Chapter 435: Implications (Part 2)

Once the Procuratorate officially filed the case, Ning Que, Secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, proactively called Zhou Changquan, Secretary of the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee, at the request of Gao Xianglin.

The official filing by the Procuratorate marked a critical turning point. It meant that Kong Zhengyi’s transgressions had escalated from violations of Party discipline to breaches of national law. The nature of the incident had undergone a qualitative change. Kong Zhengyi was now almost certainly facing the full force of the law, and with the judicial organs involved, a wider array of investigative measures could be employed.

Zhou Changquan had been mentally prepared for this development. On the phone, he stated firmly, “The Shazhou Municipal Party Committee’s stance is clear: we will show no leniency toward corrupt elements. The Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government will fully cooperate.”

However, after hanging up the red telephone, he couldn’t help but curse under his breath. “That bastard. His guts are truly *** huge. Heaven-made sins may be forgiven, but self-inflicted ones are unforgivable.”

Hou Weidong had been working under Zhou Changquan for quite some time, yet this was the first time he had heard his superior use such coarse language. He was taken aback.

Zhou Changquan paced back and forth in his office. Noticing Hou Weidong’s surprised expression, he offered a self-deprecating remark. “A Municipal Party Secretary is still human. Can’t I say a few rough words?” He paused, then added, “Hand me a cigarette.”

Zhang Yongtai had died under mysterious circumstances, and Kong Zhengyi had been arrested in a humiliating manner. Zhou Changquan’s anger was palpable, and Hou Weidong understood this perfectly. He retrieved a pack of newly released plain-white cigarettes from the Shazhou Cigarette Factory from his drawer, handed one to Zhou Changquan, and lit it for him.

Zhou Changquan took several harsh drags. The smoke irritated his throat, causing him to cough several times. He said, “I tried to quit smoking several times in the past. I’ve slipped up these last few days. This is the last cigarette. From now on, no matter what happens, I will not smoke again. You keep an eye on me.”

Standing by the window, watching the cars come and go in the Municipal Party Committee compound, Zhou Changquan smoked with a furrowed brow. After a moment of contemplation, he turned to Hou Weidong, who stood nearby. “What are your thoughts on the recent incidents involving Kong Zhengyi and Zhang Yongtai?”

Hou Weidong had been keeping his mind sharp, constantly analyzing these two events. He replied, “Let’s start with Secretary Zhang’s case. Since the Public Security Bureau cannot reach a definitive conclusion, we cannot rule out the possibility that someone tampered with the vehicle. The phosphate mines are like唐僧 meat—everyone wants a piece. Secretary Zhang’s attempt to rectify the mining industry undoubtedly stirred the hornet’s nest of vested interests. If someone did tamper with the car, that is the motive.”

“From another perspective, even if Secretary Zhang truly died in the line of duty, the order in the phosphate mines must still be rectified. This is not just an issue for Chengjin County; it is a shared problem across several phosphate mining districts. If we delay, we risk nurturing a tiger that will eventually turn against us.”

Hou Weidong drew this conclusion for two reasons. First, Zhou Changquan had repeatedly emphasized the need to rectify the mining order. Zhang Yongtai had gone to the mountains specifically to conduct research to implement Zhou’s directives. Second, his trip to Chengjin had left a deep impression on him. The rampant behavior of Li Dongfang and the words spoken by Qin Gan on the winding mountain roads had given him profound insight into the chaotic mining order in Chengjin County.

“Regarding Kong Zhengyi’s case, he must bear responsibility for his actions. However, given his special position, I am concerned that this might cause instability within the cadre team.”

Zhou Changquan listened with intense focus. Seeing that Hou Weidong had paused, he asked, “Have you finished?”

“For now, these are the only points I have considered,” Hou Weidong replied.

Zhou Changquan pointed out the window. “Look at the large trees outside the compound. When the wind blows, the treetops sway incessantly. The tree wants to be still, but the wind will not cease. The swaying of the tree is merely the surface phenomenon; the wind is the key driver.”

“You have already identified the core issue in the Chengjin matter. The ‘wind’ in Chengjin—the core is the interest in phosphate mining. The complexity of the situation exceeds your imagination. Therefore, in my personal opinion, the cause of Zhang Yongtai’s death is certainly not as simple as a traffic accident.”

Zhou Changquan had always harbored deep resentment over Zhang Yongtai’s death. Zhang had once been his most promising subordinate, always capable of executing his intentions. This time, Zhang had taken on the task of rectifying the mining order in Chengjin directly assigned by Zhou himself. Precisely because of this, Zhou could not let go of the tragedy.

Hou Weidong was struck by surprise again. Usually, Zhou Changquan spoke with great measure, rarely being so blunt. He knew exactly which words were appropriate and which were not, mastering the timing perfectly. Such statements, lacking concrete evidence, clearly fell into the category of things that should not be said.

“Zhang Yongtai was a fierce general, capable of charging and fighting. Compared to you, he was older, but his锐气 (sharpness/aggressiveness) was even greater. I have observed you for a long time. Your greatest strength is your ability to think deeply and act with rigorous logic. In this regard, you surpass Zhang Yongtai. However, you lack that same sharpness.”

“Of course, having never governed a region independently, whether you dare to charge and fight still needs to be tested by practice. I will not make a final judgment now.”

Hou Weidong felt somewhat unconvinced. He thought to himself, I am a secretary. Service is my duty. If I were truly daring and aggressive, would I still be a secretary?

“Director Wu mentioned that in Chengjin, you were the one who struck Li Dongfang first?”

“Li Dongfang was pushing his luck too far. We had originally planned to dine at the Chengjin Hotel. When we arrived at the entrance, we only delayed for a minute or two. Li Dongfang came down to curse at us and stood on the hood of the Mengning car, kicking it hard. Director Wu did not wish to reveal his identity, so I punched Li Dongfang.”

“There were many other ways to handle the situation. Resorting to violence was the worst option.” Zhou Changquan noticed Hou Weidong’s slightly embarrassed expression and continued, “Director Wu’s identity could not be exposed, but yours could have been revealed. The conflict would have dissolved into nothingness.”

“Even if you did not reveal your identity, you could have fabricated a reason. Claiming to be a friend of Jiang Xiangyu or Zhang Yongtai would have sufficed. Both you and Director Wu were driving good cars. Such a reason would not have seemed abrupt.”

“Even without revealing identities, the dispute could have been resolved through words. You acted rashly by starting a fight on someone else’s turf, especially with Director Wu by your side. Although you had backing and nothing serious happened in the end, it was unwise. Therefore, my evaluation of your performance this time is merely a passing grade.”

Zhou Changquan’s analysis was piercing, leaving Hou Weidong feeling ashamed. He admitted, “I was impulsive at the time and did not consider the problem comprehensively.”

Zhou Changquan continued, “As for Kong Zhengyi’s case, there are deeper reasons. Of course, I am not shielding Kong Zhengyi. As I said, heaven-made sins may be forgiven, but self-inflicted ones are unforgivable. Kong Zhengyi brought this upon himself. However, this case also reveals that someone is manipulating things from behind the scenes. Kong Zhengyi’s position is indeed special. Pulling one hair moves the whole body.”

He let out a cold, mocking chuckle to himself. “Using Kong Zhengyi as a medicinal primer… they probably thought too simply.”

Hou Weidong vaguely guessed at some underlying matters. However, since these involved high-level leaders and Zhou Changquan did not elaborate, he could only listen without asking too many detailed questions.

Being a secretary required sharp eyesight and sensitive hearing; what was least needed was a glib tongue. He pondered silently, The county and city leadership changes are coming next year. Is this malicious wind blowing specifically for next year’s transition?

At that moment, Hou Weidong’s mobile phone rang. Just as he was about to answer, Zhou Changquan said, “For unimportant people and matters, do not meet today.” Hou Weidong glanced at the number and saw it was Liu Dazhi. Knowing that Liu Dazhi never quite made the cut in Zhou Changquan’s eyes, he said, “Director Liu, Secretary Zhou is busy and has no time today. Please contact me tomorrow.”

Zhou Changquan had a clear purpose in this conversation with Hou Weidong, though he did not wish to reveal it yet. At this moment, he wanted to instill some of his own viewpoints and impart some experience. Seeing that Hou Weidong had put away his phone, he changed the subject. “Director Wu praised you quite a bit, commending your decisiveness and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.”

He was old friends with Wu Ying and was familiar with both Wu Ying and Xiang Yong. He understood that Wu Ying likely praised Hou Weidong because he saw a faint shadow of the young Xiang Yong in him. Of course, this involved Wu Ying’s privacy, so he would not mention it in front of Hou Weidong.

Hou Weidong did not understand why Zhou Changquan was first suppressing and then praising him. He was about to listen carefully for clarification when Zhou Changquan waved his hand. “Just chatting to lighten the mood. Let’s go to the Southern New District now. Tell Gao Jian to wait for us at the new site.”

The relocation site for the four major leadership bodies had changed several times. The “new site” was the latest candidate. Compared to the initial selection, this new site was farther from the East and West urban districts, located almost on the edge of the Southern New District. Precisely because of this, once the new site came into the Municipal Party Committee’s view, it immediately attracted widespread attention from Shazhou citizens, with mixed reviews.

By the time Zhou Changquan’s party arrived at the new site, Gao Jian, Secretary of the Southern New District, was already waiting by the roadside. Zhou Changquan remarked, “You are quick. Do not drive too fast; pay attention to safety.” Gao Jian smiled and replied, “I wasn’t driving fast. I was already at the construction site when I received the call.”

He was smiling, but seeing no smile on Zhou Changquan’s face, he quickly suppressed his expression. He thought to himself, Zhang Yongtai’s car accident has truly hit the boss hard. He appears cold on the outside but is warm-hearted; he appears tough but is soft inside. He must be feeling terrible.

Gao Jian did not know how to comfort him. He followed closely behind Zhou Changquan, talking as they walked. Zhou Changquan nodded frequently but asked few questions. They walked a large circle around the new site, and Zhou Changquan showed no sign of stopping.

Gao Jian was a middle-aged man of a pale, plump build. Zhou Changquan, despite sitting in an office for long hours, always had a faintly dark complexion. If separated and viewed individually, Gao Jian looked more like an entrepreneur, while Zhou Changquan would definitely be identified as a cadre. However, no one would guess he was a department-level official; at most, they would assume he was a bureau-level official between principal section and deputy department level.

When walking together, Zhou Changquan moved with swift, confident strides, his eyes bright and full of self-assurance. Gao Jian, with his full figure and suit, followed behind with a smile on his face. At this moment, Zhou Changquan exuded more of the aura and demeanor of a leader than the elegant Gao Jian.

Zhou Changquan suddenly asked, “You recommended this location? What is the reason?” He had visited the new site twice with Hou Weidong alone and was internally inclined to approve of the location, but his tone was serious as he asked.

The sun was blazing, and the weather was hot. Sweat covered Gao Jian’s forehead. He wiped it with his hand and said, “Although the new site is a bit far, it has stronger driving potential. Centered on the new site, there is a large flat area, which is rare in Shazhou. The Xinwo River has a small volume of water, but it is flowing live water. Urban construction gains spirit with water. Shazhou as a whole lacks water, so the value of this Xinwo River will eventually be realized.”

Zhou Changquan walked with his hands behind his back, scrutinizing the flat land covered with tall reeds.

Seeing Zhou Changquan’s profound and unfathomable expression, Gao Jian secretly glanced at Hou Weidong for a hint but received none. His eyes darted, and he said, “Secretary Zhou, the weather is too hot. Shall we return to the office? The urban design engineers from Beijing arrived this morning.”

Zhou Changquan remained unmoved. Still with his hands behind his back, he gazed into the distance and suddenly said, “The Feng Shui here is quite good, isn’t it? A Feng Shui master from Hong Kong?”

Gao Jian was momentarily stunned, but his facial expression remained natural. He said, “People in the construction industry believe most in Feng Shui. Hiring a famous Feng Shui master as a matchmaker is more effective than government propaganda.” He scratched his head like a student who had made a mistake and chuckled, “Only when there are more developers will the Southern New District become prosperous. As it is now, the scenery is nice, but it still lacks the look of a city.”

“Was the Feng Shui master invited by Qin Li from Hong Kong?”

Gao Jian dared not hide anything from Zhou Changquan. He said, “Qin Li has been coming frequently recently. She intends to develop projects in the Southern New District.”

Qin Li was the sister of Qin Lu, Vice Governor of the Provincial Government. This was common knowledge. Zhou Changquan had already received Qin Li, so he was naturally aware.

“Anyone willing to invest in Shazhou is our honored guest. Qin Li is an honored guest, and other guests are as well. You are on the front line. You must act with principles and strictly follow the requirements of the Municipal Party Committee and Municipal Government.”

“Kong Zhengyi destroyed his own future. He is now certainly regretting it too late.”

At this point, sweat was not only on Gao Jian’s forehead but also pouring from his back. He knew Zhou Changquan was using this opportunity to warn him. He hurriedly said, “Secretary Zhou, please rest assured. I will remember your words. Do not stretch out your hand; if you do, you will be caught.”

Zhou Changquan softened his expression. “The Southern New District is a piece of fat meat. Many people are eyeing it, and their purposes vary. As the top leader, your head must be twelve times clear. Do not be sold out by others and still count the money for them.”