Chapter 1796

Chapter 1796: Chapter 1796

Secretary Xie’s mind raced, quickly sorting through the details within moments.

Cao Xiaolou was backed by Zhou Zheng, while Wu Qiangwei, although the Mayor, had gained some prominence recently in Jiangzhou.

But would she really ignore Zhou Zheng’s presence and completely crush him just because of some things Cao Xiaolou did?

Impossible.

At most, she would use it as an excuse to knock him down a peg, but in the end, Cao Xiaolou would still be the County Magistrate, without facing much impact.

But if Cao Xiaolou found out that it was him who spoke ill of him in front of Wu Qiangwei, life would become difficult.

Secretary Xie didn’t want to be tangled in this trouble.

He put down his teacup and said, "Mayor Gao and I only have work-related interactions, not much communication otherwise."

Seeing his reluctance to speak more, Wu Qiangwei wasn’t inclined to let it go, bluntly asking, "Before coming to Gaoshui County, I heard about something."

Secretary Xie looked at her, only to hear her say, "I heard that the county has been in arrears with quite a few teachers’ salaries; is this true?"

Secretary Xie’s expression changed slightly; as the County Party Secretary, he couldn’t possibly be unaware of such a significant issue as withholding teachers’ salaries.

Moreover, even if he really didn’t know, he couldn’t say so now.

Otherwise, it would appear as a dereliction of duty.

"This is true." Secretary Xie nodded in acknowledgment.

Wu Qiangwei asked, "What’s the specific situation?"

Secretary Xie opened his mouth but closed it again, only speaking after a long while, "This matter...is being handled by the county government."

Wu Qiangwei said, "So Secretary Xie did not inquire about it?"

"I..." Secretary Xie felt bitter; as the top leader of Gaoshui County, he couldn’t and didn’t dare say it had nothing to do with him.

But the fact is, the salary arrears have persisted for almost two years without being thoroughly resolved.

He definitely bears responsibility for this, and it’s a significant one.

If Wu Qiangwei wanted to pursue it, his secure retirement would be uncertain.

"I am responsible for this matter." Secretary Xie faced the issue head-on.

"Let’s talk about the county government first." Wu Qiangwei wasn’t too interested in his admission.

Bringing it up was just to gauge the county government’s situation from his words, to understand Cao Xiaolou’s influence in Gaoshui County.

Seeing Wu Qiangwei questioning again, Secretary Xie realized he couldn’t dodge it and could only say, "County Magistrate Cao and Mayor Gao do not get along. Major and minor matters in the county are all handled by County Magistrate Cao, and Mayor Gao doesn’t participate in decision-making."

Wu Qiangwei asked, "So what is Secretary Xie doing? He is the County Magistrate, but you are the Secretary; shouldn’t it be you defining the guiding policies?"

Secretary Xie merely gave a bitter smile and said, "I’m nearly retiring."

Wu Qiangwei said, "So you don’t care anymore? Because you’re afraid of offending County Magistrate Cao, you don’t bother with whatever happens in the county?"

"I..." Secretary Xie defenselessly lowered his head, tacitly acknowledging it.

"Don’t tell County Magistrate Cao about today’s conversation." Wu Qiangwei said.

Secretary Xie looked at her quizzically for a few seconds, silently pondering, is Wu Qiangwei just trying to understand but not planning to really do anything?

If that’s the case, perhaps he could securely retire after all.

Without intending to explain, Wu Qiangwei got up and left.

After exiting the county committee building, it was already past twelve.

Song Guanchao said, "Director Zhao from the county office just contacted me, they have prepared lunch."

Wu Qiangwei acknowledged with a sound.

The group arrived at the county government, where Cao Xiaolou and a few deputy county magistrates stood in the parking lot.

Upon seeing the car stop, Cao Xiaolou stepped forward to welcome her: "Welcome Mayor Wu to the county government for guidance."

Acting as if unaware of his filthy deeds, Wu Qiangwei smiled and shook hands with him.

"Mayor Wu, let’s go eat first, and also inspect the county government’s cafeteria."

Cao Xiaolou hadn’t booked a restaurant elsewhere, not only because Shu Xue had stated beforehand not to overdo it.

But also because, with Wu Qiangwei and Zhou Zheng being not on good terms, he didn’t dare change the schedule at will, lest Wu Qiangwei seize the chance to make trouble, accusing him of extravagance and waste.

The cafeteria food was quite nice. During the meal, Cao Xiaolou reported on work, speaking clearly from several projects the county has been focusing on recently to economic changes over the years, and some infrastructural developments.

After eating, Cao Xiaolou said, "Mayor Wu, would you like to rest at the guesthouse first?"

"Hmm." Wu Qiangwei accepted his arrangement.

Upon reaching the guesthouse and taking the room card, Wu Qiangwei suddenly asked, "I heard there’s a phenomenon of arrears in teachers’ salaries in the county?"

Cao Xiaolou was visibly taken aback, clearly unprepared for Wu Qiangwei to know about this issue.

Thinking fast, Cao Xiaolou chose to admit it.

He said solemnly, "There was indeed such a situation in the past."

"In the past?"

"Yes." Cao Xiaolou said, "A few years ago, the county’s finances were tight, and many cadres’ salaries couldn’t be disbursed, so we had to temporarily transfer payments from the education department’s funds. Because of this, I specially asked the Education Bureau and those teachers to explain. The teachers were considerate and willing to overcome difficulties with the county government."

The way he put it showed some skill, but the excuse he found was quite inadequate.

Wu Qiangwei frowned slightly: "If salaries couldn’t be paid, you used teachers’ salaries to cover? Whose idea was this?"

Cao Xiaolou stumbled over his words for a few seconds, "This was the result of a collective meeting discussion."

Wu Qiangwei seemed slightly dissatisfied, "Arrange for me to visit schools in the afternoon."

"Alright, Mayor, you rest first, I’ll arrange the afternoon inspection properly."

Seeing Wu Qiangwei and her party enter the elevator, Cao Xiaolou turned and left the guesthouse.

Several deputy county magistrates followed behind, saying nothing.

Upon reaching the parking lot, Cao Xiaolou stopped, turned around, and looked angrily at Gao Qi.

Gao Qi maintained a calm expression, meeting his gaze.

"Hmph!"

Cao Xiaolou snorted heavily, pointing a finger at him: "Playing tricks on me?"

Gao Qi calmly said, "What is County Magistrate Cao talking about?"

"Damn it!" Cao Xiaolou cursed rudely, "Get back to your office, and don’t let me see you during the Mayor’s inspection this afternoon!"

Gao Qi chuckled lightly, not bickering with him, turned around, got into his domestic car, and left.

After he left, several deputy county magistrates said, "County Magistrate Cao, don’t stoop to his level."

"Alright!" Cao Xiaolou waved to interrupt their flattery: "Go find Mr. Huang now and have him communicate with schools in the county. Mayor Wu is going to schools this afternoon; if she asks teachers about the salary arrears, tell them to keep their mouths shut! If anyone says something they shouldn’t, I’ll withdraw their teaching posts!"

"Understood."

"Don’t worry, County Magistrate Cao, those teachers won’t dare to speak recklessly."

They didn’t dare to delay, immediately contacting Director Bai of the Education Bureau.

In the meantime.

Song Guanchao followed Wu Qiangwei into the room.

Upon entering, he gently helped her take off her fluffy down jacket.

"We’re in the county, don’t mess around. If there’s nothing, go back to your room." Wu Qiangwei slapped his hand away.

"I’m just here to discuss the afternoon inspection with you." Song Guanchao held her small hand, leading her to the bed.

He sat down, placing Wu Qiangwei on his lap, his large hand stroking her curvaceous back and waist, saying, "County Magistrate Cao is definitely off to contact the Education Bureau now; there might be nothing to ask when we visit the school this afternoon."

She had no need for his words; she deliberately told County Magistrate Cao she would inspect schools in the afternoon, purposefully forcing him to silence these teachers.

The more excessively he acted, the bigger the problem when it all gets exposed in the end.