Nominal: Energy sector enters Handong, breaking the deadlock

Song Yunhui put down the phone.

Consider handing over the work to Lu Xiaola.

A moment later, Secretary Zhou Haoyang came in and reported: "Boss, there are several plainclothes officers squatting outside our gate. They are from the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, watching our gate and the entrance to our office building."

Should we arrange security measures, or maybe do something about them?

Song Yunhui waved his hand, "Haoyang, don't do anything, just follow the procedures."

Stay calm and wait for the monkey to walk into the pit on its own.

Let's go big this time.

Everything is a game of chess, and Hou Liangping was just a pawn from beginning to end.

Four Nine Cities.

The Supreme People's Procuratorate.

Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Hou Liangping entered Qin Siyuan's office for the third time.

I'm impatient and restless.

They're really in a huge rush.

I wish I could arrest them right now.

They were afraid that something might go wrong.

Qin Siyuan looked down at the case file, pressing his fingertips to his brow, too lazy to even lift his head. "Monkey, I've said it three times already. Zhao Dehan is the director of the Energy Department, and he's still in the public announcement period for the position of director-general. Checking his paperwork is quite troublesome. Go back and wait patiently."

Hou Liangping braced his palms on the desk. "Director Qin, we have witnesses and evidence. Plus, it's the window of opportunity for Zhao Dehan's promotion announcement. We can't delay arresting him for a moment!"

What if he runs away abroad?

They've been watching Zhao Dehan for so long, just waiting for this case to prove them capable and get them promoted to the rank of director.

"We can only handle cases if the procedures are in compliance with regulations." Qin Siyuan's attitude was firm. "Monkey, the energy sector is not to be trifled with. Be fully prepared before you act. If you act rashly, you might suffer a backlash."

Qin Siyuan had many concerns in his heart.

Taking down Zhao Dehan would at most result in a corruption case.

If he fails, the energy sector will hold him accountable, and he will be the first to be punished, potentially ending his political career.

proceed with extreme caution, daring not to take any rash steps.

Hou Liangping took out his phone and opened his contacts.

"Director Qin, since official business isn't working, I'll go find my father-in-law, Zhong Zhengguo."

"Monkey, hit me, hit me!" Qin Siyuan didn't care anyway.

Some things can't be rushed.

Even if Chung Cheng-kuo calls, he can stall for time.

Embarrassingly, Zhong Zhengguo hung up on Hou Liangping.

Hou Liangping was not discouraged. He dialed Zhong Xiaoai's number and said, "Xiaoai, could you please call Director Qin and ask him to expedite the paperwork?"

I have everything ready; all that's left is to complete the paperwork before making the sale.

I, Hou Liangping, will remain silent until the very end.

Today's breakthrough must be spectacular.

Just two minutes later, the landline on Qin Siyuan's desk rang.

The conversation was brief, and he only responded with nods and agreement throughout.

After hanging up the phone, Qin Siyuan looked at Hou Liangping and said, "Complete the search and summons procedures before 6 o'clock, and strictly control any adverse effects."

Stop rushing me. I'm busy, get out!

Hou Liangping, with a fawning smile, said, "Okay, Director Qin. Thank you!"

The result is the most important thing; everything else is secondary.

To accomplish great things, you must have thick skin.

Six o'clock in the afternoon.

Hou Liangping took the paperwork and immediately contacted his field team member, "Xiao Han, how's the situation?"

Field investigator Xiao Han reported: "Director Hou, Zhao Dehan has a fixed schedule. He goes to work during the day and eats at home in the evening. His wife takes the children to tutoring every night at seven o'clock without fail."

Occasionally, Zhao Dehan would visit the Imperial Capital Villa.

"Okay, great, let's move in a bit. Today, after we succeed, I'll treat you to old duck soup." Hou Liangping was quite confident, feeling that the time was ripe for action.

Hou Liangping thought of Ding Yizhen, but he couldn't go himself and was too busy to be in two places at once.

However, Ding Yizhen must be captured.

I was reminded of Chen Hai, the director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau of the Handong Provincial Procuratorate.

The call was connected.

Chen Haiqing's clear voice came through the receiver.

"Liangping, what are your instructions?"

The reason Hou Liangping spoke so politely was entirely because he was the son-in-law of the Zhong family.

Hou Liangping rubbed his temples. "I'm investigating a major case involving Ding Yizhen, the vice mayor of Jingzhou City."

We two brothers, two of the three heroes of Han University, are joining forces this time.

"How about we launch a simultaneous operation in both Beijing and Handong, closing in on two fronts?"

Chen Hai felt a headache coming on. "Monkey, are we just going to arrest Ding Yizhen directly? Do we have the proper procedures?"

"There are witnesses to Ding Yizhen bribing Zhao Dehan, and they even have account books. That's enough to get him arrested," Hou Liangping said quickly. "If you set up surveillance overnight and take him down in one fell swoop, it will be a great achievement."

Chen Hai was silent for a few seconds, then said, "Liangping, this won't work."

Hou Liangping raised his voice a few decibels, "Why, Chen Hai? Don't let me down at this crucial moment."

"Ding Yizhen is not an ordinary cadre; he is the deputy mayor of Jingzhou, a full-fledged provincial-level official. To investigate him, you must go through the Handong Provincial Party Committee." Chen Hai didn't want to stir up a hornet's nest.

Hou Liangping was furious. "Chen Hai, you're the director of the anti-corruption bureau; arresting people is perfectly reasonable!"

"It's reasonable! But it's against the rules and procedures." Chen Hai responded bluntly, "I can't bear the consequences of making an arrest without proper authorization."

Hou Liangping was speechless for a moment.

After a long pause, he uttered a few words, "Chen Hai, what do you suggest we do?"

Chen Hai sighed, "I can send someone to keep an eye on Ding Yizhen, but I must report to Chief Prosecutor Ji in person."

Hou Liangping nodded. "Alright, report to Lao Ji as soon as possible. Make sure Ding Yizhen doesn't get away."

"Don't worry, monkey." Chen Hai hung up the phone immediately.

Downstairs at Zhao Dehan's house.

After watching Zhao Dehan's wife and son leave the community, Hou Liangping directed four field investigators to go upstairs.

Upon arriving at Zhao Dehan's house, Hou Liangping raised his hand and knocked on the security door, "Open the door, open the door, I'm from the property management."

The sound of bowls and chopsticks coming from inside the door; the soundproofing in this old neighborhood is really bad.

A moment later, the door opened a crack.

Zhao Dehan held a celadon bowl of fried sauce noodles in one hand and a clove of garlic in the other, with sauce smeared on the corner of his mouth and a nonchalant expression.

Upon seeing Hou Liangping and his group outside the door, he didn't even bother to lift his eyelids. "What's up with the property management? No water pipes, no electrical work. Come back later."

After saying that, he turned to close the door, completely ignoring Hou Liangping.

Hou Liangping raised his hand to brace against the door, showing his search warrant. "Zhao Dehan, I am Hou Liangping, the director of the Investigation Division of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Zhao Dehan, please cooperate with the home search."

"Hou Liangping, as long as the documents you possess aren't fake, you can investigate them as you please. If you can't find anything, you must restore my reputation." Zhao Dehan simply opened the door, turned around and went back to the dining table, eating noodles and chewing garlic with great gusto, his expression extremely calm.

The interior was old and dilapidated, with peeling furniture and whitewashed walls. The house was practically bare, worse off than even an average working-class family.

Hou Liangping was a little surprised; the contrast was too great.

camouflage!

Correct!

It must be a disguise.

To anyone else, this doesn't seem to be related to a corrupt section chief.

Zhao Dehan swallowed a mouthful of noodles with soybean paste, scoffed, "Hou Liangping, what's the point of you, a gigolo who got to your position by relying on your father-in-law, investigating me, Zhao Dehan? Do I look like a corrupt official? I'm just the son of a farmer. Do I have any ill-gotten gains on me?"

Hou Liangping put away his identification, his face stern. "Zhao Dehan, whether you're corrupt or not isn't up to you to decide. I'm handling this case based on the evidence presented in the report. It's all lawful and based on facts."

Investigator Xiao Han looked around the room, his gaze settling on the certificates of merit on the wall. He pointed and said, "Director Hou, this wall is a bit suspicious. It might be hollow. Some corrupt officials might have hidden their ill-gotten gains inside, and some might even have gold bars."

Zhao Dehan paused in his chopsticks, stood up, and looked anxious.

He immediately stood up and blocked the wall, saying, "Don't touch the award certificate!"

"This is the honor my son received, and this is the annual award the Department of Energy and Resources gave me. Can you afford to pay for it if you damage it?"

Hou Liangping stepped forward, approaching Zhao Dehan, "Director Zhao Dehan, this is necessary for the investigation."

Zhao Dehan pointed at the wall and said, "Hou Liangping, open your monkey eyes and look at your search warrant."

The sign above says "Search my home." This load-bearing wall is part of the community's public facilities; you have no right to inspect it.

The main tactic is to argue and make a scene, pretending that you don't want to be investigated.

Hou Liangping remained unmoved, his tone forceful, "Zhao Dehan, I'm a professional when it comes to law. The wall is within the residential area, and I have the right to investigate."

Zhao Dehan crossed his arms and said, "You can check."

If any stolen money or goods are discovered, I will voluntarily confess and cooperate with the interrogation.

We can't find anything, what should we do?

Hou Liangping's lips curled into a cold smile as he stared intently at Zhao Dehan. "Director Zhao, you are currently in the public announcement period for the position of Director of the Audit Department. I guarantee you won't see tomorrow's announcement document."

Zhao Dehan gave a wry smile, "Hou Liangping, you're awesome."

My request is simple: if I can't find out, you kneel in the living room, kowtow, call me "Grandpa" ten times, and apologize in public.

Hou Liangping felt guilty because of the shifty look in his eyes.

Hou Liangping agreed without hesitation.

"Words are no proof." Zhao Dehan took out paper and pen. "Let's put it in writing. Whoever goes back on their word is a dog."

In order to investigate the case, Hou Liangping had no choice but to sign.

So, I carefully tore down all the certificates of merit from the wall.

The walls are solid cement, and the structure is brick-concrete.

No cash, bank cards, or valuables were found.

A thorough search was conducted of all the cabinets, washing machine, and under the bed, but nothing was found.

Zhao Dehan leaned against the wall and sneered, "Director Hou, finished investigating? I, Zhao Dehan, am very magnanimous. I'll treat you to a good show."

Hou Liangping's face was ashen, and a surge of anger welled up inside him.

He was convinced that Zhao Dehan had serious problems, but since there was nothing in his home, his office or the Dijingyuan villa might be the possible locations.

Yup!

Zhao Dehan may not have hidden the stolen goods at home.

It must be a villa.

Zhao Dehan sent several messages.

Neighbors from upstairs and downstairs gathered around upon hearing the noise.

Most of them are long-time residents who know that Zhao Dehan is frugal in his daily life.

An old man stepped forward and looked at Hou Liangping. "Comrade, Old Zhao is an honest and law-abiding man. What are you investigating him for? I think you must be wronging an innocent person."

An elderly woman picked up a megaphone and shouted, "Director Hou, the bet is right here in black and white. Public officials cannot renege on their promises."

"If you don't kowtow and fulfill your promise, we will collectively petition the Anti-Corruption Bureau and file a complaint against you for abusing your power and oppressing ordinary people."

The commotion among the onlookers grew louder and louder.

Xiao Han lowered his voice, "Director Hou, what should we do?"

Hou Liangping's jaw was clenched, his fingertips digging into his palm, caught in a dilemma.

Kneeling to fulfill the contract would be a complete loss of face and would likely make him a laughing stock in the industry.

Refusing to fulfill the agreement leads to public petitions and a difficult situation to resolve.

Zhao Dehan raised his chin. "Director Hou, fulfill the contract."

After a stalemate lasting half a minute, Hou Liangping's back stiffened, and he knelt down.

He lowered his head and uttered each sound through gritted teeth.

"grandfather."

There are ten tones in total.

A cacophony of laughter.

Hou Liangping stood up and showed the second set of documents. "Director Zhao, next stop, your office. I don't believe I can't find something on you."