Chapter 742: When the Wind Blows, Even Pigs Can Fly

The Hai County case was quite complex, and even though Jiang Shiying focused on the key points, it still took him over ten minutes to explain.

According to him, the Hai County case had pointed directly to the county’s top official from the very beginning, and the task force had apprehended the main suspect immediately.

They had originally thought that with ample evidence, the case would be easy to solve, but they didn’t expect the ringleader to be a seasoned political veteran who had long anticipated this day and made preparations in advance.

He had destroyed most of the evidence pointing to him and had even formed a mutual defense pact with the other suspects, which made it extremely difficult for the task force to make any headway during their investigation in Hai County.

More importantly, after a period of investigation, just when the task force thought the ringleader was about to crack, the man actually attempted suicide—and he was determined to die.

This was a major problem. If he died, the case would truly be impossible to solve, and even if it were solved, it would be meaningless—after all, convicting a private citizen… let’s just forget about it!

Fortunately, following Jiang Shiying’s instructions, the task force promptly adjusted its strategy, focusing its efforts on the ringleader’s wife.

The main suspect’s wife had also been involved in shady dealings such as embezzlement, bribery, and smuggling, but she lacked the main suspect’s years of experience and composure honed in the bureaucratic arena.

Over the course of 19 days, the investigation team interrogated her 26 times and finally broke through with her testimony, bringing the case to a definitive conclusion.

Jiang Shiying’s return to Beijing was specifically to report on this case to the relevant leaders!

After listening to his father-in-law, Li Yi immediately smiled and said, “It’s good that the case is solved. Cracking such a major case is quite an achievement!”

However, Jiang Shiying sighed and said, “Don’t even mention any credit—we’ll be lucky if our merits and demerits cancel each other out this time!”

Seeing his father-in-law’s furrowed brow, Li Yi frowned and asked, “What do you mean by that?”

“You don’t know what’s under the surface in Hai County until you lift the lid. Once we did, we realized this festering wound runs far too deep and is far too vast—it has corroded not only the flesh and blood but the very marrow of the bones!”

Jiang Shiying continued, “While investigating this case, we discovered that Hai County has turned smuggling into a business involving the entire population. It’s even reached the point where the Party organizations in many townships have become command centers for smugglers. A total of 159 cases have been filed for investigation alongside this one, involving 316 people.”

“But despite the severity of the situation, neither the provincial nor municipal authorities were aware of it. The public security, procuratorial, and judicial organs, as well as the disciplinary inspection commission, were acting as if they were all collectively blind in this area. Do you realize just how serious the problem is?”

“Well… I see what you mean, but this isn’t entirely your fault. After all, you’ve only been in office as head of the Discipline Inspection Commission for a short time!” Li Yi said.

Jiang Shiying sighed and said, “One must fulfill the duties of one’s position and naturally bear the corresponding responsibilities. Even if one has been in office for just a single day, there is still accountability—let alone the fact that I’ve been in this role for quite some time now!”

“Most importantly, during this investigation, we’ve uncovered a large number of moles within our own system. If the higher-ups decide to punish me, I won’t feel wronged!”

“Are they really going to punish you?” Li Yi asked, frowning.

“Not exactly, but when I went to report the situation this morning, I did receive severe criticism from several leaders!” Jiang Shiying said.

“Criticism isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes, once the bosses have had their say, the matter is put to rest!” Li Yi said.

Jiang Shiying smiled and said, “I don’t need your consolation, kid. But I really do have to thank you this time. If it weren’t for your warning, the lightest punishment I’d have gotten would’ve been a demotion!”

“You’re my father-in-law—if I don’t help you, who else would I help?” Li Yi said.

“That’s true. I’ve given you my daughter Xue’er—how could I not help you?”

Then Jiang Shiying changed the subject and added, “By the way, during our talk today, the boss asked me if I’d be interested in switching positions!”

“What position?”

“Deputy Governor, in charge of economic development!” Jiang Shiying replied.

“Is this because of that case?”

“No, it’s mainly because of you!” Jiang Shiying said, dropping a bombshell.

“What does this have to do with me? I’m not even part of the system,” Li Yi said in surprise.

“After the members of the Hong Kong Chinese Chamber of Commerce visited Guangdong Province and Beijing, they’ve shown a strong interest in investing in the mainland, and most of them hope to invest in Guangdong Province.”

Jiang Shiying continued, “Given your immense influence there, combined with our relationship, the provincial government wants me to take charge of these matters.”

“At the same time, the higher-ups have high hopes for you. Once I’m transferred to the position of Deputy Governor, I’ll be able to support your efforts!”

Li Yi thought for a moment and said, “Actually, I think you should stick to your old line of work—don’t go taking that deputy governor position!”

“Oh? Care to explain your reasoning?”

Li Yi replied immediately, “I understand the thinking of the provincial government and those bigwigs higher up, but some matters aren’t as simple as everyone imagines. If you get involved, it will often be very difficult to handle!”

“When those people come to you for help, they’ll be unhappy if you don’t assist them. But if you do help, over time it will affect your reputation—and one day, it might even backfire on you.”

Jiang Shiying paused briefly before saying, “But right now, it’s not just the provincial government and higher-ups who want me to serve as Deputy Governor—even the businesspeople from Hong Kong are hoping I’ll take the position. If I refuse…”

Before Jiang Shiying could finish, Li Yi cut in: “It doesn’t matter if you refuse. Businesspeople are all about profit. As long as they can make money, it doesn’t matter who’s in charge—and conversely, it won’t matter who comes if they can’t!”

“Hmm, I see!”

Jiang Shiying then changed the subject and added, “But if I were to become that deputy governor, it would be such a boon to your business!”

Li Yi shook his head. “No need. First, most of my investments are overseas, and my domestic investments are concentrated in the north.”

“Second, what I need from the Jiang and Ye families is for you to simply stand behind me and maintain control of the situation. Unless absolutely necessary, you must never get personally involved.”

“Why is that? Isn’t it better to have us helping you?” Jiang Shiying asked.

“Father, politics is politics, and business is business!”

“What do you mean?”

“What I mean is, whether it’s the Jiang family or the Ye family, you should simply remain a political family. It’s best not to try to meddle in everything or control everything.”

Li Yi continued, “Setting aside the fact that our country would never allow a single powerful family to extend its influence into the military, political, and business spheres—even if the current leadership were to permit it, future rulers would certainly step in!”

“More importantly, when a family has both wealth and power, it’s often the beginning of corruption and decline. So if the Jiang and Ye families want to continue thriving, it’s best for them to keep things simple!”

Jiang Shiying pondered for a moment, then suddenly smiled.

“Heh, no wonder the old man always says you have a strategic vision—it’s true. Your perspective certainly extends further than ours!”

Li Yi smiled and said, “It’s not that I see far ahead—I’m just more level-headed!”

“Alright, I know exactly what to tell the higher-ups!”

Li Yi nodded and asked, “Didn’t Second Brother mention a job transfer? What’s the latest on that?”

“The transfer order has already come through. He arrived in Pengcheng a few days ago!”

“Great! Pengcheng is a fantastic opportunity. If Second Brother does well there, his future achievements won’t be anything to sneeze at!” Li Yi said cheerfully.

“You’re really that optimistic about that backwater?”

“Heh, it might be a backwater now, but just wait a few years. Its growth rate will definitely outpace most cities in the country, and it’s bound to become a bustling metropolis like Beijing or Shanghai!” Li Yi said.

“How is that possible? Beijing and Shanghai have been developing for hundreds, even thousands of years. How could Pengcheng possibly keep pace with them?”

“Why not?”

Li Yi then smiled and said, “Dad, let me share a saying with you!”

“What is it?”

“When you’re riding the wind, even a pig can fly—and Pengcheng is already riding that wind!” Li Yi said meaningfully.

Hearing this, Jiang Shiying was completely stunned!