Chapter 413: Sensitivity (Part 1)

Hou Weidong saw Xiaojia standing at the doorway and said, "Go back to the dormitory first. I’ll come over once I finish reviewing the draft. This is the speech Secretary Zhou needs for tomorrow afternoon."

Xiaojia returned to the dormitory but soon found herself bored. Hou Weidong had conducted a thorough "clearance operation" in their room, removing all household appliances except for a flashlight and a desk lamp. He was determined to eliminate any potential electromagnetic radiation that might affect the mother and child.

Hou Weidong’s stubbornness and seriousness about this matter made Xiaojia feel cared for, but with only a flashlight and a lamp left, the room felt somewhat dull. She lay on the bed, and before long, drowsiness overtook her again.

Just as she was drifting off, Hou Weidong walked in. Xiaojia opened her eyes and said, "Stay and chat with me for a while." Hou Weidong lay down beside her and asked, "Zhu Yanbing brought your father back to the factory. Does he genuinely need technical expertise, or does he have ulterior motives?"

Xiaojia replied, "How significant could his motives be? Besides, even if he has some hidden agenda, it’s likely for the good of the factory. Why not support him?"

"In the future, if anyone tries to send money to our home, we must not accept it. Accepting favors makes one indebted and weak," Hou Weidong warned, recalling Kong Zhengyi’s pitiful appearance under the trees.

Xiaojia couldn’t help but laugh. "Save that advice for when you’re the top leader. For now, hardly anyone comes to our house to bribe us."

Hou Weidong asked, "Do you remember how many red envelopes I received during the Spring Festival? How much was it in total?" During the Spring Festival, prominent units in Shazhou would seize the opportunity to give red envelopes, which fell into a gray area of income. As Deputy Director of the Municipal Party Committee Office, the standard red envelope was usually 500 yuan, or 1,000 yuan from more generous sources. Hou Weidong remembered receiving quite a few but hadn’t paid much attention to the exact amount. After returning home, he had handed them all over to Xiaojia.

Xiaojia covered her mouth and laughed. "Let me guess how much you received?" Having served as an office director herself, she had given out many red envelopes and knew that such gray-area money was relatively safe and didn’t require excessive worry.

"I don’t know. I never counted them," Hou Weidong said, trying to recall. "Maybe around 10,000 to 20,000 yuan?"

Xiaojia leaned close to his ear and whispered, "It totals 56,000 yuan."

Hou Weidong was startled. His monthly salary, including phone and other subsidies, amounted to just over 1,000 yuan. His annual official income wouldn’t exceed 15,000 yuan. The red envelopes he received during the Spring Festival were roughly equivalent to four years’ salary. "That’s far too much," he said.

Xiaojia, having served as Deputy Director of the Construction Committee Office, had also given out many red envelopes and understood the situation well. "Giving red envelopes is a form of gray income, but it’s also a clear reflection of social hierarchy. Most people don’t receive this much. People gave you red envelopes because of Secretary Zhou’s influence. If you weren’t Secretary Zhou’s personal secretary but remained Deputy Director of the Municipal Party Committee Office, you’d probably receive two-thirds less. If you were just a regular staff member in the office, the amount would be a fraction of what you got now."

She continued, "The envelope from the Construction Committee contained 2,000 yuan, which is equivalent to the level of the Municipal Government Secretary-General. Last year, when I gave a red envelope to Meng Houshi, the Secretary-General, I only gave 2,000 yuan. In departments like the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, the Party Working Committee, the Youth League, and the Women’s Federation, there were hardly any red envelopes. Many cadres without real power or authority didn’t receive any at all. Even within the same government compound, the disparity can be hundreds of times. That’s just how realistic society is."

This year-end red envelope phenomenon was common in Shazhou and even across Lingxi Province. Of course, those who received red envelopes from outside the system were always leaders or key figures in powerful departments. Zhou Changquan was aware of this situation. As long as everyone stayed within acceptable limits, he turned a blind eye and didn’t make a big deal out of it.

This practice had historical roots. In feudal dynasties, officials’ salaries were notoriously low. For example, a Ming Dynasty official at the prefecture level earned barely more than 1,000 yuan in kind per month, and they were still responsible for paying their subordinates. This led to practices like "ice respect" and "charcoal respect," which evolved into the tradition of giving red envelopes during festivals.

Hou Weidong, with his substantial income, didn’t care much about these red envelopes. Reflecting on the majority of ordinary government officials, he sighed, "There’s a lot of criticism of cadres online, but most of them have no real power or resources. Resources are concentrated in the hands of a few, while most cadres earn very little. Their only advantages are a decent reputation and stable income."

"However, if I refused these red envelopes, I’d become an outlier, which might hinder my work."

After another round of reflections, Hou Weidong told Xiaojia, "Keep this money and use it as you see fit. But apart from this gray income, if anyone tries to send money to our home, you must not accept it. We don’t lack money. Don’t let small matters derail our bigger plans."

Many colleagues came to visit Xiaojia, so she wasn’t isolated from news. She said, "There’s a rumor in Shazhou about a whistleblowing letter targeting Kong Zhengyi from the Finance Bureau. Have you heard about it?"

Hou Weidong pressed his face against Xiaojia’s swollen belly, feeling the movements of the baby inside, and said, "I’ve heard of it. Anyone can send a letter for eight cents. Don’t take it too seriously."

He added, "My position is sensitive. Don’t spread these rumors. If your colleagues discuss it, just listen. If you join in, it might reach the ears of those with ulterior motives and cause trouble."

Xiaojia deliberately pouted. "Do you think you’re a celebrity, with scandals following you everywhere?" Though she said this, she understood that her husband’s position was sensitive, and many people were watching him. Some things indeed shouldn’t be said carelessly.

News of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission’s First Office arriving in Shazhou was kept within a very small circle. However, rumors spread like wind across the fields, finding every crack. Most of these rumors were distorted, and some even exaggeratedly claimed that Shazhou’s top leaders were involved. People always loved to talk about the most sensational rumors.

On the morning of the fourth day, Chen Zaixi and Ji Daolin came to Zhou Changquan’s office together.

Zhou Changquan usually met guests in his office without leaving his desk, but today he made an exception. The three sat on the large leather sofa, chatting like old friends. Hou Weidong brewed Tieguanyin tea for them and sat nearby with a notebook.

When it came to discussing the matter formally, Chen Zaixi straightened up, opened his notebook, and said, "Through our investigation, the issues raised in the whistleblowing letter differ significantly from the facts."

"First, regarding the false expenditure issue: In December 1996, Kong Zhengyi did have the cashier open a credit card for him and deposit 60,000 yuan. Later, he used 50,000 yuan in invoices to offset the account. The remaining 10,000 yuan was offset four months later. There’s nothing wrong with that."

"In May 1997, during a trip to Europe for inspection, he borrowed 30,000 yuan in cash. Later, he reimbursed 60,000 yuan, which complied with reimbursement procedures."

"Second, regarding the alleged 70,000 yuan in gambling debts: There’s no evidence. The parties involved at the auto repair shop denied this."

"Third, regarding the reimbursement for the new house renovation: Last year, part of the Finance Bureau building was renovated, and the accounts are normal."

"Fourth, regarding the acceptance of New Year’s money: No evidence found."

Zhou Changquan had anticipated this outcome. He picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and waited for Chen Zaixi to continue.

Chen Zaixi said seriously, "Although Comrade Kong Zhengyi did not engage in the illegal or disciplinary violations mentioned in the whistleblowing letter, our investigation did uncover some negative tendencies, such as extravagant eating and spending. Of the 60,000 yuan on the credit card, 40,000 yuan was spent on meals. Although there were signatures from handlers and divisional leaders, and the procedures were complete, the amount spent on meals is still excessive."

"Additionally, although the Finance Bureau’s renovation looks similar to ordinary office furniture, all the items are high-end brands and quite expensive."

After detailing the specific issues, Chen Zaixi summarized, "While the issues mentioned above don’t warrant disciplinary action, the trend is worth noting. Deputy Secretary Liao Ping has reported this, and this is his opinion as well."

Every era has its most sought-after departments. In times of material scarcity, departments like grain, food, and supply cooperatives were the most popular. After the reform and opening-up, material shortages became history, and the most scarce resource became capital. Departments managing money, such as banks, finance bureaus, and tax bureaus, became highly coveted. In every region, the most imposing and luxurious buildings belonged to these three departments.

For this reason, the Finance Bureau was always generous with its spending, a common practice across Lingxi Province, including the Provincial Finance Department.

Zhou Changquan understood the nuances of this situation. He naturally agreed with the issues pointed out by Chen Zaixi on behalf of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission and made some formal remarks.

Seeing that the timing was right, Ji Daolin said, "Now that the formal matters are done, I have a suggestion. A new large hot spring has been developed in Shazhou. Director Chen, why not take a soak to wash away the fatigue of the past four days?"

Chen Zaixi, having completed his mission, felt relaxed and readily agreed to Ji Daolin’s suggestion.

"Xiao Hou, you’re Director Chen’s classmate. I’ll leave this task to you today. Accompany Director Chen to the hot spring, and after soaking, return to the Small Guesthouse for lunch," Zhou Changquan instructed Hou Weidong before leaving.

The hot spring was located in the southern new district, named "Tuochen" (Shedding Dust), which was quite poetic. Construction began two years ago, and it officially opened on April 20th.

By the time Ji Daolin’s group arrived at Tuochen Hot Spring, Gao Jian, the Director of the Southern New District, and the general manager of the hot spring were already waiting. Gao Jian eagerly introduced, "Secretary Ji, this is Mr. Shui, the general manager of the hot spring."

The general manager of Tuochen Hot Spring was named Shui Ping, commonly referred to as Mr. Shui. Ji Daolin had heard of his reputation and said, "Mr. Shui, long time no see. Your name is quite fitting."

Shui Ping wore gold-rimmed glasses and looked scholarly. He smiled and said, "Secretary Ji, a name is a symbol of ancestral lineage. I couldn’t choose it myself." With graceful demeanor, he led the way, accompanying Ji Daolin, Chen Zaixi, and others. "The VIP pool is ready. Please, leaders."

Gao Jian and Hou Weidong were quite familiar with each other. Gao Jian rolled up his sleeves and said, "Brother, look at my skin. Do you notice anything different?" Seeing that Hou Weidong hadn’t noticed, Gao Jian explained, "Since Tuochen Hot Spring opened, I’ve been accompanying various high-ranking officials to bathe every day. My skin has turned completely white."

"Sigh, they say soaking in hot springs is enjoyable, but if you have to soak twice or even three times a night, no one can stand it," Gao Jian complained. He pointed to the large outdoor pool outside and said, "Minister Su is soaking in there with several section chiefs from the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department. I really don’t want to soak anymore. I’ve just prepared lunch, so I won’t get in the water."

The VIP pool was essentially a room with a pool inside. It was much smaller than the outdoor pool, with drinks provided and more upscale facilities. However, being indoors, the air wasn’t as fresh as in the large outdoor pool.

Ji Daolin had secretly brought his family to soak once before. He couldn’t stand the oppressive indoor environment and said, "The large outdoor pool is actually quite nice. It’s closer to nature than this indoor one."

Everyone then moved to the more natural large outdoor pool. This pool was known as the largest in Lingxi Province, slightly bigger than a basketball court. Steam rose from the water, creating a misty,朦胧 (hazy) atmosphere, even in broad daylight.

After changing clothes, everyone entered the water like fish. Ji Daolin accompanied Chen Zaixi to a corner to talk. Hou Weidong noticed that the water was about 1.3 to 1.4 meters deep. Having learned good swimming skills during his time at Shazhou College, he couldn’t resist swimming a few laps, switching between freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke, splashing around in the mist, feeling quite refreshed.

"Weidong, you swim well."

Su Mingjun, Deputy Director of the Shazhou Municipal Party Committee Organization Department, was lounging by the water’s edge with two men. When Ji Daolin’s group approached, he recognized them but didn’t immediately greet them, as he was accompanying comrades from the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department.

Hou Weidong approached Su Mingjun, and after introductions, he stopped, sinking his body into the hot spring, leaving only his head above water. As they chatted, he casually looked around.

Through the mist, Guo Lan was accompanying two female comrades from the Provincial Party Committee Organization Department in another corner.