Chapter 12: Accountability

Behind Chang Yong and Hong Haifeng stood Wang Yunfei and Xu Guoli, whose words essentially reflected their own views.

"Isn't this nonsense? How long has Qin Feng been at the Civil Affairs Office? Which of the problematic documents have anything to do with him? They’re all from before he arrived," explained Li Dejun, the deputy township chief in charge of civil affairs.

Li Dejun was a man who hated wrongdoing and could not tolerate injustice. Hearing these people trying to shift the blame onto Qin Feng infuriated him.

Though Li Dejun oversaw civil affairs and had little direct interaction with Qin Feng, who was a junior clerk, he had noticed Qin Feng’s diligent, dependable work ethic and his lack of complaints. He held a very favorable impression of him.

"Since Qin Feng has taken over, he has the responsibility and duty to correct any problems in previous work. Regardless of the circumstances, he is now in charge of this area and cannot shirk his responsibilities. Moreover, he is still the deputy director of the Civil Affairs Office—this responsibility cannot be avoided," Chang Yong responded.

"What nonsense! Just because he’s a newcomer transferred from another place, you think he should take the fall for everything? If we’re going to assign blame, it must be based on facts. Whoever is responsible should bear the consequences," Li Dejun said angrily, slamming the table and pointing at Chang Yong.

"According to your logic, since you oversee civil affairs, you should be the primary person responsible," Chang Yong countered.

"I'm not saying I have no responsibility. I’m willing to take it. As soon as the problem arose, I immediately sought out Secretary Xu and even voluntarily went to the county office to make a self-criticism, but Secretary Xu wouldn’t allow it," Li Dejun said.

"Let’s not discuss this anymore," Xu Guoli interrupted Li Dejun. Allowing Li Dejun to go to the county office for a self-criticism would only escalate the situation.

"I obey the overall situation, but I firmly oppose pinning the blame on a newly arrived college graduate. Qin Feng is solid and conscientious. Since he arrived, he has been working day and night, doing the paperwork mostly by himself," Li Dejun continued.

"He’s the one who does all the hard work and heavy lifting. Now that there’s a problem, they want to scapegoat him. Is this how people should be treated? If this continues, who will dare to do anything in the future?" His temper flared as he spoke.

"Enough, enough. This is a discussion, not a street brawl. Slamming tables and shouting in here is inappropriate," Xu Guoli said displeased. His frustration was not because of the argument itself, but because Li Dejun was not following the line he had set.

Wang Yunfei shared the same interests and tacit understanding with Xu Guoli, especially after Xiao Bo had paid him considerable “courtesy” the day before.

"I think it’s reasonable for Qin Feng to bear responsibility. He is the records clerk; since the problem lies with the documentation, he is the primary person accountable, no questions about it," Wang Yunfei said.

"Besides, he is the deputy director of the Civil Affairs Office. A problem this serious means he bears leadership responsibility."

"Comrade Yang Delin also bears some responsibility. But as an experienced veteran who has long worked in civil affairs, possessing ability and prestige, his presence is indispensable for the office."

"If we hold him accountable, it will inevitably affect future work in the Civil Affairs Office. So, from the broader perspective, it’s not advisable to pursue his responsibility," Wang Yunfei concluded.

Hearing Wang Yunfei invoke the “broader perspective” made Li Dejun inwardly curse, but he could not deny the validity of what was said.

"I disagree with Mayor Wang’s opinion!"

Deputy Secretary Hu Jiayun, who usually refrained from commenting on such matters, suddenly spoke up, and her direct opposition to Wang Yunfei’s view took everyone by surprise.