Chapter 56: Returning to the Hometown Township as Party Secretary

The steady operation of the high-speed rail left the dry and desolate northern landscape far behind, and the scenery outside the window was gradually replaced by the moist greenery of the south.

Inside the carriage, Li Yifei sat opposite Ding Min, a deputy department-level official from the Organization Department of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). The atmosphere was silent and slightly tense. Ding Min was taciturn and stern, occasionally flipping through the documents in her hands with a sharp and focused gaze.

Li Yifei closed his eyes to rest. Seemingly calm, his mind was racing as he sorted out everything he was about to face: an unfamiliar environment, a complex mission, and the massive web deeply hidden beneath his hometown.

The train arrived precisely at Handong City, the provincial capital of Jiang Province. As soon as they stepped out of the station, a black sedan bearing a provincial party committee pass was waiting at the VIP exit.

A well-dressed middle-aged man with a professional smile came forward and proactively shook hands with Ding Min.

"You've had a tiring journey, Director Ding! Welcome to Jiang Province to guide our work! I am Han Guohao from the First Cadre Division of the Provincial Party Committee's Organization Department."

"You're too polite, Division Chief Han. Bringing Comrade Li Yifei here to report for duty is a task assigned by the organization," Ding Min responded formally, turning slightly to introduce him. "This is Comrade Li Yifei."

"Division Chief Li, young and promising, welcome, welcome!" Han Guohao shook hands with Li Yifei enthusiastically, his gaze sweeping quickly and carefully over Li Yifei's youthful face, a trace of hard-to-detect probing hidden in his smile. Such a young deputy division chief from the CCDI, parachuted in for a temporary posting, naturally reeked of the unusual.

The sedan drove smoothly toward the core of power in Jiang Province—the provincial party committee and government compound. The solemn and dignified group of buildings silently spoke of the weight of this place. Led by Han Guohao, Ding Min and Li Yifei passed through the heavily guarded security checkpoint and entered the floor housing the Organization Department.

Instead of taking them to the reception room, Han Guohao led them directly to knock on the door of Xue Gaoyu, the Minister of the Organization Department.

"Minister, Director Ding Min from the CCDI and Comrade Li Yifei have arrived."

"Please come in," a steady voice called out.

They pushed the door open and entered. The office was spacious and bright, with bookcases filled with documents and books.

Behind the desk, a man of about fifty with neatly combed hair and gold-rimmed glasses raised his head. It was Xue Gaoyu, the newly parachuted member of the Standing Committee of the Jiang Province Party Committee and Minister of the Organization Department, who had recently arrived from the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee.

His gaze fell first on Ding Min, carrying a formal welcoming smile: "Comrade Ding Min, you've had a hard journey." Immediately afterward, his sight shifted to Li Yifei standing behind Ding Min. That scrutinizing look acted like an invisible probe, lingering for a moment on Li Yifei's youthful, calm face.

A trace of extremely faint doubt and curiosity flashed across his eyes—why would the CCDI send such an overly young newly-promoted deputy division chief down for a temporary posting? Was it merely to gild his resume? Or was there some other profound meaning?

"Minister Xue, hello! I am under orders to accompany Comrade Li Yifei to report for duty," Ding Min said concisely.

"Good, please sit." Xue Gaoyu gestured toward the sofa. He stood up personally and shook hands with Ding Min and Li Yifei respectively. When shaking hands with Li Yifei, Xue Gaoyu felt that the other man's grip was moderate—neither fawning nor arrogant, his gaze calm and unruffled. This composure, far beyond his years, caused a slight ripple in Xue Gaoyu's heart.

After brief pleasantries, Ding Min handed a sealed document bag to Xue Gaoyu: "Minister Xue, this is Comrade Li Yifei's transfer order and organizational relationship introduction letter, please check them. My mission is complete, so I won't stay to disturb you further."

Xue Gaoyu nodded and motioned to Han Guohao: "Division Chief Han, represent the Organization Department and assist Director Ding in completing the handover procedures."

"Understood, Minister," Han Guohao responded immediately.

Acting with resolute and swift efficiency, Ding Min quickly completed the document handover with Han Guohao, then nodded to Xue Gaoyu and Li Yifei: "Minister Xue, I will take my leave now." She turned and left cleanly and neatly, without any superfluous pleasantries.

Only Xue Gaoyu and Li Yifei remained in the office. The air seemed to fall silent instantly, with only the subtle sound of the second hand moving on the wall clock.

Xue Gaoyu did not speak immediately. He picked up the teacup on his desk, took a slow sip, and let his gaze fall on Li Yifei once more through his lenses, carrying a condescending scrutiny and probing inquiry.

Li Yifei sat upright on the sofa, his waist and back straight, hands resting naturally on his knees. With his eyes fixed on his nose and his heart at peace, his demeanor was respectful yet not servile, resembling an old monk in meditation. He allowed the other's gaze to sweep over him without the slightest sign of nervousness or unease.

This extraordinary composure caused the slight contempt Xue Gaoyu felt due to the young man's youth to dissipate somewhat. He put down the teacup, a warm smile blooming on his face to break the silence:

"Comrade Yifei, welcome to Jiang Province to work. We received the notice from the Central Organization Department stating that the CCDI was arranging a young and promising comrade to come down for temporary posting and practice. The provincial leadership attaches great importance to this and warmly welcomes you."

His tone was gentle, like an elder showing care: "You are young, highly educated, and have a high starting point—a rare talent. In the future, whether in work or life, if you encounter any difficulties or need organizational coordination, you can come directly to me."

These words were standard official jargon, carrying the aloofness and co-opting intent of a superior. Li Yifei was as clear as a mirror, knowing this was merely superficial politeness. If you took it seriously and foolishly ran over to "report difficulties," that would be a manifestation of political immaturity.

"Thank you for your concern and high regard, Minister Xue!" Li Yifei leaned forward slightly, his attitude sincere and his response airtight: "Being new here, I am not yet familiar with the situation in Jiang Province. I will certainly report my thoughts and work to Minister Xue frequently in the future and listen to your guidance.

During my temporary posting, I will study with an open mind, work hard, and by no means fail the trust of the organization and the expectations of Minister Xue." This not only expressed gratitude and respect but also stated an attitude of learning, while cleverly dodging the trap of "asking for help."

The smile on Xue Gaoyu's face remained unchanged, but inwardly he thought even more highly of this young man's handling of the situation. Neither servile nor overbearing, polite and measured, he struck the sense of proportion exceptionally well.

"Mm, good," Xue Gaoyu nodded, said nothing more, and pressed the call button on his desk: "Division Chief Han, take Comrade Yifei to handle the relevant procedures and arrange his accommodation."

"Understood, Minister!" Han Guohao entered promptly.

Li Yifei stood up and bowed to Xue Gaoyu once more: "Minister Xue, then I'll be going first."

"Go ahead," Xue Gaoyu waved his hand.

Guided by Han Guohao, Li Yifei quickly completed his reporting procedures at the First Cadre Division of the Provincial Organization Department, receiving his temporary work permit, meal card, and the room key for the provincial party committee guesthouse. Han Guohao warmly stated: "Division Chief Li, the procedures are all done.

You can get settled at the guesthouse first. Which county or city you will be temporarily posted to is something the department still needs to study in conjunction with job vacancies and actual needs, and there should be a notice very soon. In the next few days, you can familiarize yourself with the environment in the province first."

"Alright, thank you, Division Chief Han," Li Yifei thanked him.

Leaving the Organization Department building, Li Yifei did not immediately go to the guesthouse. He walked to a relatively secluded corner, took out his mobile phone, and quickly drafted a message, sending it to a number he rarely disturbed yet which carried immense weight—Leng Mingmu, Governor of Jiang Province.

Governor Leng was not only the current governor of Jiang Province but also the secretary of the university party committee when Li Yifei was studying at Peking University, and he had shown great kindness in recognizing and cultivating his talent.

*Governor Leng, your student Li Yifei has arrived in Handong and completed the reporting procedures at the Provincial Organization Department. Reporting to you.*

***

The message was sent, but Li Yifei did not wait idly. He knew very well that Governor Leng had a myriad of responsibilities. He pulled up another crucial number in his contacts—Zhong Ming, Deputy Secretary of the Jiang Province Commission for Discipline Inspection.

This was the only person in Jiang Province whom Director Ling Tianming had instructed him to completely trust and contact directly.

The call was dialed and rang twice before being answered.

"Who is this?" Zhong Ming's voice was low, carrying a trace of hard-to-detect fatigue.

"Secretary Zhong, hello! I am Li Yifei. I have finished reporting at the Provincial Organization Department. Is it convenient to report the situation to you now?" Li Yifei's voice was steady and respectful.

The other end of the line was silent for two seconds, followed by a clear directive: "Come to my office in 20 minutes."

"Yes!"

Li Yifei immediately set off for the office area housing the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission. The atmosphere of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission building shared an affinity with the CCDI—solemn and introverted. Outside Deputy Secretary Zhong Ming's office, he met the secretary, Xiang Qiang.

"Secretary Xiang, hello, I am Li Yifei. I have an appointment with Secretary Zhong to report on my work in 20 minutes." Li Yifei's attitude was modest and deferential, and he naturally handed over two packs of Soft Zhonghua cigarettes: "Just some local specialty from my hometown, nothing much." In the localities, this level of "lubrication" belonged to the tacitly understood rules.

The professional smile on Xiang Qiang's face became a bit more genuine as he accepted the cigarettes: "Division Chief Li is too polite. Secretary Zhong is still dealing with some matters; please sit for a moment in the side office and have a cup of water." He led Li Yifei to the adjacent reception room, poured a cup of tea, and the two chatted casually about the weather and scenery of Handong.

As the time arrived, Xiang Qiang went in to announce him punctually and came out shortly after: "Division Chief Li, please come in."

Li Yifei walked into Zhong Ming's office. The room was simply furnished, and the bookcases were stuffed with case files. Behind the desk, Zhong Ming raised his head.

He was around fifty years old, with graying hair, a lean face, and eyes as sharp as a falcon's, carrying a penetrating power honed by long-term disciplinary inspection work.

The look he cast at Li Yifei lacked the scrutiny and aloofness of Xue Gaoyu; instead, it carried a post-scrutiny approval and a faint concern.

"Hello, Secretary Zhong!" Li Yifei stood still and greeted him.

"Comrade Yifei, sit down." Zhong Ming pointed to a chair, his tone a bit gentler than on the phone: "You've had a tiring journey. Director Ling has explained everything. Once you're here, if you have any thoughts or difficulties, you can tell me directly."

Li Yifei sat down and, bypassing unnecessary pleasantries, went straight to the point: "Secretary Zhong, the situation is like this..." He faithfully and methodically reported everything: the reflections he heard upon returning home for the National Day regarding Wei Shili, the Party Secretary of Anying County; the helpless statement of Mayor Sun Guodong that he "couldn't control him" and that there was "someone above him"; and the CCDI leadership's analysis of the matter and the secret investigation mission entrusted to him.

As Li Yifei narrated, Zhong Ming's expression, which had been fairly calm at first, grew increasingly grave, his brows knitting tightly into a deep vertical crease.

When he heard Sun Guodong's phrase "someone above him," the fingers Zhong Ming had placed on the tabletop suddenly curled inward, his knuckles turning slightly pale! A chill rose from the bottom of his heart! As the deputy secretary of the provincial discipline inspection commission in charge of case work, he was actually completely unaware of such a severe problem clue regarding Anying County right under his nose, one that clearly involved a higher-level protective umbrella! What did this mean?

It meant that within the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission, at least along Anying's line, the flow of information was severely blocked! Or even... there might be a mole inside! This conclusion brought him immense pressure and unprecedented anger!

The air in the office seemed to freeze. Zhong Ming remained silent, his face so gloomy it seemed water could drip from it. For a long time, he finally let out a long, heavy breath, his voice carrying an oppressed heaviness:

"The situation... is even more complicated than anticipated." He looked at Li Yifei, his gaze turning extremely serious: "Comrade Yifei, the mission you shoulder is arduous and dangerous. For Wei Shili to entrench himself in Anying for so many years with such arrogant momentum, his foundation and protective network are by no means ordinary.

Your ostensible identity is Deputy County Magistrate of Duoshui County. This position has both pros and cons. The advantage is that you can access information and personnel at a certain level, while the disadvantage is that your target is relatively obvious and easy to attract attention."

After pondering briefly, he picked up a pen and wrote down a name and phone number: "This is the contact information of Chu Jianghe, Secretary of the Anying Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission. I will call him personally to explain the situation. Comrade Chu Jianghe has a strong Party principle and an upright work style; he is a comrade you can trust.

After you report for duty in Anying, be sure to contact him secretly at the very first moment! Establish a single-line contact! At the municipal discipline inspection level, he can provide you with the necessary cover and support, and also help you vet certain people and matters.

Remember, in Anying, aside from Chu Jianghe and myself, do not easily trust anyone! Including anyone inside the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission!"

"Understood! Secretary Zhong! I will contact Secretary Chu immediately after reporting for duty!" Li Yifei solemnly took the slip of paper and tucked it away carefully.

"Mm." Zhong Ming checked his watch: "Go and get settled first. Remember, safety is the bottom line! Collecting evidence must be as meticulous as embroidery, and even more covert than undercover operations! Without absolute certainty, it is better not to move! All actions must be carried out under the premise of ensuring your own safety! Understand?"

"Understood! Please rest assured, Secretary Zhong!" Li Yifei responded solemnly.

"Go ahead, keep in touch." Zhong Ming waved his hand.

Stepping out of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission building, Li Yifei felt the burden on his shoulders grow even heavier. Zhong Ming's reaction confirmed the severity and complexity of the problem.

Just as he was preparing to head to the provincial party committee guesthouse, his phone suddenly rang. The name flashing on the screen gave his spirits a boost—Governor Leng Mingmu!

"Yifei? Have you reached Handong?" Leng Mingmu's deep, powerful voice came through, carrying the unique care of a teacher and mentor.

"Teacher! I just finished the formalities at the Organization Department and Discipline Inspection Commission, and I'm heading to the guesthouse." Li Yifei replied hastily.

"Forget the guesthouse, come directly to my office." Leng Mingmu's tone allowed no room for refusal.

"Yes, Teacher! I'll be right there!" Warmth surged in Li Yifei's heart.

The governor's office was located in the core area of the provincial party committee compound, guarded even more heavily. Following the secretary's announcement, Li Yifei was led inside. Leng Mingmu was standing by the window, his back facing the door.

Hearing footsteps, he turned around. Compared to a year ago at Peking University, this high official of the borderlands carried an even more settled demeanor and a deeper, sharper gaze, but when he looked at Li Yifei, the warm concern belonging to a mentor hadn't diminished in the slightest.

"Teacher!" Li Yifei called out respectfully.

"Sit down." Leng Mingmu pointed to the sofa and walked over to sit down himself. "Did you finish the formalities? Where are you planning to be posted?"

The secretary served tea and quietly withdrew.

Li Yifei did not hide anything; he succinctly and concisely reported the Organization Department's preliminary intention to post him as deputy county magistrate in Duoshui County, the special mission he shouldered, and Secretary Zhong Ming's arrangements.

***

Leng Mingmu listened quietly. When he heard about the problems in Anying County, the secret investigation mission entrusted by the CCDI, a flash of shock also crossed those eyes that had seen through the vicissitudes of life!

His hand holding the teacup paused in mid-air for a moment before he slowly brought it to his lips to take a sip. When he put the teacup down, his fingers unconsciously tapped a few times lightly on the smooth mahogany coffee table, producing a muffled tapping sound—his habitual action when pondering major issues.

"The situation... is very serious," Leng Mingmu's voice dropped, carrying the heaviness of a coming storm. "For a county party secretary to run amok to this extent, leaving the mayor helpless and keeping the provincial discipline inspection commission in the dark... the water behind this is unfathomably deep!"

A cold light flashed in his eyes, showing he was genuinely angered. This was not only anger at grassroots corruption, but even more so rage at the potentially existing protective umbrella that dared to challenge the authority of the organization.

Without hesitation, he picked up the red secure phone on his desk and dialed the number of Xue Gaoyu, Minister of the Organization Department, his tone calm yet carrying unquestionable majesty:

"Minister Gaoyu, if it's convenient now, please come to my office."

A few minutes later, Xue Gaoyu hurried over. When he pushed the door open and saw Li Yifei sitting on the sofa in the governor's office, an unconcealable astonishment instantly flashed in his eyes!

This young man who had just come down from the CCDI—why was he sitting in the governor's office? And judging by this posture, his relationship with Governor Leng seemed far from ordinary!

"Governor, you called for me?" Xue Gaoyu suppressed the roaring waves in his heart and maintained a respectful demeanor on the surface.

"Minister Gaoyu, sit down." Leng Mingmu pointed to the adjacent sofa and sat down as well. "How is the Organization Department arranging Comrade Li Yifei's placement?"

"Oh, the preliminary consideration is to arrange him in Duoshui County, Anying City, as a temporary deputy county magistrate. The specific notice is still going through the process," Xue Gaoyu answered cautiously, glancing at Li Yifei.

Leng Mingmu nodded slightly, but his tone abruptly shifted: "Deputy county magistrate... hmm. Minister Gaoyu, I remember hearing during my last research trip to Anying City that the post of Party Secretary of Duoshui Town under Duoshui County is vacant, and the town mayor is currently acting as party secretary. That's somewhat less than ideal; have the county and city authorities not determined a candidate yet?"

Xue Gaoyu was stunned, completely failing to keep up with Governor Leng's train of thought: "Duoshui Town? Yes, yes, Governor. The position of Party Secretary of Duoshui Town is indeed vacant; the former secretary was transferred to the county, and the town mayor is temporarily presiding over the work. You are...?"

Leng Mingmu tapped his finger on the coffee table again, his tone flat yet sounding like a thunderclap:

"I see it this way. Comrade Li Yifei is young, driven, and highly educated, but lacks the tempering of holding principal office at the grassroots front line.

Although the rank of deputy county magistrate is reached, his assigned work is relatively singular, and his scope of contact is still somewhat narrow. How about letting him go to Duoshui Town to serve as the town party committee secretary? Is that feasible?

At the same time, to facilitate his work and reflect the organization's emphasis on young cadres, his rank can be elevated, explicitly designating him as the deputy county magistrate concurrently serving as the Duoshui Town Party Committee Secretary!"

Boom! Xue Gaoyu felt a buzz in his head! He looked at Leng Mingmu in disbelief, and then at the calm-looking Li Yifei beside him!

To have a 23-year-old young man with no local work experience directly serve as the party secretary of an economically vital town? And elevate him to a higher rank as deputy county magistrate? This was simply... unheard of!

To what extent did Governor Leng value this Li Yifei? And what profound meaning was hidden behind this?

"Gov—Governor, this..." Xue Gaoyu was at a loss for words, not knowing how to respond. This completely shattered his conventional cognition of cadre appointments.

"Are there any difficulties?" Leng Mingmu's gaze swept over calmly, yet carried thousands of pounds of pressure. "Cadres must be able to go both up and down, and even more so, they must go deep into the grassroots.

Duoshui Town holds a critical location; sending a young cadre with potential and capability to shoulder heavy responsibilities is precisely implementing the organization's spirit of vigorously cultivating and selecting outstanding young cadres. Let the Organization Department study it; I see we can handle this matter with special procedures for special circumstances."

Xue Gaoyu understood in an instant. This wasn't a discussion; it was an order! Governor Leng's mind was made up!

He took a deep breath, suppressed his shock and countless questions, and immediately took out his phone. Right in front of Leng Mingmu and Li Yifei, he dialed Han Guohao, the head of the First Cadre Division:

"Division Chief Han, immediately verify the vacancy of the Party Secretary of Duoshui Town! ... Um, good! Draft the document immediately: Appoint Comrade Li Yifei as the Deputy County Magistrate of the People's Government of Duoshui County, Anying City, and concurrently as a member, standing committee member, and Secretary of the Party Committee of Duoshui Town! Ensure the notice is issued to the Anying Municipal Party Committee Organization Department today! ... Yes, do it immediately! I am waiting for the result right here in the Governor's office!"

Hanging up the phone, Xue Gaoyu looked at Leng Mingmu: "Governor, it has been arranged; the document will be issued today."

"Good," Leng Mingmu nodded, a trace of satisfaction appearing on his face. "Our Provincial Organization Department efficiency is still high. You've worked hard."

"It's what I should do," Xue Gaoyu said hastily, though his heart was in turmoil. His gaze toward Li Yifei changed completely, filled with deep apprehension and a need for reassessment.

Only then did Leng Mingmu turn to Li Yifei, his tone reverting to the gentleness of a mentor, yet carrying a heavy entrustment:

"Yifei, the organization has given you a heavier burden and a larger platform.

When you arrive in Duoshui Town, you must plant your roots deep, observe more, listen more, think more, and do more! While keeping your eyes on the stars, you must keep your feet firmly on the ground!

Always remember, the power in your hands is bestowed by the people and must be used to serve the people! Party discipline and state laws are the red line, and even more so, your protective amulet! Do you remember that?"

"Yes! I will firmly keep the leader's teachings in mind and will not fail the trust of the organization!" Li Yifei stood up and responded solemnly, a strong sense of mission surging in his heart.

Deputy County Magistrate concurrently serving as Town Party Committee Secretary! This identity was deeper at the grassroots level than he had anticipated, and it would also make it much more convenient for him to carry out his secret investigation "close to the ground."

Teacher Leng's stroke of genius provided him with an unexpected and much more powerful fulcrum to pry open that deep pool of Anying! *(To borrow Director Qi's words: Teacher, I am so eager to make progress!)*

Stepping out of the Governor's office, the late autumn sunlight of Handong was somewhat blinding. Li Yifei knew that the brief prelude had ended.

Tomorrow, carrying a brand-new identity and a heavy mission, he would officially step into that undercurrent-surging land—Duoshui County, Anying City.

A smokeless yet perilous battle was about to unfold in the small town of Duoshui.

Casting a sharp gaze toward Anying, the sword in his heart had already been unsheathed; it remained to be seen who would be the first to fall under its blade.