Official excuse: I've put you on patrol in Handong, and the whole province is in a panic.

After his walk, Gao Yuliang returned home. Instead of going to the living room for tea, he went straight to his study, closed the door, and dialed Qi Tongwei's number.

As soon as Qi Tongwei answered the phone, he asked, "Teacher, have you spoken with Secretary Sha?"

"We've talked it out; the first step has been accomplished."

Gao Yuliang sat down behind his desk, his tone becoming more relaxed: "Sha Ruijin is very dissatisfied with Su Zhe's working methods and has ordered the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission to track and record the situation in Jinghai. As long as the chaos continues, he will report the problem to the central government."

Qi Tongwei held his phone, but his words were full of joy: "Teacher, you've seen things far ahead. Su Zhe is probably going to suffer a setback in Jinghai this time."

"He's young, and he rose through the ranks too quickly, so he's bound to be eager to prove himself."

Gao Yuliang picked up the pen on the table and wrote the two characters "Jing Hai" on a blank sheet of paper: "A deputy director-level official at twenty-eight years old, you can't find many like him anywhere in the country. He thinks he can uncover his protectors by arresting a bunch of street thugs? It's not that easy."

Qi Tongwei tentatively asked, "Teacher, should Zhao Lidong still make preparations for the cutting?"

"Not for now. Tell him to stay calm and not panic."

"Just a few days ago you said that if the inspection team finds conclusive evidence, Zhao Lidong should be held accountable."

Gao Yuliang paused, the ink spreading across the paper. He looked at the ink stain and then said, "The situation changes every day, and political judgments must change accordingly. Zhao Lidong is still useful, so why rush to get rid of him?"

"I see."

Qi Tongwei agreed verbally, but a chill ran through him. Zhao Lidong could stay if he was useful today, but he would be pushed out if he lost his value tomorrow. If it were him, Qi Tongwei, the result would be no different.

Gao Yuliang said, "As long as Su Zhe withdraws from Jinghai in disgrace, the prestige he built in Handong will dissipate, and the central government will reassess his abilities. At that time, the Handong political and legal system will still have to rely on ourselves."

Qi Tongwei quickly replied, "Teacher, don't worry, I will definitely keep a close eye on the Provincial Public Security Bureau."

"Once this matter with Jinghai is resolved, I will continue to push for your promotion to the vice-provincial level leadership team."

Gao Yuliang leaned back in his chair and said slowly, "I will retire one day. The cadres trained by Handan University need to be succeeded. You can't just be a police chief."

Qi Tongwei quickly replied, "I will always remember your guidance and mentorship."

"Just remember that. Contact Zhao Lidong and ask him to cooperate with the province's material collection. Also, keep an eye on your subordinates to prevent any real deaths."

After hanging up the phone, Gao Yuliang dialed the number of He Liming, the executive deputy secretary of the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission.

He Liming answered quickly: "Secretary Gao, has there been another problem in Jinghai?"

"Don't be nervous. Secretary Sha has already noticed the inspection team's hasty approach. Just focus on doing your job well."

He Liming breathed a sigh of relief: "I'm relieved to hear that. I'll tell Zhao Lidong that he hasn't been able to eat these past two days."

Gao Yuliang tapped the table with his finger: "What level has the inspection team apprehended so far?"

"They were all small fry on the streets. We couldn't even find Xu Jiang and Gao Qiqiang, let alone the city officials."

"Can you be sure no one has any leads on officials?"

"I'm certain that the comrades in Jinghai can withstand investigation. Even if the inspection team investigates further, they can only catch some small fry."

Gao Yuliang glanced at the bottom shelf of the bookcase, where several whistleblower reports concerning He Liming were placed, including issues related to real estate and relatives' business dealings.

He didn't offer any reminders, only saying, "That's good. Send the daily security data to the provincial party committee in a timely manner. The more complete the data, the easier it will be for Secretary Sha to make a judgment."

"Don't worry, I'll arrange it personally."

After hanging up the phone, Gao Yuliang folded the piece of paper with "Jinghai" written on it and put it in the drawer.

In his view, Su Zhe only had a group of street thugs who refused to confess, and the key figures had already fled Jinghai. As long as the chaos continued to escalate, Sha Ruijin would eventually drive away the inspection team for them.

This game is almost over.

Inside the Jinghai Municipal Party Committee office, Zhao Lidong had just finished a call with He Liming when the secure phone on the table rang.

He picked up the phone and said, "This is Zhao Lidong."

From across the room came the voice of Bai Zhiyuan, the director of the First Secretariat Division of the Provincial Party Committee Office: "Secretary Zhao, Secretary Sha wants to hear a report on the recent security situation in Jinghai. Please come to the Provincial Party Committee this afternoon. You can bring the relevant materials with you."

Zhao Lidong gripped the phone tightly against the table, his joy undisguised, but his tone became even more respectful: "Director Bai, thank you for the notification. May I ask what aspects Secretary Sha would like to hear about in advance, so I can prepare accordingly?"

"Public security situation, people's production and daily life, business operations, and changes that have occurred since the inspection team arrived."

"Understood, I will prepare carefully. What time should I arrive?"

"Please arrive at the secretary's office at 3 PM to wait."

"Okay, thank you, Director Bai. I'll be there on time."

After hanging up the phone, Zhao Lidong immediately dialed An Changlin's number.

After answering the call, An Changlin said, "Secretary Zhao, I'm arranging for personnel to be transported from another location. What are your instructions?"

"Come with me to the Provincial Party Committee this afternoon. Secretary Sha wants to hear a report on the security situation in Jinghai."

An Changlin frowned: "Team Leader Su just demanded stability on the streets, and the provincial department has also mobilized personnel to make arrests. What are you reporting at this time?"

"Just report how chaotic things are in Jinghai."

Zhao Lidong stood up, walked to the window, and said, "Bring the police intelligence reports, the data on business closures, and the list of companies that have suspended production—don't forget a single one."

An Changlin said, "These data only show that a security incident is occurring in Jinghai, but they cannot prove that the incident was caused by the inspection team."

"Isn't the change over time clear enough?"

"Someone organized vandalism on the day the inspection team arrived, with the aim of creating chaos. If we conceal this background, the materials will mislead the provincial party committee."

Zhao Lidong turned around, his tone warning: "An Changlin, you are the director of the Jinghai City Public Security Bureau. It is your duty to report objective data to the Provincial Party Committee. The Provincial Party Committee will judge the cause and effect relationship. You are not needed to draw conclusions for the leaders."

"I will report the data and also explain that someone organized the vandalism."

"You can provide an explanation, but don't make unfounded speculations, and certainly don't try to take credit for the inspection team."

An Changlin fell silent for a while before replying, "I understand."

In the afternoon, Zhao Lidong and An Changlin arrived at the provincial party committee compound. As soon as they entered the office building, they met Gao Yuliang, who was preparing to attend a meeting, in the corridor.

Zhao Lidong quickly stepped forward: "Secretary Gao."

Gao Yuliang glanced at the briefcase in his hand: "You're here to report on the situation in Jinghai to Secretary Sha?"

"Yes, Secretary Sha summoned me personally. I was worried that the business data was not fully presented, so I specially brought Director An along."

Gao Yuliang turned to An Changlin: "Comrade Changlin, report the facts truthfully. We cannot cover up the problems that have occurred in Jinghai, nor do we need to conceal the impact caused by the inspection team."

An Changlin replied, "I will rely on the data held by the public security authorities."

"That's right."

Gao Yuliang patted Zhao Lidong's arm: "Secretary Sha, time is precious, hurry up and go in."

The two went to the secretary's office. Bai Zhiyuan looked up and saw Zhao Lidong. He stood up and said, "Secretary Zhao, Secretary Sha is looking at some materials. Please have a seat."

Zhao Lidong politely asked, "Director Bai, how is Secretary Sha's mood today?"

Bai Zhiyuan pushed the teacup over: "Secretary Zhao, I can't answer this question. You should explain the situation clearly."

"I asked the wrong question."

The office intercom rang soon after. After Bai Zhiyuan finished the call, he led the two to the door of Sha Ruijin's office, knocked on the door to announce their arrival, and then let them in.

Sha Ruijin sat behind his desk, with a briefing sent by the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission in front of him.

Zhao Lidong walked to the table and said, "Secretary Sha, Comrade An Changlin and I have come to report on the recent security situation in Jinghai."

"Please sit down."

Sha Ruijin opened the briefing: "Just how chaotic is Jinghai right now?"

Zhao Lidong didn't sit down properly, but instead said while leaning against the edge of the chair, "Secretary Sha, since the inspection team arrived, the number of police incidents in the city has increased by more than 40%. There have been continuous incidents of vandalism and looting on Jiuchang Street and Haiwan Road. A large number of shops on the main commercial streets have closed down, and the building materials market has also seen a collective shutdown."

Has the company's production been affected?

"Yes, twelve companies have suspended production, multiple projects of the Construction Engineering Group have been halted, and logistics and transportation have also been impacted. According to preliminary estimates by the Municipal Development and Reform Commission, each day of shutdown will result in significant economic losses."

Sha Ruijin looked at An Changlin: "How did the Public Security Bureau determine this?"

An Changlin opened the folder and said, "According to the police data, there has indeed been a significant increase in cases of disorderly conduct and intentional damage to property recently. Some cases show signs of organization, and the statements of those arrested are similar, all claiming that it was due to personal conflicts or drunken disturbances."

Zhao Lidong continued, "Similar incidents have occurred in Jinghai before. We usually combine education and guidance with lawful detention, and order is restored quickly."

Sha Ruijin asked, "Why can't it recover this time?"

"The inspection team demanded that all investigations be conducted in different locations and that the investigations be carried out in depth in the direction of organized crime. When the public saw the scale of the arrests expanding, panic naturally spread."

Zhao Lidong handed over another document: "Jinghai has a clan tradition, and conflicts among young people are not uncommon. Comrade Su Zhe applies the same standard to cases of all sizes, which easily escalates ordinary public security issues into political problems."

An Changlin looked up and said, "Secretary Zhao, the rioters at the hotel entrance were wielding steel pipes and injuring people. They had a clear division of labor, and some of them had threatened the businesses to close down beforehand. This cannot be treated as an ordinary conflict."

Zhao Lidong's face darkened: "Comrade An Changlin, I didn't say the hotel case wasn't serious. What I said was that the entire Jinghai area shouldn't be judged based on just a few cases."

Sha Ruijin raised his hand to stop the two: "Director An, please continue reporting the data."

An Changlin unfolded the statistics table: "Currently, the inspection team and the provincial department have arrested more than 50 people, of whom 27 have been confirmed to have participated in the vandalism. After the Jinghai Public Security Bureau assisted in patrols, the number of police incidents in the core urban area began to decrease, but there are still repeated incidents in the outer areas."

"Were there any fatalities?"

"no."

"Seriously injured?"

Three people were injured and hospitalized, but none are in life-threatening condition.

Sha Ruijin then asked, "Where are Gao Qiqiang and Xu Jiang?"

An Changlin replied, "They have already left Jinghai, and their current location is unknown."

Zhao Lidong quickly said, "Neither of these two people were listed as fugitive criminal suspects. The fact that the inspection team is pursuing them based solely on the tip-off materials has also caused a stir in the business community of Jinghai."

Sha Ruijin's finger stopped on the three characters "Gao Qiqiang": "Is the Construction Group now completely shut down?"

"Work is nearing a standstill."

How many workers were affected?

"It involves more than 20,000 people, including direct employees and upstream and downstream workers."

Zhao Lidong leaned forward, his voice full of worry: "Secretary Sha, economic losses can be remedied, but what we fear most is that the lives of the masses will be dragged down. If someone blames the inspection team for unemployment and production stoppages, and large-scale gatherings occur again, Handong will become infamous throughout the country."

Are you reminding me that a mass incident might occur?

"I'm worried."

Has the Jinghai Municipal Party Committee formulated a contingency plan?

"A plan has been formulated, but the inspection team does not trust the local public security bureau and does not communicate with the municipal party committee on many actions. We are constrained in our efforts to stabilize the situation."

Sha Ruijin closed the documents: "Alright, I understand the situation. You all go back to Jinghai first. The primary task is to restore order and prevent any more vandalism or injuries."

Zhao Lidong tentatively asked, "Should the provincial party committee intervene to coordinate with the inspection team?"

"The provincial committee will discuss this; don't inquire about it."

"clear."

After the two left the office, Zhao Lidong walked to the stairwell and said softly, "An Changlin, you just said a lot of things on behalf of the inspection team."

An Changlin looked at him: "I'm just stating the facts."

"Facts must be accompanied by a stance."

"The position of the public security authorities is the evidence."

Zhao Lidong didn't argue further, only glancing at him: "I hope you always remember this."

Inside the office, Sha Ruijin reopened the police intelligence report, where the numbers of businesses closing and enterprises halting production were clearly listed, gradually shifting his initial suspicions toward Gao Yuliang's judgment.

He took a piece of provincial party committee office paper, wrote the title at the top, and then pressed the internal phone.

After entering, Bai Zhiyuan asked, "Secretary Sha, you wanted to see me?"

Sha Ruijin handed over the paper: "Notify Secretary-General Xue to have the Secretariat organize a team to draft a work report, and use this as the title."

Bai Zhiyuan took the paper and saw that it read "Work Report on Outstanding Conflicts Caused by the Improper Work of the Central Inspection Team in Jinghai City".

He left the folder in his hand open and asked in a low voice, "Secretary Sha, how do we determine the scope of this report?"

"First, we'll draft an initial version, and then I'll review it and decide on the scope of submission."

"Where did you get the footage from?"

"The Jinghai Municipal Party Committee, the Municipal Government, the Municipal Public Security Bureau, and the Provincial Political and Legal Affairs Commission must produce a final draft tonight."

Bai Zhiyuan said, "The Secretariat needs to verify the data item by item, so time may be tight."

Sha Ruijin looked at him: "Jinghai is suffering losses every day. What's one more night shift for government officials?"

"Understood, I'll arrange it right away."

After Bai Zhiyuan left, Sha Ruijin picked up the list of companies that had suspended operations that Zhao Lidong had given him and drew a line under the Construction Engineering Group.

He became increasingly convinced that Su Zhe was using Handong as a springboard to accumulate political capital, and that he was willing to risk even the economy and people's lives in Jinghai in order to dig out the so-called big fish.