The Official Ladder: I ascend to the pinnacle of power, wielding the power of life and death.

"it is good."

Chen Wei took out his phone and called Zhao Quan, the director of the county water resources bureau.

On the other end, Zhao Quan was having a meal and drinks with business owners when he saw the incoming call. He hurriedly shushed everyone, "Don't make a sound. Chen Wei from the county party committee office is calling me. It must be something urgent."

Everyone nodded knowingly and fell silent.

"Director Chen, what instructions do you have?"

"Director Zhao, someone called Secretary Yiming to report that someone in Liji Township is illegally mining river sand. Please send someone to investigate."

Chen Wei said, "Secretary Yiming asked you to report the verification results to him in person tomorrow."

"Don't worry, Director Chen, I'll send someone to check right away."

Zhao Quan said, "I will report the verification results to Secretary Yiming tomorrow."

After hanging up the phone, Zhao Quan cursed, "That Jiang Yiming is a lunatic, still making a ruckus so late at night."

"Director Zhao, what's the matter that made you so angry?"

someone asked.

"I don't know which idiot was so nosy as to report the illegal sand mining to Jiang Yiming."

Zhao Quan said impatiently, "We've been mining river sand for so many years and nothing has happened. Our Secretary Jiang really has nothing better to do. He had someone call me during the day to ask if there was any illegal sand mining in Liji Township. I already clearly told him no, but he had someone call me again at night. It's never going to end."

"Could it be that he knows someone in Liji Township is illegally mining river sand?"

"Probably not. The illegal mining of river sand only takes place at night, and there are many people keeping watch at night. If there is any disturbance, they will know."

Zhao Quan thought for a moment and said, "Forget it, I'll make an example of someone and give it to Jiang Yiming, so he won't keep pursuing it."

As he spoke, he made a phone call to his subordinates.

“Secretary Jiang has been pressing hard lately. You guys should discuss sending someone to take the blame. I’ll report to Secretary Jiang tomorrow morning so I can explain things properly. But don’t worry, it’s all under my control. I’ll just fine them a little when the time comes.”

After finishing his call, Zhao Quan laughed and said, "Come on, let's continue drinking."

On the other side, Chen Wei said, "Secretary, I've already called Zhao Quan. How about we have Brother Ding drive you back? Captain Wan and I will stay here and keep watch."

"No rush, I'll stay here and keep watch. I want to see how their water bureau handles this."

Jiang Yiming did not leave.

After waiting for more than half an hour with no movement, Jiang Yiming knew that his words had no effect.

"You brought a camera, didn't you?"

Jiang Yiming inquired.

"I brought it, but it will flash with light once you take a picture."

Wan Wenbing said, "Secretary Jiang, please leave here first. We'll take the photos later."

He was worried that taking photos would reveal their whereabouts and cause unnecessary trouble.

"Fine, then I won't take any more photos. I'll see how Zhao Quan responds before taking any further action."

Jiang Yiming said, "These ships don't just disappear for no reason."

"Go, go back."

Jiang Yiming led the group on their way back.

When they got into the car and started driving, they discovered that the tires had been deflated and the car was impossible to drive.

"Secretary, someone has tampered with our car."

Ding Li looked outside warily, then said, "Someone is approaching us."

"Brother Ding, you protect Secretary Yiming, I'm going out to see what they're up to."

As soon as Chen Wei got out of the car, the other person shone a flashlight into Chen Wei's face.

"what is your job?"

"I'm a night fishing enthusiast."

Chen Wei shielded his eyes from the light with his hand and answered casually.

"A fellow angler?"

The other party then took out their phone and dialed the number they had previously reported.

Soon, Chen Wei's phone rang.

"You son of a bitch, it really was you who reported it."

The leader shouted, "Get him!"

A dozen or so people immediately rushed towards Chen Wei, startling him greatly.

Just then, Wan Wenbing rushed over with two uniformed police officers.

"Stop it all!"

The crowd turned their flashlights toward Wan Wenbing and his two companions, and seeing that they were in uniform, they dared not make any rash moves.

All eyes were on the person leading the team.

"withdraw."

The person in charge hesitated for only a moment before issuing the order.

Soon, they retreated like the tide.

Wan Wenbing did not lead any pursuit; his biggest task today was to protect Jiang Yiming's safety.

Besides, it's pitch black at night, and there are many of them, so it's not easy for them to arrest anyone.

Wan Wenbing quickly approached Jiang Yiming's car and said, "Secretary Yiming, the tires of both cars have been deflated. I have already sent people from the Liji Township Police Station to provide support. It should take about half an hour."

"Okay, we'll wait here and tell them to be careful on the road."

At this point, all they could do was wait for rescue, since walking back was impossible.

Just as they were waiting, a sudden burst of shouts came from Hezhuang Village.

"Quick, catch the cattle thieves, they're up ahead."

"Kill these cattle-stealing bastards."

"These beasts stole my cow, and my dad almost beat me to death. Today I'm going to break their hands and see if they dare to steal again."

A group of villagers, holding flashlights and carrying farm tools such as shovels, carrying poles, and hoes, rushed towards Jiang Yiming's location.

"Secretary Yiming, it seems the villagers are heading this way."

Wan Wenbing reported nervously, "They probably think we're cattle thieves."

"Secretary, let's run! It's so late at night, nobody can see anyone clearly. If the villagers surround us, someone might die."

Jiang Yiming's village, Jiangzhai, has also seen several cases of cattle being stolen.

At that time, everyone in the village hated the cattle thief to the core.

For farmers at that time, a draft ox was not only an important asset for the family, but more importantly, it was a source of productive labor, helping to plow the fields and haul things.

Without oxen, we can't grow crops, so how will we survive?

Therefore, all the villagers hated the cattle thief to the core.

If someone shouts "cattle thief!", the neighbors will grab their farm tools and help catch the thief.

Unfortunately, the cattle thief was very cunning and had never been caught.

Presumably, some villagers in Hezhuang Village also had their oxen stolen, and they must be very angry about it.

If we fail to prove our identities in time, we could very well be beaten as cattle thieves.

It could even lead to someone's death!

"What are we waiting for? Run!"

At Jiang Yiming's command, the group started running.

Although Wan Wenbing was wearing a uniform, it was nighttime, and there were many people and things were chaotic. More importantly, Jiang Yiming could sense that someone was deliberately luring the villagers to come and cause them trouble.

If those people mingle among the villagers and beat them up without explaining, the villagers might be swayed and retaliate against them.

He dared not gamble; if he got beaten up, he might have suffered the beating for nothing.

Jiang Yiming took a step forward and ran as fast as he could.