Power and Wealth-Chapter 1859

Saturday.

The office was closed.

However, it's nearly impossible for a county party secretary to have a proper holiday with all 365 days a year. As long as something is happening in the county, they must handle it at any moment. Whether through a phone call or heading back to the office in person, sometimes, even if something urgent happens at night, they must get out of bed and go to the scene to give instructions. While you enjoy the power of this position, you also need to face the corresponding sense of responsibility that comes with it. That's something you don't even need to say—no county party secretary ever has time to watch movies in the office leisurely. However, even so, everyone still needs some time to relax. It's impossible to work nonstop without a break. The key is that when you take a break, keeping your phone on 24/7 ensures that if anything comes up, you'll get the message immediately and can handle the situation immediately.

For example, today, Dong Xuebing gave himself a day off. He had been in office in Jiaolin County for a few days, and the overall work progress was going very well—better than he had anticipated. The initial display of his ability to command intimidated the office staff, and later, his rescue efforts earned him the people's admiration. Add to that the power consolidation through the new county party committee compound and the chance to take advantage of the city's situation to secure Huo Yibang's promotion, which allowed him to place a key person in the county government. This was another step in Dong Xuebing's securing control over personnel appointments. All these achievements were the results of his work since his arrival, and everyone could see them. Now, no one dared to underestimate this young secretary. A new leader who had been in office for only a few days managed to overpower a deputy leader rooted in Jiaolin County for decades. Who would still look down on him? Anyone still underestimating Dong Xuebing because of his youth would be out of their mind!

Who is strong, and who is weak?

Who is higher, and who is lower?

Everyone could already see the results of the contest between Dong Xuebing and Zhang Dongfang.

This might still be hard to accept for many, as it was completely different from what they had expected. But at this point, there was no denying it. Everyone had to admit that this newly appointed county party secretary was competent. Even Sun Changzhi, who had hesitated to choose sides at the county party standing committee, now felt that his decision was right. Following a leader who could resolve any problem or issue effortlessly made him feel at ease, and this only further solidified Dong Xuebing's position as the undisputed leader of Jiaolin County.

So, Dong Xuebing took the day off today. He was confident that everything at the office was running smoothly, the work was on track, and his collaboration with Zhang Dongfang had reached a temporary period of stability. With everything in order, he decided to take a break. However, Dong Xuebing had something more important he wanted to do today. He couldn't wait any longer.

What was it?

Naturally, it was about the ancient tomb!

Dong Xuebing chose to come to Jiaolin County instead of another county because of that tomb. He couldn't afford to overlook it; it was the key to his potential promotion to a deputy department-level position in the short term. Now that the work he had been handling was more or less settled, Dong Xuebing was eager to go and take a look. According to the information he had read in the newspaper earlier, the tomb's discovery was still four or five months away. The newspaper mentioned that several villagers had accidentally discovered it on the mountain, but no further details were provided. All Dong Xuebing knew that the mountain was Qingluan Mountain, one of the two major mountains in Jiaolin County. The other, Qing'e Mountain, he had already visited when he saved someone previously. It was a beautiful place and a tourist attraction, but Qingluan Mountain was more desolate. It was undeveloped, and people in the county could see the mountain from a distance, but very few went there. The ones who did were typically villagers from the foot of the mountain.

Taking advantage of his free time, Dong Xuebing decided that today, he had to go and take a look.

Dong Xuebing himself admitted that he had become obsessed with his career. He couldn't wait for four or five months, to be precise. Although it was almost unprecedented in the history of the Republic for someone of his rank to be promoted to deputy department level so quickly, especially since he was only around twenty-six or twenty-seven, people are rarely content with what they have. Instead of waiting for others to discover the tomb in a few months, wouldn't it be better if he found it first? That way, wouldn't his promotion come faster?

Dong Xuebing sometimes had a lot of ambition. Still, his thoughts were often petty and opportunistic, even underhanded.

And so, that was why he took the day off.

After breakfast, Dong Xuebing went out alone. He didn't call his driver or secretary but hailed a taxi to Qingluan Mountain. At first, the driver didn't think Dong Xuebing was going to that place and hesitated to take him. But after Dong Xuebing paid a little extra, the driver agreed to drive him there.

...

At the foot of Qingluan Mountain.

The car stopped, and Dong Xuebing got out. Without saying anything, he headed straight up the mountain, scanning the area aimlessly as he searched around.

Ding ding ding.

The phone rang.

It was Su Yan who was calling to ask him some work-related questions.

The most uptodate nove𝙡s are published on frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓.

Dong Xuebing briefly expressed his stance and said, "Xiao Su, I'm taking a break these two days. If there's something, you can handle it yourself. If you're unsure about anything, ask Director Meng or the others. We're all old comrades, and they'll have a clear view. If something urgent comes up, then contact me."

Su Yan replied, "Okay, Secretary, I won't disturb you. Enjoy your rest."

Dong Xuebing responded with a hum, "If there's nothing else, I'll be back at work on Monday."

Dong Xuebing was now more concerned with the situation on Qingluan Mountain. After putting away his phone, he continued to climb, his eyes constantly scanning for "suspicious" areas. He had already inquired about the situation. Several villages were at the foot of the mountain. The tomb should be relatively close to the base if the villagers had discovered it. Dong Xuebing didn't climb too high, staying closer to the foot of the mountain. He wandered around, occasionally kicking at the dirt, hoping for luck. ṜâNÒΒÈꞨ

An hour…

Two hours…

But nothing was found.

Dong Xuebing looked at the vast mountain range and realized he had been too naïve. Qingluan Mountain was too large. If he searched piece by piece, it would take him a lifetime. Moreover, he didn't even know precisely how the villagers had discovered the tomb in the first place, so he was essentially clueless. He had made things too simple. But what kind of person was Dong Xuebing? He was stubborn. Once he decided, he wouldn't give up until he hit a wall. He had come all the way, so Dong Xuebing decided to test his luck. He found some sturdy branches and tree trunks to use as makeshift shovels. Wherever he went, he dug a few times, leaving traces of his presence all over the mountain.