Right path to power

The third day after the incident.

Ning Changfeng, member of the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, convened a cadre meeting at the County Public Security Bureau on behalf of the County Party Committee, announcing that Xu Jingnan, the deputy director in charge of criminal investigation, would take charge of all work.

These words stunned many people below, who then began to whisper among themselves. However, the faces of the Party Committee members remained remarkably calm.

Just yesterday, the Party Committee of the Bureau had actually held a meeting to discuss and decide that Zhu Qian, the Executive Deputy Director, would preside over the daily work. However, the proposal was rejected by the County Party Committee, which led to today's situation.

"Comrades, it is precisely at times like these that individual will is put to the test. In particular, the Party Committee of the Bureau must remain steadfast, demonstrate its responsibility, stabilize morale, lead the team effectively, and ensure that all tasks of the County Bureau are carried out normally and in an orderly manner."

Ning Changfeng gave a lecture, instructing everyone to keep their selfish desires to themselves and to put their power in a cage.

Those who are interested will naturally listen, while those who are not will feel uneasy. At this moment, Xu Jingnan also noticed that the expressions of several deputy directors and several middle-level cadres were indeed different from the others. Most of these people were Zhan Shixiong's confidants. In other words, these people's backgrounds were probably not so clean either.

Although the news of Zhan Shixiong's investigation had already spread, the official announcement by the county discipline inspection commission still caused quite a stir throughout the county. Zhan Shixiong had been the director for several years, and his high-profile and tough style had drawn mixed reviews. Everyone knew that he had powerful backers, and the fact that the county had tried to replace him several times without success was the best proof of that.

He himself had repeatedly told his confidants that he would be able to rise a few more steps after Ning Changfeng stepped down in a few years. Now, no one expected that he would be taken into custody, and that he would be investigated and dealt with without most people having heard a word about it.

On the sixth day after the incident, two more deputy directors and two police station chiefs were placed under detention, causing widespread panic and speculation throughout the Public Security Bureau.

"I heard the clue was discovered by the county government's inspection office. Looks like he's going to get promoted again. He's really lucky."

"What good fortune? It's because a thief accidentally discovered it, and then, driven by a guilty conscience, reported it."

"Haha, you actually believe such a ridiculous excuse? In my opinion, it's just that the higher-ups don't like anyone and want to get rid of them, and the so-called thief is just an excuse."

"No matter what the reason, the Public Security Bureau does need to be rectified. All they do is crack down on prostitution, stop cars and issue fines. The public security situation is so bad, and petty thugs fight in the streets every now and then, but no one seems to care."

"You don't understand. These days, it's all about performance and revenue generation. Who would want to do something thankless and exhausting if it doesn't pay?"

"But this man surnamed Zhan has been running rampant in the Public Security Bureau for so many years, and there are probably quite a few people connected to him. It seems that the Public Security Bureau is going to undergo a major reshuffle this time."

......

That evening, Xu Jingnan treated Lin Xiao and Liu Yun to dinner at Jinxing Restaurant.

"Director Lin, I won't say much in thanks. Everything is in this drink. Come on, let me drink three glasses first."

Xu Jingnan decisively picked up his glass and drank two glasses with great excitement. Just as he picked up his third glass, Lin Xiao said with a smile, "Director Xu, you're too kind. Let's have a drink."

"Come on, bottoms up!"

After clinking glasses with Xu Jingnan, Lin Xiao smiled and said, "Director Xu, I hope you'll take good care of me in the future."

"Haha, Director Lin just loves to joke. We're all family, no need to be so polite. Let's help each other out!"

"Yes, yes, Director Xu is right." Liu Yun, who was standing next to him, also raised his glass to accompany him and said with a smile, "Director Xu, please take care of me in the future."

"Director Liu, you're too kind."

The three of them finished their drinks in one gulp. After putting down his glass, Xu Jingnan said to Liu Yun, "This time, Zhan Shixiong's case involves quite a few people, including the director and deputy director of the Xiguan Township Police Station. Xiao Liu, how about I transfer you back?"

Before Liu Yun could speak, Lin Xiao said with a smile, "Director Xu, it might not be possible in the near future. Liu Yun has other work arrangements in Beifeng Township."

"Beifeng Coal Mine?"

Xu Jingnan was taken aback, and then said.

Lin Xiao nodded, looked around, and said to Xu Jingnan in a serious tone, "Director Xu, since you say we're family, then it's time for me to tell you something. Because it's of great importance, I hope you can do your best."

Seeing Lin Xiao's serious and earnest expression, Xu Jingnan sat up straight and said solemnly, "Director Lin, please feel free to tell me what's on your mind, and I will do my best."

Lin Xiao composed himself slightly and then said, "Director Xu, I think there's something fishy about County Chief Gao's car accident. I suspect it wasn't an accident, but rather that County Chief Gao was murdered..."

"What? Murdered?"

Xu Jingnan interrupted Lin Xiao, fully aware of the seriousness of a sitting county magistrate being murdered.

"Yes, based on the clues we have so far, it's highly likely to be related to Cai Qingqi of the Qingqi Group. Last time, when Liu Yun and I were having dinner in the private room next door..."

As Lin Xiao recounted the strange words she overheard from the bald man in the restaurant that night, and the people she later saw, Xu Jingnan's expression grew increasingly serious.

"Director Lin, Director Liu, your analysis is logical."

Xu Jingnan knew that if Gao Dayong was indeed "murdered," it would not only be a criminal case, but also a political event, because it involved an executive deputy county head.

Thinking about this, Xu Jingnan finally understood why the county government's inspection office had placed the first special inspection work in the public security system. It was probably an attempt to turn the tables and stir up trouble, and then see who would jump out.

In fact, this "stirring up trouble" approach is very risky, but as Xu Jingnan believes, when things reach a dead end, breaking with convention may lead to a brighter future.

"Then, we'll have to rely on Director Xu next."

Xu Jingnan pondered for a moment before replying, "Director Lin, I will personally follow up on this matter and arrange for someone to investigate secretly. I will communicate with you promptly if there are any new discoveries."

In addition, Director Liu, if you make any discoveries in Beifeng Township, please communicate with me promptly. We need to work on two fronts simultaneously to find out the true cause of County Magistrate Gao's death as soon as possible.

However, as you should also know, Qingqi Group is a star enterprise and a major taxpayer in the city. To touch it, you'd need the city's approval, and it might even involve a city-level official.

Xu Jingnan's consideration was very necessary. According to Lin Xiao's deduction, Gao Dayong's death was related to Hong Feng and Cai Qingqi. One of them was a deputy director-level cadre, and the other was a municipal people's congress representative. They could not avoid the city no matter what.

"Director Xu, don't worry. If we really need the city's support, I can coordinate it. As long as we can find out the real cause of County Chief Gao's death and give him justice, I think the city will definitely support us no matter who is involved."

To be honest, no matter what position Lin Xiao held, the first thing he would do within his power was to find out the true cause of Gao Dayong's death.

"Director Xu, please trust Lin Xiao. He can indeed communicate with the city leaders."

Liu Yun echoed this sentiment, but he still didn't reveal that Lin Xiao could actually speak directly with the municipal party secretary.

Even so, Xu Jingnan still appeared very surprised, because he guessed from Lin Xiao's words that this city leader was no ordinary city leader.

"Okay, then if I ever encounter pressure that I can't handle, I'll need Director Lin to step in."

"Director Xu, thank you. I thank you on behalf of County Chief Gao."

"Director Lin, we don't need to say anything more; it's all in this glass of wine."

The three then downed another glass of wine.

After putting down his wine glass, Xu Jingnan continued, "When I was handling a drug case before, someone mentioned that Cai Qingqi started out selling drugs outside, and later returned to Fengshan County to develop his business, which led him to get involved in municipal engineering, mining, and the entertainment industry, eventually accumulating his current scale. Selling drugs is a high-risk business, so if he really was involved, then your speculation is very likely correct. It's highly probable that he was behind County Chief Gao's scheme."

Lin Xiao and Liu Yun nodded in agreement, and the three of them talked for a while before ending the dinner.