Chapter 144: Nie Zhenbang’s Decision (Second update, seeking monthly votes)_1

Translator: 549690339

Upon hearing this news, Nie Zhenbang was shocked. Zhao Kunlun was actually planning to release the suspect. Even though this happened after Wu Zhixiong’s phone call, Zhao Kunlun, as a member of the standing committee, was not obligated to save Wu Zhixiong’s face. However, having said that, it was after all, a directive from the second-in-command. What was Zhao Kunlun trying to signify with this act? Or was there some insider information, was it due to the manipulations of someone behind the scenes?

Not daring to speculate further, Nie Zhenbang quickly left the room, whispering in Wu Zhixiong’s ear: “Director, I need to step out for a while. There seems to be an issue at the Public Security Bureau. Zhao Kunlun is planning to release the suspect.”

Upon hearing this, Wu Zhixiong frowned. If things were really as Nie Zhenbang suspected, then releasing the suspect would pose a problem. Once released, follow-up investigations would be difficult. However, with the current troubles still unresolved and Mayor Ma still around, Wu Zhixiong simply could not disengage. After a moment of thought, Wu Zhixiong nodded: “You should go first. I will handle things here. Don’t worry.”

This time, Nie Zhenbang didn’t even call for Yi Jun. He darted out alone, got into the car parked at the roadside. Nie Zhenbang quickly started the car and headed directly for the Public Security Bureau.

On the road, Nie Zhenbang was deep in thought. This Chen Le, Nie Zhenbang had heard of him, he was only twenty-eight this year. A top graduate from the Police University of Huaxia. Prior to Nie Zhenbang’s arrival, Chen Le was the youngest deputy-section-level cadre in Bazhou City, and the youngest county-level deputy director in the public security system. Currently serving as the Deputy Director of the Li County Public Security Bureau, and the Political Section Chief, he was in charge of political affairs and police training.

In the Public Security Bureau, the most crucial divisions are Criminal Investigation, Public Safety, Traffic, Logistics, Finance, among others. The departments managed by Chen Le could be considered low-risk. Nie Zhenbang had limited interactions with Chen Le in the past. But why was Chen Le suddenly calling him? Was he trying to curry favour? Showing goodwill? Or was there something else? That’s what Nie Zhenbang wanted to know.

As soon as the car entered the courtyard of the Public Security Bureau, Chen Le, who had been waiting at the entrance, came forward, directly opened the car door, sat in the passenger seat, and said to Nie Zhenbang: “Director Nie, after Zhao brought Ma Ergou back, he immediately organized an interrogation. Ma Ergou cracked quickly, confessing everything. The mastermind behind him is someone called ‘Brother Wu’. After Secretary Zhao received a phone call, he instructed the staff to prepare to release Ma Ergou. One of my men happened to be involved in this interrogation. I received the news and felt that it was unusual. I believe you are the only one who can handle this.”

Chen Le had no other choice. Zhao Kunlun was the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee of the County Party Committee and the Director of the Public Security Bureau. In terms of rank, Zhao Kunlun, as the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee of the County Party Committee, was at deputy department level. According to the customary practice of the public security system, Zhao Kunlun was a half level higher and enjoyed treatment at the departmental level. In Li County, his seniority was second only to the leaders of the four groups. Chen Le, with his rank, simply could not intervene.

However, Chen Le was ambitious. Being so young, in order to climb up the ranks, he needed to align himself with a higher power. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was the prime candidate. With Nie Zhenbang’s age, background, and demonstrated capabilities, it was undoubted that he was an extremely good choice. In fact, Chen Le had been planning this for a long time.

Chen Le was not one to randomly curry favour. With his current status at such a young age showed that he was indeed capable. This time, the issue with Ma Ergou could be considered as a good starting point.

“Brother Wu?” Nie Zhenbang repeated, and then said: “Deputy Director Chen, you’ve been in the police force for a long time, and have dealt with people from various circles. Do you have any impression of this ‘Brother Wu’, or can you roughly deduce who this might be?”

At this moment, Chen Le was also greatly shocked. He was aware of ‘Brother Wu’s’ identity. Just now, by not mentioning ‘Brother Wu’ and focusing only on Ma Ergou, Chen Le was actually avoiding the crux of the matter. Initially, Chen Le assumed that Nie Zhenbang only wished to make an example out of Ma Ergou to serve as a warning to others. As long as the construction progress of the Farmer Welfare Company was ensured, the matter would be dropped. However, now, from what Nie Zhenbang implied, not only Ma Ergou had to be dealt with, but also, he intended to capture the mastermind behind the scenes.

Simultaneously, Chen Le was pleased in his heart, only such boldness was characteristic of Nie Zhenbang. He nods and says: “In Li County, there aren’t many who go by the name ‘Brother Wu’. There are two; both small-time characters from the villages, they are unlikely candidates. The most probable one is, Secretary Mo’s eldest son, Mo Mingwu.” n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Upon hearing Chen Le’s words, Nie Zhenbang’s fingers that were tapping the steering wheel stopped. Chen Le’s conjectures surprised Nie Zhenbang.

However, if it was Mo Zhihai’s eldest son, then things started making sense. Even though Zhao Kunlun was not afraid of Mo Zhihai, when such matters were investigated thoroughly, the outcome would most likely be inconclusive. Naturally, Zhao Kunlun would not offend Mo Zhihai over this.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was lost in thought. If Mo Mingwu was the mastermind behind the scenes, it seemed like he was also responsible for inciting people to besiege the government. It implicated a lot of issues. Furthermore, judging by Mo Mingwu’s actions, his operations were likely not clean either.

Now, Nie Zhenbang had two choices. The first one was to disregard the matter just like Zhao Kunlun, act as if the incident never happened, and keep everyone happy. However, this clearly did not align with Nie Zhenbang’s character.

The second option is to continue the investigation in depth, to uncover Mo Mingwu, or even to find some of his other illegal activities. If one chooses this option, it would mean directly declaring war on Mo Zhihai. If they can take down Mo Zhihai in the process, it would be worth it. But, a single blunder could drag oneself in. Ultimately, if one leaves Lixian shamefaced, the loss would be massive.

Now is a test for oneself. If one were to leave now, the old man’s opinion and the family’s attitude would undergo a pronounced change. In other words, one’s failure would render all previous efforts in vain, and that’s not an exaggeration. After all, the family has many considerations. If one wins, it shows that Nie Zhenbang plans carefully and is certain of his victory before making a decision. But if one loses, it demonstrates recklessness and impulsiveness, and the family wouldn’t dare entrust responsibilities to such a person. This is simply the rule of the victor gets all.

“Director Nie?” Chen Le is worried and hopeful at this moment. He’s worried that Nie Zhenbang doesn’t dare to take the lead, and hopeful that Nie Zhenbang will make a resolute decision like he envisioned. If it’s the latter, Chen Le’s time to take charge is not far away.

Nie Zhenbang, coming back to his senses, looked at the Public Security Bureau building in front of him, pondered for a moment, then turned to Chen Le and said, “Director Chen, tell me the truth. Why did you think to call me? Are you so sure that I would intervene?”

Nie Zhenbang could not help but worry. If Chen Le had always been following him, it would be fine. But since this is their first intensive interaction, Nie Zhenbang has to consider whether he can truly trust what Chen Le says.

Chen Le’s heart skipped a beat, knowing that this was a test from Nie Zhenbang. Consequently, he solemnly said, “Director Nie, to put it bluntly, I too am ambitious. Zhao Kunlun has been in this position for far too long. I want to try my luck.”

Expressing loyalty and flattery are meaningless at this point. Nie Zhenbang would pay them no mind. Chen Le considered and decided to be straightforward. This was the only way to treat each other with sincerity. Only by unabashedly revealing his ambition could Chen Le reassure Nie Zhenbang and earn his trust.

Nie Zhenbang laughed at this moment. Chen Le was indeed someone worth cultivating. Nie Zhenbang was never worried about his subordinates having ambitions. On the contrary, he wouldn’t appreciate those without ambitions. When people have ambitions, they strive and struggle. It’s an evident truth.

A fine bird chooses a tree to rest, a wise minister chooses his lord; this is an ancient saying. Ambitious people wouldn’t settle for a common master. Looking at Lixian, Nie Zhenbang wasn’t being arrogant, but he was the only one potential enough for such people.

With this thought, Nie Zhenbang made his decision. He looked at Chen Le and said, “Director Chen, how many people can you command in the Public Security Bureau right now?”

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang added, “I mean, how many trusted subordinates do you have?”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Chen Le was overjoyed. The implication was clear: Nie Zhenbang intended to take action. Without delay or much thought, Chen Le answered, “Currently, there are two people I can trust, Deputy Director of the Crime Investigation Department, Lin Wei, and Cai Weijun, the Chief of Chengguan Town Police Station. These are part of my inner circle. In addition, they can mobilize about twenty people.”

Chen Le’s words surprised Nie Zhenbang. Despite Zhao Kunlun and other deputy directors in higher positions, Chen Le, a lower-ranking deputy director, somehow had reliable people in two key positions. Seems like, Chen Le wasn’t as simple as he seems.

In this way, Nie Zhenbang was even more satisfied with Chen Le. Such a person would certainly be a good helper in the future.

Then, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Director Chen, you get in touch with them now. We need to divide our forces. Have one group staking out here. Don’t alert Zhao Kunlun. When Ma Ergou leaves, follow him and then take control of Ma Ergou. As for the reason, make up one. The other group, let the Chengguan police station step in under the guise of conducting a survey, learn about the whereabouts of Mo Mingwu. Take control of him first. I don’t believe Mo Mingwu can be so squeaky clean.”

Chen Le nodded. Nie Zhenbang’s method was quite ruthless. However, Chen Le was thrilled. Following a leader like this, his future and prospects would definitely not be bleak. With a surprise attack, if they could get their hands on some of Mo Mingwu’s illegal evidences and facts, no matter how skilled Mo Zhihai is, he wouldn’t be able to turn the tables.

PS: Brothers and sisters, the gap is narrowing. Yesterday the fourth place had a gap of 192 votes, and now it’s reduced to 145 votes. And this gap is still narrowing. The danger of being overtaken is becoming greater. Brothers and sisters, don’t save your monthly tickets anymore, it’s time for us to make a push. Give your monthly tickets to Old Cai to help him secure the third position. This is Old Cai’s biggest wish. Brothers and sisters, can you offer your support?