Chapter 161: Aftermath (Part 2)

Deputy County Magistrate Gao and Mou Renhou, the head of the Civil Affairs Bureau, sat at the head of the round table. Zhao Yongsheng and Su Yajun sat at the lower end.

Zhao Yongsheng’s notebook contained only a few outline points and a dozen data figures. Having engaged in grassroots civil servant work for a long time and frequently speaking at large conferences, he possessed considerable eloquence. Furthermore, being intimately familiar with funeral reform operations, he dispensed with a prepared script. Speaking extemporaneously, he presented his report with clarity and logic.

Deputy County Magistrate Gao nodded frequently. Once Zhao Yongsheng finished, Gao asked, “What were the death tolls for last year and the year before? What is the death count for the first five months of this year? How many were cremated versus buried in the ground? And how much revenue was collected?” As he asked, he flipped through a ledger.

This was Zhao Yongsheng’s first interaction with Deputy County Magistrate Gao. He had not anticipated such meticulous attention to detail. Glancing sideways at Su Ming, Zhao found that Su only remembered approximate figures. Seeing Gao consulting the tables, Su dared not guess and instead signaled Hou Weidong with a subtle look.

Hou Weidong noticed that neither of the two main officials could answer this string of questions. Setting aside modesty, he recalled that since funeral reform had been placed on the agenda, he had handled most matters personally, much like his work on the Qinglin Highway. These figures were etched in his mind as clearly as Xiaojia’s birthday. Calmly and without hesitation, he recited the numbers accurately in one breath.

The data in front of Deputy County Magistrate Gao had been provided by the Civil Affairs Bureau. Seeing that Hou Weidong’s figures matched perfectly, Gao exchanged a glance with Mou Renhou and nodded in approval.

Habitually adjusting his glasses, Deputy County Magistrate Gao said, “Township Mayor Su, do you have any additions?”

The Party Secretary of the township was the true top leader. Now that Zhao Yongsheng had finished his report, even if Su Ming had differing opinions, protocol dictated he could not contradict Zhao openly. Understanding this unwritten rule of officialdom, Su Ming replied, “Secretary Zhao’s report is comprehensive. I have nothing to add, except to emphasize that funeral reform involves a broad scope and intense contradictions. It requires the high attention of the Township Party Committee and concentrated efforts to succeed.”

This flattery pleased Zhao Yongsheng greatly.

Deputy County Magistrate Gao did not seek further input from Hou Weidong. He stated, “I have visited seven townships, and today I arrived in Qinglin. I am most satisfied here. This is a key task for the entire county. Once the investigation concludes, the Civil Affairs Bureau will submit a report to the County Party Committee and County Government.”

He continued steadily, “I believe Qinglin Township’s work is thorough, demonstrated in five aspects. First, leadership attached great importance, establishing a leading group and discussing the matter multiple times at joint party and government meetings. Second, preliminary propaganda was effective, utilizing meetings, broadcasts, slogans, and schools to achieve comprehensive coverage, reaching every corner. Detailed propaganda is the foundation of successful funeral reform; some townships failed in this regard, leading to numerous incidents. The lessons are profound. Third, measures were effective. Within the scope of policy, Qinglin Township tilted benefits toward villages and communities, greatly stimulating the enthusiasm of village cadres.”

“Fourth, on-site handling was decisive. The scenes were complex and crowded… Fifth, the results are remarkable. This is not empty talk but supported by data…”

With Deputy County Magistrate Gao’s full affirmation, everyone felt pleased.

It was already noon. Zhao Yongsheng proposed, “Deputy County Magistrate Gao, it is getting late. Shall we go to lunch?”

Deputy County Magistrate Gao adjusted his glasses and closed his notebook. “Although drinking at noon is prohibited, Qinglin Township has done an excellent job with funeral reform. I will make an exception and toast you all.”

Zhao Yongsheng quickly replied with humility, “Qinglin Township’s work still falls short of the government’s requirements. For Deputy County Magistrate Gao to toast us is too much honor.”

The group stood up and walked out. Just as they reached the courtyard, Deputy County Magistrate Gao suddenly remembered something. “Secretary Zhao, I reviewed your proposal for the new nursing home. It is quite good. Let us spend a little more time to inspect the site.”

Secretary Zhao smiled. “It is already lunchtime. As the saying goes, iron is strong but rice is steel. If Deputy County Magistrate Gao goes hungry in Qinglin Township, I would be at fault.”

Deputy County Magistrate Gao, a newly appointed county official, was highly motivated. “Since we are here, let us make the best of it. Let us see the new site first, then eat.”

Director Mou added, “If this new nursing home site is acceptable, it can serve as a pilot project for the Civil Affairs Bureau in the townships. We can also provide more subsidies.”

Su Ming had not expected Deputy County Magistrate Gao to suddenly want to inspect the new nursing home. Realizing this was an excellent opportunity to persuade Zhao Yongsheng, he picked up on Director Mou’s words and smiled. “Director Mou has spoken. I will strive to secure these funds no matter what.”

Director Mou hurriedly said, “I follow Deputy County Magistrate Gao’s lead. As long as he approves the new plan, I will handle the logistical support.”

With the conversation reaching this point, Zhao Yongsheng had no choice but to lead the group to the new site Hou Weidong had previously proposed. He wore a smile, but his gaze toward Hou Weidong was cold. He thought to himself, “This Hou Weidong is indeed capable, but too presumptuous. Taking a plan I rejected and presenting it to the Civil Affairs Bureau is essentially forcing my hand.”

Hou Weidong had already decided to leave Qinglin Township. The construction of the expressway was accelerating, and after Heiwa had his hand chopped off, the hooligans from Yiyang City no longer caused trouble. Gravel from Shangqinglin was being transported out in a steady stream.

What went out was crushed stone; what came back was dazzling cash.

With his departure decided, Hou Weidong did not fear Zhao Yongsheng. Nor did he feel the need to quarrel with him. After all, many things in official circles spread quickly. Gaining a reputation as a troublemaker might hinder his future development. He pretended not to notice Zhao Yongsheng’s dissatisfaction and followed the group up the small slope.

Although it was only a small slope, the view opened up pleasantly upon reaching the top. A large expanse of flat land lay before them. Qinglin Township was mountainous, so flat areas of two or three hundred mu were rare.

Deputy County Magistrate Gao’s suggestion to inspect the nursing home was a whim, while Su Ming had been calculating how to persuade Zhao Yongsheng. In high spirits, facing the mountain breeze, Gao pointed to the site of the new nursing home and said, “The terrain here is spacious, facing south with the back to the north, and the air circulation is good. It is close to the town center, making it an ideal location for the new nursing home.”

Satisfied with the location, Deputy County Magistrate Gao said, “The original site was too narrow, with no room for development. This location is truly suitable for a nursing home. Secretary Zhao has considered things thoroughly. This is a blessing for the five-guarantee elderly in Qinglin Township.”

At this point, Zhao Yongsheng had no choice but to agree to the new plan.

While Deputy County Magistrate Gao and the Qinglin Township officials drank and chatted happily, at the Yiyang City Hospital, Heiwa, once a formidable figure, lay in bed listless as a frost-bitten eggplant. His right hand had been severed, and most infuriatingly, the perpetrator had taken the palm. Even if Lingxi had the capability to reattach a severed hand, it was of no use now.

“Why haven’t Xiao Pi and Da Yong arrived yet?” he roared at one of his subordinates.

The subordinate was a young man in his early twenties. He had guarded Heiwa with a knife for two days and was growing impatient. However, under Heiwa’s long-standing intimidation, he dared not show his annoyance. Over these two days, he had noticed the signs: Brother Xiao Pi and Brother Da Yong had visited only once and had not appeared since. From this, it was clear that Heiwa, now handless, was no longer the same Heiwa.

Hearing Heiwa’s reprimand, he seized the opportunity to say, “I will go find them.” Without waiting for Heiwa’s nod, he slipped out.

Heiwa stared blankly at the ceiling. Since waking up from his injury, he had gradually sensed something was wrong. Fearing retaliation in the hospital, he had asked Xiao Pi to send four men to protect him. In the first few days, these four men guarded inside and outside the room. But as Xiao Pi and Da Yong failed to appear for a long time, the four men slipped away one by one, disappearing without a trace.

After cursing silently in bed for a while, his mother approached with a bowl of chicken soup. “Heiwa, after you recover, find an honest livelihood. Do not engage in your past activities. You always say you have many brothers, but in reality, not a single one can be relied upon.”

These words struck Heiwa’s sore spot. He said bitterly, “Those bastards think they can shake me off? It is not that simple.” Though he appeared strong, the sight of his bare right wrist chilled him internally.

Using his left hand, he took out a new mobile phone. This was a phone used solely for communication with his confidant, A Qiang. No one else knew about it. After several attempts, he finally connected to A Qiang’s number. A Qiang was in the midst of intimacy with a plump woman when a phone on his left waist rang. Recognizing it as Heiwa’s call, he answered while continuing his movements.

“A Qiang, it is Heiwa. I am in trouble. Someone chopped off my hand.”

A Qiang stiffened upon hearing this. “Brother Hei, who did this?”

“I do not know.”

A Qiang got out of bed, pushing the plump prostitute aside. “I will return as soon as possible.”

Heiwa said, “Do not return for now. Xiao Pi and Da Yong are not on good terms. If you return, you might be betrayed. Wait a while, and I will call you again.”

It was A Qiang who had used the illegal gun to shoot Qin Jiangang. The gun was currently hidden in a secluded spot in Yiyang, and A Qiang himself had fled to Fujian. The Yiyang Public Security Bureau had not traced this lead, and Heiwa did not wish to deploy A Qiang lightly.

“Even with a severed hand, I can still play this game,” he thought, staring at his stump. “If I find out who did this, I will flay him alive.”

Though he harbored hatred, just as he had dealt with Qin Jiangang, someone else had silently dealt with him. He had made many enemies and truly did not know who his real adversary was.

Heiwa’s mother, talkative as ever, said, “Who exactly chopped you, Heiwa? You really do not know? These young men have all left. Why not let your father come to guard you? It would be safer.”

Heiwa thought for a moment in bed and said, “Mother, go handle the transfer procedures for me.”