Official excuse: I was sent to work at the grassroots level for training, and Hou Liangping arrested

“Dad, the situation is dire. The Lin and Zhao families are pressing us relentlessly. They want us to hand over the positions of Minister of Personnel and Secretary of the Hubei-Guangdong Provincial Party Committee.” Zhong Zhengguo spoke slowly and solemnly.

Old Master Zhong frowned, gently set down his teacup, and said in a deep voice, "This matter is of utmost importance. I'll risk my reputation and call the other families."

"That Hou Liangping is simply stupid!" Old Master Zhong said, making a startling statement.

"I don't know why Xiao Ai likes this kind of man."

"They lack vision, don't understand social etiquette, and like to bully others and act recklessly."

Grandpa Zhong clearly knew that Zhao Mengsheng's daughter had been arrested by Hou Liangping.

This leaves a handle for the Zhao and Lin families in the capital to use against us.

Then, Grandpa Zhong made a mysterious phone call.

A steady, husky voice came from the other end of the phone: "Hey, Lao Zhong, what's up so late?"

Grandpa Zhong took a deep breath and laid out the current situation in its entirety: "Old friend, the Zhong family is in big trouble this time. The Lin and Zhao families have joined forces to force us to hand over the positions of Minister of Personnel and Secretary of the Hubei-Guangdong Provincial Party Committee."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then a deep voice said, "Old Zhong, this matter is indeed troublesome. The Lin and Zhao families are very powerful and not to be trifled with. Your Zhong family's son-in-law, Hou Liangping, has done something wrong. He arrested Zhao Mengsheng's only daughter, who is also an active-duty soldier."

Grandpa Zhong nodded in agreement: "I understand, that's why I called you this time to get your opinion."

The voice on the other end of the phone continued, "Here's what we'll do, Lao Zhong. You keep the Lin and Zhao families at bay for now. I'll contact other families and see if we can find some support. After all, the situation in Beijing is very complicated. Let's see if other families can support the Zhong family."

Grandpa Zhong said gratefully, "Good, old friend, we're counting on you this time. The entire Zhong family will remember your kindness."

After hanging up the phone, Old Master Zhong's expression softened slightly. He looked at Zhong Zhengguo and said in a deep voice, "Zhengguo, go and rest first. Tomorrow, our Zhong family will hold a family meeting to discuss countermeasures."

Zhong Zhengguo nodded, but his heart was filled with worry. He knew that this matter was not only a feud between the Zhong family and the Lin and Zhao families, but also concerned the Zhong family's status and influence in the capital.

As night deepened, the study in the Zhong family home remained brightly lit. Old Master Zhong sat at his desk, his cloudy eyes reflecting a hint of worry.

. . . . . .

Meanwhile, in Handong Province, at the Handong Military Region Command.

Lin Yunfei, his face streaked with grief, grabbed Han Shanhu, the commander of the Handong Military Region: "Commander Han, you must do justice for me! Hou Liangping took advantage of my absence to come to my house and kidnap my wife."

Han Shanhu was shocked: "What? Political Commissar Zhao has been arrested?"

"Yes, Hou Liangping is just the director of the anti-corruption bureau of the procuratorate, a mere deputy director-level cadre, yet he managed to arrest the first political commissar of the Handong Military Region."

"An active-duty military officer, and a major general at that."

Lin Yunfei nodded, his eyes red-rimmed, and began his performance: "Commander Han, according to my investigation, Hou Liangping received the imperial edict from Provincial Party Secretary Sha Ruijin."

“Sha Ruijin met with Hou Liangping alone and gave him an order that there was no limit to the anti-corruption campaign.”

"This is clearly Sha Ruijin's doing. He's trying to intimidate us." Lin Yunfei's words had a double meaning, with particular emphasis on the word "tiger."

The implication was that Sha Ruijin was after Han Shanhu.

Han Shanhu was furious: "This is outrageous! What is Sha Ruijin trying to do? To run a one-man show?"

"Without any evidence, a mere anti-corruption bureau chief dared to arrest our military region's top political commissar."

"What qualifications does Hou Liangping, the head of the anti-corruption bureau of a procuratorate, have to arrest Political Commissar Zhao?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Yunfei's expression turned serious: "Commander Han, according to regulations, local authorities are not allowed to interfere in military affairs."

"As a family member of a soldier, I understand this principle."

"The military cannot interfere with local authorities, and local authorities cannot interfere with the military. These are two separate systems."

"Sha Ruijin, is he going to become the King of Handong?" Lin Yunfei's words were sure to shock.

I'll take advantage of your illness and kill you.

Sha Ruijin, you have to take the blame whether you want to or not.

Han Shanhu's expression changed drastically, becoming extremely grim: "Comrade Yunfei, thank you for telling me. Don't worry, I'll call the Ministry of National Defense immediately to ask for instructions."

"I'll ask the old commander for instructions."

"Thank you, Commander Han. Thank you to the troops. On behalf of my wife, I thank you."

Lin Yunfei held Han Shanhu's hands tightly.

That night, Lin Yunfei slept in the three-story building assigned to Zhao Lan by the Handong Military Region.

. . . . . .

That night, at three in the morning.

Han Shanhu picked up the red secure telephone and dialed the Ministry of National Defense's internal line to report the situation.

On the other end of the phone, Vice Minister of National Defense Lin Bing's voice was deep and powerful: "Comrade Han Shanhu, I have learned of the situation. Please remain calm and immediately activate the emergency plan to ensure the stability of the Handong Military Region."

"This matter has already reached the cabinet."

Upon hearing this, Han Shanhu breathed a sigh of relief: "Minister Lin, Comrade Zhao Lan is the First Political Commissar of our military region."

"She was arrested by Hou Liangping, the director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, without any reason."

"I have reason to believe that Provincial Party Secretary Sha Ruijin wants to become the King of Handong," Han Shanhu said, making a startling statement and indicating his allegiance.

"This is clearly an attempt to interfere in the affairs of the Handong Military Region and the military."

Comrade Han Shanhu, I understand your concerns, but the matter is complex and requires careful handling. We will investigate as soon as possible and ensure stable relations between the military and local authorities.

Lin Bing said in a serious tone, "What you need to do now is to ensure that there is no trouble within the military region and wait for instructions from your superiors."

Han Shanhu nodded, though he was unwilling, he knew he needed to remain calm.

"Yes, Minister Lin, I understand." Han Shanhu took a deep breath, his eyes resolute. "I will remain at my post and ensure order in the military region. Please ask the higher authorities to investigate the truth as soon as possible and clear Comrade Zhao Lan's name."

He hung up the phone and turned to look out the window; the night was deep.

As the night breeze blew by, the faint sound of pine trees rustling outside the window drifted in, but Han Shanhu's heart was as turbulent as the tide.

He (Li Dede) knew that this incident not only concerned Zhao Lan's reputation, but also affected the entire Handong Military Region.

Sha Ruijin's actions were undoubtedly a test of the military's bottom line.

You want to be the King of Handong? No way.

Han Shanhu clenched his fists, his eyes blazing, and he made a silent vow: no matter what happens, he will rescue Comrade Zhao Lan.

He quickly summoned the military region's top brass to urgently deploy countermeasures. The conference room was brightly lit, the atmosphere heavy. Han Shanhu ordered in a deep voice: "All departments must be on high alert, strengthen vigilance, and ensure absolute safety."

"Political Commissar Zhao has now been arrested by the Provincial Anti-Corruption Bureau without any apparent reason."

Han Shanhu's expression was serious. He looked around and said firmly, "We must unite as one to uphold the dignity of the military region. Any attempt to undermine military-civilian relations will come at a price."

The generals in the conference room nodded in agreement, their expressions solemn.

"I agree with the commander's opinion."

"Procedurally speaking, the local authorities have absolutely no right to interfere with our military, let alone arrest us, the First Political Commissar of the Handong Military Region," said Ji Xiaolei, Director of the Political Department, with a serious expression and righteous indignation.

Ji Xiaolei's words resonated with the generals, and their gazes hardened. Han Shanhu nodded and emphasized, "Immediately contact all departments to ensure smooth communication and provide timely updates."

100. At the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee meeting, Li Dakang was abandoned and Sha Ruijin was defeated.

100. At the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee meeting, Li Dakang was abandoned and Sha Ruijin was defeated.

The next day, at dawn, the morning sun shone through the curtains.

Sha Ruijin had just woken up and hadn't had time to wash up yet.

An urgent phone call disrupted Sha Ruijin's thoughts.

Old Sun's voice sounded somewhat anxious, unlike his usual composed demeanor: "Ruijin, in the capital... the struggle has begun."

"Dad. What do you mean?" Sha Ruijin pondered for a moment, then suddenly had a bad feeling.

"Grandpa Zhong, we contacted several families, but none of them were Shichibukai. They were all mid-level families."

"The Lin family patriarch has issued an ultimatum to the Zhong family."

"The Zhong family lost a Minister of Personnel and a Provincial Party Secretary of Huguang Province."

"Only the Lin and Zhao families will let this go," Old Master Sun said slowly, narrating in a deep voice.

Upon hearing this news, Sha Ruijin couldn't help but gasp, thinking to himself: The Zhong family's actions have undoubtedly offended the Lin and Zhao families completely, and the future situation will become even more complicated.

Although the Zhong family is powerful, it will be difficult for them to remain unscathed in the face of the alliance of two major forces.

Sha Ruijin knew that the impact of this struggle extended far beyond the capital, and that his own province, Handong, would inevitably be affected as well.

Old Master Sun solemnly instructed: "Ruijin, you need to act quickly and efficiently. Strive to reach a reconciliation with the Lin family as soon as possible."

Sun Laoqian repeatedly warned, "Also, that Li Dakang is now being watched by both the Central Supervision Group and the Inspection Group."

"Don't hesitate, make the cut as soon as possible. Otherwise, you'll get yourself into trouble later."

Sha Ruijin gave a bitter smile and explained his predicament: "Dad, the waters in Handong Province are too deep. The newly appointed governor, Zhao Anbang, has already joined forces with Gao Yuliang, the deputy secretary of the provincial party committee..."

"They already have six votes on their side."

“Members of the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee usually have two abstentions. In other words, if it were a vote at the Standing Committee meeting, I would definitely lose.”

Upon hearing this, Elder Sun fell silent: "Ruijin, the situation is perilous, but not insurmountable. You need to stabilize your internal situation and secure neutral votes. At the same time, contact Lin Yunfei as soon as possible to seek a turning point. Flexibility and adaptability are key to survival."

Old Master Sun said in a deep voice, "Also, I went to Beijing specifically to investigate Li Dakang's file. This man has a domineering style of doing things."

"In 510, he became the county magistrate of Jinshan County. He was eager for quick success and instant benefits and wanted to pursue political achievements. As a result, he caused the death of an old man."

"In Jingzhou City, which was managed by Li Dakang, the deputy mayor Ding Yizhen betrayed the country. Several bureau-level officials were brought down for embezzlement and bribery."

"Li Dakang's wife, Ouyang Jing, has been separated for eight years. Their daughter, Li Jiajia, has been living and studying abroad."

Old Sun snorted coldly, utterly bewildered, and pointedly remarked, "A person like that is a landmine. And you even went so far as to try to win over Li Dakang and bring him into your camp."

"In my opinion, Li Dakang is an ingrate who can never be tamed."

Upon hearing this, Sha Ruijin fell into deep silence and reflection. Had he truly been wrong?

Old Sun said in a deep voice, "From the very beginning, you have been trying to win over Gao Yuliang. Isn't there a Han University gang in Handong?"

“I also did a special investigation. There are as many as 70,000 to 80,000 students taught by Gao Yuliang, all of whom are in the political and legal system of Handong Province.”

"By winning over Gao Yuliang, we can gain control of the political and legal system in Handong Province."

Old Sun made a startling statement, saying in a deep voice, "Ruijin, you were on the wrong track from the very beginning."