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Early the next morning, Mao Weiguo and his group set off.
Driver Xiao Wang was behind the wheel, while Mao Weiguo sat in the front passenger seat. In the back seat were Hu Ruoyun, Secretary Zhang Qiang, and village representative Liu Tiechui, all squeezed together (if this were now, at least two cars would be necessary).
They arrived at Jiang City by 10 a.m. and booked a couple of hours in a room at the Jiangbei Hotel near the provincial government. Faced with an afternoon meeting with provincial leaders and potential questions, Mao Weiguo felt quite uneasy. He huddled with Hu Ruoyun, Zhang Qiang, and Liu Tiechui to discuss the report materials for half a day.
By nearly one o'clock, they hastily grabbed a bite to eat in the downstairs restaurant before taking a short break.
At 2:55 p.m., they had Xiao Wang rest in the room while the four of them arrived early at the provincial government entrance, where armed police stood guard at the duty room. Hu Ruoyun approached to explain that they had an appointment with Vice Governor Wang. The staff in the duty room made an internal call and checked their identification before telling them, "Please wait here for a moment; Director Qi will come down to meet you shortly!"
Mao Weiguo looked at Hu Ruoyun with a questioning gaze. Hu Ruoyun softly replied, "Vice Governor Wang's personal secretary, Qi Shu Ming."
In less than two minutes, Qi Shu Ming emerged from the building wearing gold-rimmed glasses and exuding an air of refinement.
Seeing Hu Ruoyun stand up to greet him, Mao Weiguo along with Zhang Qiang and Liu Tiechui quickly rose as well.
Hu Ruoyun briefly introduced Mao Weiguo and the others. Qi Shu Ming shook hands with Mao Weiguo and nodded at Zhang Qiang and Liu Tiechui, saying, "Let's go up; the leaders have another meeting in half an hour."
Mao Weiguo was relatively composed since he was accustomed to being in leadership roles. However, Zhang Qiang and Liu Tiechui looked around this solemn place with wide eyes filled with awe. Out of millions in the province, not many would have the chance to visit here in their lifetime.
Outside Wang Hongbin's office, Qi Shu Ming knocked on the slightly ajar door before gently pushing it open. "Chief, the comrades from Annan have arrived!"
Wang Hongbin surprisingly stood up from behind his desk. "Please come in," he said as he walked toward the meeting area.
Qi Shu Ming was somewhat taken aback; under normal circumstances, his boss would remain seated behind his desk to hear reports, while the meeting area was typically reserved for major city leaders.
Leading the four of them inside, Wang Hongbin first shook hands with Mao Weiguo. "Comrade Wei Guo, it's good to see you!"
Mao Weiguo felt a bit overwhelmed; his initial anxiety was quickly replaced by excitement as he grasped Wang Hongbin's hands firmly. "Hello, leader!"
After inviting everyone to take a seat, Wang Hongbin accepted the materials handed over by Mao Weiguo and put on reading glasses offered by Qi Shu Ming to examine them closely.
After a long while of reading through them, he turned to Liu Tiechui and asked, "You are an ordinary farmer from Annan?"
Liu Tiechui was so emotional that he stumbled over his words: "Leader, if it weren't so difficult... we... we..."
His eyes reddened as his voice choked up.
Hu Ruoyun pushed a cup of water toward him. "Brother Tiechui, don't get too worked up; if you cry like this, how will you explain anything?"
Liu Tiechui suddenly remembered that they only had half an hour for this meeting—an opportunity that might never come again! He believed that even if they had organized a large delegation to visit previously, it would have been impossible to have such a high-ranking leader listen to them face-to-face.
He steadied himself and began explaining their family's situation: there were four people in his household with an average tax burden of about 270 yuan each... They farmed eight acres during spring and autumn; after paying these fees, they barely had any income left for a season.
Time ticked away as thirty minutes flew by. Qi Shu Ming glanced at his watch and said, "Leader, it's time for your meeting!"
Mao Weiguo and the others felt regretful that many issues remained unaddressed.
Wang Hongbin stood up again to shake hands with Mao Weiguo. "Comrade Wei Guo, I want to ask why such an important matter has brought only you as a deputy?"
Mao Weiguo hesitated; he couldn't very well say that the principal leader was unwilling to come.
Wang Hongbin clearly understood the underlying complexities: "No need to answer that; your materials only mentioned problems. I want to know what ideas you have for solving these issues."
Mao Weiguo recalled several key points Hu Ruoyun had mentioned earlier and blurted out: "We need to push for agricultural tax reforms!"
Wang Hongbin replied seriously, "That's a good point! But you should know that neither of us can decide this issue!"
He turned to Qi Shu Ming and said, "Please arrange for Annan's comrades to stay. I don't have any plans for tonight, right? In the evening, I'll treat these grassroots comrades who have come from afar to a meal and clarify some matters. This is much better than going down for research and being misled by superficial things!"
Then he seemed to remember Hu Ruoyun, "You really love to meddle in others' affairs! But I like it!"
Qi Shu Ming asked a few people to wait in the lounge for a moment. After ensuring that Wang Hongbin had gone into a meeting room for a meeting, he came back out and led the group downstairs.
Hu Ruoyun quietly said to Qi Shu Ming, "Director Qi, did I cause trouble for the leaders again?"
Qi Shu Ming smiled, which was rare for him. "Didn't you hear the leader say he likes it?"
Mao Weiguo, Zhang Qiang, Liu Tiechui, and others all breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.
Instead of taking them to the reception hall, Qi Shu Ming led them to a designated guesthouse across from the provincial government. After making arrangements at the front desk and signing in, he turned to Mao Weiguo and said, "Vice County Head Mao, I won't accompany you upstairs. You know, tonight the leader will have dinner with everyone mainly to hear our thoughts..."
Mao Weiguo quickly nodded, "Director Qi, I understand. I'll use the time ahead to solidify the report!"
At that moment, Mao Weiguo felt a surge of excitement. As a deputy division-level cadre reporting directly to a vice-provincial leader was not something one encountered every day. Moreover, the leader had arranged dinner; although it was called a "simple meal," could anything done by a vice-provincial leader be considered casual?
Even before drinking alcohol, Mao Weiguo felt slightly tipsy.
He first arranged for Liu Tiechui to rest and then asked Hu Ruoyun and Zhang Qiang to his room to discuss the evening's report.
Once back in his room, he immediately prepared to call Annan County as part of the organizational procedure.
As Hu Ruoyun followed him inside, he whispered, "Uncle, how do you plan to talk with the county?"
Mao Weiguo replied without hesitation, "Of course I'll speak honestly!" He glanced at Hu Ruoyun thoughtfully before putting down the receiver. "I understand now!"
Hu Ruoyun and Zhang Qiang stepped out first.
When the call connected, Jiang Ruming on the other end sounded nervous. "Lao Mao, how's it going? Have you met with the provincial leaders? What did they say?"
Mao Weiguo steadied his emotions. "The leaders said this issue has exceeded the decision-making level of the province... The leaders had another meeting this afternoon and asked us to step out; we'll discuss it again tonight."
Jiang Ruming's previously low spirits lifted instantly. "I'll come over too; let's brainstorm some ideas together!"
Mao Weiguo quickly agreed. "That's great! County Head Jiang, having you here makes me feel more at ease. The leader asked me what my views were on this situation during lunch; I was caught off guard and sensed his displeasure. With you here, I'm not worried anymore!"
Jiang Ruming fell silent on the other end for nearly half a minute before speaking again. "By the way, I have a meeting with colleagues from the city's Planning Commission tonight... I'll leave everything regarding the province to you! You handle it well; both Secretary Li and I trust you."
At seven o'clock in the evening, Vice Governor Wang finally wrapped up his day's work—though dinner was still part of his duties.
Mao Weiguo waited early at the restaurant entrance with Hu Ruoyun, Zhang Qiang, and Liu Tiechui after receiving Qi Shu Ming's call. As their car came to a stop, Mao Weiguo stepped forward to open the door for Wang Hongbin.
Wang Hongbin shook hands with Mao Weiguo again. "The daytime schedule was arranged long ago; it's hard to change now. Let's eat while we talk; we need to discuss things thoroughly."
Before entering the private room, Hu Ruoyun said to Qi Shu Ming, "Director Qi, you can stay with the leader inside; I'll be outside with everyone..."
Qi Shu Ming stopped him: "The leader said he wants to chat with you; go along with him. You don't need to worry about those others."
Reluctantly, Hu Ruoyun followed Wang Hongbin and Mao Weiguo into the private room.
Qi Shu Ming entered and greeted them: "Leader, I'll be outside; just call me if you need anything." Seeing Wang Hongbin nod in acknowledgment, he stepped out to arrange things for Zhang Qiang and driver Xiao Wang.
The waiter brought in a teapot, which Hu Ruoyun quickly took over. "While leaders discuss important matters, I'll handle support work." He poured tea for Wang Hongbin and Mao Weiguo as he spoke.
Wang Hongbin smiled broadly. "Good! Very good... You really are quite remarkable for such a young person..."
The dishes arrived quickly, four dishes and a soup along with three bowls of noodles. Mao Weiguo was still a bit reserved, while Hu Ruoyun finished one bowl of noodles in no time.
Wang Hongbin gestured to Mao Weiguo, "Eat up; we can discuss work after you've had your fill." Since they weren't drinking, the meal went by swiftly.
As the waiter came to clear the table, Wang Hongbin took out the stack of materials that Mao Weiguo had brought. "Comrade Wei Guo," he began, "you mentioned in your report that the collection of taxes and fees from farmers is chaotic in terms of subjects, projects, standards, procedures, and supervision. You articulated this very well, which shows you have done solid work!"
"The 'causes' are becoming clear; now let's talk about your 'prescription'!"
Mao Weiguo steadied himself, recalling the suggestions Hu Ruoyun had mentioned as he spoke. "Whether to lighten or increase the burden on farmers is not merely a matter of taking a few more or fewer coins from them; it’s about whether we protect or undermine their enthusiasm."
Seeing Wang Hongbin nodding seriously, he continued: "Agriculture is our country's primary industry and foundational sector. The rural economy is an important component of the national economy. The ability to effectively develop rural markets largely depends on whether we can genuinely improve farmers' income levels and actual purchasing power. Addressing the heavy burden on farmers and enhancing their income and purchasing power will benefit the rapid, healthy, and sustainable development of our national economy...
To curb the rampant fees, fundraising, fines, and various levies directed at farmers and fundamentally resolve the issue of their excessive burdens, we must clarify and regulate the relationships among the state, collectives, and farmers regarding distribution...
Considering the main issues, we can approach this from several angles:
We need to establish proper procedures for new debts and financial transactions to effectively prevent 'confused accounts,' 'yellow accounts,' and 'bad debts';
...
Public welfare initiatives should adhere to the principle of living within our means and strictly follow established procedures... Decision-making should avoid 'paternalistic' approaches...
Implement a 'one-fee system' for charging rural primary and secondary schools...
Establish and improve financial management and supervision systems in villages, ensuring transparency in village affairs and government affairs...
Focus on prioritizing development as our primary task and adjust structures based on market orientation..."
Unknowingly, Mao Weiguo spoke for over an hour. His secretary Qi Shuming came over twice but was sent away by Wang Hongbin each time. "Comrade Wei Guo is speaking excellently; those working at the grassroots level have a better grasp of issues... Don't interrupt; tonight's discussion will yield more insights than days spent conducting research!"
Finally, around ten o'clock in the evening, their conversation came to an end. Before getting into his car, Wang Hongbin told his secretary Qi Shuming, "Give your phone number to Vice County Head Mao for easier communication in the future!"
Turning to Mao Weiguo, he added, "Comrade Wei Guo, if you reach a higher position in the future, make sure to maintain today's spirit. Don't become overly cautious just because you're in a higher position; don't hesitate to speak out or take action!"
Mao Weiguo replied earnestly, "Chief, I will definitely remember your teachings!"
Not long after, Jiangbei Province submitted a report regarding Rural Tax and Fee Issues to Nanhai, which received attention and approval for pilot implementation.
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