Chapter 66 Stirring the Waters Even Murkier

Liu Changhe and his gang were swiftly and decisively arrested by the county discipline inspection commission, sweeping across Duogang Town like a biting winter wind.

Once the dust settled, the political atmosphere in the town underwent a profound purification.

Those who had previously idled away their days were struck with profound fear, while the corrupt officials who habitually extorted and demanded bribes were either purged or forced to tuck their tails between their legs.

Fueled by the capital injected by Li Yifei and the formidable deterrence of his high-pressure tactics, the once-rusted machinery of the town government finally began to operate with high efficiency.

The Liu Village Aquatic Ecological Park project was handed over to a rigorous and competent construction crew, and its progress advanced by leaps and bounds, far exceeding all expectations. Li Yifei listened to daily reports, yet rarely visited the site in person to bark orders or interfere.

Hung on the wall of his office was an eight-character maxim: "Doubt not the people you employ, employ not the people you doubt." He was deeply versed in this philosophy; once a task was delegated to reliable individuals, he granted them absolute trust and autonomy, focusing solely on the end result.

However, anyone who dared to emulate Liu Changhe and attempt to line their pockets would face a fate far more severe than mere dismissal. No one in the town dared to underestimate Li Yifei's methods.

The development train of Duogang Town had finally maneuvered onto the tracks pre-set by Li Yifei, and the initial situation was stabilized. Yet, this was far from the final destination.

Standing before the office window, the young party secretary cast a gaze that stretched far beyond the faintly revitalized Duogang Town, plunging deep into the murkier and more perilous waters of the entire Duoshui County.

"The water isn't turbid enough yet..." Li Yifei tapped his knuckles rhythmically and absentmindedly against the cold glass pane. The Wei family had operated here for years, with deep roots and intertwined influences. Pulling out a mere Liu Changhe did not even scratch their foundation.

A fortress must be breached from within. To make this colossal monolith collapse, internal chaos had to be sown first—allowing the venomous snakes of greed and suspicion to tear at one another, dragging all the unseen filth out under the scorching sun!

He had keenly perceived that a subtle yet dangerous fissure had already opened between the Wei family and his loyal confidant, Executive Deputy County Magistrate Qian Youwei, triggered by the downfall of Liu Changhe.

Qian Youwei had lost an essential pawn, while the Wei family harbored deep resentment over Qian's "poor discipline" and potential ambitions. For now, both sides were enduring the tension, maintaining a veneer of civility.

"It is time to add fuel to the fire." A cold, sharp arc curved at the corner of Li Yifei's lips. This fire had to burn fiercely, stealthily, and intensely enough to leave the Wei family burning with desire and Qian Youwei sitting on pins and needles. Furthermore, it had to be an upright, flawless stratagem of light.

On the morning of November 16, 2012, a black Passat drove into the courtyard of the Changlin County Committee. Li Yifei stepped out of the vehicle and walked with steady strides toward the office of County Party Secretary Wei. The hour was still early, and the corridor was quiet.

"County Magistrate Li, you've arrived," a crisp voice rang out. Standing at the entrance of the secretary's office was Xu Yue, secretary to the party secretary, a woman in her late twenties with striking looks and a professional demeanor that carried an imperceptible hint of allure.

She wore a well-fitted business suit, her smile appropriate, though her eyes held a trace of scrutiny.

Flashing through Li Yifei's mind were rumors from his past life: Wei was notoriously greedy for wealth and lustful, bearing the reputation of a modern-day warlord.

This Secretary Xu before him was even more indispensable—serving simultaneously as Wei's chief housekeeper and confidante. Many of the county's illicit backdoors had to pass through her hands.

"Good morning, Secretary Xu," Li Yifei nodded slightly, striking just the right balance in his demeanor. "I have an appointment with Secretary Wei to report on our work."

"The secretary hasn't arrived yet. Please come this way for a cup of tea and wait a moment. I will notify you the moment he arrives." Xu Yue smiled gently, turning sideways to lead Li Yifei into the exquisitely decorated secretary's office next door.

She was well aware of how much importance Wei currently attached to this young deputy county magistrate and town party secretary, and she dared not show the slightest negligence.

"Thank you for the trouble." Li Yifei seated himself on the sofa. Xu Yue personally brewed a cup of top-tier Longjing tea. He was left alone in the office. Picking up the teacup without drinking, his gaze fell casually out the window while his mind raced at high speed.

"Greed... is the most effective fuel to drive them." Li Yifei sneered inwardly. The core of his meticulously designed "fuel-adding" plan was precisely to feed Wei what he desired most—greater political achievements!

Throughout the entire process, every step he took would be entirely above board: reporting work, securing resources, paying respects to superiors—all matters within his official duty.

Yet, it was precisely this upright façade, coupled with Wei's inflated ambition and greed, along with Qian Youwei's suspicion and reluctance, that would trigger a wondrous chemical reaction, ultimately detonating the factional infighting he desired.

Even if someone were to review the events in hindsight, it would be virtually impossible to trace the source back to Li Yifei. An open strategy is the sharpest blade of all!

Half an hour later, Xu Yue knocked gently on the door. "County Magistrate Li, the secretary has arrived. Please come in."

"Very well, thank you." Li Yifei stood up, straightened his lapels, and walked toward the heavy wooden door.

"Yifei, so early? Sit down!" Wei had just taken off his coat, his face bearing the morning's lingering fatigue, but upon seeing Li Yifei, he squeezed out a welcoming smile.

Toward this young man who could deliver tangible "political achievements," he genuinely felt a closer sense of affinity as one of his own.

"Secretary Wei," Li Yifei sat down, keeping his back straight, and cut straight to the point. "Time is tight today. Let me first report on the recent work in Duogang Town, and then I must rush off to the provincial capital."

"The provincial capital?" Wei paused mid-motion while holding his insulated mug, a flash of sharp light in his eyes as his body leaned forward involuntarily. "Brother Yifei, are you... going to the provincial level on business?" The form of address subtly drew them closer.

***

"Yes, Secretary." Li Yifei spoke in a steady tone, carrying a sincere undertone of "seeking a breakthrough." "Duogang Town's development has entered the right track, but the funding gap remains large. Both the county and the city are tight on funds. We cannot simply sit and wait; we must take the initiative.

I plan to try my luck in the provincial capital to see if we can apply for some special funds or attract one or two capable enterprises for a field inspection." What he spoke was the truth, but the phrase "try my luck" was deployed with extreme subtlety.

Wei's eyes instantly widened! His knuckles holding the cup turned white, and violent waves churned in his heart! Going to the provincial capital to "try his luck"? Was that a place where one could simply "try their luck" at will?

The nonchalant way Li Yifei spoke of "trying his luck" carried a subtext that made even Wei's heartbeat skip a beat!

"Brother Yifei!" Wei's voice carried an undisguised mix of excitement and probing. "Do you have... connections at the provincial level?" He stared fixedly at Li Yifei's face.

Li Yifei's face appropriately displayed a trace of "uncertainty" and "caution." "Secretary, to be honest, when I previously worked in the ministry, I got to know some comrades from relevant provincial departments. We have a bit of old friendship.

But in this day and age, people grow indifferent when you leave office. I cannot guarantee whether it will succeed." He sighed with the helplessness of someone "doing his absolute best." "However, we must try. If by any chance it succeeds, it will not only resolve Duogang's urgent needs but also provide a massive boost to our entire Duoshui County. Should it fail, I will simply treat it as a trip to broaden my horizons and return to work hard."

This statement was airtight: admitting to "old friendships" while emphasizing that "people grow indifferent" and "cannot guarantee success." It left vast room for Wei's imagination while retaining ample retreat for himself.

More importantly, it bound the interests of Duogang Town together with the development of Duoshui County, making it impossible for Wei to refuse.

Sure enough, Wei's face was instantly flooded with wild elation! He waved a grand hand. "Good! Brother Yifei, with your dedication to running about for Duoshui, the county party committee and government give you our full support!

Go ahead! Travel expenses will be fully reimbursed by the county! Just hand the receipts to little Xu!" The gaze he cast at Li Yifei was that of looking at a moving gold mine! Li Yifei's "old friendships" at the provincial level were precisely the "knock-door brick" Wei needed to ascend to higher positions!

"Thank you for your support, Secretary Wei! I will make brief arrangements and set off immediately. I will report any progress in the provincial capital to you at the very first instance," Li Yifei stood up, speaking respectfully, once again emphasizing "timely reporting."

"Good! Good! Watch your safety on the road! I await your good news!" Wei personally escorted him to the door and patted him warmly on the shoulder.

Li Yifei stepped into the understated black Passat. It was a vehicle he had purchased with his own funds, costing around 250,000 yuan—a common model within the system, clean and low-key, avoiding unnecessary gossip. True details reveal themselves in the particulars.

The car sped toward the provincial capital. The scenery outside the window flew backward, while Li Yifei's gaze grew increasingly profound and calm. The bait had been cast.

Now, he was heading to the provincial capital to weave a more magnificent "network of relations" that would drive Wei completely wild.

At twelve noon in the provincial capital, within a quiet upscale residential complex amidst the bustling city, Li Yifei unlocked the door to a spacious, flat-roofed apartment with a key. It was a property he had purchased during his university days, ideally situated yet rarely occupied.

After having a simple bowl of noodles downstairs, Li Yifei returned home to wash up and change into an administrative jacket. In the mirror, his reflection appeared handsome and steady, radiating the presence of a chief executive despite his mere twenty-three years of age.

Promptly at two in the afternoon, Li Yifei appeared before the building of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission. Calmly presenting his credentials, he was escorted to the office of Zhuang Jiaguan, Director of the Comprehensive Planning Division.

"Please come in," a steady voice sounded from within.

Li Yifei pushed the door open, a respectful expression on his face as he proactively extended both hands. "Director Zhuang, hello! I am Li Yifei from Duoshui County. Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule to grant me this audience!"

From behind the desk, a man in his fifties with an elegant temperament yet piercing eyes stood up—none other than Zhuang Jiaguan.

Walking around the desk, he shook hands warmly. "Ah, Comrade Yifei! Long renowned! Please, take a seat! Since we are from the same administrative system, no need for formalities! The 'Fire-Eye Golden-Eyes' system you spearheaded back in the ministry is a prized treasure not only in our province but nationwide!

Think of how many flashy projects it screened out, how much money it saved, and how much efficiency it raised! Leaders speak of you with unceasing praise. I've long wanted to meet a young talent like you!"

Zhuang Jiaguan was certainly not just exchanging polite pleasantries. The "Fire-Eye Golden-Eyes" system utilized cutting-edge technology to play a massive role in major project approvals and risk assessments, serving as a solid benchmark for political achievement. This pedigree gave Li Yifei an intangible prestige within the development and reform system.

"Director Zhuang flatters me," Li Yifei smiled modestly. "That was merely work accomplished in the past with the support of leaders and the team.

Now that I have returned to Jiang Province to plant my roots at the grassroots level, I must be even more down-to-earth, learning from you and all the leaders. Contributing to my hometown is a duty I cannot shirk, and I earnestly request the leadership's continued care and support for our grassroots work."

After exchanging pleasantries, Li Yifei got down to business. Taking the Liu Village Aquatic Ecological Park project in Duogang Town as a pilot, he presented a clear, data-backed report outlining a strategy of driving the broader area through a single point, while submitting the meticulously prepared "Implementation Plan for Rural Revitalization and Industrial Integration Development in Duogang Town."

Zhuang Jiaguan took the proposal and began reading with focused attention. The office fell silent. Li Yifei remained poised and at ease.

Time ticked by. Zhuang Jiaguan occasionally concentrated, nodded, or fell into deep thought.

The plan was logically coherent, with clear objectives, pragmatic measures, and a balance of forward-looking vision and practical grounding. Core principles such as "pilot first," "ecology priority," and "interest-linkage mechanisms" precisely matched current policies.

This steady and pragmatic working style was rarely seen in grassroots proposals.

"Good! Excellent!" Zhuang Jiaguan closed the proposal, his eyes full of admiration. "Comrade Yifei, this proposal is exceptionally solid! Clear ideas, prominent priorities, and high operability! The concepts of 'driving the broader area through a single point' and the 'interest-linkage mechanism' possess genuine innovative and promotional value! It completely aligns with the provincial spirit of supporting key towns to achieve breakthrough development and build rural revitalization demonstration sites!"

He mused for a moment, then spoke decisively. "Here is what we will do, Yifei. Your pilot concept is sound, and the foundation is solid; the Provincial Development and Reform Commission ought to support it!

The Comprehensive Division will coordinate a portion of the rural revitalization special funds to give priority slant toward Duogang Town!" He picked up the internal telephone. "Little Zhang, connect me with Director Wang of the Rural Road Construction Division at the Provincial Department of Transport... Yes, right now."

Once the call connected, Zhuang Jiaguan spoke directly. "Old Wang, it's Lao Zhuang from the Development and Reform Commission.

I'm recommending a fine project to you! The rural revitalization demonstration site in Duogang Town, Duoshui County—I've read the plan, and it is exceptionally solid! Yes, it's being handled by Comrade Li Yifei, the one who created the 'Fire-Eye Golden-Eyes' system... He is now the deputy county magistrate and town secretary of Duoshui... Their supporting road infrastructure needs are urgent. Can your department's 'Four Good Rural Roads' quality and efficiency enhancement project quotas for this year give priority consideration to supporting them?

... Good! Splendid! I'll have Comrade Yifei contact you directly later! Thanks, Lao Wang!"

Hanging up the phone, Zhuang Jiaguan smiled. "Settled! Director Wang of the Department of Transport has agreed to give priority consideration to your road project. Yifei, you have truly brought a high-quality demonstration seedling to the province!"

A sense of reassurance settled in Li Yifei's heart, and he expressed sincere gratitude. "Thank you so much, Director Zhuang! The support from you and Director Wang has resolved our urgent crisis and served as a powerful shot in the arm!

Everyone in Duogang Town will keep this engraved in their hearts!" He then extended a sincere invitation. "Director Zhuang, are you free this evening? Might you afford me the opportunity to fulfill the duties of a host? You may choose the venue, or I can arrange a quiet spot."

Zhuang Jiaguan laughed heartily. "Haha, I can turn down invitations from others, but a meal with you, Li Yifei, is an absolute must! Otherwise, Lao Wang would nag me to death!"

"'Lao Wang'—Director Wang Heng?" Li Yifei appropriately revealed a trace of "doubt."

"Haha, we'll chat tonight! As for the venue..." Zhuang Jiaguan thought for a moment. "'Jinglu' then—quiet, and the food is good. Six-thirty?"

"Very well! Jinglu at six-thirty! I shall respectfully await you!" Li Yifei kept his composure completely hidden, bidding farewell respectfully.

Stepping out of the main entrance of the Provincial Development and Reform Commission, the afternoon sunlight felt somewhat glaring. Instead of leaving immediately, Li Yifei stood on the steps, took out his phone, and dialed the number for Wei's office. Xu Yue answered.

"Secretary Xu, please convey to Secretary Wei that I have just come out of Director Zhuang's office at the Provincial Development and Reform Commission.

Director Zhuang highly commended our Duogang Town plan and has preliminarily agreed to coordinate special funds in support! Furthermore, Director Zhuang personally helped contact Director Wang of the Provincial Department of Transport, and the latter has also agreed to give priority consideration to our road project!

Director Zhuang will also be joining us for dinner tonight to discuss the details further." Li Yifei's voice was clear and steady, carrying the triumphant excitement of "reporting good news."

By not calling Wei directly, but instead ringing Xu Yue, his intention was precisely to let this chief housekeeper transmit this explosive "good news" to Wei at the very first moment through her own channel. Indirect communication often carried an even greater shockwave.

Sure enough, on the other end of the line, Xu Yue's voice revealed incredulous excitement. "Really... truly? That's wonderful! County Magistrate Li! I... I will report this to Secretary Wei immediately! You... you are simply remarkable!" She could completely imagine Wei's reaction!

Hanging up the phone, the cold, controlled curve of mastery reappeared at the corner of Li Yifei's lips.

The bait had been cast, wrapped in the gorgeous sugar-coating of "direct personal recognition and coordination by the Provincial DRC Director" and "priority support from the Provincial Transport Department Director"! This weight was enough to drive Wei completely wild!

He climbed into the car and started the engine. The next step was to keep the appointment at Jinglu, weaving this illusion of a "vast relational network" into something even more real and alluring.

***

In Duoshui County, inside the County Party Secretary's office. Upon hearing Xu Yue's stammering, excited relay of the news, Wei violently sprang up from his executive chair! His face flushed crimson, his breathing turned ragged, and he paced back and forth across the office, his hands trembling from extreme excitement!

"Good! Good! What a brilliant Li Yifei!!" He roared the word "good" three times in succession, his eyes flashing with wild elation and the certainty of victory!

"A provincial DRC director personally granting an audience, making spot decisions, and even connecting with the Transport Department?! Having dinner together tonight?! This relationship... this energy...!"

He felt immensely grateful for his support of Li Yifei! It was simply like stumbling upon a rare and priceless treasure! The depth of Li Yifei's relational network and the magnitude of his influence at the provincial level far exceeded all imagination. Was this merely an "old friendship"? It was clearly a golden expressway straight to the top!

"Increase support! Spare no effort to increase support!" Wei practically roared the command at Xu Yue. "Tell the finance bureau that funds for the Duogang Town project must be given top priority!

Tell all bureaus and offices that Li Yifei's matters are the top priority of the county party committee and government! Anyone who dares to drag their feet, I'll skin them alive!"

He could practically envision that, relying on this "direct provincial line" provided by Li Yifei, funds, projects, and policies would continuously pour into Duoshui County, and all political achievements would be recorded in his own ledger of merits. The ladder leading to higher positions had never appeared so clear!

Amidst this wild elation, the seeds of dissatisfaction and suspicion toward Qian Youwei—born from the incident with Liu Changhe—were instantly magnified in the depths of Wei's heart! What was Qian Youwei anyway?

Was he worthy of being compared to Li Yifei, who could bring in such colossal resources? He even began to contemplate that once Li Yifei returned from the provincial capital laden with spoils, it would be time to consider piling more responsibilities onto Li's shoulders while... properly putting that eyesore Qian Youwei in his place.