Names: Uncle Zhao Mengsheng, Father-in-law Pei Yihong

Qi Tongwei immediately issued three prohibitions.

Zhao Ruilong immediately showed impatience and a hint of arrogance, "Governor Qi, if you hadn't personally spoken up, I wouldn't have bothered dealing with someone like Xun Jianxiang at all."

He's been to prison, he has a criminal record, he's a tainted person, so what gives him the right to do this?

The sense of superiority ingrained in them has never truly faded.

In reality, it's just a case of the pot calling the kettle black.

Back then, because of a traffic accident, Chen Yanshi detained him for the maximum period of 15 days.

As a result, Zhao Ruilong was unable to pursue a career in politics.

Qi Tongwei frowned and immediately criticized, "Ruilong, you must change this mentality."

Xun Jianxiang is different from you. His imprisonment was a special result of a special era and the crackdown campaign.

Ultimately, it was just a physical altercation between someone who was drunk and idle. Nowadays, it would at most be considered a public order dispute or a verbal warning, and it wouldn't be considered a serious criminal case at all.

You can't use cases from that era to label people for life and determine their fate.

The vision is too narrow, and the perspective is too limited.

Hey!

It's still that same caterpillar after all.

Zhao Ruilong was unconvinced. "Well, Xun Jianxiang led people in, but they all went in quietly to do the work. They said they were installing sewage equipment."

I don't think it's really necessary.

Governor Qi, my old squad leader, my old platoon leader, aren't you right?

Xun Jianxiang is no match for me. I am Zhao Gongzi, the former Crown Prince of Handong.

Qi Tongwei leaned back in his chair. "Ruilong, and also, don't underestimate Daxun."

Standing behind him was Song Yunhui from the Department of Chemical Energy.

Remember this: I will not harm you.

Your cooperation with the search is your obligation. You have no other choice.

A single word awakens one from a dream.

Zhao Ruilong was shocked, instantly abandoning all his arrogance and completely changing his attitude.

Having spent many years in the business world, he understands the value of personal connections best.

"Governor Qi, I understand."

I was wrong because I had a narrow perspective and a one-sided view of people.

I will fully cooperate and carry out all subsequent tasks to the best of my ability, without any compromise.

Those who understand the times are wise. Zhao Ruilong has been able to establish himself in Handong for many years, and besides Zhao Lichun's background, he is by no means an incompetent fool.

Qi Tongwei nodded slightly, his expression softening.

If they can admit their mistakes and correct them, they are still somewhat under control.

After hesitating for a moment, Zhao Ruilong finally couldn't suppress his doubts and took the initiative to speak.

"Governor Qi, there's a question I've been wanting to ask you."

He adopted an extremely humble posture, full of a desire to learn.

Qi Tongwei raised his eyes indifferently and said, "Speak."

I'm still a little unaccustomed to the caterpillar being normal.

Zhao Ruilong frowned, somewhat puzzled, "Why has Chen Yanshi been keeping such a close eye on my father, Zhao Lichun, for decades?"

My father was transferred away from Handong, and Chen Yanshi retired.

At his age, he should be enjoying his retirement. Why bother collecting clues and targeting others every year?

This problem has troubled Zhao Ruilong for many years.

Qi Tongwei took a sip of water to moisten his throat. "The grudges of the older generation have been going on for too long and too deeply. We younger generations can't see the whole picture."

Perhaps it stemmed from a conflict of interest during their work years ago, or perhaps it was a clash of ideas and perspectives, or maybe they genuinely uncovered some issues that others couldn't see.

People's hearts are unfathomable, and old stories are the hardest to judge.

Qi Tongwei couldn't figure out what Lao Shitou was up to either.

Zhao Ruilong stroked his chin. "Could it be because Chen Yanshi was stopped at the level of a department head back then and failed to be promoted to deputy provincial level, and he still harbors resentment and wants to take revenge on my father?"

In his view, most power struggles in officialdom are ultimately a contest of interests.

Qi Tongwei glanced at the caterpillar and said, "Whether it's true or not, go ask Chen Yanshi yourself."

Qi Tongwei not only didn't want to get involved, but he also didn't want to talk about it.

Zhao Ruilong froze, shaking his head vigorously.

"I'm not going."

I'd rather die than mess with that stubborn old man.

He has been afraid of Chen Yanshi since he was a child.

Zhao Ruilong felt there was a menacing aura in the other person's eyes, which left him with a psychological scar.

Rather than inviting humiliation upon oneself, it is better to keep a respectful distance.

the other side.

The Zhao Family Courtyard.

The antique courtyard is quiet and elegant, with lush greenery, far away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world.

On the large-screen TV in the living room, a replay video of the commendation ceremony from Handong Province was playing.

The scene of Zhao Ruilong accepting the award and giving his speech was played on repeat.

Zhao Lichun stared at his son on the screen, his emotions a jumble of emotions.

After a long silence, he finally spoke slowly, "Four hundred million was well spent."

I didn't feel the slightest bit sorry for them.

Zhao Xiaohui was somewhat indignant. "Dad, I always feel that this time it was those people from Handong who took advantage of our misfortune."

"Taking advantage of the fact that our Zhao family's power is no longer in Handong, they're using this opportunity to put pressure on Ruilong and control our Zhao family."

The world is cold and indifferent; once people leave, the tea grows cold. This is the epitome of how fickle people can be

Zhao Lichun gently shook his head. "Xiao Hui, it's perfectly normal. It's human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm, especially in the officialdom of Handong."

Look at the once glorious Liang family, now they've lost all power.

When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; no one lends a helping hand, and no one remembers the past.

Even Old Chen didn't say a word; he and Liang Qunfeng were in-laws.

The fickleness of human relationships and the rise and fall of power are simply normal occurrences.

Zhao Lichun is a man of great stature; he sees things clearly and has long since become indifferent to the fickleness of human relationships.

Zhao Xiaohui stomped her foot. "Dad, I can't swallow this."

"Do you really want to just stand by and watch the Zhao family fall?"

Zhao Xiaohui was somewhat unwilling.

Zhao Lichun clenched his fist. "Xiao Hui, our Zhao family must never fall."

I, Zhao Lichun, have worked hard all my life. It doesn't matter if all my power, connections, and foundation are wiped out.

"I only have Ruilong as my son. As long as he can establish himself securely, the Zhao family still has a future."

Every word is filled with a father's love.

Zhao Xiaohui's eyes welled up with tears as she revealed a secret she had kept hidden for many years: "Dad, I've always known."

Back then, Ruilong took the blame for you in that incident.

Over the years, I have never blamed you for being biased. I know you have always felt indebted to Ruilong.

Zhao Lichun was lost in memories, his voice low and hoarse, "Xiao Hui, if I had brought my secretary with me that year, everything would have been different."

I never imagined that a simple trip back to my hometown to pay respects to my ancestors would turn into such a dramatic event.

But the deed still happened.

Decades later, the guilt still lingers in my heart.

Zhao Xiaohui gently comforted him, "Dad, to put it bluntly, it was just an ordinary traffic accident back then."

The injured party has expressed their understanding, the facts are clear, and the responsibility is clearly defined; for an ordinary person, this would be a trivial matter.

Zhao Lichun raised his hand and rubbed his temples, a little helpless. "Xiao Hui, you don't understand."

That was the crucial public announcement period for my promotion, under the watchful eyes of everyone and the scrutiny of all.

Any slight disturbance or negative public opinion will be amplified infinitely.

If the opponent finds a weakness in you, your promotion will be ruined.

The situation was special, and I had no choice in the matter.

Zhao Xiaohui's nose tingled with emotion, and she said softly, "So, in the end, it was Ruilong who shouldered everything, Dad."

Fifteen days of administrative detention may seem short, but it has left a permanent stain on his life record.

Zhao Lichun sighed deeply, "I owe Ruilong too much."

If it weren't for that incident back then, according to Dakang's own words, with Ruilong's intelligence, vision, and resources, he would at least be a department-level cadre by now.