Video Editor

After Qin Qiufeng took action, things progressed at an astonishing speed.

First, the relevant departments should reinvestigate the contents of the whistleblower letter.

The investigation isn't about Suning, it's about the whistleblower itself...

Is there any basis for the accusations in the whistleblower letter?
Are those so-called pieces of evidence real or fabricated?

That's a brilliant move.

You filed a report, right? Then I'll check if your report is true.

To prevent anyone from finding any fault, if the allegations are true, then they should be dealt with.

The investigation team members were all seasoned professionals, and they immediately noticed the problems upon looking at the "evidence."

The signature on the purchase order is not in the correct handwriting.

The date on the reimbursement voucher does not match the actual purchase date.

Those "witnesses" were exposed as soon as they were questioned individually.

This was actually a desperate measure by Lao Wu and his son Wu Yansheng, after all, the investigation into Suning had made no progress recently.

Wu Yansheng then took the risk and decided to fabricate evidence. After all, flies don't land on eggs without cracks, and if his reputation was ruined, he would lose his political life.

Wu Yansheng never dreamed that Qin Xuemei's father would be Qin Qiufeng.

"Tell me, who told you to give false testimony?" the investigators asked.

"I...I didn't..." the witness tried to argue.

"Not telling the truth is protecting a criminal. Perjury is punishable by imprisonment."

The witness was terrified. "I said! It was Wu Yansheng! He gave me money and told me to say that Su Ning was taking kickbacks. Actually, I've never even met Su Ning..."

The other witnesses were the same; they all confessed when threatened.

The evidence was fabricated, and the witnesses were bribed.

The contents of the whistleblower letter are entirely fabricated.

The investigation team reported the results to Qin Qiufeng.

"Minister, the investigation has been completed. Wu Yansheng and his father, Lao Wu, fabricated evidence, bribed witnesses, and falsely accused Comrade Su Ning. The facts are clear and the evidence is conclusive."

Qin Qiufeng's face was cold. "Have you investigated Lao Wu's connections in the Ministry of Forestry?"

"It's been investigated. Lao Wu contacted Deputy Director Liu of the Ministry of Forestry. The two are from the same hometown and have a good relationship. Deputy Director Liu spoke to the Chengde Prefectural Committee, requesting a thorough investigation."

"What is Deputy Director Liu's attitude now?"

"After learning about our investigation, they immediately distanced themselves from it, saying that it was just a routine inquiry and they didn't know it was a false accusation."

"Hmph." Qin Qiufeng sneered, "That's the kind of thing you can fool."

He then immediately issued an instruction: "Lao Wu and Wu Yansheng made false accusations and framed each other, which is of a heinous nature. Deputy Director Liu is also responsible for protecting and condoning them. They should be dealt with together."

With a single instruction, Operation Thunder began.

First, deal with Deputy Director Liu.

At a meeting of the Ministry of Forestry, Qin Qiufeng directly criticized Liu by name, saying, "As a leading cadre, you failed to distinguish right from wrong, listened to only one side of the story, and put pressure on your subordinates. What kind of behavior is this? This is dereliction of duty! This is covering up!"

Deputy Director Liu's face turned pale, and he quickly apologized, "Minister Qin, I was wrong. I really didn't investigate properly before interfering. I'm willing to accept the punishment."

“It’s not a disciplinary action, it’s a punishment.” Qin Qiufeng said sternly, “Suspended from duty pending investigation.”

Deputy Director Liu was suspended from his duties on the spot.

Next, deal with Lao Wu and Wu Yansheng.

There are plenty of problems with Lao Wu once you investigate.

He worked in relevant departments for many years, abusing his power to arrange things for relatives and friends, accepting bribes, and interfering in projects... He had many problems.

No one investigated before, but now that they've investigated, everything has been exposed.

"An investigation revealed that Wu Jianren, while serving as a deputy director, abused his position to seek benefits for others, accepting bribes totaling 8,600 yuan. He also arranged jobs for seven relatives and improperly interfered in twelve engineering projects..."

The report was shocking.

Wu Yansheng wasn't much better off.

During his time at the company, he was lazy, often late or leaving early, and disobeyed work assignments.

He also used his father's connections to seek personal gain.

"During his time working at a certain unit, Wu Yansheng was uncooperative and repeatedly absent from work without cause. He also abused his father Wu Jianren's connections to illegally obtain welfare housing for himself and engaged in illicit sexual relationships..."

The issues between the father and son were brought to the table together.

Then, Qin Qiufeng didn't need to show his face at all; naturally, the relevant responsible persons convened a meeting to discuss and decide on a solution.

"Wu Jianren and his son Wu Yansheng committed false accusations and framed others first, and then abused their power for personal gain. Their problems are serious and have a bad influence. It is recommended that they be removed from their files, dismissed from their public positions, and transferred to judicial authorities for handling."

Some people suggested, "Leader, isn't transferring him to the judicial authorities too harsh? After all, Lao Wu is an old comrade..."

"What's wrong with older comrades?" the person in charge retorted. "Does being an older comrade mean you can break the law and regulations? Does being an older comrade mean you can make false accusations and frame others? The older the comrade, the more severely they must be punished! Otherwise, how can we convince the public?"

No one dared to speak.

The decision was made quickly: Wu Jianren and Wu Yansheng were removed from their positions and dismissed from public office.

Due to involvement in economic crimes and false accusations, the case has been transferred to judicial authorities.

But the person in charge felt it wasn't enough, since the nature of the crime was too egregious, and they also couldn't explain it to Qin Qiufeng.

So they added a sentence to the document: "Considering that the two men have a good attitude in admitting their crimes and have shown remorse, it is recommended that they be treated leniently. They may be exempted from criminal punishment, but they must leave their current jobs and be sent to the Northwest to reclaim wasteland and undergo labor reform."

This is a very clever way to handle things: you won't go to jail, but you'll be sent to the most difficult place, where you'll never be able to turn your life around.

The reclamation work in the Northwest was even more arduous than that in Saihanba.

Once you go there, don't even think about coming back.

The father and son were paralyzed upon receiving the decision.

“Exiled to the Northwest…for life…” Wu Yansheng muttered to himself, “It’s over…it’s all over…”

Old Wu was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down his face. "If only I had known... if only I hadn't protected you... now I've gotten myself into this mess too..."

But it was too late to regret it.

The decision was implemented very quickly.

A week later, the father and son were put on a train and sent to the Northwest.

From then on, they would spend the rest of their lives in that even more desolate land.

Want to stir up trouble again? Impossible.

As for Suning, the issue has naturally been clarified.

The investigation team issued a formal report stating, "Upon investigation, Comrade Su Ning, during his tenure as Deputy Director of the Weichang Forestry Bureau, was conscientious and responsible in his work, maintained integrity and self-discipline, and there were no issues of embezzlement or bribery. His pioneering of the all-light seedling cultivation method yielded remarkable results and should be affirmed and promoted. The accusations made by Wu Jianren and Wu Yansheng are purely false. This is hereby clarified, and their reputations restored."

The report was delivered to Qin Qiufeng's desk, and he was very satisfied after reading it.

"Issue this immediately and disseminate it to forestry departments at all levels. Everyone must know that Comrade Su Ning is innocent and outstanding."

"Yes."

Qin Qiufeng added, "Furthermore, issue a commendation decision in the name of the Ministry of Forestry. Commend Comrade Su Ning for his outstanding contributions in Saihanba and affirm the scientific value of the all-photonic seedling cultivation method. Call on the national forestry system to learn from him."

"Okay, leader."

Qin Xuemei witnessed all of this.

She hadn't expected her father to act so ruthlessly and so quickly.

Within a week, the accuser was exiled to the Northwest, Su Ning's name was cleared, and he was even commended.

This is the power of authority, and also the power of fatherly love.

"Dad, thank you," Qin Xuemei said sincerely.

"You're welcome," Qin Qiufeng said. "This is what I should do. It's also what the organization should do. We can't let those who do real work feel disheartened, and we can't let bad people get away with it."

"Xuemei, you need to tell Su Ning to do a good job. The Ministry of Forestry supports him and supports Saihanba."

"Yes." Qin Xuemei nodded.

“Also,” Qin Qiufeng hesitated for a moment, “you and the children… come back and visit often. This is your home too.”

Qin Xuemei's eyes reddened. "Dad, I will. We'll come back to see you together when Su Ning comes out." "Okay, okay," Qin Qiufeng said happily.

The next day, Qin Xuemei left the guesthouse with her child and boarded the train back to Saihanba.

This time, she felt relaxed and happy.

Because Su Ning is alright now, because the bad guys have been punished, and because she has reconciled with her father.

The train sped by, and the scenery outside the window rushed past.

Looking at the child in her arms, Qin Xuemei said softly, "Hanghang, Daddy is coming back soon. Our family can finally be reunited."

The child seemed to understand and grinned.

Qin Xuemei smiled too.

She knew that spring had truly arrived in Saihanba.

……

Wu Jianren and his son Wu Yansheng were naturally puzzled as to what went wrong, since the information showed that Suning did not have such a powerful background.

It wasn't until they were put on a train and sent to the Northwest that they learned some devastating news.

The officers escorting them were chatting idly on the way when they casually remarked, "You guys are really asking for trouble. Of all people to mess with, you had to mess with Minister Qin's son-in-law, and to frame him at that!"

Wu Yansheng was taken aback. "Minister Qin? Which Minister Qin?"

"Who else could it be? Minister Qin Qiufeng of the Ministry of Forestry!" the official said. "The Su Ning you reported is Minister Qin's son-in-law. Qin Xuemei is Minister Qin's own daughter."

These words struck like a bolt from the blue, leaving both father and son stunned.

"Qin Xuemei...is Minister Qin's daughter?" Wu Yansheng's voice trembled as he stood to the side.

"Yes!" the official said. "Didn't you know? Minister Qin personally ordered a thorough investigation into this matter. Otherwise, how could you have handled it so quickly?"

Wu Yansheng's face was deathly pale, and his lips trembled.

Qin Xuemei, who graduated from university with him and then planted trees in Saihanba, was actually the daughter of the Minister of Forestry?

He had been pursuing Qin Xuemei for so long, and she had never mentioned it!
If he had known earlier that Qin Xuemei was the minister's daughter, he would have pursued her even more relentlessly.
He will definitely stick to Qin Xuemei like a dog!
“Impossible…absolutely impossible…” Wu Yansheng muttered to himself, “If she were the minister’s daughter, why would she go to a harsh place like Saihanba?”

“That’s because they have a high level of revolutionary consciousness,” the cadre said. “Unlike you, you went there and then ran away, and even falsely accused innocent people.”

Wu Yansheng's mind was in complete turmoil.

I think back to my days in Saihanba.

He deliberately tried to please Qin Xuemei by bringing her canned food, helping her with chores, and writing her love letters to express his feelings...

He thought that as a college student, he was worthy of Qin Xuemei.

Only now do I realize how much of an opportunity I missed. If I had successfully won over Qin Xuemei, I would have been the minister's son-in-law.

pity……

Wu Yansheng grew angrier and angrier the more he thought about it.

He was angry at himself for being blind and not realizing Qin Xuemei's background.

He resented Qin Xuemei for concealing her identity, making him act like a fool, jumping around aimlessly.

He hated Su Ning even more for being a stuntman who snatched away his woman and ruined his bright future!
"Ah—!" Wu Yansheng suddenly screamed, clutching his head with both hands, his expression contorted.

"What's wrong with you?" the official asked.

Wu Yansheng did not answer. His face grew increasingly purple, his eyes rolled back, and his whole body began to convulse.

"Oh no! He's having a relapse!" the cadre quickly called for help.

Wu Yansheng couldn't catch his breath and collapsed straight down, foaming at the mouth and unconscious.

"Quick! Get a doctor!" the official exclaimed urgently.

The train stopped at the nearest station, and Wu Yansheng was rushed to a local hospital.

After examining him, the doctor shook his head and said, "He's had a stroke. It's very serious; it's hard to say whether he can be saved."

Wu Jianren slumped down in the hospital corridor, tears streaming down his face, "What a tragedy... what a tragedy..."

Now he truly regrets it, regrets that he shouldn't have protected his son, and regrets that he shouldn't have helped his son falsely accuse Su Ning.

Now look what's happened: his son had a stroke, and he's been exiled to the Northwest. His life is over.

Wu Yansheng survived after emergency treatment, but was left with a lifelong disability.

The doctor diagnosed: "A blood vessel in the brain ruptured, resulting in paralysis on the right side of the body and impaired speech. From now on, he will have to eat, drink, and use the toilet in bed and will need 24-hour care."

In other words, Wu Yansheng is finished.

He will spend the rest of his life in bed.

Wu Jianren looked at his son on the hospital bed, his heart breaking.

At this time, considering Wu Yansheng's special circumstances, the organization decided to grant him medical parole.

"Given the severity of Wu Yansheng's condition and his loss of ability to work, he is granted medical parole to receive treatment at home. However, he will still be subject to supervision and shall not leave his place of residence."

In other words, Wu Yansheng no longer needs to go to the Northwest and can stay at home in the capital.

But is this good news for him?

What's the point of living for a useless person lying in bed, needing to be waited on?
Wu Jianren was still exiled to the Northwest for land reclamation. He lost his job and his benefits, and was left with only his paralyzed eldest son and a shameful identity. His other children left them in anger.

Wu Yansheng lay on the bed, unable to move or speak in complete sentences; he could only make "ah ah" sounds.

Wu Yansheng's mother fed him, wiped his body, and took care of his bodily functions every day.

And all of this was their own doing.

If Wu Yansheng hadn't been so narrow-minded, hadn't been jealous of Su Ning, and hadn't made false accusations.

Even if he were pursuing Qin Xuemei, he should have done so honestly and uprightly; otherwise, he would not have suffered what he has today.

If Wu Jianren hadn't been so protective of his own and hadn't abused his power...

Perhaps they are still a respectable cadre family.

Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs" in this world; you reap what you sow.

False accusations and framing, and abuse of power for personal gain, ultimately harm both oneself and others.

Wu Yansheng lay in bed, staring at the ceiling every day, his mind replaying his days in Saihanba.

The image of Qin Xuemei busily working in the nursery, Qin Xuemei arguing with him about the all-light seedling cultivation method, Qin Xuemei's shy expression when she received his love letter...

If he had been more down-to-earth and serious back then, perhaps Qin Xuemei would have accepted him.

If he hadn't left Saihanba, he might be a key technical expert by now.

If his father hadn't come forward and made false accusations, he might still be working in Saihanba now.

However, there is no if.

He played a winning hand terribly.

Because of jealousy, because of narrow-mindedness, because of malicious intent.

Now, Wu Yansheng has received his just deserts.

Lifelong disability, ruined future, a life worse than death.

Meanwhile, Qin Xuemei and Su Ning lived happily in Saihanba, building a forest farm and raising their children.

Wu Yansheng closed his eyes, tears sliding down his cheeks.

I know I've lost this life.

A complete and ugly defeat.

And all of this is not anyone else's fault but one's own.

Wu Yansheng was like a speck of dust, blown to a corner by the winds of time.

No one remembers, no one cares—that's the fate of evildoers.

It is also a victory for justice.

And so, Wu Yansheng's story ended in this absurd way.

...(End of chapter)