankment can collapse from a single ant hole; he could not afford to let his guard down.

“The rest are comrades from the County Party Committee Office, so I won’t go into individual introductions,” Song Sifeng said, gesturing to the younger civil servants in the back. Yang Dong understood they were likely clerks or staff members, not leaders.

“It’s getting late, Director Song. Please have your vehicles move aside. We need to head to the County Discipline Inspection Commission to coordinate our work,” Yang Dong said. Seeing the grand display, it was obvious they were trying to monitor him openly. Since that was the case, he would be equally transparent about his intentions. He needed to coordinate with the local commission; any deputy or regular section-level cadres involved in the case would be handled in consultation with them, as they fell under the county's jurisdiction. Conversely, the deputy department-level official involved would be handled exclusively by the Municipal Commission. It was a delicate balancing act—the work was manageable, but only if all parties were coordinated correctly.

“Of course, of course. It is indeed getting late. Director Yang, please get back in your car,” Song Sifeng replied, knowing better than to push his luck. If he blocked them any longer, it would be a breach of protocol. They had already pushed the limit by stalling for those fifteen minutes at the border to give the nineteen implicated cadres some breathing room.

Yang Dong didn't say another word and returned to his vehicle. Song Sifeng’s cars turned around, clearing the road. The two Municipal Commission vehicles sped past, heading toward the Kaiyang County government office building. Despite the county’s strong economy and healthy tax revenue, the County Party Committee, the government, the Discipline Inspection Commission, the People’s Congress, and the Political Consultative Conference all shared a single building—a testament to a work style that avoided extravagance and waste.

“Team Leader, were they intentionally stalling for those implicated officials?” Jiang Hu asked while driving, unable to hold back. Even he could see that Song Sifeng and his group had ulterior motives.