Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 671: Chapter 627 The Dust Settles_1

Wanghai City Military Region Guest House

“Mayor Nie, thank you for facilitating this matter,” Director Li was very polite.

Although he is indeed the head of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, Director Li still knows his place in front of Nie Zhenbang – someone who dares to confront even the deputy secretary of the provincial party committee.

Nie Zhenbang also chuckled at this moment, waving his hands, “Director Li, you’re too polite. Assisting colleagues from the Commission for Discipline Inspection is also a responsibility that every one of our officials should undertake.”

Having said that, Nie Zhenbang got straight to the point, “Director Li, time is of the essence. Why don’t I go see Comrade Hu Jiawang first?”

As Nie Zhenbang walked into Hu Jiawang’s bedroom under the guidance of the staff from the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, Hu Jiawang, who was previously half-lying in bed resting, suddenly stood up. There is a saying that enemies meeting face to face are particularly hostile.

His current predicament, his son’s sentencing, and his own investigation were all thanks to Nie Zhenbang. How could Hu Jiawang not harbor resentment?

Upon saying this, Hu Jiawang turned to the two staff members next to him and said, “Why is he here? Get out, right now. Isn’t it stated that the Commission for Discipline Inspection maintains complete independence in handling cases? So, you’re all the same.”

People often remember the good they’ve done for others, but forget the harm they’ve caused. Conversely, they’re willing to condemn others for the slightest shortcoming, despite countless good deeds. At this moment, Hu Jiawang was just like that.

If Hu Fei’s company was without issues and if they could withstand investigation and auditing, would this be the outcome?

The staff member who had been guarding Hu Jiawang around the clock stood up and rebuked, “Comrade Hu Jiawang, what kind of attitude is this? Mayor Nie is here because Secretary Ding invited him over to talk to you. Instead of feeling grateful, you’re being sarcastic. What do you mean by that?”

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang simply waved his hand, looking at Hu Jiawang and said, “Comrade Hu Jiawang, it seems that you believe I’m targeting you, that I, Nie Zhenbang, am making things difficult for you, is that right?”

Hearing these words, Hu Jiawang nodded arrogantly, “Of course, Nie Zhenbang, you know what kind of person you are. If it wasn’t for your insistence on investigating me, would I have ended up like this?”

At this point, Nie Zhenbang’s expression darkened. Hu Jiawang was beyond misguided, he was downright pitiful. Nie Zhenbang then scolded angrily, “Hu Jiawang, wake up. Think for yourself, if I couldn’t withstand the investigation at the beginning, then the person sitting here would not be Nie Zhenbang. Why don’t you reflect on yourself? If you, Hu Jiawang, have nothing to hide, why would you fear being investigated? At this juncture, what right do you have to discuss these matters? I must inform you that the investigation into your family’s wealth has already entered the approval process. Your actions now are a path to self-destruction.”

This statement left Hu Jiawang dumbfounded. It’s not that Nie Zhenbang was the only one who could speak such words, those who work for the Commission for Discipline Inspection are all accustomed to it. However, facing Nie Zhenbang, Hu Jiawang’s mental defense revealed a crack. At this moment, as these words were spoken in combination with psychological tactics, it caused Hu Jiawang’s complete collapse.

As he collapsed to the floor, Hu Jiawang looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Nie Zhenbang, you’ve won. I’ll admit, but my only request is to release my son!”

Hearing Hu Jiawang’s words, Nie Zhenbang snorted coldly and said solemnly, “Hu Jiawang, you need to understand that you are not in a position to bargain with the organization. When Hu Fei was evading taxes, he should have been mentally prepared for such consequences. You may not admit anything. But I believe it’s just a matter of time before evidence is found. By then, your chance for leniency in exchange for your confession will be gone. If there are no circumstances of voluntary surrender, you’ll probably never get to see your son and wife again in your lifetime.”

Hu Jiawang’s downfall was because of his son and wife. If Hu Fei hadn’t been so confident and if Hu Jiawang hadn’t been overly trusting of his son, he naturally wouldn’t have chosen to confront Nie Zhenbang. If it hadn’t been for Liu Guixiang’s greed, Hu Jiawang wouldn’t have reached this point.

Seeing that Hu Jiawang had completely collapsed, Nie Zhenbang felt that today’s objective had been achieved. He had also used to work in the discipline inspection field for two years. Familiar with such scenarios, he instructed the staff next to him, “Comrades, Hu Jiawang is no longer problematic. Once he has recovered emotionally, start recording his statement.”

Hu Jiawang confessed his wrongdoings quite easily afterwards. From his tenure as the Deputy Director and then Director of the Land Bureau in Wanghai City’s Tongping District, to Deputy Director and Director of the City Land Bureau, and then to Deputy Mayor of Wanghai City, his infringement in approving lands, introducing projects to others, secretly manipulating bidding and various other illegal actions were revealed. He had received bribes amounting to nearly 20 million yuan, with serious implications and extremely bad influences.

Based on Hu Jiawang’s confession, an enormous amount of illicit money and goods were found hidden in his residence and several other secret locations. The entire stash, including Renminbi, Hong Kong dollars, US dollars, gold, jewelry, antiques and all, amounted to over 1.6 billion yuan in Renminbi.

In the history of Minan Province, such a large number is unprecedented. Back then, the Eastern Sea Group case involved a huge amount of money due to smuggling activities. In fact, the amount of money involved in the case far exceeded that of Hu Jiawang, who was one of the officials who fell from grace.

Even Ding Jiashu, the secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection, who had seen many cases, gasped when he saw the report. He muttered in a low voice: “I originally thought that people like Shi Yiwu were crazy. But I never thought that the biggest corrupt official would be this inconspicuous Hu Jiawang. This matter must be reported to Qiao, the secretary of the Provincial Committee, immediately.”

After receiving Ding Jiashu’s report, Qiao Yiren also fell silent. So many significant incidents had happened in Wanghai City. That could be considered a stain on Minan Province. As the provincial party committee secretary supervising the comprehensive work of the provincial committee, it represented a dereliction of duty.

Soon after, Qiao Yiren made a decision, indicating, “Comrade Jiashu, it is shocking. For such a matter, we should never be lenient. We must deal with it seriously, severely and quickly.” @@novelbin@@

Ding Jiashu nodded: “Secretary Qiao, please rest assured, I will handle it according to your instruction.”

With Qiao Yiren’s instruction, the speed and efficiency of the special case team improved significantly. Ten days later, all the case files were handed over to the Wanghai Municipal Procuratorate.

The Wanghai City Procuratorate immediately began analyzing and studying the case, working overtime. Within two days, they had gone through five piles of thick case files. Then, the Wanghai City Procuratorate officially initiated public prosecution against Hu Jiawang in the Wanghai City Intermediate People’s Court.

In the end, Hu Jiawang was sentenced to death for corruption and abuse of power, but with a two-year reprieve.

…

Inside the conference room of the Wanghai City Municipal Party Committee

This was a routine standing committee meeting held after the trial of Hu Jiawang. It was November, and the weather was gradually getting colder.

All in all, Nie Zhenbang had been in Wanghai City for more than a year. Since his arrival in Wanghai in ’98 and through the turn of the century, it could be considered two years.

At this moment, the temperature in the conference room was moderate, and each committee member was dressed smartly, appearing very energetic. The standing committee meeting was unusually harmonious, and the atmosphere was cordial.

The secretary of the Municipal Party Committee, Tian Xujian, sat in the main seat and occasionally whispered to Nie Zhenbang with a smile on his face. This scene of the Secretary and Mayor, to everyone’s surprise, seemed harmonious after the Hu Jiawang case.

Ignoring everyone’s contemplation, Tian Xujian coughed lightly and slowly said: “Well, comrades, the case of Hu Jiawang has taught us all a profound lesson – the higher the position, the greater the responsibility. It is worthy of our exploration and deep research to keep our original intent and be selfless in the face of increasing status and power. I think it is absolutely necessary to carry out an ideological training program on the advanced nature of party members throughout the city in the coming time.”

After pausing for a moment, Tian Xujian changed the subject and continued: “With Hu Jiawang going to jail, the vacant position needs to be filled as soon as possible per the provincial committee’s instruction. The provincial committee’s suggestion is still to select from local cadres in Wanghai City. Hence, we need to recommend a few candidates. Minister Liu, as the Minister of Organization, do you have any suitable candidates? Please propose and let’s discuss to come to a consensus and make the recommendation.”

Liu Yafu nodded and took over the topic, “Regarding the deputy mayor’s candidacy, after careful consideration and evaluation, the organization department has shortlisted three candidates. The first is Comrade An Guoyu, the current secretary of the government. The second is Comrade Peng Jianping, the current full-ranked inspector of the Municipal Party Committee. The third is Comrade Liu Sheng, the current director of the finance department.”

Liu Yafu then analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of the three comrades and concluded, “Secretary Tian, that’s roughly the opinion of the organization department.”

As soon as the three candidates were announced, almost all the committee members realized that Mayor Nie and Secretary Tian may have already reached an agreement of some sort.

From the personnel analysis, firstly, there is no need for An Guoyu to serve as the deputy mayor. As for Liu Sheng, his experience seems slightly less substantial, both seem to be just making up the numbers. However, Peng Jianping has been closely following Secretary Tian’s steps since Tian took office, and it seems he’s accomplished his mission now. (.)