Chapter 4: Position Exchange

Moreover, there was He Di, who had long coveted the director’s position. Judging by the look of schadenfreude he displayed just now, the intentions were clear.

Jiang Zhaoyang braced himself for the worst. It would likely mean being marginalized—sent to the sidelines. But what was so terrible about sitting on the cold bench? It was merely lying low.

With this thought, Jiang Zhaoyang calmly said, “Director Lin, if you have something to say, please speak directly. There’s no need for beating around the bush or making things difficult.”

Lin Weiquan smiled with a hint of amusement. “Little Jiang, were you summoned by the Discipline Inspection Commission yesterday?”

Jiang Zhaoyang shook his head gently. “Not quite. It should be called a routine inquiry.”

Lin sighed. “The essence is the same; only the name differs. But within the compound of the township committee and government offices, this matter has already spread like wildfire.”

His tone carried a trace of helplessness. “Right now, you’re like a clod of yellow mud fallen into your pants. Even if it’s not excrement, people treat it as such.”

“Whispers abound, various rumors swirl wildly. People say all sorts of things.”

“I’m under immense pressure myself, caught at the very eye of the storm.”

“You? How could that be?” Jiang Zhaoyang was puzzled. This matter had nothing to do with Lin Weiquan. If anything, Lin should be secretly pleased. He now held absolute power; no one could overshadow him. The seal was broken!

“That’s not the case. I called last night to inquire about your situation.”

“The Discipline Inspection Director Zhao replied that, so far, there’s no evidence linking you to the Fu Zhengliang case.”

“Though the Discipline Inspection comrades harbor suspicions,” he shifted tone, “lack of evidence now doesn’t mean there won’t be any in the future.”

“They remain doubtful but have not reached a final conclusion.”

Lin Weiquan looked troubled. “You understand the Party and Government Office is a core department.”

“It’s also the most politically sensitive unit.”

“If I let you remain in this position, there will inevitably be all sorts of criticisms, even accusations.”

“I think it’s best for you to step aside for a period.”

“Once things settle, or if proven innocent, you can return.”

“What do you think—would such an arrangement work?”

Hearing Lin’s words, Jiang Zhaoyang stared at his hypocritical face, a wave of nausea rising within him.

This was no consideration for the greater good; it was plainly an exclusion of dissent, a push to drive him out.

It was merely a pretext cloaked in respectability to sideline him.

Yet Lin Weiquan feigned helplessness, reluctance, even sorrow. It was utterly nauseating.

Who ever returned to the Party and Government Office after leaving it?

Nonetheless, facing Lin Weiquan, the organization’s representative speaking to him, Jiang Zhaoyang felt powerless.

At least Lin was giving him some face by speaking directly. Otherwise, he could have simply ordered him to leave.

Could the arm be twisted against the thigh?

Jiang forced a faint smile, speaking insincerely, “Director Lin, you’re right—your foresight is admirable.”

“Then, Director Lin, where do you intend to assign me next?”

In the complex and delicate ecosystem of officialdom, everyone knows the wisdom of “blending in without standing out.”

No one tears open a rift unless absolutely necessary.

After all, no one can guarantee eternal invincibility in this circle.

People rarely go too far; even harsh moves usually leave room for retreat.

Every day, newspapers, the internet, TV, and news media report on corrupt officials being caught.

Who among officeholders can claim to be spotless and as pure as water?

Sparing others is also sparing oneself a path forward.

Why light one more lamp when you can build another wall?

This is the tacit, unspoken rule of the political arena.

Therefore, Jiang thought, Lin Weiquan was merely marginalizing him.

There were many other departments within the township committee and government compound—Civil Affairs, Comprehensive Management, Investment Promotion, Safety Supervision, Culture, among others. Was there any place they couldn’t assign him?

Yet Lin’s next words stunned him, like a basin of icy water in winter chilling him from head to toe.

Jiang almost doubted his ears.

“I think you should be assigned to work at Baiyunshan Reservoir.”

Jiang froze. Usually, only technical staff attached to the hydropower station were sent there to handle routine maintenance and management.

And he, a dignified administrative cadre, was to be exiled to guard a reservoir?

This shattered his understanding.

Seeing Jiang’s astonished face, Lin’s lips curled into a mocking smile, laden with meaning and ridicule.

He continued in a near-cold tone, “That’s not all.”

“More?”

“Yes,” Lin nodded, “besides, the reservoir is surrounded by a vast forest area with a fragile and precious ecosystem. You’ll also have to serve as a forest ranger.”

“Your duties won’t be limited to fire prevention. You must constantly watch for illegal logging, poaching, and other destructive acts.”

“The area borders Baiguo Township in the neighboring county, with ambiguous boundaries and difficult management.”

“There are frequent incidents of poachers crossing over to hunt nationally protected second-class animals like wild boars and muntjacs.”

“You’ll have to patrol, monitor, and when necessary, outwit and confront these poachers to protect these rare creatures from harm.”

Jiang’s heart sank. Was he to wear three hats all at once?

But he knew he could not lose his temper.

Otherwise, his future would be even more difficult.

He composed himself and said, “Director Lin, if I’m a reservoir worker, a forest ranger, and also a forest police officer, that makes three roles.”

“Does that mean I can receive three salaries?”

“That’s not possible. You’re a civil servant and can only receive one salary. This is explicitly stipulated.”

Jiang cursed inwardly—only now do you remember I’m a civil servant?

He then settled for a lesser request. “Director Lin, since I can’t receive triple pay, could you at least equip me with a handgun?”

“Why do you need a handgun?”

“Think about it. I often face dangerous elements like poachers.”

“If they’re unarmed, I might manage.”

“But the problem is, poachers usually carry powerful hunting rifles, and I’m defenseless.”

“Do you think a red armband on my arm can stop them?”

Pondering, Lin propped his chin on his hand and feigned thoughtfulness. “Firearms are strictly controlled and require a permit.”

“I’ll consult with the public security bureau to see if it’s possible.”

Then his tone shifted. “But, Comrade Jiang Zhaoyang, don’t expect too much.”

“It’s probably very unlikely.”

“Better to be realistic.”