Han Qingsong asked, "What is it?"
Lin Lan had originally wanted to pretend nothing was wrong, but his sudden question instantly made her cheeks turn beet red. "Cough, cough, cough..."
When did Xiaowang overhear that? Why couldn't she remember saying it in front of him? Sure enough, you could never discuss important matters in front of children. Every single one of them was a little spy!
She hurriedly changed such an awkward topic. "I'm so hungry. What are we eating?"
Han Qingsong had merely been asking casually, but seeing her blush actually piqued his curiosity. He reached his large hand toward her satchel. "Let me see."
Lin Lan had a flash of desperate wit. "......Medicine. Yes, Xiaowang's medicine." She smiled, instantly grabbing his hand to steady herself as she hopped onto the back seat of the bicycle. Patting his waist, she complained coquettishly, "Hurry up and let's go. I'm starving to death."
The corners of Han Qingsong's lips involuntarily curled up. He didn't say anything further, deciding he would interrogate her thoroughly once they returned home.
He took them to the cafeteria of the County Revolutionary Committee.
This place had originally been the county government building before being replaced by the Revolutionary Committee. Initially, the military controlled the Revolutionary Committee, but to keep government affairs running smoothly, they reinstated the government cadres who hadn't been overthrown. Together with the Workers' Propaganda Team and the Agricultural Propaganda Team, these four distinct groups ran the show together.
Now that the situation had stabilized, the administrative functions of local government organs had once again become prominent and crucial. As a result, the government cadres handled the actual work while the military department held the ultimate authority. The Agricultural Propaganda Team had long since withdrawn, and the Workers' Propaganda Team was now an insignificant department, solely responsible for contacting and handling matters for the factory workers.
However, the members of the Workers' Propaganda Team still ate their meals here.
The cafeteria was jointly operated by the Workers' Propaganda Team and the Agricultural Propaganda Team. Thanks to the Agricultural Propaganda Team's involvement, the food was quite good, with a decent variety of vegetables and meat. At this hour, people were coming and going, making the place bustling and lively.
Today's menu featured braised pork with kelp knots, stir-fried shredded potatoes, braised mackerel, and hot-and-sour cabbage. Buying steamed buns required grain coupons along with money, but buying dishes only required money.
"Where is Qingyun?" Lin Lan didn't see Han Qingyun around. "Why isn't he coming to eat? Does he not have grain coupons?"
"He went to the Agricultural Propaganda Team to handle some matters and will eat with them," Han Qingsong replied, lifting Xiaowang and setting him down on a stool.
Lin Lan then asked about the soldiers who had run here with them. Han Qingsong gave a soft snort. "They're probably going to go hungry."
Lin Lan figured there must be some underlying situation, so she refrained from asking further to avoid making him leak classified information and commit an error.
Han Qingsong first went to buy four fine-flour steamed buns and five coarse-grain cornbread buns, then went to get the dishes. He had only brought one lunchbox with him, but wanting to get a portion of every dish, he planned to borrow two bowls from the cafeteria to hold the extra portions.
Inside the kitchen, a sturdy, solidly built woman sporting a bob cut saw him and immediately turned to look at her group leader.
The group leader nodded at her, signaling that this man was indeed Han Qingsong.
The woman, whose neck was almost as thick and plump as her face, immediately spoke up in a gruff voice. "Where are you from? Why do you look so unfamiliar? We only have a limited amount of food, so unauthorized idlers aren't allowed to eat here!"
Han Qingsong replied, "I'm from the Shanshui Commune, here for a meeting." According to regulations, cadres from lower communes coming up for meetings were allowed to eat here using money and grain coupons.
Not only that, but they even received a subsidy. Otherwise, some commune cadres wouldn't bother coming. Those without bicycles had to walk, and if there wasn't much official business to handle, they'd rather just stay home.
Who would have thought the woman would just snort. "Here for a meeting? What meeting? Where is there a meeting today? Don't think I don't know your tricks. You people just find a military uniform to put on, pretend to be from the Military Propaganda Team to scam free food and drinks, and once I see through it, you pretend to be commune cadres. Do you think I'm blind? Hmph, what kind of cadre brings their family along?"
She stretched her thick neck, peering out at Lin Lan and Xiaowang who were sitting there looking over. Snorting heavily, she banged her iron ladle loudly against the cement counter.
Someone hastily informed her that this was Bureau Chief Han from the Shanshui Commune, who had eaten here before without any issues.
But the woman refused to drop it. "I'm a straight shooter. I can't handle all these twisted, roundabout schemes. I don't care who he is; if he doesn't follow the rules, he can't eat."
The moment she said this, others immediately realized she was doing it on purpose. Those familiar with her knew she was Zhao Jianshe's gu. With Zhao Jianshe having been arrested at the Shanshui Farm and sent for labor reform, she was deliberately trying to show them some color and make things difficult.
The onlookers quickly pretended to be oblivious, going about their own business to avoid drawing fire upon themselves.
Some also felt she was far too arrogant. She was truly narrow-minded and incredibly stupid. What good could possibly come from publicly humiliating someone, other than making enemies and inviting disaster?
Han Qingsong naturally realized she was targeting him on purpose. He lowered his head and glanced through the service window at the name badge pinned to her broad chest, which read: Workers' Propaganda Team, Zhao Anhong.
He didn't argue, merely stating, "Zhao Anhong, you are discriminating against poor peasant cadres and sabotaging the unity between the military and civilians. I suspect you are being instigated by enemy agents to maliciously create chaos."
He turned his head and, seeing several soldiers from the compound lining up to get food, walked over and presented one of his work IDs: Deputy Bureau Chief of the County Revolutionary Committee's Public Security Bureau, Han Qingsong. Below that, it listed his former military unit and rank prior to his transfer.
The soldiers immediately saluted him.
Han Qingsong returned the salute, then pointed at Zhao Anhong. "I have reason to suspect she is premeditating counter-revolutionary activities. Arrest her and send her to the Public Security Bureau for a thorough interrogation."
The soldiers were a bit puzzled. Wasn't that Zhao Anhong? She was a women's cadre in the Workers' Propaganda Team who frequently came here to cook and serve food.
The leading squad leader loudly declared, "Obey orders!"
And so, several soldiers rushed into the cafeteria kitchen and forcefully seized Zhao Anhong, pinning her arms behind her.
Zhao Anhong had initially assumed Han Qingsong was just bluffing. Even if he was some commune bureau chief, he was a nobody once he came to the county seat. Even with the title of Deputy Bureau Chief, he had no real authority. How could these soldiers possibly listen to him?
She had figured that compared to him, their relationship with her was probably much better. After all, she was the one who wielded the food ladle and decided whether they got more vegetables or more meat.
But to her shock, they actually pinned her down. She immediately started yelling, "Comrades! PLA comrades, this is a misunderstanding! It's a misunderstanding!"
Over on the other side, the cafeteria group leader hurried over to plead for mercy. "Comrade, is this a misunderstanding? We're all just working here properly and honestly."
Someone else also advised, "If there's an issue, it's better to go to the Workers' Propaganda Team to resolve it. Don't go around arresting people arbitrarily."
Han Qingsong, however, was already holding his lunchbox on the other side of the counter, getting his food. He ordered one portion of every dish and borrowed two bowls from the cafeteria.
The people who had previously been watching the spectacle of him being harassed by Zhao Anhong didn't dare utter a single word now. They obediently served him his food, making sure to accompany it with careful, apologetic smiles.
Han Qingsong's expression remained cold and stern. He wasn't excessively frosty, nor did he soften his demeanor. He carried the food over and sat down to eat with Lin Lan and Xiaowang.
Lin Lan had watched the whole scene with keen interest and gave him a thumbs-up.
Han Qingsong pushed the braised pork with kelp toward her. "Eat."
Lin Lan looked at the sheer amount of food he had bought. "We should take this braised pork with kelp and the mackerel back with us as extra meals."
Han Qingsong: "Eat now. I'll buy two more portions to take back later."
Lin Lan thought about it and agreed. If they packed this food to take back, Han Qingsong would definitely be too reluctant to eat it himself. It was better to make sure he ate his fill now.
She placed some meat into Xiaowang's bowl. "Children need to eat more to grow tall and play the flute."
Xiaowang ate until his cheeks bulged. "Thank you, niang. Thank you, die."
"My child is getting more and more polite." Lin Lan patted his head.
Receiving the praise, Xiaowang happily continued eating.
Lin Lan turned her head and met Han Qingsong's deep, dark gaze. She smiled. "Do you not need to go handle things over there?"
Han Qingsong shook his head. "Someone else will handle it."
He was only responsible for having her arrested; how she was dealt with would be left to the people at the Public Security Bureau. Regardless, she wouldn't be able to stay on at this cafeteria any longer.
Lin Lan picked up a piece of meat and put it in his bowl. "She definitely needs to be dealt with severely to teach them a lesson about looking down on people. Do they think we can't afford a meal or something? How dare she try to squeeze our Bureau Chief Han."
She blinked at him playfully, signaling him not to be angry and to hurry up and eat.
Han Qingsong hadn't actually been angry to begin with, but being teased by her like this made him feel quite good.
"This is bullying! You're bullying the common people! I'm a women's cadre of the Workers' Propaganda Team, for goodness' sake! How can you just arrest me without a word..." Zhao Anhong's loud cries echoed from a distance.
The young soldiers completely ignored her, directly escorting her to the adjacent Public Security Bureau and handing her over to the police officers responsible for investigating special agents.
One officer asked, "What's going on? Isn't this Director Zhao's jie?"
"You interrogate her yourselves. Deputy Bureau Chief Han ordered us to bring her in." After saying this, the soldiers turned and left.
The police officer immediately sought out Captain Liu Jianyun. "Captain, how do you think we should handle this?"
Liu Jianyun asked around a bit, then questioned Zhao Anhong, quickly learning what had happened at the Revolutionary Committee's cafeteria.
He sneered coldly. "Oh, how truly rare. A mere food server from the Workers' Propaganda Team actually dares to give attitude to the commune's Public Security Bureau Chief. Serves you right!"
Zhao Anhong's face flushed a deep purple. Who could have known this Deputy Bureau Chief actually carried weight?
"Captain Liu, please do a good deed and plead for mercy on my behalf. I... I was just a fool who couldn't recognize gold inlaid with jade."
Officer Liu pointed a finger in Zhao Anhong's direction. "Did you think that just because our Deputy Bureau Chief Han was transferred to the commune upon leaving the military, he was useless? That's an entire platoon of soldiers from the compound; whose face do you think they'd give face to just like that?"
Even Deputy Chief Li and Deputy Chief Gao wouldn't be able to easily command them.
Unless someone had come directly from the provincial X Army, it would be a miracle for them to command that kind of respect.
Zhao Anhong knew she had kicked an iron plate. She pleaded and begged, swearing she would never dare do it again and promising she would definitely offer a sincere apology to Bureau Chief Han.
Liu Jianyun knew Zhao Anhong's connections like the back of his hand. He waved his hand dismissively. "Let her go. Deputy Bureau Chief Han wasn't actually set on arresting her anyway. It was just a warning."
The officer asked, "Then who will go speak to Deputy Bureau Chief Han?"
"I will," Liu Jianyun replied. He pointed at Zhao Anhong. "Follow me."
Liu Jianyun took advantage of the mealtime to go find Han Qingsong for a chat.
People in this line of work had excellent memories. Back when Han Qingsong had asked him for help taking Dawang home, he had remembered the name. Later, when Han Qingsong transferred to civilian work, his household registration was placed in the County Public Security Bureau's household registration section, so Liu Jianyun naturally knew about it.
During the meetings over the past while, Han Qingsong had consistently attended in his capacity as the Commune Public Security Bureau Chief and a member of the Armed Forces Department. He had never publicly revealed his identity as the County Deputy Bureau Chief, so some people were unaware of it, while those who did know intentionally or unintentionally avoided mentioning it.
However, as the Captain of the Special Agent Investigation Brigade of the County Public Security Bureau, Liu Jianyun naturally had dealings with him, so they had deepened their acquaintance.
By the time Liu Jianyun arrived, Lin Lan was still soaking steamed buns in meat broth for Xiaowang.
Being small with a tiny mouth, he ate very slowly, but Lin Lan was more than patient enough to wait for him.
She said to Han Qingsong, "You have a meeting, so you should go ahead. We'll take our time eating. It's not like anyone dares to chase us away now anyway."
Previously, some people were likely still judging them as ordinary commune members running over here to eat, but after Han Qingsong had established his dominance, no one dared to anymore.
One only had to look at the polite and ingratiating smiles of the kitchen staff to know. The group leader had even proactively brought them plain boiled water.
Han Qingsong: "It's fine. After eating, I'll take you to find a place to rest, and we can go home together this afternoon."
As they were talking, Liu Jianyun walked over holding his lunchbox. "Chief Han, you brought your saozi and child along today."
Han Qingsong greeted him. "I brought the child in to have his eyes re-examined."
Lin Lan also recognized him and smiled. "Officer Liu is having his meal." She told Xiaowang to say hello to his shushu. Xiaowang obediently greeted him, then went back to eating his steamed bun.
Liu Jianyun teased Xiaowang for a moment before naturally sitting down next to Han Qingsong. "Saozi, there's no need to be so formal with me. Just call me Jianyun. Is Dawang's schooling going well?"
Lin Lan replied, "Don't even mention it. It's entirely thanks to his die keeping him in line. With us all out today, who knows what kind of trouble he's getting into."
Liu Jianyun burst into laughter and offered some comfort. "Saozi, you shouldn't worry too much. Ten-year-old boys are all like that. We all went through that phase, so I understand perfectly."
Lin Lan turned to Han Qingsong. "If you guys have business to discuss, just go ahead and handle it. I'll be absolutely fine here."
Liu Jianyun waved his hand dismissively and summoned a cafeteria chef he was familiar with. "In a bit, stir-fry a plate of sunflower seeds for my saozi and little zhizi to snack on."
The chef hurriedly agreed. "Right away!"
Liu Jianyun then turned back to Han Qingsong. "Don't worry, Chief Han. Later on, I'll find a female comrade to accompany your saozi and child to stroll around the streets."
Lin Lan smiled, indicating that would be wonderful, and urged them to go handle their business.
Han Qingsong gave a few more instructions before leaving the cafeteria with Liu Jianyun.
After walking just a few steps, they saw Zhao Anhong standing there with a face full of ingratiating smiles.
"Bureau Chief Han, my attitude was terrible. I deserve to write a self-criticism. I apologize for my mistakes," Zhao Anhong said, bowing to Han Qingsong.
Han Qingsong: "No need."
Liu Jianyun chuckled. "Our Chief Han is a magnanimous man and won't lower himself to your level. If you're clean, you have nothing to worry about. But if you're guilty of something, no one can protect you." Saying that, he accompanied Han Qingsong to the conference room.
Zhao Anhong's large, fat face instantly turned incredibly ugly. She hurriedly slipped away to find Zhao Anpin.
However, when she went to the factory's Revolutionary Committee, she couldn't find him. Upon asking around, she was told that several people had come and taken him away, though the exact reason remained unclear.
Zhao Anhong immediately felt a wave of dread, an ominous premonition washing over her.
......
By this time, Luo Haicheng had also brought his people over. Zhao Jianshe, the short guy, the skinny guy, and the soldiers who had initially been responsible for guarding them were all present.
Catching sight of Han Qingsong, Zhao Jianshe immediately yelled, "Bureau Chief Han, you can't use public office to exact personal revenge! We've already been sent to the labor farm. Why are you still refusing to let us off?!"
Han Qingsong hadn't been bothered to pay him any mind, but hearing him shrieking like a ghost, he walked over and let out a light snort. "A labor farm is not a prison to begin with. If you had gone there, worked hard on your reformation, and strived for a commuted sentence, turning five years into two wasn't impossible. But since you insisted on knowingly violating the law, your crimes can only be compounded."
Zhao Jianshe wanted to keep yelling, but Luo Haicheng slapped his shoulder, scaring him so much that the color drained from his face.
On the journey here, Luo Haicheng had made sure he suffered plenty.
Soon, the Revolutionary Committee's emergency meeting regarding the escape incident at the Shanshui Farm commenced. Director Qin of the Revolutionary Committee, Director Song of the Shanshui Farm, the old Bureau Chief of the County Public Security Bureau, Deputy Chief Li, and Deputy Chief Gao were all in attendance, alongside the parties directly involved.
The clerk first gave a precise and concise recount of the incident.
Zhang Heilv shouted, "Han Qinghua's escape was definitely orchestrated by his ge! Otherwise, with our security being so tight, how could he have gotten away?!"
Han Qingsong sat there, his expression as calm as stagnant water, not saying a single word.
Deputy Chief Li asked, "Han Qingsong, do you have anything to say for yourself?"
Han Qingsong replied indifferently, "I was not at the farm, and I am unaware of the situation. I have nothing to say."
Chief Li's expression stiffened. He had thrown the man a bone, yet Han Qingsong was completely unappreciative. What an impulsive idiot!
Deputy Chief Gao chuckled. "I wasn't at the farm either, and I'm unaware of the situation. Let's have someone who is aware explain things. Where is Han Qinghua? Have you found him?" The question was directed at Zhang Heilv.
Zhang Heilv was currently fuming with frustration. They had been utterly certain that Han Qinghua would flee straight home to Shanzui Village. He didn't have the capability to go anywhere else; he wouldn't even be able to solve basic problems like food, drink, and shelter.
Who could have predicted that when they went to Shanzui Village, they completely failed to catch Han Qinghua. Zhang Heilv remained adamant that Han Qinghua was hiding in the village, being shielded by Han Qingsong. "We went to search, but they refused to let us. They're definitely hiding something shameful!"
Han Qingyun couldn't help but interject, "Stop spewing venom! Our village party secretary, security director, and brigade captain all signed a joint statement with their thumbprints. Han Qinghua is absolutely not in our village. If he had run back, our patrol team would have spotted him immediately and apprehended him."
The joint statement was indeed present at the meeting.
The old Bureau Chief inspected it, then passed it around for the others to see.
Han Yongfang and the village cadres guaranteeing that Han Qinghua was not in the village held immense weight. After all, the village militia patrolled day and night during the autumn harvest. If they said he wasn't there, then he wasn't. If he was later found, they were willing to bear collective guilt.
Given Han Yongfang's integrity, everyone believed he truly wasn't there.
Luo Haicheng spoke up. "At the time, they were all working under Platoon Leader Zhang Heilv's jurisdiction and were supervised by soldiers. For Han Qinghua to successfully escape, it implies they either neglected their duty or deliberately relaxed their vigilance to let him run. No matter how you look at it, they cannot shirk responsibility."
"Bullshit!" Zhang Heilv shouted, his neck rigid.
"Zhang Heilv, wash your mouth out!" Deputy Chief Gao slammed his hand on the table. "Is this a place where you can act so insolently?!"
Even as he scolded Zhang Heilv, Gao himself had to fight back the urge to laugh. Damn it, the guy really had come from donkey dung. When he enlisted, he didn't even know enough to change to a proper name, reporting his lowly nickname instead and bearing it for the rest of his life. He didn't feel embarrassed, but the people calling him that certainly did.
Just then, Minister Zhang of the County Armed Forces Department walked in from outside, greeting them with a smile. "Directors, I've come to sit in on this as well."
The moment Zhang Heilv saw him, he immediately shouted, "Shu, you have to testify for me. Your laozi here never lies!"
Minister Zhang's face darkened completely. Zhang Heilv was a nephew from his extended family. After being demobilized, he had only secured a position at the Shanshui Farm thanks to Minister Zhang's connections. This bastard! He kept telling him to read more books, but he never listened. All he did was stir up trouble!
Although the garrison at the Shanshui Farm was technically a branch under the regular army, the soldiers inside were actually all demobilized or transferred veterans. Strictly speaking, they couldn't be considered regular military—a fact easily proven by them no longer receiving military stipends.
Calling themselves regular military just sounded nice. It was mostly to elevate their own status while looking down on other transferred and demobilized soldiers.
Minister Zhang scolded him with a stern face. "There are no personal relationships in official matters, only official business handled impartially. If you've committed a mistake, even if I were your die, I wouldn't shield you."
Zhang Heilv was still somewhat indignant, glaring at Han Qingsong with his donkey-like eyes, utterly convinced that Han Qingsong was the one playing tricks and hiding Han Qinghua.
At this moment, Luo Haicheng presented another piece of evidence. This one detailed how Zhao Anpin and Zhao Jianshe had enthusiastically bribed Zhang Heilv and two squad leaders beneath him. The bribes were to secure special treatment for Zhao Jianshe, oppress Han Qinghua, and subsequently force Han Qinghua to submit to their arrangements.
After all, the soldiers under Zhang Heilv weren't a monolith; they weren't all his loyal confidants. Moreover, Zhao Jianshe's special treatment at the farm was obvious to everyone and indisputable.
Any soldier not directly under Zhang Heilv's command could easily serve as a witness.
Furthermore, there were also witnesses who could testify about the night Han Qinghua was taken away.
Once all the various pieces of evidence were laid out and the witnesses brought forward, the short guy grew terrified and scrambled to confess, throwing Zhao Jianshe under the bus first.
"He... he said that as long as we listened to him, we'd be just as comfortable inside as we were outside. We were supposed to intimidate Han Qinghua into escaping back home, and then they'd help reduce his sentence. Otherwise, he'd be beaten every day. Unable to withstand the threats, Han Qinghua agreed. He agreed on the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival and ran off the following noon. The original plan was for him to run toward Shanzui Village and hide at a designated location near Bureau Chief Han's house. That way, Platoon Leader Zhang would lead a team straight there to capture him, at which point Han Qinghua would proactively confess that Bureau Chief Han had shielded his escape, conveniently dragging Bureau Chief Han... dragging him down from his position."
By the end of his confession, the short guy's voice had dropped so low it was almost inaudible.
Han Qingsong sat there, still not saying a word, his expression devoid of anger.
Zhao Jianshe was furious and began cursing wildly, accusing the short guy of betrayal. Once he regained his senses, he cursed the short guy for spewing venom, claiming he had been bought off and coerced by Luo Haicheng with threats and promises.
Minister Zhang glared at Zhang Heilv. "You, speak!"
Zhang Heilv felt somewhat guilty. Zhao Anpin had indeed bought him off, and he had indeed helped look after Zhao Jianshe. When Zhao Jianshe reported that Han Qingsong intended to help Han Qinghua escape, he had been very tempted, thinking this was a perfect opportunity to trample Han Qingsong beneath his feet.
An old grudge he had never been able to avenge was suddenly within reach; how could he not seize it?
He simply couldn't resist.
Naturally, he couldn't admit to any of this aloud. He kept his head held high, assuming an aura of self-righteousness. "I didn't accept any bribes. Believe it or not."
Minister Zhang was so furious he wanted to jump up and beat him.
Luo Haicheng chuckled. "You may not have personally accepted Zhao Anpin's benefits, but your subordinates took them while you turned a blind eye. Furthermore, we suspect you might have harbored a previous grudge against Bureau Chief Han and are using this issue as an excuse to retaliate."
Zhang Heilv's dark face flushed deep red. "Your laozi is not that kind of person!"
With a room full of Directors and Bureau Chiefs, he was still throwing around 'your laozi' left and right. While the others might not have reacted much, Minister Zhang was already sweating profusely. This stupid donkey!
However, Han Qingsong had no desire to tangle with him. Neither Zhang Heilv nor Zhao Jianshe were the real issue, nor were they his targets.
His true target was Zhao Anpin.
He shot a glance at Luo Haicheng.
Luo Haicheng immediately changed the subject, presenting yet another piece of evidence. "Directors, Bureau Chiefs, this is evidence of Zhao Anpin using his position during his tenure in the Revolutionary Committee's Workers' Propaganda Team to embezzle state assets, enact personal vendettas, and ruthlessly frame school teachers, government officials, and factory cadres."
A thick stack of meticulously organized evidence was presented, complete with names, details, and irrefutable proof.
Naturally, it wasn't easy for a mere Director of the Workers' Propaganda Team like Zhao Anpin to pull all this off; he obviously had the backing of others.
Some of those present in the room might not even be completely innocent in the matter.
However, Luo Haicheng spoke tactfully, keeping the investigation carefully contained. He only investigated Zhao Anpin, deliberately avoiding implicating anyone else.
Thus, when the evidence was submitted, both Deputy Chief Li and Minister Zhang felt the cold sweat on their backs finally stop.
Zhao Jianshe was already dumbfounded. His er shu had clearly said Han Qingsong had no background or influence and could be easily dragged down with just a little effort.
Why was this happening?
The old Bureau Chief's brow furrowed tightly. His gaze swept across Deputy Chief Li and Deputy Chief Gao's faces before he slammed his hand onto the table, shouting, "Liu Jianyun!"
Liu Jianyun immediately entered the room. "Present!"
"Go, bring Zhao Anpin here to clarify this immediately. What a grand scheme this is."
Minister Zhang was now repeatedly wiping his sweat. Zhang Heilv was his nephew, and Zhao Anpin had sought his help as well. He hadn't expected things to turn out like this; he had assumed it was a trivial matter that could be easily settled.
Who would have thought this Han Qingsong actually had this trick up his sleeve?
And this Luo Haicheng!
He was just a commune brigade captain, yet where did he get such formidable means? He was investigating things left and right; was there anything he couldn't dig up?!
Furthermore, why hadn't he heard a single whisper of this beforehand?
He shot a look at Deputy Chief Li. Your County Public Security Bureau really is full of cowards, letting a commune captain flip everything completely upside down. Or perhaps you were all in cahoots from the start.
Deputy Chief Li was still silently sulking himself; he truly had no idea about any of this. Sensing Minister Zhang looking at him, he let out a soft snort through his nose and shifted his gaze to Deputy Chief Gao.
Deputy Chief Gao, however, wore a self-righteous expression, looking as if the matter had absolutely nothing to do with him. "Such matters must be thoroughly investigated. This is utterly outrageous!"
In reality, several of them were well aware of the situation. How could an investigation into someone like Zhao Anpin happen without them catching wind of it?
Was it solely the work of Han Qingsong and Luo Haicheng alone?
If someone claimed that Director Qin and the old Bureau Chief weren't involved, they wouldn't believe it even if beaten to death.
Since that was the case, all they could do was feign ignorance and act shocked.
Moving forward, they would inevitably have to rein themselves in a bit and keep their heads down, lest they unwittingly become the targets of the next investigation.
Finally, Director Song shook his head and sighed. "I'm old and useless now. Such things were happening right under my nose, and I had no idea."
The others instantly cursed him silently for being an old fox. It would be a miracle if he truly didn't know!
Who didn't know that the labor farm was a massive piece of fat meat?! Whoever controlled the labor farm's resources, whether it be grain, oil, or anything else, never had to worry about a thing.
Even the County Materials Bureau had to curry favor with them.
Director Song glared at Zhang Heilv. "Regardless of whether you are entirely at fault or not, strip yourself of your Platoon Leader title first! Then, match up these pieces of evidence one by one. Take responsibility for every single one that involves you. From now on, stop putting on airs and get to work right alongside them!"
Zhang Heilv's face was now as black as the bottom of a pot, but he didn't dare refute. All he could do was glare hatefully at Han Qingsong.
Although Zhao Anpin cried foul endlessly, stubbornly refusing to confess, the evidence was irrefutable. With both witnesses and material evidence present, and the financial records completely intact, there was no room for him to deny anything.
Therefore, even without his confession, he was sentenced as usual—in fact, he received a harsher sentence.
In this era, as long as a crime didn't warrant the death penalty, the culprit was basically sent to a labor farm, as the county had no permanent prisons.
Because the procuratorate and the courts had currently been replaced by the Revolutionary Committee, sentencing was naturally decided through discussions within the County Revolutionary Committee as well.
In the end, Zhao Anpin was sentenced to life imprisonment. All his property was confiscated, and he was escorted to the Shanshui Farm to undergo labor reform alongside the most hardened criminals.
For colluding with accomplices and maliciously framing public security personnel, Zhao Jianshe's sentence was compounded, adding three years to his previous five.
Due to his lenient confession, the short guy's sentence was reduced by one year.
As an accomplice, the skinny guy had an extra year added to his sentence.
For his escape attempt, Han Qinghua had two years added to his sentence. However, because he had indirectly contributed to solving the case, his sentence was ultimately reduced by one year.
For knowingly violating the law, Zhang Heilv was demoted to Squad Leader. He was ordered to eat, sleep, and labor alongside the reform-through-labor prisoners, no longer enjoying the privileges of an administrative worker, for a duration of two years.
Although Minister Zhang wasn't implicated, the uncharitable looks he received from several Directors terrified him to the core.
......
......
In an office tucked away in a corner of the Revolutionary Committee building, Lin Lan listened as Han Qingsong recounted the sentencing results. She couldn't help but ask, "Just how much wealth did that Zhao Anpin hoard?"
Han Qingsong: "Over thirty thousand yuan and a whole trunk full of ration coupons."
"Wow!!" Lin Lan was utterly stunned. Thirty thousand yuan!! And he was merely a Director of the Workers' Propaganda Team! In the early days of the country's founding, hoarding twenty thousand yuan would have been enough to get him executed by firing squad!! "He certainly was capable."
She hurriedly smiled at Han Qingsong to prevent him from thinking she was a bad wife trying to encourage him to skim off the top. "I'm not envious at all. This wasn't money he earned himself. No matter how much it is, I wouldn't envy it. Does he have no conscience? Doesn't he have any morals?"
Han Qingsong: "He lacks both."
After all, wasn't it obvious? The only male heirs from both his and his dage's families had just been sent to labor reform.
Hearing his profound tone, Lin Lan couldn't help but laugh. "I think Zhao Anpin couldn't possibly pull all of this off on his own. His wife and others must have been involved along the way. Don't worry, no matter what you do in the future, the children and I promise never to hold you back. They'll never be able to use my connections. I'll guard your backdoor so tightly nothing gets through."
Han Qingsong grasped her hand and squeezed it gently. "Thank you."
Lin Lan figured that being a law-abiding citizen who refused bribes definitely made him a good man, but they still shouldn't hesitate to fight for what was rightfully theirs. She added, "We won't covet money that doesn't belong to us, but we absolutely shouldn't be vague about what is ours. We can't let ourselves suffer a loss. Since you caught this massive pest, is the county going to give you a reward?"
With a reward, there would be more motivation to work hard, after all.
Lin Lan's eyes sparkled brightly.
Looking at her, Han Qingsong couldn't resist raising his hand to pat her head. "Yes."
Lin Lan felt instantly better.
She immediately pulled out a red chiffon scarf. "Look, beautiful, isn't it?"
Han Qingsong nodded. "It looks good."
"I went strolling through the supply and marketing cooperative with that female police officer earlier. It was so convenient having her around. I bought a chiffon scarf for our daughter. It was a bit pricey—it cost one yuan and two mao. I was still feeling a pang of heartache about it on the way back, but now that you say there's a reward, my heart is instantly at ease."
As she spoke, she patted her chest, making an exaggerated expression of relief.
When Maisui saw the pink chiffon scarf Han Qingsong had bought for Lin Lan, she had wanted one too. Lin Lan had initially considered giving it to her, but worrying that Han Qingsong might be displeased, she coaxed Maisui by promising to buy her another red or yellow one instead. Maisui had been eagerly looking forward to it ever since.
During this trip to the cooperative, she just so happened to spot a red chiffon scarf dotted with gold speckles and simply couldn't resist buying it.
Seeing her unexpectedly reveal such a childish expression, Han Qingsong couldn't help the corners of his eyes crinkling. "From now on, I'll be responsible for making the money, and you'll be responsible for spending it."
Oh my goodness! Lin Lan felt as if she had just been electrocuted. Was he actually whispering sweet nothings to her?
Han Qingsong shifted his gaze and noticed Xiaowang with his head lowered, bobbing up and down like a little chick pecking at rice. He had no idea what the boy was doing.
"Xiaowang, what are you doing?" he asked.
Xiaowang lifted his head, happily holding up a small, ten-hole bakelite harmonica. "My niang bought it for me. It's really good! Listen."
Now that his die had seen it, he could finally confidently produce a sound. Placing the harmonica against his lips, he blew a sharp note, instantly producing a melodious tune. It was far more fun than a flute!
Lin Lan hastily chimed in, "This didn't require any coupons, and it was only forty-eight fen. It was extremely cheap."
She was worried Han Qingsong might think buying such a thing for a child was a waste of money.
Han Qingsong nodded. "Very nice."
Assuming his die was praising his excellent playing, Xiaowang's large eyes curved into delighted crescents, looking exceedingly proud of himself.
Lin Lan smiled. "When we get back, have Teacher Huo teach you how to play the harmonica."
She checked her watch; it was almost four o'clock. "Is your meeting already over?"
Han Qingsong nodded. "More or less. I just have to come back tomorrow to wrap up the rest. We can go home today."
Just then, Liu Jianyun came over to greet him. "Chief Han, we're going to organize and catalog the assets Zhao Anpin and his gang embezzled. Do you want to come along?"
This was a signal to Han Qingsong, as well as a customary practice. If he went, anyone present would get a share of the spoils, and only what was left over would be cataloged and handed in.
However, Han Qingsong replied, "Thank you for your hard work, but it's getting late. I'm going to take them home first."
Liu Jianyun didn't know whether Han Qingsong understood his underlying meaning or not, but he didn't press the matter, simply taking his leave to get busy.
Han Qingsong then packed up the leftover dishes they had bought and handed them to Lin Lan to carry while he went to fetch the bicycle.
A moment later, Han Qingyun also emerged, accompanied by Zhang Heilv.
Although Zhang Heilv had been stripped of his position, he didn't seem enraged out of humiliation. Instead, he strutted around with an air of complete fearlessness.
Upon spotting Han Qingsong, he jogged over. "Han Qingsong, if you've got the guts, come to the farm, and we'll have a proper spar."
Luo Haicheng caught up to them. "Give it a rest. Let's see you beat me first before you start talking big."
Zhang Heilv remained indignantly defiant, huffing and puffing.
Xiaowang suddenly piped up: "Hei laozi, bang, bang, bang."
Zhang Heilv: ...Han Qingsong, you motherfucker! Even your son bullies people!
Soon after, Zhao Jianshe, Zhao Anpin, and the others were escorted over as well.
While Zhao Jianshe and the other two weren't handcuffed, Zhao Anpin had his arms twisted behind his back and secured in handcuffs.
There were no vehicles available to transport them right now, and they obviously couldn't be carried on bicycles, so they had to be marched on foot.
Even with a face full of defeat, muttering, "I reflect on my mistakes, I am guilty, I reflect on my mistakes, I am guilty," the glare Zhao Anpin shot at Han Qingsong couldn't mask his bitter resentment.
Han Qingsong merely raised an eyebrow slightly. "Have you finished counting your coupons and money?"
Zhao Anpin: "..."
Who could have ever imagined that someone like him, who had always thrived and prospered, would actually be taken down by a mud-legged transferred soldier?
He wanted to cry but had no tears. He was so frustrated he felt like he was going to die.
Not only had he failed to fish his nephew out, but he had also managed to drag himself down with him. His heart was utterly consumed by hatred, yet he couldn't force a single word out.
The green hills won't change, the green waters will flow forever. Just you fucking wait!
Seeing his venomous glare fixed on Lin Lan and Xiaowang, Luo Haicheng delivered a swift smack straight to the back of Zhao Anpin's head. "What are you looking at?! Don't think for a second that going to the farm means you're off the hook. We still have to investigate whether you have any overseas or island-based special agent connections. Don't expect to have a single easy day!"
The escort personnel had all been brought by Luo Haicheng. Since they were headed to the Shanshui Commune and it was already so late, the County Public Security Bureau couldn't be bothered to dispatch their own people.
Just a few steps away, Zhao Jianshe suddenly broke down completely. "Han Qingsong, you're a fucking monster! You'd even pit your own didi! Tell me, did you collude with Han Qinghua to deliberately set a trap to harm us?! Waaaahhh~~ You bastard, how could you have such a black heart?!"
Luo Haicheng marched forward and instantly kicked him to the ground. "I've had my eye on you this entire time! Otherwise, did you really think you could act so freely at the farm?! You shameless scumbag! Did you actually think your family had absolute power to cover the sky with one hand everywhere you went?!"
Zhao Anpin hurriedly pleaded, "Captain Luo, please be magnanimous and raise your hand high in mercy. Don't lower yourself to the level of a child."
Luo Haicheng scoffed. "A child? When you were beating up other people's children, did it ever cross your mind that they were children? Did you ever show them any mercy?!"
Did Zhao Anpin really not know how he had climbed to power? How many people had he purged? How many had he persecuted? How many had he sent to the labor farm? How many families had he torn apart, and how many homes had he ransacked?
Did he really lack even a shred of self-awareness?
Yet now he was blabbering about 'children'? Wasn't it absolutely sickening?
People like him deserved to be beaten mercilessly while they were down, ensuring they could never rise again.
On the surface, Zhao Anpin had never appeared domineering or ruthless. Quite the contrary, he always offered everyone a thirty-percent smile, bowing and scraping while calling everyone his brother. There were even instances where his good friends, after being persecuted by him, still couldn't bear to make things difficult for him. Now that he had fallen from power, he naturally acted even softer and weaker, constantly nodding and bowing as he apologized and pleaded with Luo Haicheng.
Luo Haicheng spoke coldly, "Zhao Anpin, you can stop with the acting. Aside from Bureau Chief Han, who here doesn't know exactly what kind of person you are? If you truly were as honest as you claim to be, how did you end up with a whole trunk full of money and coupons?!"
Zhao Anpin hunched his back, practically curling up like a shrimp. "I am guilty... I am guilty..."
Lin Lan couldn't hold back anymore and demanded, "If you had so much money and loved your zhizi so much, why did you let him steal money from my family?! Every last cent of our family's money was earned with my san ge's blood, sweat, and tears! How could you people be so completely devoid of morals?!"
Her words instantly stabbed right into the hearts of both uncle and nephew. Hearing this, Zhao Jianshe immediately started wailing aloud.
He regretted it to death.
Why had he been so utterly foolish and obsessed back then, insisting on stealing that 1,500 yuan?!
"It's all your fault!" he complained, pointing at Zhao Anpin. "You had so much money, but you were too stingy to give me any! It's all your fault!"
Zhao Anpin was also drowning in regret.
In truth, Zhao Jianshe never lacked pocket money; he frequently carried around ten or twenty yuan. In this day and age, casually pulling out five yuan was the mark of a very comfortable life, let alone twenty!
Furthermore, it was impossible to give massive amounts of money to an unmarried young man with no responsibilities. Giving him too much would attract attention, making people envious and inviting investigations.
Who could have predicted things would end up like this?
Zhao Anpin wasn't reflecting on his plot to frame Han Qingsong; he only felt he hadn't planned thoroughly enough, that he had been careless. He had underestimated Han Qingsong. If he had known earlier... No, this mud-legged soldier had definitely been targeting him on purpose! If the bribe didn't work and they went their separate ways, fine, but why did he persistently refuse to let him go?!
Seeing that his hopes for release were completely dashed and that his privileges had been stripped, meaning he'd have to suffer and toil alongside the rest, Zhao Jianshe began throwing a tantrum, rolling wildly on the ground.
His parents were also at the main gate of the Revolutionary Committee, weeping and wailing as they desperately tried to charge in and snatch their son back. However, they were held back by the sentries.
"Jianshe, my son! You've suffered so much..." His parents acted as if they were being parted by death, their cries tearing at the heart and lungs.
Zhao Jianshe continued to throw his tantrum on the ground, while Zhao Anpin wore a look of utter defeat, not making a single sound.
"Zhao Jianshe, if you don't start walking right now, you won't even need to go to the labor farm anymore," Luo Haicheng stated coldly.
Zhao Jianshe stared at him in terror. "Wh-what are you going to do?"
Luo Haicheng sneered. "Resisting arrest? You can be executed right here on the spot!!"
As soon as he said this, he reached out to draw his gun, and simultaneously, several soldiers racked their bolts with a loud clack, chambering their rounds!
Zhao Jianshe sprang up with a violent jolt and dashed forward like a frightened rabbit, shouting, "Don't shoot! I'll walk! I'll walk, okay?!"
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