A man in Handong: living off Zhong Xiaoai

"Ruilong! You've misunderstood me. My meeting with the Gulf's top brass was entirely to secure their support for unifying the various gangs in the Gulf, so that I could better protect our interests. I, Lei Fuhong, have never intended to betray Governor Qi. Governor Qi has always been my benefactor, and I will never forget that!"

"Rest assured, no matter where I go in life, I will never forget Governor Qi's help and promotion. If you ever need any help in the future, just let me know, and I, Lei Fuhong, will do my best!"

“Peter, didn’t you get involved with that new guy from the Gulf, Lei Yingfu? Don’t think I don’t know what you’re up to. Let me tell you the truth, Lei Yingfu and the Black Dragon Gang have already reached an agreement, and the terms are exactly the same as yours.”

Lei Yingfu just wants to see which of your Sanlian Gang and Black Dragon Gang is more useful to him, and who his true ally is. If that old bastard Lei Yingfu finds out that Governor Qi, that is, the Zhong family, is supporting you behind the scenes, you might still have a way out.

But if Lei Yingfu finds out now that you're starting to betray him, let me tell you, you'll soon become a sacrifice for the Black Dragon Gang, and you won't even know how you died! In this circle, the price of betrayal is very high; you'd better think twice before you act.”

Upon hearing Zhao Ruilong's words, Lei Fuhong's face turned deathly pale in an instant.

"Ruilong! How do you know about Lei Yingfu?! How could you possibly know that he's also negotiating with the Black Dragon Gang? Is this information even accurate?!"

Jin Ye, the strategist of the Sanlian Gang, was also somewhat shocked upon hearing the news. He first glanced at Lei Fuhong, who was standing to the side with a look of astonishment, and then looked at Zhao Ruilong, who was opposite Lei Fuhong.

"Young Master Ruilong, this kind of thing is a top-secret matter known only to the highest levels! Could it be... that you have friends among the higher-ups in the Gulf region? This truly broadens my horizons!"

After hearing what Master Jin said, Zhao Ruilong glanced at Master Jin with disdain.

"Haiwan Province is such a tiny, insignificant place. My father is the Party Secretary of Handong Province, and my brother-in-law, Qi Tongwei, is the Governor of Handong Province. They are backed by the Zhong family! What is Lei Yingfu?! He's practically a grandson to me!"

Let me tell you, Lao Jin, don't be so clever as to lead the Triads astray. Don't think Governor Qi won't see through your little tricks. Let me tell you, Governor Qi has sharp eyes; he sees everything and remembers it all.

Let me tell you again, the Gulf Province is also a province of the Great Xia Kingdom! If my brother-in-law Qi Tongwei wants to interfere, there's nothing the Zhong family can't handle! You Sanlian Gang members had better be sensible, or you won't even know how you died!

Upon hearing this, Old Jin's face turned ashen, and his forehead was covered in cold sweat.

Lei Fuhong heard Zhao Ruilong calling Qi Tongwei "brother-in-law" repeatedly. Qi Tongwei was not only Zhong Lao's son-in-law, but he could also win the heart of Zhao Ruilong's sister, who he remembered had two sisters. This was no joke.

Thinking of this, Lei Fuhong took a deep breath and glared at Jin Ye beside him. Lei Fuhong hadn't originally intended to betray Qi Tongwei; these terrible ideas were all Jin Ye's doing.

"Ruilong! To be honest, I've always admired Governor Qi. His decisiveness and skill are truly admirable. Now that things have come to this point and the situation is clear, I don't want to beat around the bush anymore."

Ruilong, you'd better show me the right path, just like before. I promise I'll listen to you! Whatever you ask me to do, I'll do my best and never let you down. We're brothers, and I, Lei Fuhong, keep my word and will never betray you!

Chapter 579 Yi Xuexi: How do you manage your work?

Zhao Ruilong curled his lip after hearing Lei Fuhong's words.

"Actually, the life or death of your Triad has nothing to do with me, Zhao Ruilong! Let me tell you the truth, Peter, before I came to the Gulf, my brother-in-law, Governor Qi, had my second sister give me a phone number, saying that he was willing to talk to you about a big deal that could change your life."

"Go if you want, don't go if you don't. Nobody's forcing you! This isn't an opportunity everyone gets; you should think it over carefully. Alright, I've delivered the message. I don't really have an appetite for this meal, so that's it. There's not much to eat anyway, so I'll leave now. You guys enjoy yourselves; I'm not wasting your time."

After saying that, Zhao Ruilong stood up, straightened his clothes, and left the private room without looking back.

After Zhao Ruilong left, Lei Fuhong lowered his head, his face looking very ugly.

At this moment, Lei Fuhong, standing next to Jin Ye, smiled and said.

"Young Master Lei, I think we can't just listen to everything others say; we need to have our own opinions. This world is unpredictable, and only by taking the initiative can we stand firm in these storms."

If the Sanlian Gang wants to usher in a new era, an era that truly belongs to you, Young Master Lei, then we must plan it ourselves and work hard ourselves. What others give us will ultimately remain theirs; only what we earn ourselves is truly real.

Therefore, Young Master Lei, you must demonstrate your courage and determination to lead the Sanlian Gang down a path of its own. I believe that under your leadership, the Sanlian Gang will surely usher in an even more glorious tomorrow! I think this matter is actually…”

Before Master Jin could finish speaking, Lei Fuhong picked up the wine glass in front of him and splashed it all over Master Jin's face.

Jin was startled, his eyes widening in an instant, his face covered in the wine that Lei Fuhong had splashed on him.

"Shut up! It's your nonsense that almost killed me! You've been making me do this and that. Is the Sanlian Gang following my will or your Jin Ye's will? Are you saying the Sanlian Gang is going to forge your Jin Ye's path?"

I'm telling you, I've made up my mind! All of Chicken's cousin Ke Zhihua's businesses and territories, plus Chicken's former businesses and territories, will be handed over to Ke Zhihua. Old Jin, you immediately hand over your territories and businesses to Michael!

If you dare utter a single word of dissent, I'll send you to see the Marquis of Zhongyong right now! Don't think I wouldn't dare; I, Lei Fuhong, mean what I say and will show no mercy!

After saying this, Lei Fuhong stood up and left the private room in the restaurant.

Jin Ye sat there with his eyes wide open, his face covered in alcohol, looking utterly incredulous.

Inside the meeting room of the county party committee in Jinshan County, Lüzhou City, Handong Province.

Yi Xuexi, as the Party Secretary of Jinshan County, is giving a report on the political and legal work of Jinshan County to Han Bin, the Party Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee of Luzhou City.

"Respected Secretary Han Bin of the Political and Legal Committee of Luzhou City, please allow me, on behalf of the Jinshan County Party Committee and the vast number of cadres and people in the county, to extend a warm welcome and heartfelt thanks to you for your visit! Your guidance is a great encouragement and impetus to our political and legal work in Jinshan County."

Next, I would like to briefly report to you on the political and legal work in Jinshan County. In recent years, under the strong leadership of the Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government, our Jinshan County political and legal system has adhered to the people-centered development philosophy, and has made remarkable achievements in promoting the construction of a safe and law-based Jinshan. We have severely cracked down on all kinds of illegal and criminal activities, effectively maintaining social security and stability; at the same time, we have strengthened legal publicity and education, improving the legal awareness and legal literacy of all people in the county.

Of course, we are also keenly aware that there are still some shortcomings and weaknesses in the political and legal work of Jinshan County, which require our continuous efforts and improvements in the future. We believe that, under the guidance and assistance of Secretary Han, the political and legal work of Jinshan County will surely reach a new level and provide stronger legal guarantees for the county's economic and social development.

Thank you again, Secretary Han, for your visit. We sincerely request your valuable opinions and suggestions on our work. We will humbly accept them, earnestly rectify any shortcomings, and continuously strive to achieve new and greater successes in the political and legal work of Jinshan County.

Han Bin's expression was not very pleasant as he listened to Yi Xuexi's work report.

Request flowers

"Yi Xuexi, how did you write this work report? I think you're a complete idiot! You say you've cracked down on all kinds of illegal and criminal activities and maintained social order and stability, but let me ask you, how did you handle that vicious assault incident that happened in Jinshan County last month? You still haven't given me a clear answer!"

Furthermore, you said that you have strengthened legal publicity and education, and improved the legal awareness and literacy of the people in the county. But how come I heard that some people still dare to openly provoke the laws of Xia Kingdom in broad daylight, or even engage in gang fights? How are you managing this?

Let me tell you, Yi Xuexi, political and legal work is not child's play; it cannot be done carelessly! If you continue to work in this muddled manner, the public security situation in Jinshan County will descend into chaos sooner or later! Then, let's see how you explain yourself to the municipal party committee and government, and how you explain yourself to the people of the county!

.... ..... ....

Yi Xuexi's face turned ugly after hearing Han Bin's words.

"Secretary Han, the shortcomings you just pointed out do exist, and I feel deeply remorseful. Regarding the vicious assault incident that occurred last month, we quickly organized police forces to investigate and successfully apprehended the suspect. However, we were indeed not timely or transparent enough in our subsequent information feedback and public notification, which led to some unnecessary misunderstandings and concerns. This is an area we need to improve."

Regarding your mention of individuals openly defying the laws of Xia State and engaging in group fights, those were isolated and extreme incidents. We have dealt seriously with the individuals involved and strengthened patrols and prevention efforts to ensure similar incidents do not recur. At the same time, we are further strengthening legal education and publicity to raise the legal awareness and literacy of all residents in the county, striving to create a positive atmosphere of respecting, learning, abiding by, and applying the law.

Secretary Han, your criticism is our motivation to move forward. We will earnestly learn from this lesson, immediately rectify the existing problems, and ensure that the political and legal work in Jinshan County is more solid and effective. We also ask for your continued concern and support for our work, so that we can jointly promote the rule of law in Jinshan County to a new level.

Chapter 580 Who are you doing this to?

Han Bin gave a cold laugh after hearing Yi Xuexi's words.

"Yi Xuexi, I heard you have a map hanging in your office? Hmph, I'd like to ask you, what's drawn on your map? Is it just a few circles and crosses marking the place names and terrain of Jinshan County? You stare at that map all day long, what exactly do you see? Do you see the future prosperity and development of Jinshan County? Or do you see the long-term stability of Jinshan County?"

Let me tell you, don't think that hanging up a map will show off your foresight! If you could really see mountains of gold and silver on that map, Jinshan County would have been prosperous long ago! But look at the present, with endless public security problems and lagging rule of law. You're just fooling people, don't you understand?

I'm warning you, Yi Xuexi, don't try to fool me with those fancy platitudes! What I want are tangible achievements, real sense of security and satisfaction for the people of Jinshan County! You'd better show me some real skills, or I think your position as county party secretary is over!

Upon hearing Han Bin's words, everyone present exchanged bewildered glances. It was clear that this secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission from Lüzhou City was dissatisfied with Yi Xuexi's work.

At this moment, Li Dakang sensed an opportunity and smiled as he spoke.

"Secretary Han, every point you made hit the nail on the head! When I first set foot on the land of Jinshan County, I saw the eye-catching map in Comrade Yi Xuexi's office, and my admiration for him arose spontaneously. I thought that Comrade Yi Xuexi must be a leader who has Jinshan in his heart and is grounded in reality, and knows our Jinshan County like the back of his hand."

But did you know? Recently, I've been thinking about building a new road for Jinshan County, hoping to make travel easier for the villagers and boost the county's development. This was originally a great thing, but unexpectedly, Secretary Yi has gotten stuck on it, saying that the route passes through several villages, which is a concern. Secretary Han, you may not know, but those villages are the "dead ends" of Jinshan County. Why are they poor? Because the roads are impassable, making it difficult for people to leave and goods to be transported.

Once this road is completed, wow, it'll be a game-changer! Although a few families will have to relocate, think about it—it's not just giving them a new home, but also a chance to change their destiny, and a substantial compensation payment—that's real, tangible benefit. We can't let a few small stones trip up Jinshan County's progress!

Secretary Yi's intervention truly worried me. I felt that Comrade Yi, with his wall full of maps, probably only saw the lines and names, but didn't see the burgeoning vitality of Jinshan County behind those maps, nor the villagers' yearning for a better life. Secretary Han, you're right, we need to look forward, to the future of Jinshan County, and to the tangible well-being of our fellow villagers.”

When Yi Xuexi heard Li Dakang say this, his face turned very ugly.

"Comrade Dakang, this is really inappropriate of you. Why bring up the road construction issue again when Secretary Han is visiting? Didn't we already clearly discuss and agree on this at the County Party Committee Standing Committee meeting? This road cannot be built like this!"

Secretary Han is the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of our Luzhou City. He is in charge of the rule of law and fairness and justice. How could he possibly know about our specific matters of road construction and bridge building? Now you are putting all this stuff in front of Secretary Han, which is just making things difficult for him and wasting everyone's precious time!

We must follow the rules and procedures when doing things. If there are opinions or disagreements, we should resolve them internally. Don't drag things out to outsiders, putting the leadership in a difficult position and making yourselves a laughingstock. Comrade Dakang, we are both cadres of Xia State; we must have a sense of the bigger picture. Don't let momentary impulses affect the overall work plan of Jinshan County; that would truly be letting down Xia State and everyone else!

Seeing this situation, Wang Dalu also saw an opportunity to retaliate against Yi Xuexi.

Despite having such a good relationship with Yi Xuexi, Yi Xuexi has never considered his own affairs over the years.

What's even more outrageous is that Wang Dalu also heard that Yi Xuexi had gone to the Organization Department of the Lüzhou Municipal Party Committee to report problems a couple of days ago, expressing great dissatisfaction with his promotion to Deputy Secretary of the Jinshan County Party Committee and Executive Deputy County Head.

“Secretary Yi, what exactly is the conclusion you’re referring to at the county party committee standing committee meeting? You were so autocratic at the meeting! How much of our opinion did you listen to? It probably went in one ear and out the other, you didn’t take it seriously at all! What’s the point of holding such a meeting if it’s just a waste of time? Why don’t you just give an order and we all follow it? Wouldn’t that be much easier?”

You said problems should be resolved internally and not discussed outside, but I, Wang Dalu, have worked in Jinshan County for over ten years, rising from deputy county head to deputy secretary and deputy county head, all through my own abilities and achievements... You previously promised to recommend me, but what happened? You did nothing! On the contrary, I worked hard and gained Governor Qi's appreciation. And you, behind my back, went to the Organization Department of the Luzhou Municipal Party Committee, saying I lacked ability and rose to my position by currying favor with Deputy County Head Chen Hai. What are you up to?

How could you have forgotten the principle of "resolving problems internally in Jinshan County" back then? How could you have caused trouble for the leaders? Now look what's happened, you've suffered a loss and lost face in front of the leaders, only now realizing you shouldn't have leaked this matter? Look at County Chief Dakang, he raises issues to your face, that's true integrity! And you, speaking ill of others behind their backs, that kind of behavior is truly despicable!

Han Bin saw that the situation was very favorable to his side, as Yi Xuexi had very poor interpersonal relationships.

At this moment, Han Bin glared at Yi Xuexi, whose face was pale and who was somewhat dissatisfied.

"Comrade Yi Xuexi, what are you up to? Huh?! Is what Comrade Wang Dalu and Comrade Li Dakang said true? Are you really running your own dictatorship in Jinshan County?!"

Look at you! As the county party secretary, you should be the leader guiding everyone forward, but instead, you've become a stumbling block to development! Listen to what County Chief Dakang said—how much benefit that road will bring to the people of Jinshan County! Why do you insist on blocking it? And Comrade Wang Dalu, he rose through his own efforts, and you speak ill of him behind his back. What are you up to?

"Let me tell you, Yi Xuexi, the way you're doing this is not only letting down Xia Guo and everyone else, but also letting down all of us who have fought alongside you! If you continue to act so arbitrarily and disregard the big picture, not only will I, Han Bin, not even the people of Jinshan County will stand for it! You need to seriously reflect on your actions and figure out what you should do to live up to the responsibility on your shoulders and to be worthy of the future of Jinshan County!"

Chapter 581 Work Requires Collective Wisdom and Effort

Yi Xuexi's face was very pale at this moment, and he didn't know what to say. He was so angry that his mind went blank, and he couldn't speak.

At this moment, Han Bin looked at Chen Hai, who was standing to the side.

"I, Han Bin, am furious after hearing Yi Xuexi's report just now! It was utter nonsense, a load of rubbish, not a single word of truth! Comrade Chen Hai, you are the deputy county head of Jinshan County in charge of police and legal affairs, come here and tell me the real situation, don't give me that nonsense!"

Look at some people, their offices are covered in maps, acting like they care so much about Jinshan County, but it's all just an act! Would someone who truly cares about Jinshan County need maps hanging all over their office to remind themselves? No! Chen Hai, tell me what's really going on, don't let those fancy things blind us!

Han Bin's words at the scene were very serious, and many people present quietly glanced at Yi Xuexi standing to the side.

As everyone knows, some of Yi Xuexi's actions have angered the public and also displeased those in power.

"Secretary Han, I will give you a brief report on the rule of law and police work in Jinshan County. In recent years, Jinshan County has achieved remarkable results in the construction of the rule of law, and has also made new breakthroughs in police work."

Regarding the rule of law, we actively promoted the popularization and dissemination of laws and regulations, raising the legal awareness of cadres and the general public. At the same time, we strengthened supervision of law enforcement to ensure the fair implementation of the law. In terms of police work, we intensified our crackdown on illegal and criminal activities, maintaining social stability. Through measures such as strengthened patrols and special campaigns, we effectively reduced the incidence of criminal cases.

Of course, we are also keenly aware that there are still some shortcomings and challenges in the rule of law and policing work in Jinshan County. Going forward, we will continue to deepen the development of the rule of law, improve policing mechanisms, and enhance law enforcement standards and service capabilities to provide stronger legal guarantees for the economic and social development of Jinshan County.

Secretary Han, while Jinshan County has made some progress in its rule of law and policing work, there is still considerable room for improvement. We will continue our efforts to continuously improve our work and contribute even more to the prosperity and stability of Jinshan County.

After listening to Chen Hai's words, Yi Xuexi felt that this was exactly what he had said. This Secretary Han was definitely going to get angry again.

Who knew that after waiting a while, it was true that he was angry, but Han Bin was coming at him.

"Listen to what Comrade Chen Hai has to say—clear, logical, and practical! Yi Xuexi, what's wrong with you? As the county party secretary, you don't even understand the basic rule of law in Jinshan County. What are you thinking about all day?!"

You've been looking at maps every day for years! How come you don't understand them as well as Comrade Li Dakang, who only arrived in Jinshan County a short time ago? Damn it! Are you a complete waste?! Is this how you repay the trust placed in you by the leaders of Handong Province and Lüzhou City?!

You've been doing all those image-building projects, filling your office with maps, making everyone who's ever been there think you're devoted to Jinshan County and always busy with work. So what's going on here?! Yi Xuexi, explain this to me!

After I return to Luzhou, how am I supposed to report your situation to Secretary Feng Lei and Mayor Ma Haitao? Tell me! Tell me how I should report it?! How am I supposed to tell them like this?!

Yi Xuexi's face was extremely grim. How could it be that what he and Chen Hai said was almost identical, yet Chen Hai's version was considered factual while his was labeled as fabrication?! He took a deep breath.

"Secretary Han, I admit that there are indeed some problems with the rule of law in Jinshan County, and this is an inescapable responsibility for me as the county party secretary. Over the years, I have genuinely wanted to do a good job and enable the people of Jinshan County to live a better life."

I admit that I may be somewhat assertive at work, and sometimes too insistent on my own opinions. But I can assure you that everything I do is for the good of Jinshan County, absolutely not to create a one-man show, much less to ruin Jinshan County. I have been striving to find the most suitable development path for Jinshan County. Perhaps some of my methods and approaches are not mature enough in this process, but I truly have no other selfish motives.

Secretary Han, I hope you can understand my good intentions. I will carefully listen to your and other leaders' criticisms and suggestions, strive to improve my work, and contribute more to the development of Jinshan County.

Han Bin sneered after hearing Yi Xuexi's words.

"Before I came to Jinshan County, everyone told me that it was the best-performing county under Lüzhou City. They especially told me to pay close attention to Comrade Yi Xuexi, the county party secretary, saying that his room was full of maps of all sizes and that he studied maps every day. I mean, what do you know! After I got here, I realized that all you really do is look at maps all day long, and you haven't done any work at all!"