Upon hearing this.

Chen Fang took a sharp breath.

He asked, "Explain? Are you suggesting that Secretary Guan's downfall was part of some trade-off?"

The reason he thought this was actually quite simple.

At that time, Guan Longjie was already in a peak position.

Such a person had connections up and down the hierarchy.

People of that level, in some sense, represented the image of the state and the people. To move against him would involve too much.

If not for some colossal benefit, it would absolutely not be allowed.

"Just as you thought. If the people above didn't give their tacit approval, my father wouldn't have been touched. Of course, this incident happened too suddenly, and one cannot rule out that Hou Jidao acted first and reported later. But in any case, he had to cut some flesh. Giving up the enormous pie of Nanyue Province was one of the sacrifices he made."

Guan Qingyao said.

At that time in Nanyue Province.

It was at the forefront of the reform and opening-up.

The economy was developing rapidly.

For ordinary businessmen, it was a massive opportunity and challenge.

On this land, naturally, there were also huge profits to be seized.

All forces were eager to move in.

When a whale falls, various creatures live off it.

Once the Hou family withdrew, the vacant share would naturally be devoured by other forces.

In such a situation, no one would give Hou Jidao a hard time.

So, in this case, the Hou family only suffered losses without any benefits?

Of course not.

For the Hou family, there were enormous side benefits.

First, this Fu Zhongxiang must have done a lot of dirty work for the Hou family. These things couldn't be exposed. Otherwise, the Hou family would face the danger of collapsing.

Second.

Guan Longjie's iron-fisted sweep cleared many people from the officialdom.

These people hated him to the bone.

If one removed Guan Longjie, one could naturally gather these people around oneself. Meanwhile, those who were terrified of Guan Longjie would also flock to him.

Although they lost the benefits of Nanyue Province.

On the other hand, they could establish an officialdom empire under the Hou family's shadow.

Chen Fang remembered that the Hou family rapidly expanded ten years ago.

Besides manipulating the Xu family and Dong family to fight against each other, Guan Longjie's death was also a significant reason.

This kind of truth.

Made him shiver.

It turned out that no matter how high one climbed.

The intrigue in officialdom would not weaken, only become more intense.

"In recent years, the Hou family has been focusing on Jiangdong Province, showing a trend of making a comeback. This is also because their power has formed, and the influence of Guan Longjie has gradually disappeared. Are they going to repeat the disaster of Nanyue Province again?"

Chen Fang was indeed very smart.

He saw through the essence in an instant.

Guan Qingyao nodded.

She said, "The state intends to establish the Longjiang Special Economic Zone in Jiangdong Province to further support its economic development, forming a competitive stance against Nanyue Province. Under such circumstances, Jiangdong Province will usher in unprecedented development. The previous confrontations were just small probes by the Hou family's small forces. Next, it won't be the same. The Hou family's influence will fully enter Jiangdong Province, and now, no one can stop them."

The connection between the Hou family and Jiang Chuo is a living example.

After Jiang Chuo became the second-in-command in Jiangdong Province.

Next, the Hou family's guests would pour into Jiangdong Province, occupying various important positions.

With these foundations laid.

The Hou family could suck Jiangdong Province dry like vampires.

What they couldn't achieve in Nanyue Province ten years ago, they could reclaim in Jiangdong Province.

And, at this moment, there was no longer another Guan Longjie.

Chen Fang nodded.

He asked, "Is this the reason why you rooted yourself in Jiangdong Province?"

Guan Qingyao nodded.

She said, "Six years ago, I knew the Hou family's next step would definitely be Jiangdong Province. My identity couldn't be exposed, and even if it were, I couldn't contend with the Hou family. So, I founded Yunshang Palace, using such a place to bind numerous officials, while also creating a circulation center for officialdom intelligence, hoping it could play a role one day."

Saying this.

She looked at Chen Fang and said, "All these years, my people have been following the Hou family's movements. Your previous clashes with the Hou family were all known to me. From that time, I started paying attention to you. Unfortunately, your rank was too low to be my ideal candidate. By chance, you came to Yunshang Palace today, and I decided to meet you."

"Aren't you afraid I'll reveal your identity to the Hou family? If they catch you, it would be a great merit for me, perhaps even landing a bigger official position."

Chen Fang asked with a sardonic smile.

Guan Qingyao also smiled slightly.

She said, "You won't!"

"Know me that well?"

"If you would, your status and position would already be higher than they are now. With the Xu family and Dong family wooing you like that, if you didn't accept, it shows you're quite a unique person."

"Ah! The officialdom truly can't accommodate individuality. Look now, though I'm about to become the deputy mayor of Xiaxiang City, who knows what else is hidden behind this."

"I can help you."

Guan Qingyao said resolutely.

"Help me? How?"

Chen Fang asked, stunned.

Guan Qingyao swept her hand across the large office.

She said, "I told you before, Yunshang Palace has been in Jiangdong Province for so many years and has naturally gathered a lot of dirt on officials and their disgraceful deeds. These resources can all be used by you."

"So, you intend to use me to contend with the Hou family, right?"

Chen Fang asked.

Guan Qingyao nodded without any reservation.

She said, "It's not that I'm using you, but rather mutual exploitation. After Jiang Chuo came to Jiangdong Province, he definitely wouldn't let you off. From now on, your days won't be easy. Do you think it was really Zhou Nongxin's idea to transfer you to Xiaxiang City as the deputy mayor? It's Jiang Chuo's order."

"What did you say? My transfer to Xiaxiang City was orchestrated by Jiang Chuo?"

Chen Fang asked, shivering.

Guan Qingyao nodded.

She said, "When you were in Guanghe County, you were a city-managed cadre. Even with him as the governor, Jiang Chuo couldn't directly control you long-term. But when you become the deputy mayor of Xiaxiang City, it's different. You become a province-managed cadre, essentially Jiang Chuo's subordinate. Moreover, the position of deputy mayor itself is a trap. Once you step in, there's no way you can escape unscathed."

Chen Fang pondered for a moment.

Then he stood up.

He said, "Miss Guan, to be honest, I'm quite willing to cooperate with you. But I've also walked this path with blood on my hands. Though I've had the help of many influential people along the way, I don't know you well enough to make this decision yet..."

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.