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

"Yes, yes, Secretary Li, you're right. I will definitely learn from this lesson in the future."

Zhao Donglai nodded repeatedly.

Li Dakang waved his hand.

"Alright, let's leave it at that. Overall, the subsequent emergency response was timely and effective, preventing any further negative impact. On the way back from the airport, Secretary Sha also expressed his approval, believing that our response was swift, our handling was appropriate, and we demonstrated the responsibility we should have. Let's put this matter behind us; you don't need to carry any more burdens."

Zhao Donglai smiled and said, "Thank you for your guidance, leader, and thank you for your understanding, Secretary Sha. I promise to be more careful in my work in the future and never make a similar mistake again."

"Um."

Li Dakang responded and turned his gaze back to a document on the table.

Seeing this, Zhao Donglai knew it was time to leave, so he stood up and said, "Secretary Li, you go ahead with your work, I'll head back now."

He bowed slightly, turned and walked towards the door, but felt somewhat disappointed.

After all, this time, he was the one who took the blame.

It has tarnished the reputation of the province.

It's still unknown what impact this will have on my future prospects.

Just as his hand was about to touch the doorknob, Li Dakang seemed to suddenly remember something and said something.

"Oh, right, Donglai."

Zhao Donglai immediately turned around and stood respectfully at attention. "Secretary Li, do you have any further instructions?"

Li Dakang put down his pen and looked up at him.

"Recently, there has been a nationwide trend of upgrading the public security system, with key leaders from the public security system taking up deputy positions in government leadership teams. This is a general trend. The central government and the province have already issued relevant documents and directives, so we must implement them. I will look into this matter and, when I bring it up at the meeting, recommend you for the position of Vice Mayor of Jingzhou City, while continuing to serve concurrently as the Director of the Municipal Public Security Bureau!"

The office was silent for a few seconds.

Zhao Donglai felt his heart suddenly race, and his blood rushed to his head.

Deputy Mayor!

That's a substantive position at the deputy director-general level, a true city leader!

Although the head of a public security bureau wields considerable power, political status and influence within the government are entirely different concepts.

He is 38 years old this year. If he can reach this level, his future development prospects will be greatly expanded.

Zhao Donglai never expected that after taking the blame, he would receive such a huge reward!

Zhao Donglai exclaimed excitedly, "Secretary Li...you've really given me a wonderful surprise!"

Li Dakang waved his hand.

"Alright, this is the organizational procedure, and it also reflects your work performance over the years. I'm recommending you because you meet the requirements and are capable of handling this position."

Zhao Donglai suddenly remembered something and asked with some curiosity, "Secretary Li, thank you for your trust and cultivation! However... since I took this position, Director Qi of the Provincial Department has been extremely busy lately, constantly striving to become the Vice Governor! He's still a full-fledged department head, while I've been promoted to deputy department head, even though it's in the city, I'm ahead of him. Is that appropriate?"

Upon hearing this, Li Dakang sneered, his face full of disdain, and said, "What's inappropriate about it? We're acting according to organizational procedures and rules. Whether Qi Tongwei meets the criteria for promotion is a matter for the province to consider; I don't know!"

But you, Zhao Donglai, have long been working on the front lines of public security and are highly experienced. In the past few years in Jingzhou, the comprehensive management of social order has yielded remarkable results, especially in maintaining stability and combating crime, which is evident to all. Recommending you for the position of vice mayor is a natural progression, in accordance with the regulations for cadre appointment and the policy of assigning high-ranking public security cadres. Just focus on your work and do your job well; don't worry about anything else!

Zhao Donglai immediately straightened his back and said loudly, "Yes! Secretary Li, I understand! I will certainly live up to your expectations and do my best in my new position to safeguard the development of Jingzhou!"

At that moment, Zhao Donglai felt his back straighten up considerably.

The frustration and resentment I felt from being blamed have long since vanished, replaced by a surge of energy and anticipation for the future.

No matter how powerful Qi Tongwei is, that's a matter for the province. But in Jingzhou, working under Secretary Li Dakang means a bright future.

"Alright, get back to work. The recommendation process takes time, so you need to stay focused and ensure everything goes smoothly, especially making sure the inspection team doesn't cause any trouble during their stay in Jingzhou!"

Li Dakang gave his final instructions.

"Don't worry, Secretary Li! I guarantee I'll complete the task!"

Zhao Donglai responded in a loud voice.

He then turned and left.

Now, my energy and spirit are more than ten times stronger than before!

Li Dakang picked up the document again, but his thoughts seemed to have drifted away.

The inspection team was not friendly, especially the young Su Zhe, who was tough and had a sharp eye. He gave Handong a hard time as soon as he arrived.

Next, Jingzhou, as the provincial capital, will inevitably be a key area of ​​focus.

He had to ensure that the capital city under his rule was as solid as an iron barrel, able to withstand any scrutiny.

After Zhao Donglai's promotion, the public security line had to be firmly under his control, and no mistakes could be tolerated. He picked up the internal phone and instructed his secretary, "Xiao Jin, have Vice Mayor Ding, along with the responsible comrades from the Municipal Development and Reform Commission and the Municipal Housing and Construction Bureau, come to my office at 3 p.m. this afternoon to report on the latest progress of the Guangming Peak project."

......

On the other side, Zhao Donglai walked out of the municipal party committee building, the early summer sun shining warmly on him.

He got into his car, told the driver "back to the station," leaned back in his seat, and closed his eyes. But the excitement in his heart was hard to calm down.

He'd been hoping for this position for a long time—as deputy mayor.

Having worked in the public security system my entire life, reaching this point is a significant milestone.

The car drove smoothly on its way back to the municipal bureau.

Zhao Donglai opened his eyes, looking at the street scene rushing past the window, and began to make plans in his mind.

After the promotion, the focus of work will definitely need to be adjusted. It cannot be limited to public security business; it needs to consider issues from the perspective of the entire city.

Of course, the police chief must not slack off on his duties, especially during this sensitive period.

He picked up his phone and dialed the political commissar's number.

"Old Liu, it's me from the east. I just came from Secretary Li's place. I have something to tell you. The central inspection team is here, so you'll need to put in extra effort in the bureau's daily work from now on."

Especially recently, with the inspection team here, everyone needs to be on high alert – security, fire safety, public opinion, and internal management – ​​absolutely no problems can be allowed! Make arrangements immediately; we'll hold a Party Committee meeting later to reiterate discipline…”

Not long after.

Zhao Donglai returned to the Jingzhou Public Security Bureau and immediately organized a meeting.

"You all understand the requirements of the Party Committee just now, right? Let me emphasize a few points again..." Zhao Donglai's gaze swept over the deputy directors, political commissars, and heads of various detachments present. "The inspection teams are in Handong and Jingzhou. This is the biggest political issue at present. Our public security front is the first and last line of defense for maintaining stability and protecting security."

During this special period, I require you to: First, manage your own people well and guard your own territory. If any of your subordinates cause problems, I will hold them accountable! Second, conduct a comprehensive investigation of any potential risks and hidden dangers, especially those involving economic disputes, signs of mass incidents, and cases that may trigger public opinion storms. Intervene early and handle them properly; never pass the buck! Third, and most importantly, strictly abide by discipline and rules. Do not say what you should not say, do what you should not do, and strictly implement all rules and regulations. Do you all understand?

"Understood!" everyone answered in unison.

Zhao Donglai then added, "Furthermore, starting today, we're activating a high-level duty mode, strengthening street patrols and control of key areas. Report any incidents to the bureau immediately. Please, everyone, work a little overtime! Any other questions?"

Everyone shook their heads.

"Alright! Meeting adjourned!"

......

Yanjing.

Night falls and the city lights begin to twinkle.

Inside a seemingly unremarkable residential building in the old town, the lights were on.

Several black cars with ordinary license plates were parked downstairs, and a few people dressed in plain clothes and looking capable stood casually at the entrance of the building, but their eyes were scanning the surroundings warily.

The atmosphere inside was heavy.

Zhao Dehan, director of the Resource and Energy Division of the National Development and Reform Commission, was sitting at his old dining table, slurping down his bowl of noodles with soybean paste.

On the table sat a dish of glistening fried sauce, a small bowl of shredded cucumber, and a few cloves of peeled garlic. He ate with relish, and fine beads of sweat even appeared on his forehead.

Hou Liangping, the director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau's Investigation Division, stood opposite him, arms crossed, watching coldly.

He was forty-three years old, but at that moment, an undisguised sarcasm hung on the corner of his mouth.

"I didn't realize you were so frugal, Director Zhao. A high-ranking director like you, eating this for dinner?"

Zhao Dehan smiled sincerely and said, "You're joking. What's a section chief? In Beijing, one brick could take down three section chiefs!"

Upon hearing this, Hou Liangping frowned, feeling a pang of unease, as if something had been pressing against his heart.

Because he himself is now a section chief!

Zhao Dehan's words sounded like a veiled insult, which he found particularly offensive.

He turned his head away from Zhao Dehan's feignedly honest eating manner and asked his colleague who was carefully searching the room, "How's it going? Have you finished searching his house? Any new discoveries?"

An investigator strode over and reported in a low voice, "Chief Hou, we've searched the place thoroughly. It's just the furnishings of an ordinary working-class family. The furniture and appliances are all old, and there aren't many decent clothes in the closet. We didn't find any other suspicious large sums of cash or valuables."

Hou Liangping's face darkened.

The result was far from what he had expected.

Based on the clues transferred from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, especially the clear surveillance video of the villa, Zhao Dehan's problems are definitely not minor.

Did he hide the things somewhere else?

"Let's go!" Hou Liangping ordered decisively without further hesitation, "To his workplace! His office!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Dehan hurriedly put down his chopsticks.

"Hey, Director Hou, Director Hou! Look, I haven't finished my noodles yet! It's such a waste to go to waste..."

Hou Liangping gave him a cold glance.

"You'll have plenty of chances to eat it later! Take it with you!"

Two investigators stepped forward and helped Zhao Dehan up, one on each side.

Zhao Dehan was still muttering "What a pity, what a pity," but his body cooperated, or rather, he was led out of the house somewhat weakly.

The convoy drove onto Chang'an Avenue in the night and arrived in front of the imposing building of the National Development and Reform Commission.

Although it was already night, some windows were still lit.

Hou Liangping and his group showed their identification and went straight to Zhao Dehan's office.

The office of this division-level cadre is not large and the furnishings are quite simple.

The bookshelves were crammed with various policy document compilations, and the desk, besides the computer, telephone, and pen holder, was piled high with materials awaiting approval.

It looks like the work environment of an ordinary, hardworking, and busy cadre.

"Search! Be thorough! Don't miss any corner!" Hou Liangping ordered.

The investigators sprang into action again, checking filing cabinets, drawers, computer towers, and even the bottoms of flower pots and the gaps in radiators.

In the end, nothing was gained.

Apart from office supplies and a large number of documents, no evidence was found to be related to the enormous wealth.

Hou Liangping stood in the center of the office, looking around with a furrowed brow.

Could Zhao Dehan really have hidden his tracks so cleanly? Impossible! That video is definitely not wrong!

He suddenly remembered the villa in the suburbs mentioned in the handover documents.

It seems that's the only place we can go.

"Let's go! Next place!"

Zhao Dehan was put into the car, and as the car drove away from the city and headed towards the suburbs, his face began to turn pale and sweat began to bead on his forehead.

He shifted uncomfortably, tentatively asking, "Director Hou, where...where are we going? It's so late..."

Not long after.

Zhao Dehan got off the car.

Looking at the villa in front of him, his legs went weak instantly.

"Where am I? I don't recognize this place. Why did you bring me here?"

Hou Liangping did not answer, but instead pulled up the surveillance video on his phone and shoved the screen directly in front of Zhao Dehan's eyes.

In the video, Zhao Dehan is calmly opening the gate of a villa with a key.

"Director Zhao," Hou Liangping's voice was icy, "you must know the people in this video, right? Come in with us!"

Upon seeing the villa, Zhao Dehan's legs went completely weak, and he was practically carried out of the car by two investigators.

soon.

The group entered the villa.

The investigators turned on the lights and quickly got to work.

The villa's interior was luxuriously decorated, a stark contrast to Zhao Dehan's simple home and unassuming office. Mahogany furniture, crystal chandeliers, and imported appliances exuded an air of wealth.

Hou Liangping personally led the search team.

When he opened the huge double-door refrigerator, even though he was mentally prepared, he was still shocked by what he saw. The refrigerator compartment was empty of food; instead, it was filled with stacks of neatly arranged hundred-yuan bills wrapped in plastic film, which shone with a glaring red light under the lamp.

"Who is this? Who put money in our refrigerator?!"