The news that Ximen Hong had roped in the governor's housekeeper to plot against the governor and instigated the assassination of Vice Premier Shi Dakai soon spread in Chengdu. The Ximen family fell from the largest wealthy family in Chengdu to everyone in an instant. The rat screams and beats, and even the family members dare not go out, as they will be gossiped about when they go out.
Faced with such a situation, the old man of the Ximen family ordered a relocation and moved the Ximen family away from Chengdu to the countryside. There was a corrupt official and a big thief in their family, and it was difficult for them to gain a foothold in Chengdu, so they had to move away.
After the Ximen family left, Ximen Hong's affairs gradually disappeared.
Soon after, Shi Dakai fully recovered and came back again to start land reform. With the promise given by Li Zhen to the six major families, and with the help of the six major families, everything went smoothly.
Land reform is in full swing.
Li Zhen helped Shi Dakai clear the external difficulties of land reform and did not interfere with Shi Dakai's next affairs. After Ximen Hong was executed, Li Zhen moved out of the military camp and lived in a temporary hotel. While Shi Dakai was busy, Li Zhen was also busy. Without touching the ground, he prepared to determine the candidate for mayor of Chengdu. He convened officials for many discussions, but they all ended in failure.
Government building, in Li Zhen's temporary office.
At this time, Governor He Jun and heavyweight officials from Sichuan Province gathered here.
Everyone has only one purpose, to discuss the mayor's personnel.
To those present, the mayor of Chengdu is a huge piece of cake. Chengdu is a close confidant of Sichuan Province and the capital city of Sichuan Province. Officials in such a place are very important. Who can win over the mayor of Chengdu? If the mayor, or in other words, the mayor of Chengdu comes from someone's family, it will be of great help to their respective affairs.
A large group of people debated endlessly, but there was still no clear result.
He Jun remained silent, because the mayor of Chengdu could not be his, otherwise Sichuan would be dominated by him. Seeing that Li Zhen had not spoken, He Jun rolled his eyes and said proactively: "President, follow me Look, since everyone is still immature about the choice of mayor, why not stop temporarily and think about it again, what do you think?"
Li Zhen laughed, nodded and said, "Governor He's words make sense, so let's do it."
"The meeting is dismissed."
Li Zhen issued an eviction order and everyone left.
After He Jun walked out of the office, the officials who had left earlier came over and surrounded him, asking him what Li Zhen's attitude was and why he hesitated.
Everyone is confused.
He Jun looked at the group of people, shook his head and sighed: "You are all fools. You only see your own interests. Didn't you notice that the president didn't say anything? Wait until the president has made a decision in his mind before he considers whether to arrange people. After all, whether to transfer someone to serve as the mayor of Chengdu or to promote someone from local officials is a big difference. Until the president makes a decision, all debates are in vain."
…
Ding Ruchang's residence, temporary residence.
In the room, after a passionate moment, Ding Ruchang and his wife Zheng Yuanfeng hugged each other and enjoyed the quiet time. Zheng Yuanfeng leaned on Ding Ruchang's chest and murmured: "Husband, I have met many officials' wives in the past few days. While spending time with them, I learned a piece of news that the President is planning to re-select the mayor of Chengdu City, Sichuan Province."
Ding Ruchang hugged Zheng Yuanfeng and said with a smile: "This is the president's business and has nothing to do with me. I just need to do my job well. Now, there are still many things to learn."
Zheng Yuanfeng said: "Who said it has nothing to do with you? This matter has nothing to do with you."
"Oh, what's going on?"
Ding Ruchang was confused and didn't understand.
He knows that his wife is a person with ideas and cannot be treated with the ideas of ordinary women.
Zheng Yuanfeng smiled slightly and said calmly: "The wives of government officials said that the candidate for the mayor of Chengdu has been discussed many times, but it has never been decided. What does this mean? It means that the president is still It has not been decided who will take over, and as someone close to the President, isn't this your opportunity? As long as you go to see the President and express your thoughts a little, I believe the President will consider it. After all, you I have been working hard for the president."
Ding Ruchang shook his head and said: "No, how can I ask for an official?"
Zheng Yuanfeng rolled his eyes and said: "Husband, why are you asking for an official position? You have the ability, ability, and the president's respect. You are completely qualified to serve as the mayor of Chengdu. Besides, you don't think about yourself. , shouldn’t we think about our daughter Ding Ling and our future children?”
Ding Ruchang sighed: "Madam, there is a reason why I don't seek an official position."
Zheng Yuanfeng said: "What's the reason?"
Ding Ruchang said: "In the eyes of the president, a small mayor is not enough. For now, maybe I can have a high starting point as the mayor, but how many central officials in Beijing do I know? Vice Premier Shi Dakai I know them, and so does Speaker Hu, but where is Prime Minister Zeng Guofan, where is President Zuo Zongtang, where is President Zhao Liewen, and where is Minister Peng Yulin."
"I don't know any of these people."
"As long as I stay with the president, I will get to know these people sooner or later. Only by establishing relationships with them can I maximize my connections. But now I have nothing, so I don't want to take the initiative to ask for help." In fact, in addition to seeking an official position, there is another disadvantage in actively seeking an official position, which can easily be looked down upon by the president."
Ding Ruchang narrowed his eyes slightly and said calmly: "If the president takes the initiative to ask me to stay in Chengdu, the situation will be different. This is the president's trust. If you have something to do, you can go to the president. You tell me, yes or no."
Zheng Yuanfeng nodded and said: "My husband is right. In that case, I will leave it alone for the time being. It is good to stay with the president, as it can also lay the foundation for our future."
"Dong, dong,."
Outside the room, there was a knock on the door.
"Who?"
Ding Ruchang asked.
"Brother Ding, the President asks you to come over immediately."
A loud voice came from outside the room.
Ding Ruchang perked up and said in a low voice: "This is the personal guard next to the president. I can distinguish his voice. Madam, the president called me over overnight. There must be something important. You go to bed early and don't have to wait for me." ."
Zheng Yuanfeng said: "Maybe it's a matter for the mayor of Chengdu."
Ding Ruchang didn't answer, quickly put on his clothes, then opened the door and left with the guard.
The two of them hurried on their way and soon arrived at Li Zhen's office.
Ding Ruchang saluted respectfully and looked humble after sitting down. Li Zhen smiled slightly and said: "Ding Ruchang, I am not so particular about red tape, so there is no need to be formal. I came to see you today to discuss something with you."
Ding Ruchang said: "Please give the president's orders, and Ding Ruchang will do his best to complete it."
Li Zhen put down the book in his hand and said with a smile: "What do you think about the mayor of Chengdu?"