Chapter 175: Rectification (Part 2)

For the common people of Yiyang County, the Di Foundation was nothing short of a massive storm. Storms, however, rarely arrive without warning. The whispers circulating in the shadows and the sudden surge of bank runs were the harbingers of the coming tempest.

Yet, until the storm actually breaks, no one truly believes the signs are real. Only those with a keen sense of smell, or those blessed with exceptional luck, can recognize these ombs for what they are.

Hou Weidong was one such lucky man. Having witnessed the Foundation’s lending practices firsthand and trusting Li Jing’s social acumen, he was firmly convinced that the Foundation would be shut down in the near future. Consequently, he had already considered his safety once the storm hit, and even devised plans to profit from the chaos.

When Zhao Yongsheng, Su Ming, Zhong Ruihua, and a stranger stepped out of their car with grim expressions, Hou Weidong felt a wave of relief. "My judgment was correct," he thought. "Otherwise, the newly formed Jinggong Group would be facing immense difficulties." He added silently, "I wonder what my second sister is thinking right now?"

Ten minutes later, the joint party and government meeting convened in the small conference room.

"Today, the County Party Committee officially conveyed the directives from Lingxi Province," Zhao Yongsheng announced. "Rural foundations will undergo comprehensive rectification. Starting today, the county will dispatch liquidation teams. All account books will be sealed on-site, and the liquidation teams will conduct audits and verification."

"This is Mr. Wu Ming, the head of the liquidation team."

Wu Ming spoke little. He simply stated, "I am from the Discipline Inspection Commission. I have been appointed as the head of the Qinglin Town liquidation team. I ask for your cooperation."

After Wu Ming took his seat, Zhao Yongsheng continued, "Town Mayor Su will outline the specific tasks. Finally, Comrade Wu will offer some concluding remarks."

Zhao Yongsheng had fought tirelessly against three successive partners to seize control of the Foundation. Just as he finally grasped this soap bubble, it unexpectedly burst. Life is far richer than fiction; bizarre novels often invite skepticism, whereas reality, though often stranger than fiction, is usually drowned in a sea of trivialities, making its strangeness go unnoticed.

Hou Weidong, as the divisional leader in charge of the Social Affairs Office and the Comprehensive Management Office, had never touched the Foundation’s affairs. Admittedly, he had once taken a loan from them, but that was as a customer, not as a town leader. Therefore, amidst this sudden storm, he maintained the mindset of a bystander. This was the appropriate attitude for a deputy official regarding the responsibilities of other leaders. A deputy’s primary duty is to tend to their own patch of land; it is best to remain silent on other matters.

After Su Ming finished speaking, Wu Ming merely offered a brief statement, sparing with his words and refusing to elaborate further.

Zhao Yongsheng finally turned his attention to Hou Weidong. "Town Mayor Hou, as the leader in charge of comprehensive management, you must take responsibility. Your task is to maintain social order and prevent any potential mass incidents. I am entrusting this to you. If anything goes wrong, you will be held accountable."

Hou Weidong had already harbored thoughts of leaving; his transfer out of Qinglin Town was only a matter of time. However, since he was still in post, duty bound him to accept this heavy responsibility. He did not decline. "Secretary Zhao, rest assured. I will prepare a contingency plan to prevent any potential mass incidents." In his heart, he thought, "I’ll take responsibility, but how much responsibility can one person really bear?"

Seeing Hou Weidong accept the task so straightforwardly, Zhao Yongsheng breathed a sigh of relief. Since becoming a deputy town mayor, Hou Weidong had proven to be quick-witted and resourceful, bringing order to his assigned duties. His work on funeral reform, in particular, had earned the appreciation of Vice County Mayor Gao. Within the party and government leadership team, his competence had increased the weight of his words.

Now, entrusting the critical task of preventing mass incidents to Hou Weidong gave Zhao Yongsheng peace of mind. He looked at Liu Kun, who was sitting upright and serious, and instructed, "Secretary Liu, convene a town-wide meeting this afternoon. Notify the heads of town-owned enterprises, the secondary leadership of the government, heads of all stations and offices, and especially the police station. All staff from the Agricultural Economy Station, as well as village party secretaries, directors, and clerks, must attend to convey the spirit of this morning’s meeting."

Having arranged all major and minor matters, Zhao Yongsheng finally asked, "Town Mayor Su, do you have any additions?"

Su Ming was playing with his pen, his expression serious. In his previous role as deputy town mayor, he had overseen the Foundation. At that time, Zhao Yongsheng and Qin Feiyue were fighting for power, and Su’s authority was limited; major decisions were made by the two main leaders. In other words, Su Ming had not derived any personal benefit from the Foundation’s operations. He was clean.

Therefore, he remained calm. After a moment’s thought, he said, "Town Mayor Zhong, you must put in extra effort regarding the investigation of the Foundation. Cooperate fully with the county’s inspection team. Report any major issues to Secretary Zhao immediately. This matter concerns the tens of thousands of depositors in Qinglin. You must exercise extreme caution."

These words were perfectly normal, but to Zhao Yongsheng, they were grating. He thought, "What constitutes a 'major issue'? Why report to me immediately? Su Ming is clearly speaking with hidden motives. Hmph, is he trying to kick me while I’m down?"

After the meeting adjourned, as everyone was leaving the conference room, Zhao Yongsheng stopped Hou Weidong. "Town Mayor Hou, Director Zhang from the Public Security Bureau is sending Li Jianyong over. Let’s have lunch together. It will serve as a welcome for Li Jianyong."

"Alright, I’ll wait in my office."

Back in his office, Hou Weidong leaned back, thinking, "Li Jianyong was the captain of the Criminal Investigation Brigade. Why was he demoted to the Qinglin police station? There must be a reason."

"Xi Zhaoyong, where are you?"

"Crazy, I’m at the police station. The new station chief arrived today, and we’re all waiting for his speech."

Hou Weidong lowered his voice. "Do you know why Li Jianyong was sent to Qinglin Town as station chief?"

Xi Zhaoyong, rarely dressed so neatly, stepped outside the police station upon receiving the call. "I’ve only heard rumors. Recently, major cases have been frequent in Yiyang City. Just in Shangqinglin, there have been two murder cases. The city’s security situation is chaotic. People’s Congress deputies and CPPCC members have raised many concerns. I heard County Party Secretary Zhu Yan is also looking into this. Li Jianyong, as the Criminal Investigation Captain, holds a position that is neither too high nor too low, making him the perfect scapegoat."

Hou Weidong knew that Xi Zhaoyong was merely a small-town police officer in a remote mountain area, lacking special intelligence. These were just rumors he had heard, so he did not press further.

"Has there been any result regarding Zeng Xiangang’s case?"

Xi Zhaoyong spoke softly, "I asked some brothers to inquire. Neither Zeng Xiangang nor Zeng Xiangzheng is in serious trouble. They will likely be released soon." He added, "I heard Zeng Xiangang suffered some hardships inside."

Thinking of his own experience at the procuratorate, Hou Weidong said, "That is torture to extract confessions. It is a clear violation of the law."

"That is the norm," Xi Zhaoyong replied. "Our Public Security Bureau’s equipment is outdated, and our interrogation methods are primitive. Without resorting to physical coercion, how can we solve cases?"

Hanging up the phone, Hou Weidong leaned back on the sofa, still pondering, "Why was Chen Jianyong exiled to Qinglin Town?"

This question lingered in Hou Weidong’s mind, refusing to fade. He had a vague suspicion that something was wrong with Zeng Xiangang. Although Li Jianyong had a bad temper, he had served as a criminal investigation captain and possessed some skill. If he was targeting Zeng Xiangang, then Zeng Xiangang was in big trouble.

Realizing this, Hou Weidong slapped his forehead hard. "It seems I was misled by TV dramas. People today would never sacrifice personal gain for public duty. He must have been betrayed by someone within the Public Security Bureau."

The sound of car horns echoed in the courtyard—a commanding, authoritative honk. Hou Weidong walked to the window and saw a Passat and a police Santana driving into the yard.

Zhao Yongsheng walked to Hou Weidong’s door. "Director Zhang has arrived. Let’s go greet him."

Following Zhao Yongsheng, Hou Weidong thought, "I’ve long heard that Deputy Director Zhang Zhengkun of the Public Security Bureau has extensive connections. Seeing Zhao Yongsheng’s attitude, this must be true."

In Yiyang, there were rules for greeting guests. As the head of the town, Zhao Yongsheng would only go into the courtyard to welcome leaders from the county’s four major leadership teams or heads of important bureaus. Today, he personally went to the courtyard to welcome Deputy Director Zhang of the Public Security Bureau. Seeing this, it was clear that Deputy Director Zhang had some background, and the relationship between Zhao and Zhang was no ordinary one.

Suddenly, he remembered Qin Feiyue. "Qin Feiyue and Chao Jie were caught soliciting prostitutes. Was that really a coincidence?"

In the courtyard, a dark-faced man in plain clothes stepped out of the car. He was not tall, and his expression was fierce. He stood by the car, engrossed in a phone call. Zhao Yongsheng smiled and shook hands with Li Jianyong first. Only after the dark-faced man finished his call did he warmly say, "Director Zhang, what an honor to have you here."

A smile finally appeared on Zhang Zhengkun’s cold face. His face was extremely thin, and his smile was like swimming in ice water—cold before it could fully form.

Shaking Zhao Yongsheng’s hand, he said, "Brother Zhao, today I am entrusting my capable general to you. I need not speak much about Jianyong’s work ability. I have only one request: as the local ruler, you must provide ample financial support to the police station."

He then turned to Li Jianyong. "Li Jianyong, I have two requirements for you. First, report to Secretary Zhao frequently. Without the government’s support, the police station will struggle to move an inch at the grassroots level. Second, increase the intensity of your crackdowns. Qinglin Town has many cases. I am giving you half a year to clear out the weeds in Qinglin. Only when the weeds are cleared will we consider your return to the city."

Li Jianyong had already heard the rumors against him, but he did not expect them to be so accurate. As a criminal investigation captain, he had major cases in hand, with leads finally emerging. Yet, due to the outrage of People’s Congress deputies, he was demoted to Qinglin Town. He felt a surge of emotion, but Zhang Zhengkun was a veteran criminal investigation captain, a former expert in solving difficult cases, and now the absolute authority in case detection at the Yiyang County Public Security Bureau. Under his accumulated authority, Li Jianyong could only nod.

Once inside the conference room, Zhao Yongsheng introduced, "This is Hou Weidong, the deputy town mayor in charge of political and legal affairs and comprehensive management." Hou Weidong extended his hand, but Zhang Zhengkun showed no expression, shaking it lightly before sitting down next to Zhao Yongsheng.

***

Chapter 176: Rectification (Part 3)

The news of the Foundation’s rectification spread instantly, causing widespread panic. In front of the Foundation’s door, men and women, young and old, held their deposit slips, demanding to convert them into cash.

However, after the county government issued a notice, only a few people with苦瓜-like (bitter) expressions remained guarding the storefront. Naturally, there was not a single cent inside.

Hou Weidong had accepted the task of maintaining public order. Although he knew it was a thankless job, duty bound him, and he could not shirk it. He stood outside the crowd with Fu Jiang from the Comprehensive Management Office, Zhou Qiang from the police station, and others. Their task was to maintain order and prevent the public from acting rashly.

Zhong Ruihua, the deputy town mayor in charge, and Bai Chuncheng also stood inside the store, arguing with over a dozen resident representatives. He had initially tried to explain patiently, but facing growing skepticism, he unconsciously turned explanation into argument. However, since the Foundation could not pay out, even a genius debater could not persuade the public, let alone someone with mediocre eloquence. Soon, he was left speechless, sweat pouring down his face.

In contrast, Propaganda Officer Zhou Jing, sharp-tongued and skilled in the art of arguing honed at home, mixed with the crowd and held her own.

As the saying goes, truth becomes clearer through debate. This is undoubtedly true. The residents now clearly understood that the Foundation’s accounts were sealed. Retrieving their money, or even just the principal without interest, was temporarily impossible.

"This is our blood and sweat money! Return our blood and sweat money! The government must keep its word and not cheat the people!" A thin teacher, emotionally agitated, waved his deposit slip. Having taught ideological and political courses on the podium for years, he read more newspapers than others and had a general understanding of national policies. Under his influence, the large crowd began to clamor.

The public’s chants were uniform and loud. Zhou Jing had no choice but to fall silent.

Hou Weidong watched the scene with his arms crossed. He had no power to stop it, nor did he wish to. In his heart, he leaned towards the common people. "If they can’t withdraw their hard-earned money, what harm is there in shouting a bit?"

Emotions are contagious. As the shouting continued, the crowd demonstrating at the Foundation’s door began to riot. Someone threw objects at the Foundation. Bai Chuncheng’s usually neat hair was now disheveled, his face covered in sweat. He ran to Hou Weidong, anxious. "These people are about to surround the government building. That Xin Min is jumping around the most. He says he will petition in Yiyang County, and if he can’t get his money, he will go to Shazhou, Lingxi, and even the State Council. Town Mayor Hou, you must think of a solution."

Seeing the crowd gradually shifting towards the government building, Hou Weidong said, "What solution can I offer? If they can’t get their money, they will certainly make a scene. We can only wait for their emotions to soften slightly, then break them down individually and handle them separately."

Bai Chuncheng, with a bitter face, ran back to Zhong Ruihua’s side.

Police officer Zhou Qiang, adopting an attitude of "if it doesn’t concern me, I’ll keep my hands in my pockets," stood beside Hou Weidong. "Those bastards at the Foundation never expected this day. Last year, when I asked them for a loan, they were so snooty. Now karma has caught up with them. This investigation will surely see many Foundation officials lose their claws."

Seeing the crowd shift direction, Hou Weidong instructed Fu Jiang and Zhou Qiang, "We cannot let these people go upstairs. Block the stairs. Only allow them to select representatives to come to the large conference room on the ground floor."

Fu Jiang and Zhou Qiang led the Comprehensive Management Office staff, civil patrol officers, and Party and Government Office staff to form a line, blocking the staircase.

Countless deposit slips were thrust under Hou Weidong’s nose, and countless droplets of saliva flew onto his face. The noise was like a herd of galloping horses, turning the government compound into a vegetable market.

The thin teacher, Xin Min, stood at the front. "We want to see Zhao Yongsheng and Su Ming. Let them come and explain to us. The government must stamp and write a commitment letter." He raised his arm, and the crowd responded in unison.

Hou Weidong had already seen the signs. "Teacher Xin Min, select a few representatives to come in. Shouting like this will not solve any problems." The thin Xin Min said to Hou Weidong, "Town Mayor Hou, it’s not that we want to cause trouble. I have been teaching for over twenty years, saving and frugally accumulating over twenty thousand yuan. This is our blood and sweat money. I don’t want interest; just return the principal to me."

Hou Weidong said, "This is not up to me. The county government will arrange this uniformly. I hope you can understand."

Knowing he could not explain it clearly, Hou Weidong followed the pre-arranged plan and said again, "Teacher Xin Min, find a few representatives to go to the ground floor. With all this noise, we can’t even hear each other, let alone solve the problem."

Xin Min said, "If Secretary Zhao comes to talk to us personally, we can select representatives first."

The government compound was in chaos, relieving the pressure at the Foundation’s door. Zhong Ruihua and Bai Chuncheng quickly slipped back into the store to drink water and rest. Before their bottoms had even warmed the seats, Zhao Yongsheng called. "Town Mayor Zhong, Station Chief Bai, and Station Chief Huang, come to the government building immediately. Go to the ground floor conference room and explain the situation to the public."

The representatives entered the ground floor conference room, while the crowd gathered in threes and twos in the government compound, waiting for the final news.

The rectification of the Foundation was a decision from the higher-ups. Qinglin Town had no authority to make decisions. Inviting the representatives to the conference room was merely to read out the documents from Shazhou City and Yiyang County.

Zhao Yongsheng repeatedly assured them, "Once the liquidation team finishes auditing the Foundation’s accounts, we will… You must trust the government. The government will never cheat you."

As soon as he finished speaking, someone interrupted, "You just said the Foundation belongs to the government. How could it be sealed just ten days later? The government cannot be trusted now."

Zhao Yongsheng’s face darkened. "Xin Min, you are a state teacher. How can you lead a riot? You have no awareness at all. How can you teach students with such behavior?" In his heart, he thought, "Once the situation calms down, I must transfer this Xin Min to the most remote village school."

Under Zhao Yongsheng’s stern gaze, Xin Min felt inexplicably guilty, and his voice gradually lowered.

When the representatives emerged from the ground floor conference room, the answers they brought clearly did not satisfy the crowd, and the uproar began again. Zhao Yongsheng returned to his office and called the police station. "Station Chief Li, you must come over personally. If something happens at the government building, you will have a hard time explaining it." Due to the urgency, Zhao Yongsheng’s tone was serious and devoid of humor.

Li Jianyong did not take the Foundation matter seriously, as he had tens of thousands of yuan deposited there himself. He dawdled for a while. Only when Zhao Yongsheng made a second call did he appear in the government compound with Wang Yibing and Old Xia.

Although all personnel from the Qinglin police station were deployed, the standoff lasted until 5:00 PM. The crowd gradually dispersed, but a few stubborn individuals remained firmly in the government compound.

After nightfall, these stubborn depositors had no choice but to leave the compound. They agreed among themselves to return to the government building the next day to "work."

Hou Weidong had guarded the government compound all day and was truly exhausted. Zhou Qiang had been by his side all along and joked, "Town Mayor Hou, I’ve been your follower for a day. Let’s have some drinks tonight to boost the morale of your subordinates."

"Dinner is a small matter. Director Fu, arrange a table at Zhang’s Restaurant. Our Comprehensive Management Office will also welcome Station Chief Li."

The police station was a department with real power, especially since it controlled explosives, indirectly controlling the lifeline of the stone quarries. Therefore, Hou Weidong was eager to win over Li Jianyong and resolve the minor unpleasantness between them.

Zhou Qiang smiled and returned to the police station. "Station Chief Li, the Comprehensive Management Office is hosting a welcome dinner for you at Zhang’s Restaurant." Li Jianyong asked, "Who is the divisional leader of the Comprehensive Management Office? Hou Weidong? What is he like?"

"Hou Weidong studied law, understands business operations, and is a decent person. He oversees comprehensive management and cooperates well with the police station."

Although Li Jianyong was no longer the Criminal Investigation Captain, he still had the Shangqinglin cases on his mind. These unsolved major cases were stains on his career. His eyes were hollow as he stared at a small black spot on the wall. "Hou Weidong is the big boss of the Shangqinglin stone quarry. Why didn’t he react when Heiwa came looking for trouble the last few times?"

Zhou Qiang thought, "Li Jianyong probably has occupational disease. He sees everyone as a suspect." He respected the experts in the Yiyang Public Security system. Although he disagreed internally, he said, "The Shangqinglin stone quarry formed a Crushing Association. Qin Dajiang is the nominal president, but Hou Weidong actually makes most of the decisions."

Li Jianyong said, "Hou Weidong is a government official. How can he openly run a stone quarry?" Zhou Qiang laughed, "Hou Weidong runs the quarry under other people’s names and hires managers. He acts as a hands-off boss." Li Jianyong insisted in his heart, "These cases must be related to the Crushing Association." He stood up. "Since Town Mayor Hou is treating us, how could we refuse?"

Zhou Qiang followed behind Li Jianyong, thinking, "Li Jianyong has gone mad from investigating cases. Having dinner is like attending the Banquet at Hongmen."

At Zhang’s Restaurant, the wine was good, and the food was excellent. Hou Weidong led the Comprehensive Management Office in a drinking battle with the police station. Everyone from the Comprehensive Management Office got drunk. Relying on Hou Weidong’s large capacity for alcohol, he drank himself into a stupor and managed to get Li Jianyong thoroughly intoxicated as well.

The next day, Li Jianyong woke up on time, washed his face with cold water, but still felt a headache. He cursed, "Damn Hou Weidong. He drinks like water."

As the saying goes, killing a thousand enemies costs eight hundred of your own. Hou Weidong, having drunk Li Jianyong under the table, was not unscathed. He woke up with a heavy head. After walking around the garden, he went to Yao’s Tofu Pudding Shop, ate two bowls of tofu pudding soup, and a bowl of spicy tofu pudding. Only then did he feel somewhat better.

Upon arriving in town, crowds had already gathered at the Foundation’s door and outside the government compound. Seeing Hou Weidong approach, some acquaintances greeted him. "Town Mayor Hou, when will the town cash out our money?" Hou Weidong advised, "Trust the government. They will not let you suffer losses. The county has not yet released a specific plan. Wait patiently at home. Waiting here is pointless."

Because Hou Weidong engaged with them, he was quickly surrounded by the crowd. One by one, they began by requesting the government to return their money, but eventually, some became emotionally agitated and started cursing.

Among the crowd were people from Shangqinglin. They began to speak up for Hou Weidong. "Town Mayor Hou has nothing to do with the Foundation. Don’t curse him blindly."