Chapter 319: Wind Rising from the Duckweed (Middle)

Chapter 319: Wind Rising from the Duckweed (Middle)

By seven in the evening, smoke from cooking fires rose from every direction around the New Management Committee. Dogs barked wildly at the crowds gathering below the office building. Most of these people had no direct connection to the Su family’s dispute; they were simply hungry. Hearing their families calling them home, they scattered east and west, dispersing into the night.

Those who remained in the New Management Committee office building were all direct relatives of Su Jialin. They held their ground stubbornly, refusing to leave the conference room.

Hou Weidong reiterated his stance firmly. "Send her to the hospital. Treat the injury first, and we can discuss the rest later."

A woman from the Su family retorted, "My sister-in-law’s ear has been beaten deaf. We want to send the perpetrator, You Yong, to the public security bureau. Don’t try to fool us; there are educated people in the Su family too."

Hou Weidong remained uncompromising. "You only talk about You Yong hitting her. But why did he hit her? Who threw urine on him? Is that how a person should behave? Try throwing urine on someone and see if they don’t react." He spoke with righteous indignation, his tone imposing. The Su family members were momentarily silenced, their anger deflated.

He then softened his voice. "You say your sister-in-law is deaf, but words are not evidence. You must obtain a judicial appraisal."

Su Jialin looked despondent. "It is a fact that You Yong hit her. My wife needs medical treatment. You must provide some money."

"Take the patient to the county hospital. Once the judicial appraisal is complete, if it is indeed You Yong’s responsibility, you can reimburse the expenses with the invoices. We will not shortchange you by a single cent."

Deputy Director Zhang Jin, who had served as a township party secretary for many years, was experienced in handling such matters. Seeing Hou Weidong’s hardline attitude, he stepped in to ease the tension. Holding a pack of Hongtashan cigarettes, he paced around the room, handing out cigarettes and finding opportunities to chat casually with the Su family members.

Su Jialin had originally expected the New Management Committee cadres to settle the matter quietly after the assault. However, he found Director Hou Weidong difficult to deal with, which made him anxious. "All our family’s money was invested in the factory. If we take her to the hospital, they demand cash upfront. Either you pay the hospital directly, or we carry her into the government courtyard."

Zhang Jin mediated, saying, "We will contact the hospital to arrange for her treatment first. The costs will be put on account. Old Su, does that work for you?" This approach effectively acknowledged that the New Management Committee would cover the medical costs, though the angle of payment differed, carrying different legal implications.

Based on past experience, if the government paid for medical treatment in such incidents, they would lose three parts of their moral high ground. In future lawsuits, the opposing party could argue, "If you weren’t at fault, why did you pay? Since you paid, you must be at fault." Thus, paying for medical bills would put the government in a passive position.

However, refusing to pay would be inhumane and make the situation difficult to resolve. Zhang Jin’s suggestion was a middle-ground compromise.

After further negotiation, the Su family reluctantly agreed to the plan. Su Jialin said, "I spent over twenty thousand yuan building that mushroom shed. If it is demolished, you must compensate me. I used half of the land requisition compensation from last year to build it. If it is torn down, I will have nowhere to go but to eat at the New Management Committee."

Zhang Jin smiled and offered him another cigarette. "Saving lives is the priority. Take her to the hospital first. The mushroom shed will remain untouched for now."

Su Jialin, a former team leader, was shrewd and did not fall for Zhang Jin’s flattery. "You must write me a written guarantee."

Without authorization from the New Management Committee, Su Jialin had no right to build this workshop in the old factory premises. Legally, any losses from relocation would be his own responsibility.

Although the law was clear, reality was different. While Su Jialin’s actions were legally untenable, forcibly demolishing the mushroom shed would cause him to lose half of his demolition compensation. For an ordinary farming family in Yiyang New Management Committee, such a loss was unbearable.

If a lawyer handled this, it would be simple: the Su family would have to vacate the premises without compensation, restore the site, bear their own losses, and even compensate the property owner for unauthorized occupation. But as government officials wearing the hat of the People’s Government, they had to consider social impact, Su Jialin’s actual living conditions, and his future production needs.

Hou Weidong suppressed his irritation. "No written guarantee. Your village party secretary is here. I am a person of my word. We will not demolish your mushroom shed for now."

By eight in the evening, the situation was temporarily under control, and about ten members of the Su family left the New Management Committee.

Yang Liu finally let out a long sigh. She asked, "Director Hou, it’s already eight o’clock. I suggest we go to the city for dinner. The Chongqing Jianghu Cuisine Restaurant offers good value for money."

"Fine. Call You Yong too." Hou Weidong addressed the colleagues around him. "Everyone must learn from this lesson. We are state civil servants. Never use physical force. For any issues, consider legal channels."

The smile vanished from Zhang Jin’s face. He sat exhausted, smoking. "Rural work cannot be done strictly by the law without any roughness. It’s impossible to proceed. The policies from above have tied the hands of grassroots civil servants too tightly."

Yi Zhongcheng had not stayed in the New Management Committee compound. He left work on time and went to his cousin Yi Zhongling’s villa. The two brothers prepared some braised dishes, drank small cups of wine, and chatted casually.

After a few cups, Yi Zhongcheng became slightly intoxicated. He felt quite frustrated with his time at the New Management Committee. "I served as the Office Director of the New Management Committee and contributed to its development. When Hou Weidong first arrived, he knew nothing. I stayed up late writing a development proposal for him. Later, the County Party Committee’s document adopted many of my points, giving Hou Weidong face. Yet he repaid kindness with enmity, transferring me to the Research Office without reason. The Research Office has no real power; it’s just a department for writing articles. I cannot swallow this grievance."

Yi Zhongling advised, "You have worked for several years, why are you still so naive? Hou Weidong is the top leader of the New Management Committee and Zhu Yan’s favorite. If you clash with him, you will suffer the consequences. From an older brother’s perspective, you are too bookish and cannot endure humiliation. How can you survive in this society? Hou Weidong at least let you be the Director of the Research Office, showing leniency. If you continue to oppose him, he can find any excuse to remove you. What can you do? You are only lifting a stone to hit your own foot."

Yi Zhongcheng’s eyes turned red. "At worst, I quit and follow my brother into business."

"Do you think business is that easy? During this Southeast Asian financial crisis, many coastal enterprises collapsed. Millionaires went bankrupt overnight. Since you entered the officialdom, stay and mix within it. Once you have a minor official position, your brother will also profit from it."

Yi Zhongling said casually, "The New Management Committee is developing well. Hou Weidong is capable and shrewd. Becoming the Director so early shows he has exceptional qualities."

Yi Zhongcheng disagreed. "Without Zhu Yan’s connections, he could never have become the Director at this age. Today, You Yong beat Su Jialin’s wife’s ear deaf. This incident will be a tough pill for Hou Weidong to swallow."

After Yi Zhongling’s business suffered losses, he realized his strength lay in dealing with government agencies. Leaving the government to make money purely in the market was not his forte. Therefore, after Zhu Yan was transferred away from Yiyang, he actively helped Ma Youcai seize the position of County Party Secretary. He was even more eager than Ma Youcai himself.

After writing the whistleblowing letter, he kept his eyes open, looking for flaws in Yang Senlin. When he heard that You Yong had beaten Su Jialin’s wife’s ear deaf, he was instantly energized, understanding the ins and outs of the matter clearly. After Yi Zhongcheng left his villa drunk, he called the fat factory director of the former Yiyang Native Produce Company.

The fat factory director had originally been from the security department of the Yiyang Native Produce Company. He had followed Yi Zhongling loyally and was later promoted to deputy director. He, Yang Weige, and Yi Zhongling formed the iron triangle of the Yiyang Native Produce Company. Later, when Zhu Yan investigated the Yiyang Company, Yang Weige died in the procuratorate, and Yi Zhongling escaped like a cicada shedding its shell. The fat factory director then followed Yi Zhongling, becoming the Deputy General Manager of Xinshunfa Company.

After listening to Yi Zhongling’s instructions, the fat factory director nodded vigorously. "General Yi, rest assured. This is my specialty." Yi Zhongling was indeed confident in the fat factory director because he had once been a security section chief, catching countless poor workers who dared to steal factory property. A thief-catcher becoming a thief was a professional match.

Hou Weidong had heard on the day that Yi Zhongcheng was Yi Zhongling’s cousin and immediately recalled the Yang Weige incident at the procuratorate. Thus, he had transferred Yi Zhongcheng to the Research Office, keeping him away from the central institutions of the New Management Committee. However, he had not gone too far, leaving a hidden danger for himself.

The next day, everything at the New Management Committee proceeded normally. Su Jialin took his wife to Yiyang Hospital. The New Management Committee made arrangements, and the hospital agreed to treat Su Jialin’s wife on account.

On the third day, Hou Weidong drove to work. As he arrived at the gate of the New Management Committee compound, he saw dozens of people rushing toward the main gate, shouting loudly.

Hou Weidong was puzzled when Office Director Yang Liu called him. "Director Hou, don’t come over yet. I heard that Su Jialin’s mushroom shed was demolished last night. Su Jiari, who was guarding the shed, was also beaten severely. The villagers are agitated and are shouting that they want to settle scores with you."

Hou Weidong grew anxious. "Who did this? Who approved it? Why wasn’t I informed?" Yang Liu replied, "It shouldn’t be our people. Both directors and the Infrastructure Section are unaware of this."

"First, notify the Chengguan Town police station to maintain order and investigate the scene to find the perpetrators. This must be done openly to create a stir and let the villagers know. Second, notify Li Yongfu to bring the village cadres over. Third, I will continue to dialogue with them."

Yang Liu said, "Director Hou, don’t come over this time. They are all coming for you."

Hou Weidong spoke decisively. "Since it has come to this, hiding is no use. Out of humanitarianism, we can help Su Jialin rebuild the mushroom shed elsewhere. But the New Management Committee is not a pushover for anyone to extort money from."

***

Chapter 318: Wind Rising from the Duckweed (End)

After the police station received the report from the New Management Committee, they arrived at the base acid factory to investigate. All the facilities in the shed had been smashed, and specks of blood were scattered on the ground.

Su Jiari had bandages on his head and his arm was in a sling. "Comrades of the public security, the people last night were fierce. There were four of them, tall and strong, all holding sticks."

A police officer asked, "What did they say when they entered?"

"I was hit with a stick as soon as I opened the door. My head was spinning. I only heard a few words. Someone seemed to say, 'Who told you to throw urine?' Another said, 'If you don’t move out of the factory tomorrow, we will break your legs.'"

The police officers exchanged glances. An older officer asked, "Did they come on foot or by car?" Su Jiari replied, "I was asleep when they arrived, so I don’t know. When they left, I heard the sound of a car engine starting."

The older officer said, "You have sustained minor injuries. Rest for a while and you will be fine. This place belongs to the New Management Committee. You should not guard it here anymore, lest you get hit with a stick again at night."

Su Jiari had been terrified the day before. Hearing the older officer’s warning, he trembled as he packed his clothes, quickly made a backpack, and left with the police.

Public Security Bureau Director Shang Guanghua reviewed the investigation records and called Hou Weidong. "Director Hou, this is Shang Guanghua. The Chengguan Town police station went to the base acid factory. According to the statement of the person guarding the mushroom shed, the New Management Committee sent people to smash it."

Hou Weidong felt his head swell. "Director Shang, I would never do such a stupid thing. Think about it. If I had sent people to smash it, would I leave so many clues? This is definitely a case of the thief crying 'stop thief.'"

Shang Guanghua said, "I naturally believe you, Director Hou. However, based on the scene investigation, we cannot currently rule out the suspicion of the New Management Committee."

Hou Weidong smiled bitterly. "It’s only a matter of twenty thousand yuan. Why would I need to send people to smash a house and injure someone? It seems someone wants to escalate the matter. Director Shang, thank you. There are still dozens of people in the New Management Committee compound, making as much noise as a vegetable market."

At this moment, Yang Liu hurried into the room and whispered to Hou Weidong, "Several reporters from the Shazhou Commercial Daily have arrived. They say they want to interview the assault incident."

This confirmed Hou Weidong’s earlier suspicion. "The police station just finished their inspection, and the evening newspaper already got the news. Someone must be meddling in this." He arranged, "Has Zhang Xiangyu returned? If so, let him handle the reporters. Director Zhang must stay and help me handle the situation here."

Back in the small conference room, he heard Su Jialin cursing. "I will never trust you again. You said face-to-face that the mushroom shed would not be relocated, yet you sent people to smash it in the middle of the night. Are you the People’s Government? You are no different from bandits."

Su Jiari, terrified by the smashing, kept his head down and remained silent.

For these two days, Yang Liu had been accompanying Hou Weidong to resolve the issue. She had endured Su Jialin’s cursing for a long time but finally lost her temper. She ran up to Su Jialin, pointing at his nose. "Su Jialin, if you curse one more word, I will tear your mouth apart. Did you see that it was people from the New Management Committee who smashed the house? Who was it? Point them out to me. If you cannot, you will not get a single cent."

Yang Liu was petite and delicate, but standing in front of Su Jialin, she looked like an angry tigress, her demeanor fierce.

Since entering the New Management Committee, Su Jialin had been aggressive, believing he held absolute moral ground. But after being scolded by Yang Liu, he was furious, yet his momentum weakened.

To resolve this mushroom shed worth twenty thousand yuan, Hou Weidong had been tied up in the New Management Committee conference room for two whole days. When Yang Liu finally stood up to fight, Hou Weidong, Zhang Jin, and others did not stop her. Instead, they crossed their arms and watched the usually gentle Yang Liu show her authority.

Taking advantage of Yang Liu’s intervention, Zhang Jin whispered, "Director Hou, this matter has become a mess. Right has turned into wrong. It’s only twenty thousand yuan. My suggestion is to quietly give some money. If we don’t pay, they will make a scene at the county level. We will be criticized, and eventually, we will still have to pay. It is better to pay early."

Seeing Hou Weidong silent, he continued, "When I was the township party secretary, I encountered such matters many times. They were all handled this way. Small matters do not leave the village, large matters do not leave the township. Spend money to buy peace."

Hou Weidong thought for a while. "In group incidents, we are usually the ones who compromise. Director Zhang, let’s do as you say. Have a private talk with Su Jialin at noon and settle the matter."

At noon, Zhang Jin secretly talked with Su Jialin. Around two o’clock, they reached a private agreement regarding the mushroom shed. Su Jialin temporarily left, saying as he went, "My wife’s ear is deaf. This matter is not over."

This resolution left Hou Weidong with a sense of frustration. As the Su family members left the New Management Committee compound in a commotion, he and Zhang Jin each lit a cigarette. Standing by the window, watching Su Jialin’s bent back, Hou Weidong felt a complex mix of emotions.

As the crowd dispersed, Hou Weidong pressed his cigarette butt hard into the ashtray. "Forget it. I don’t want to think about it anymore. Continue sending people to the base acid factory. Even if we pay more compensation, we must clear the factory premises to allow Qingda Group’s Tongyuan Machinery Factory to move in."

Zhang Jin asked, "What about You Yong? Should he return to work in the next few days?"

"Although he was wrong to use physical force, his actions were understandable. If we do not support him, the morale of our colleagues will drop. I will visit the hospital later to inquire about the true condition of Su Jialin’s wife."

Zhu Yan’s wife, Jiang Yuxin, was still the Vice President of the County Hospital. When she saw Hou Weidong, she said, "Little Hou, you are a busy man. How did you think of coming here?" After chatting casually, Jiang Yuxin said, "I won’t be here much longer. I might be transferred to Maoyun First People’s Hospital in a few days. Their president visited me the day before yesterday."

She complained, "Following Old Zhu, I have been transferred to several hospitals. I don’t know where I will be transferred next." Hou Weidong smiled. "The more frequent the transfers, the more successful Secretary Zhu’s career is."

"He is successful, but I move around and never feel a sense of belonging." Jiang Yuxin said, "Yesterday, Old Zhu told me that after he starts work, he will transfer you there too. Maoyun’s economy is worse than Shazhou’s, and the previous leadership team had problems. They need people who do practical work."

"I also want to go there sooner. Working with Secretary Zhu is energizing and promising."

Hou Weidong said, "I came today to inquire about something. Two days ago, a woman in her forties was sent to the New Management Committee. She had a conflict with our cadre. The woman threw urine, and our cadre slapped her. It is said that her ear was beaten deaf. I want to understand the situation."

Jiang Yuxin called the inpatient department to check. "The woman’s left ear is indeed deaf. I suggest sending her to Shazhou Hospital, where the medical conditions are better, for a comprehensive and detailed examination. The cause of the deafness can only be determined after the examination."

"Is she really deaf?" Hou Weidong’s expression grew grave. If it was truly caused by You Yong’s slap, this was no longer just a civil liability but rose to criminal liability.

Jiang Yuxin explained, "Some people are very robust and have no problems no matter what happens. Others are very fragile, and even a slight touch can cause trouble. This woman belongs to the latter category. Your cadre was unlucky to encounter her."

Leaving the hospital, Hou Weidong felt depressed. Back in his office, he kept thinking about You Yong’s situation. Finally, he made up his mind. "If the judicial appraisal results are unfavorable, I will use money to settle the matter. Public funds are inconvenient, so I will use my private money. I cannot let a promising young man suffer imprisonment because of this."

He thought carefully. Su Jialin’s family environment was average. If they were given one hundred thousand yuan, they would likely keep the matter hidden. Having made this decision, his heart calmed down.

Hou Weidong then thought about the smashed mushroom shed. "Who did this last night? Why did they do it? What is their purpose?"

At this time, the fat man who smashed the mushroom shed had successfully completed his task. With four subordinates, he returned to Lingxi overnight.

Yi Zhongling called Ma Youcai again. "County Mayor Ma, I am making a self-criticism. Yesterday, the fat man came to my place. Hearing that Yang Senlin ordered the closure of several base acid factories, he went to the factories to see the spectacle. As a result, he got into a fight with the people guarding the courtyard and smashed the gatekeeper’s house. I scolded him severely and plan to deduct his half-year bonus. Heh, heh."

Ma Youcai was furious. "Yi Zhongling, what the hell do you want to do?"

Yi Zhongling was not angry. He smiled. "County Mayor Ma, your brother is sincerely helping you. If we don’t ruin Yang Senlin’s reputation, this kid will be confirmed in his position."

After hanging up, Ma Youcai paced around his office. He deeply regretted accepting money and gifts from Yi Zhongling in the past. Since he had not resisted the temptation and accepted Yi Zhongling’s bribes, Yi Zhongling had lost his respect for him. Especially in the Yiyang Native Produce Company incident, Yi Zhongling had even openly threatened him.

Ma Youcai always kept Yi Zhongling’s past threats in mind.

He had served as the County Mayor of Yiyang for several years. In addition to his normal income, every year, the county departments prepared a bonus for him. When the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee and Government assessed the county, if the assessment was passed, there was also a bonus. During festivals, there were some gray incomes. These miscellaneous incomes added up to a considerable amount annually. He did not lack money. The two million yuan Yi Zhongling had given him was basically hidden intact in a secret place.

"It seems I need to resolve this two million yuan issue. Otherwise, I will become Yi Zhongling’s puppet."

***

Chapter 319: Tangled Mess (Start)

At night, Shazhou College was immersed in sleep. The sound of piano music gently lapping against the shore was scattered by the lake breeze, turning into the rustling of leaves and the murmurs of insects.

Hou Weidong rarely used the bathtub. Today, after debating with Su Jialin’s family all day, he was truly exhausted. He filled the tub with water and soaked comfortably.

Just as he got in, he received a call from Xiaojia. Hou Weidong swayed slightly in the bathtub. "I am at home, taking a bath in the tub." Xiaojia said curiously, "Why are you taking a bath in the tub? Did you encounter a difficult problem?"

Hou Weidong did not like discussing work at home. He simply said, "There have been many things these days, annoying. I am taking a comfortable bath at home, a liquid massage."

Xiaojia said half-jokingly, half-seriously, "There are many massage parlors in Shanghai now, offering three-point massage. You are not allowed to go to these places." After warning him, she cared, "Don’t work too hard. When you return home, don’t think about work. Work is never-ending, but your body is your own."

Hou Weidong rubbed his temples with his fingers. "Don’t worry, my dear wife. I am very obedient." He had originally just wanted to take a bath, but hearing Xiaojia talk about massage parlors in Shanghai stirred some desire in his heart.

"Kiss you, husband."

"Kiss your whole body, and one center with two basic points," Hou Weidong said lustfully.

"One center with two basic points" was a major party policy, but Hou Weidong used it to describe Xiaojia’s most beautiful parts. Xiaojia’s face flushed slightly. "I miss you so much. When will you fly to Shanghai again?"

Xiaojia stood on the balcony, facing the brilliant streetlights. Her long hair was gently blown by the wind, fluttering in the Shanghai night. After hanging up the phone, she did not immediately return to the room. Instead, she leaned against the balcony railing, quietly admiring the beautiful night view.

In the room, Xiao Lan from the Maoyun Regional Garden Management Bureau was using mahjong tiles to build blocks. "Xiaojia, chat less and come over quickly." The older wife was indifferent. "It’s like touching your own left hand with your right hand. For young people, one day apart feels like three autumns."

A table of mahjong was set up in the dormitory. Xiaojia, Sister Zhou, Xiao Lan from the Maoyun Regional Garden Management Bureau, and Zheng Li from the Lingxi Provincial Garden Management Bureau were close friends and all loved playing mahjong. After returning from an outing, they gathered to play.

When Xiaojia returned, the sound of mahjong tiles clacking like peas in an iron pot rang out crisply. After a few rounds, Xiao Lan said, "Xiaojia, I heard that Yiyang County Party Secretary Zhu Yan was transferred to Maoyun as Deputy Secretary. Your husband worked in Yiyang. What is this Zhu Yan like?"

Sister Zhou’s husband was the newly appointed Prefect of Maoyun. She felt a sense of superiority in front of Zhou Lan. "Xiaojia’s husband was formerly Zhu Yan’s secretary. Now he is the young Director of the Yiyang New Management Committee."

Xiao Lan thought to herself, "This study trip was really lucky. I met a new prefect and a new deputy secretary." She smiled brightly. "Why doesn’t the handsome guy come to Shanghai? If he comes, I, as his older sister, will treat him to a meal."

Sister Zhou’s husband was the prefect, so she was confident in such occasions. "Xiaojia, after the study ends, why not persuade Little Hou to transfer to Maoyun? With my husband and Zhu Yan’s care, he will not be wronged. After transferring to Maoyun, we can form a full table."

Xiaojia smiled sweetly. "Okay. I will persuade my husband right away. But after he transfers, you must take care of me, your little sister."

At eleven thirty, they disbanded on time. Taking advantage of Sister Zhou going to the restroom, Xiaojia wrapped a large scarf and went to the balcony again. She dialed the landline directly. "Husband, are you asleep? You should sleep early and not stay up late. Our teacher just said yesterday that the best sleep time is between eleven at night and one in the morning."

Hou Weidong sat alone in the study, surfing the internet. Using the Winhaowei platform, he was chatting with Zhu Mei. Since getting online, this colorful world had opened its doors to the young girl Zhu Mei. In real life, she could hardly speak, but online, she was talkative, often with witty remarks.

"I took a bath and am surfing the internet, checking the news."

Xiaojia said softly, "While playing cards, Sister Zhou suggested you transfer to Maoyun. Are you interested? Zhu Yan is in charge of organization, so there should be no problem."

"Zhu Yan is currently studying at the Party School. We can only talk about transfers after he officially takes office in Maoyun. I heard Maoyun has deep waters. Don’t rush to jump in. I need to observe first." Hou Weidong spoke while his eyes fixed on the computer screen. Zhu Mei typed extremely fast. In the few minutes of the phone call, she had already typed over ten lines, inserting three emoticons, three question marks, and a large exclamation mark.

Before going to sleep, he prayed, "I hope things will get better tomorrow."

The next day, things were not as simple as imagined. As soon as Hou Weidong arrived at his office, Tang Xiaowei from the Procuratorate followed him in. They shook hands warmly and exchanged formal pleasantries.

Hou Weidong sat down. "Section Chief Tang, hello. How do you have time to visit the New Management Committee?"

Hou Weidong and Tang Xiaowei had become friends after a conflict.

When studying at Qinglin, Hou Weidong had once been taken in by the Procuratorate. Tang Xiaowei had… [Text cuts off in source, context implies Tang Xiaowei was involved in the detention but later relations improved].

However, fortune rotates. Over a year later, Hou Weidong unexpectedly became Zhu Yan’s secretary. In the Yiyang Native Produce Company case, Yang Weige died suddenly in the Procuratorate. Tang Xiaowei bore primary responsibility. Hou Weidong, as the liaison sent by Zhu Yan to supervise the case at the Procuratorate, spoke fairly for Tang Xiaowei in front of Zhu Yan, allowing him to avoid involvement.

Tang Xiaowei was very grateful to Hou Weidong for this. They had some interaction in their daily lives and became good friends.

"I only visit the Three Jewels Temple when I have business. Director Hou, please do not mind." Tang Xiaowei closed the door, took a letter out of his bag, and said, "According to rules, we should have two people to handle cases. But considering it involves Director Hou’s subordinate, I came first to give you a heads-up. This is a private action."

Hou Weidong read the whistleblowing letter, looked up, and said directly, "The condition of Su Jialin’s wife’s ear has not yet been judicially appraised. At most, it is a civil dispute. The Procuratorate does not need to handle this, right?"

"Upon receiving the whistleblowing letter, Chief Prosecutor Bai attached great importance to it and asked us to investigate first. Since this letter can reach the Procuratorate, it can also reach the County Party Committee and the Municipal Party Committee."

Hou Weidong said self-deprecatingly, "Thinking about this matter is depressing. Su Jialin illegally occupied the New Management Committee’s property. He not only did not return it but now has a reason. Our people went to work normally, were thrown urine on, and in anger, slapped him. Unexpectedly, this caused trouble."

He summarized, "When a person is unlucky, even drinking cold water can choke them."

Tang Xiaowei sighed, "This is real society. You want to do something, and there are always ten thousand hands pulling your legs back." He emphasized, "Although this matter currently does not reach the Procuratorate, you must take it seriously. After all, the situation in the county is somewhat subtle."

"If there is any situation on the Procuratorate side, I will notify you in time." After finishing his business, Tang Xiaowei left hastily.

Tang Xiaowei’s visit aroused Hou Weidong’s high vigilance. He invited Zhang Jin to his office to discuss the matter together.

Hou Weidong analyzed, "I originally thought this was an accidental incident, but now it has become complicated. First, someone impersonated the New Management Committee to smash the mushroom shed and injure Su Jiari. Now, someone has written a whistleblowing letter, trying to escalate You Yong’s matter. Who is behind these things? What do they want?"

Zhang Jin stroked the distinctive circle of beard on his upper lip. "I am also puzzled by this."

Zhang Jin was originally the Party Secretary of Wushan Town, a large town in the south. He was transferred to the New Management Committee with the intention of becoming the top leader. However, Zhu Yan had not nodded in approval, so he could only serve as the executive deputy, accompanying Yang Dajin and then Hou Weidong. He was a founding elder of the New Management Committee. The day before, he had dinner with Organization Department Minister Old Liu. At the dinner, he heard some rumors. At this moment, he speculated in his heart, "Hou Weidong is Zhu Yan’s die-hard supporter. Once Zhu Yan leaves, there will be so many problems in the New Management Committee. It seems Hou Weidong will not stay in the New Management Committee position for long. However, striking now is perhaps too hasty."

"Su Jialin’s wife was sent to Shazhou Hospital. If she was truly beaten deaf by You Yong, the situation is not good. Director Zhang, you have rich experience in rural work. Go down and investigate the true situation. Meanwhile, contact Su Jialin to probe his true thoughts."

Seeing Hou Weidong anxious, Zhang Jin suggested, "Even if compensated according to work-related death standards, it is only over twenty thousand yuan. Even if she is truly deaf, compensating over ten thousand yuan should be enough."

Hou Weidong instructed, "I entrust this matter to you. As long as the matter is resolved, the money can be slightly flexible. You decide."

Zhang Jin offered advice from a work perspective. "The price cannot be raised too high, otherwise it will encourage villagers to continue making scenes. In the future, it will be difficult for us to do anything. My suggestion is to negotiate with Su Jialin according to the standard, slightly higher than the standard."

"Okay. You have full authority to handle this matter. Try to keep it quiet, turning big matters into small ones and small matters into nothing." After some thought, Hou Weidong realized there was something fishy about this and was eager to resolve it.

This series of events consumed a lot of Hou Weidong’s energy. Several planned important tasks were delayed. After Zhang Jin left, he called Huang Yishu from Qingda Group.

"President Huang, when will you come over?"

After the Spring Festival, driven by the government’s policy to increase domestic demand, various places increased infrastructure investment. Qingda Group’s business volume increased significantly compared to last year. Huang Yishu of Qingda Group ran around within Lingxi Province, exhausted. The Tongyuan Machinery Factory project was already agreed upon, and he trusted the New Management Committee. He said, "I will not come over tomorrow. The new foundation of Tongyuan Machinery Factory will officially start on May 1st. Is there any problem?"

Hearing that Huang Yishu would not come to see the factory premises, Hou Weidong breathed a sigh of relief. "May 1st. We will respectfully welcome President Zhang and President Huang on time."

After hanging up the phone, before he could catch his breath, Yang Liu hurried in again. "Director Zhang said that the two evening newspaper reporters are acting officially. They interviewed the New Management Committee and are going to interview Su Jialin. It looks like they want to expose this matter. He asked if we should ask the Propaganda Department for help to suppress the article."