Reborn as a Noble's Son

‘Bang!’

Liu Wenqing started reading with a very relaxed look. However, halfway through, Liu Wenqing’s face darkened, and he slammed the notebook onto the table.

The accounts in the notebook were too detailed. Just the first half roughly estimated to be about three to four hundred thousand, not to mention what was yet to be seen, which was certain to be more.

Unable to read any further, Liu Wenqing was facing a typical case of corruption. Nowadays, domestic corruption amounting to a hundred thousand is considered a major crime. Yet, he never thought that under his jurisdiction and right in front of his eyes, a county party secretary could embezzle such an amount.

“Comrade Zhenbang, where did you get this from?” At this moment, Liu Wenqing also sat down and questioned Nie Zhenbang.

In the officialdom, every matter is about evidence and sources. If one acts recklessly, one can lose their credibility. As a city party secretary, Liu Wenqing has a lot to consider. While taking this issue seriously, he also needs to consider what might be behind it.

Nie Zhenbang paused for a moment, then began to recount the whole story of the work interruption at Farmer Welfare Company and concluded, “Secretary Liu, we didn’t expect such an incident in advance. Originally, my intention was to catch the mastermind behind this through this clue. I didn’t expect that it would lead to such a big deal. As it is a significant matter, I dare not make a decision on my own, so I rushed over here overnight.”

To Liu Wenqing’s question, Nie Zhenbang also thought for a long time. This matter indeed seemed biased against Mo Zhihai. Now, Nie Zhenbang could only answer as he considered. As for whether Liu Wenqing would have any other thoughts, this was not for Nie Zhenbang to decide.

At this moment, Liu Wenqing’s fingers were tapping on the sofa- a habit of his which seemed impossible to change.

There’s no doubt that Mo Zhihai’s case had to be handled. This was Liu Wenqing’s attitude. He was already deeply concerned about the Farmer Welfare Company’s foundation, not to mention the attention that the Party Secretary of the autonomous region, Jiang Zhenquan, was paying to the Farmer Welfare Company and Li County. Covering up didn’t seem appropriate here. Even if he wanted to cover it up, it wouldn’t stay hidden. This matter needed to be dealt with according to the law, and the treatment must be strict.

Now, what Liu Wenqing was considering was what would follow after Mo Zhihai. It was certain that Mo Zhihai would step down, and how to handle the position of county party secretary of Li County was what Liu Wenqing was pondering over.

After remaining silent for a moment, Liu Wenqing looked up and said, “Comrade Zhenbang, I now entrust you with a task. You should go back to Li County first and make sure to control Mo Mingwu for me. The City Committee will have a clear result tomorrow.”

Nie Zhenbang nodded and then stood up, “Secretary Liu, time is of the essence. Li County remains stable at the moment. I’ll go back first. If anything arises, I’ll report to you at any time.”

Ding Aiguo, on the other hand, became serious after listening to the report from Wu Zhixiong. Compared to Liu Wenqing, Aiguo was much more comfortable with his own confidants like Wu Zhixiong. He said to Wu Zhixiong, “Old Wu, Mo Zhihai is finished this time. But the vacant position of county party secretary is very hopeful for you. However, from Secretary Liu’s side, it’s clear that Cao Chubin is the successor. I’m afraid you’ll have to make some moves on your own.”

For officials like Ding Aiguo and Liu Wenqing, their perspectives were no longer limited to the present. At this time, they began thinking about the future even before Mo Zhihai’s case was resolved.

…

The next morning, as soon as work began, the secretary-general of the Bazhou City Committee office, Li Qingde, informed all standing members at home to attend a meeting at the Standing Committee meeting room at nine.

Another special standing committee meeting left all members somewhat confused. It seemed that there have been more issues in Bazhou recently.

At the arrival of nine o’clock, Liu Wenqing, Ding Aiguo, and the Secretary of the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission Bai Weimin walked in from outside. Witnessing this, everyone present was taken aback. Did something happen in the city? Did another official break the discipline?

Bai Weimin was notorious in Bazhou City for his uncompromising stand, and any official in Bazhou who caught his attention definitely wouldn’t see good days.

As soon as he sat down, Liu Wenqing gestured to Li Qingde, who was seated at the end of the table. Li Qingde promptly distributed the documents that had been printed in advance based on the findings of the notebook. Originally, Liu Wenqing had no intention of revealing these documents now. He had handed them over to Bai Weimin when they had met earlier.

Seeing the expressions of the standing committee members, especially Zhao Weihong’s, Mo Zhihai was Zhao Weihong’s man. Yet now, there was a significant issue at hand, and Zhao Weihong’s reputation was entirely compromised.

However, Zhao Weihong could not only fail to shield him but also needed to distance himself. This was the fact and this was the reality. If it were behind closed doors between Zhao Weihong and Liu Wenqing, Zhao Weihong might be able to negotiate. But now that it has been brought to the standing committee, Liu Wenqing has made his stance clear. If Zhao Weihong tried to protect Mo Zhihai under such circumstances, it would be tantamount to aiding and abetting a suspect.

“Comrades, I believe that all of you have glanced through this set of materials. It’s shocking, indeed shocking,” Liu Wenqing repeated the phrase ‘shocking’ twice, his tone heavy.

At this moment, the conference room was quiet. Liu Wenqing continued, “These materials were sent by comrades from Li County last night. Along with these, there were hundreds of thousands of cash, several passbooks, and plenty of gold and jewelry that were seized. This is a serious issue. I suggest that Secretary Bai of the municipal commission takes the lead to form a special task force to station in Li County. As for Comrade Mo Zhihai, the Secretary of the Li County Party Committee, my opinion is to temporarily suspend all his work and duties. Deputy Secretary and County Mayor, Comrade Wu Zhixiong, will temporarily take full charge of the comprehensive work of the Li County Committee and County Government. Deputy Secretary of the Li County Party Committee, Comrade Zhang Chubin, will assist. The stance of the Municipal Committee on this matter must be clear. My stance is to investigate to the end regardless of who gets implicated, and which level of leadership gets involved. No complacency, severe punishment!”

“Let me say a few words.” With a cough, Ding Aiguo began to speak. He looked around at everyone and said solemnly, “Comrades, this is a profound lesson for us in Bazhou City. Secretary Jiang of the district party committee repeatedly emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of the officials in the New Year’s greeting last year. Now such an incident has happened in Li County. Secretary Liu also emphasized the importance of anti-corruption at various meetings. However, a corrupt official embezzling millions has now emerged in our Li County, tarnishing the image of Bazhou City. I suggest that, on one hand, Secretary Bai of the disciplinary committee should lead in-depth investigations and reviews in Li County to uncover and resolve the problems. On the other hand, I think there’s a need to carry out a city-wide study on the spirit of the speeches made by Secretary Jiang and Secretary Liu, to reinforce anti-corruption education.”

At this moment, Bai Weimin also said solemnly, “I suggest that we request the Municipal People’s Congress to revoke Comrade Mo Zhihai’s status as a People’s Representative, suspend all his duties, and ask the inspection department to implement ‘shuanggui’ on Comrade Mo Zhihai.”

“I agree with Secretary Bai’s opinion.” Liu Wenqing said in a grave tone and raised his hand.

Under such circumstances, all the standing committee members of Bazhou City raised their hands. Zhao Weihong’s face was somber, this incident was too sudden, there was no sign beforehand. This left Zhao Weihong with no opportunity to take action.

Zhao Weihong was caught in a dilemma. If he raised his hand, the affairs of the standing committee would not remain a secret or might be leaked afterward. At that time, his performance would certainly disappoint those who supported him. But if he didn’t raise his hand, he would be associated with suspicion.

Straightaway, Zhao Weihong raised his hand. Between himself and Mo Zhihai, Zhao Weihong naturally chose himself.

Liu Wenqing stood up at this moment, looked at Bai Weimin, and said, “Comrade Weimin, the case in Li County is handed over to you. Right now, some comrades in Li County are also under great pressure. I think you should go to Li County lightly equipped and swiftly.”

…

On this side of Li County, many county officials had gathered at the entrance of the Li County Public Security Bureau. With a somber face, Mo Zhihai looked at Chen Le and said in a deep voice, “Director Chen, you are doing a good job, insisting on truth and principles. Such an official is the role model for us to learn from. However, Director Chen, could you tell me what crime my son Mo Mingwu has committed that he has been brought here? If he is indeed guilty, I will personally request to recuse myself.”

Chen Le smiled bitterly and looked at Nie Zhenbang beside him. At this time, what had to be said could not be said. After receiving the news, Mo Zhihai had plenty of time to destroy other evidence and collude on testimonies. If that happened, all their efforts would be in vain. Therefore, Chen Le could only brace himself and say, “Secretary Mo, please calm down. We are also investigating the issue with Mingwu. He’s not under arrest, he’s only assisting the investigation.”

“Oh? Assisting in the investigation? Then why don’t you release him or allow him to meet us, what on earth are you doing? Secretary Zhao, look at this, it’s lawlessness. Chen Le, in your eyes, there’s only a specific individual, right? Do you still have organizational discipline and principles? You are a cadre of the party, not a cadre serving a particular person.” Mo Zhihai, an experienced bureaucrat, had sensed something amiss at this moment.

Zhao Kunlun’s face was gloomy. He initially thought that Chen Le and Nie Zhenbang were against him because of the issue of Mo Mingwu being manipulated behind the scenes. Zhao Kunlun had no temper with Nie Zhenbang, but Chen Le was his subordinate, who was even disregarding his commands. Wasn’t this a slap in his face?

Upon this, Zhao Kunlun also said sternly, “Comrade Chen Le, now, in my capacity as the director of the Li County Public Security Bureau, I command you to immediately release Mo Mingwu.”

Nie Zhenbang stepped forward at this time. If he didn’t intervene in this situation, Chen Le surely couldn’t withstand the pressure.

PS: Brothers and sisters, today, another 15,000 words are completed. I’m begging for monthly tickets. I’ve got wolves before and pursuers after. Right now, we are only 88 votes away from the second place. Let’s give it a go and strive for it. (