The Beautiful County Magistrate
Chapter 566: Kill the Chicken to Scare the Monkey!

Chapter 566: Chapter 566: Kill the Chicken to Scare the Monkey!

County Committee Office, Director of Water Resources Tao Zekai had stayed in Zhang Dongyang’s office for more than an hour.

He did not beat around the bush, expressing his loyalty right from the start, willing to follow Zhang Dongyang and swearing allegiance to him.

Tao Zekai, in his forties, had not easily climbed up to his current position and was very aware that it would be difficult to progress further given his circumstances.

But today, the arrival of Zhang Dongyang showed him there was room for advancement.

As the newly appointed Jiang City County Secretary, Zhang Dongyang came holding the "Imperial Sword," enabling him to make important personnel decisions directly.

Although there was an incident where Xu Qianli thwarted his plans to promote Zeng Changyun and Ding Biao, seriously embarrassing Zhang Dongyang, the "Imperial Sword" was still there, still allowing promotions.

This undoubtedly presented an extraordinary opportunity for Tao Zekai.

Zhang Dongyang had just arrived in Jiang City, and Tao Zekai was the first to come over and throw in his lot with him. Coupled with his position as the director of his bureau, it would be hard not to be valued.

If he were lucky, even if not a Deputy County Party Secretary position, just securing Disciplinary Committee Secretary or County Party Organization Minister would mean striking it big.

Though these two positions were on par with the Director of Water Resources, their authority and potential for progression were worlds apart. If he could secure one of them, it would be a huge win.

Just as Tao Zekai expected, Zhang Dongyang was very pleased with his pledge of loyalty; the two chatted for over an hour, feeling a strong sense of regret for not meeting sooner.

Zhang Dongyang, too, did not hesitate, immediately declaring that he would reuse him and that he should wait for a more important position.

Tao Zekai was extremely grateful to Zhang Dongyang, his heart blooming with joy; he couldn’t be happier.

When Zhang Dongyang escorted him out of the office, Tao Zekai was a changed man, standing taller, head held high, seeming years younger.

He clearly knew that from today on, his future would be different; his career was now riding a fast track, soaring straight up. He might even become the County Magistrate someday.

Of course, today’s choice would undoubtedly make him an enemy, specifically of County Magistrate Lan Qianrong.

But he couldn’t worry about that now. What did it matter if he offended Lan Qianrong?

No matter how capable Lan Qianrong was, she was just a county magistrate while Zhang Dongyang was the County Secretary, holding the "Imperial Sword" that could adjust important personnel. He could easily outmaneuver her.

Tao Zekai believed that his choice today was undoubtedly the wisest of his life.

Taking this step, his future life would be on a smooth path!

With towering ambition, Tao Zekai left the office building, heading to his car to leave, when suddenly a crowd rushed toward him.

Leading them, to his surprise, was Jiang City Disciplinary Inspection Committee Secretary Fan Hua!

All officials feared the Disciplinary Committee, especially when faced with its head. Tao Zekai hastily put on a smile, "Secretary Fan, what brings you here?"

"I’m here naturally to find you!"

"Director Tao, our Disciplinary Committee has received a report and learned some unfavorable news about you. We’d like you to come with us to the Disciplinary Committee to assist with an investigation."

"Take him away!"

Fan Hua was unapologetic, ordering his arrest right away, and several Disciplinary Committee officers immediately subdued Tao Zekai.

Tao Zekai’s face turned instantly pale.

"Secretary Fan, what are you talking about? I, Tao Zekai, have always been incorruptible, how could I commit any wrongdoing? This is surely someone maliciously slandering me; you must not be deceived."

"I just settled some matters with Secretary Zhang, he’s about to assign me a key position—capturing me now would be a slap in the face to Secretary Zhang, aren’t you afraid he might cause you trouble?"

"I would advise Secretary Fan to let me go; we can talk this out."

Mentioning Zhang Dongyang, Tao Zekai suddenly felt more confident.

You, Fan Hua, might be powerful, but you’re only the Disciplinary Committee Secretary. Can you be bigger than Secretary Zhang?

Especially knowing that Secretary Zhang holds the city-given right to adjust personnel appointments, it would take him just minutes to bring you down, surely you’re scared?

Upon hearing this, Fan Hua’s expression gradually turned serious, his tone becoming stern, "So you think using Secretary Zhang to pressure me will work? If I were afraid of him, I wouldn’t have taken you right here in the County Committee Office! Save your breath, no matter who you call on today, no one can save you! Take him away!"

"Secretary Zhang, save me, Secretary Zhang, save me..."

As he was being dragged away by Fan Hua, Tao Zekai began shouting loudly.

The only viable option now was to call on Zhang Dongyang. As long as Zhang Dongyang stepped in, he might still be saved.

The events at the County Committee Office were major and had already alerted Zhang Dongyang. Hurrying out, he strode fast towards the scene, "What exactly is going on here?"

Seeing Zhang Dongyang arrive, Tao Zekai breathed a sigh of relief.

"That’s good, it’s good that you came, Secretary Zhang."

"Secretary Fan has been deceived, thinking I’ve made a mistake, and wants to take me without your consent."

"Secretary Zhang, you must help me; you absolutely must! I am innocent, really innocent..."

Tao Zekai desperately sought Zhang Dongyang’s help, knowing he was the only one who could hold Fan Hua at bay.

How could Fan Hua dare challenge Zhang Dongyang in person?

Zhang Dongyang said, "Secretary Fan, it is true that the Disciplinary Committee has the authority to scrutinize cadres, but when it involves county bureau officers, it must be approved by the County Committee. Acting without the County Committee’s consent and capturing a county bureau-level official seems improper."

Fan Hua responded, "Secretary Zhang is right. However, the decision to put Director Tao under dual regulation was already made, having received the approval of County Magistrate Lan. You weren’t in Jiang City then, so we couldn’t consult you either. Secretary Zhang, you’re new here and not familiar with some matters or with Director Tao’s character and conduct. You should not just believe his side of the story."

Zhang Dongyang’s expression remained unchanged, but a hint of maliciousness flickered across his eyes.

So, Fan Hua, you dare to disrespect me? You’ve got some nerve.

You’re just a Disciplinary Committee Secretary. Don’t you fear I’ll reassign you to watch the reservoirs?

Tao Zekai hastily said, "Secretary Zhang, I cannot claim to be flawless in character and conduct. However, I would never engage in corruption or injustice. Secretary Fan has definitely been misled, misunderstanding me and acting against me. He’s momentarily confused; you must set him straight, so he doesn’t continue to err."

Zhang Dongyang stated, "Rest assured, as long as I am here, no one can take you away! Secretary Fan, I don’t care for whatever reasons you intend to take him, but today you must leave him here!"

Fan Hua asked, "What if I insist on taking him?"

"Then don’t blame me for being unkind!"

"And you know, I hold the right to adjust personnel appointments, and I can adjust the appointments of all positions in Jiang City except for the County Magistrate."

"I now declare, your position as Disciplinary Committee Secretary is hereby revoked!"