Chapter 1970

Chapter 1970

What does a county-level city mean?

That means elevating a county to a city level.

Granted, it doesn’t have the same level of authority as a prefectural-level city, but the heads of the party and government, as well as many departments, won’t hold the same positions as before. Everyone’s status and responsibilities will be elevated, benefiting the entire county. Otherwise, Jiaolin County wouldn’t have invested so much in infrastructure development in the past, all in preparation for elevating to a county-level city. But the conditions weren’t ripe when the opportunity didn’t come, and their application wasn’t approved. This has always been a regret for many people.

At first, Zhang Dongfang thought that their county, already ranking high in agriculture across the province, would never have a chance at becoming a county-level city. After all, having been rejected once, there seemed little hope left. It was almost like a death sentence for their county. All the previous development and preparation seemed to have gone to waste. But who knew, Secretary Dong’s words rekindled Zhang Dongfang’s hope.

Reapplying for county-level city status.

Secretary Dong hit the nail on the head for Old Zhang.

In theory, applying for a county-level city isn’t easy. Jiaolin County is a large county with developed agriculture, a vast population, and a wide area. The economic benefits brought by the recently organized investment and cultural festival gave their county a long-term economic development opportunity. Although the effect isn’t yet apparent, it will show some impact in the future. But even with this, a county-level city still seems out of reach for them. Economic growth and higher agricultural output don’t matter much in this case—it’s about making a qualitative leap in comprehensive aspects. Only then will the provincial government consider approving a county-level city. There are no fixed quotas for this. For example, if no other county is eligible this year, Jiaolin County might still get a chance. So, they need a qualitative breakthrough in every aspect to get considered for county-level city approval.

An increased economy doesn’t matter much.

Increased agricultural output doesn’t matter much.

Those aren’t the only qualitative changes.

The key might be that one crucial step.

At first, Zhang Dongfang never really considered this aspect. He had given up all hope for a county-level city a long time ago. But after hearing Secretary Dong’s words, Zhang Dongfang suddenly felt this crucial step might be coming.

An ancient tomb.

A Han dynasty tomb.

A royal tomb.

‘If it’s really like this, if it’s truly confirmed, then Jiaolin County won’t just be a deeply rooted agricultural county known to everyone. It could become a cultural county. Maybe even a tourism county. Over time, it could become a major economic county as well.’

‘This is the opportunity.’

‘This is that crucial step.’

‘The air in the temporary office of the county party secretary’s office was silent for a few seconds.’

Dong Xuebing glanced at him, just as Zhang Dongfang raised his head. The two exchanged a look, without needing to say anything.

“Has the protection work group set off?” Secretary Dong asked.

Zhang Dongfang replied, “They’ve already left, just a short while ago.”

Dong Xuebing didn’t sit still for long either. “I’ll go to Qingluan Mountain.”

Zhang Dongfang thought the same thing. “Let’s go together.”

He paused before saying, “Will the people left behind not be enough? I’ll pull a few from the county government office.” After saying that, Zhang Dongfang picked up his phone and made a call. ‘Hello, Old Sun, can you send at least three people from the government office here? From today, they don’t need to report to their units every day. Their work here is unnecessary. Head to Qingluan Mountain instead, following my instructions. I know they don’t do artifact identification; won’t they handle related liaison and record-keeping work?”

“Quickly, another group of people gathered.

Secretary Dong and Zhang Dongfang were already in the car, while some temporary personnel from the county government whom Zhang Dongfang had pulled together also got into the back cars and headed towards Qingluan Mountain.

Everyone was puzzled. What was County Mayor Zhang doing? His previous attitude wasn’t very enthusiastic. During the standing committee meeting, he neither supported nor opposed Secretary Dong’s decision. Later, when Secretary Dong rejected the list of work groups submitted from below and doubled the personnel, County Mayor Zhang seemed displeased and spoke with Secretary Dong in his office. Yet, in such a short time, County Mayor Zhang changed his attitude. He seemed even more enthusiastic than Secretary Dong, pulling his personnel from the county government office. Now he was going to Qingluan Mountain with Secretary Dong to check the situation.

What were the two leaders discussing in the office?

County Mayor Zhang’s dramatic change was too sudden.

What caused Zhang Dongfang’s sudden shift? This was something he wouldn’t tell others below. That was enough as long as he and Secretary Dong knew about this.

Afternoon.

5 o’clock or so.

After a long journey, they arrived at Qingluan Mountain.

This place was unlike the previous Qing’e Mountain, where heavy rain stranded the students. At least people liked to climb wild mountains there for tourism, but Qingluan Mountain was slightly different. Although the scenery was similar, the paths were not very good, both on the mountain and around it. Because of the poorer conditions, everyone was surprised when Secretary Dong reported a blockade for an antique find. What good thing could there be in such a poor place? Even if there were something, it wouldn’t just warrant a blockade. There were no people here on a typical day.

They got out of the car.

Secretary Dong looked up at the mountain and saw the first wave of members from the artifact protection team parked down there. “Shall we go up the mountain now?”

“Secretary Dong, County Mayor Zhang.”

In the distance, the village chief of Qingbei Village came running over, clearly aware they were coming, and had come down to welcome them in advance.

Zhang Dongfang glanced at him. “Xiao Cheng, are all the people up there? Has the scene been secured?”

Xiao Cheng immediately replied, “They’ve already gone up. Everyone set up barricades and security lines. Before I came down, they were setting up equipment and searchlights.”

Zhang Dongfang said, “Then let’s go up and look.”

Xiao Cheng sighed, “County Mayor Zhang, the path up the mountain isn’t easy, and it’s pretty far. If you go up there and come back down, it’ll probably be dark by then, and you guys haven’t eaten yet.”

“Such a long way?” Zhang Dongfang looked at the mountain, then turned to Secretary Dong. “What do you think, Secretary Dong?”

Secretary Dong said, “Then let’s find a restaurant and have a good meal first. Get our strength up, and we can go up the mountain later.”

Xiao Cheng smiled again, saying, “Secretary Dong, there’s no restaurant here. Qingbei Village is small and not very developed.” Then he added, “If the leaders don’t mind, how about eating at my house? Just over there in the village, not far.”

Secretary Dong didn’t mind at all. After being trapped for a week under a collapsed hospital due to an earthquake, he came out bouncing around without eating. But the others weren’t like that, especially Zhang Dongfang, who was overweight and getting on in years. Could he make the long trek up the mountain on an empty stomach? It was uncertain. So, he nodded and, together with a group, went to the village chief’s house in Qingbei Village to have a meal.

It was all home-cooked stir-fries.

Xiao Cheng himself cooked, and he was quite skilled.”

Everyone praised the meal, and Secretary Dong glanced at Xiao Cheng a bit longer. Generally, when university student village officials come down to the villages, they are only in a deputy position, following the village chief to learn. However, Xiao Cheng became the village chief of Qingbei Village after a few years, which is quite rare. Because in such grassroots areas, the villagers are often very exclusive. They don’t just welcome outsiders or people from other surnames easily. Even if someone grew up in the village but didn’t live there as a child, returning might cause slight exclusion. But Xiao Cheng won the villagers’ trust and was elected village chief. He was even entrusted with such a vital antique, which shows that this young man is competent.

During the meal.

“Xiao Cheng, how old are you now?” Secretary Dong asked.

Xiao Cheng quickly put down his chopsticks and respectfully replied, “I’m twenty-seven this year.”

Secretary Dong laughed, “Oh, that means we’re the same age.” Secretary Dong was very interested in him, and they chatted more. Secretary Dong felt impressed and thought this person could be cultivated from their conversation and mannerisms. Since Qingluan Mountain is on their village’s territory, they should give him more responsibility. It’s essential to have a reliable person overseeing such a significant archaeological find. Xiao Cheng was a good choice.

As they chatted.

Xiao Cheng seemed to realize something and hesitated before saying, “Secretary, there’s something I don’t know if I should mention.”

“Go ahead, what can’t you say?” Secretary Dong replied.

Xiao Cheng explained, “It’s like this, Qingluan Mountain’s situation is quite complex. This mountain is not only part of our Jiao Lin County’s territory, but only half of it belongs to us. The other half belongs to Qingnan Village in a neighboring county. The position where the antiques were discovered, I’ve looked at it, is on the mountainside towards the side. That area should belong to our county, at least it’s closer to our county. But there isn’t an apparent division.”

Secretary Dong glanced at him, “Are you worried about the neighboring county causing trouble?”

Xiao Cheng nodded, “If a tomb is discovered, they might try to take it for themselves.”

After hearing this, Zhang Dongfang also looked up, “Xiao Cheng, your reminder is good. We need to be careful. The other county has had many dealings with us.”

Secretary Dong had a more precise understanding but didn’t say much. ‘Trying to snatch an ancient tomb’s ownership from us? Go ahead and try.’

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