Chapter 530

The Central gives orders!

Launch a heavy-handed crackdown!

Rectify the medical system!

These three realizations weigh on Prosecutor Chen's mind, making him feel like he's walking on thin ice. Standing by the window, he wonders what has happened to him after over a decade in politics, only to falter at a critical moment.

What's even more alarming to Prosecutor Chen is:

Yesterday, Wang Daochen, while discussing Huang Xiuju's medical dispute case at a meeting, asked him: "Prosecutor Chen, what is your opinion on the medical dispute between Huang Xiuju and the Provincial People's Hospital?"

At the time, he didn't think much of it.

He responded by the book: "In handling this medical dispute, the Yue Prefecture Municipal Health Bureau shows signs of negligence and dereliction of duty. Since the bureau is also the object of Huang Xiuju's complaint, we should avoid conflict of interest; I suggest that Wei Shouqin of the Provincial Department coordinate the handling. As for Huang Xiuju's assault case, we propose to have the Yue Prefecture Procuratorate deal with it according to law and regulations."

At that time, Wang Daochen merely smiled and did not express further opinion.

Now, looking back.

Prosecutor Chen only felt a chill down his spine.

The Central plans to launch a heavy-handed crackdown on the medical system of Baiyue Province, and Wang Daochen should be aware of it.

But yesterday, when he proposed assigning Wei Shouqin an important role, Wang Daochen did not veto it, nor did he give any subtle warnings; he simply watched as he walked into the fire pit.

Secretary Wang, what does this mean?

Thinking, thinking...

Prosecutor Chen no longer has the heart to enjoy the view outside the window, wondering if he's really grown old. He feels he's holding back the province, and it's time for him to step aside and let others take over.

I suppose it must be correct.

The news of Huang Xiuju's criminal detention caused an uproar throughout the city and even reached the capital.

And he is Chen Gang.

As the chief prosecutor of the Provincial Procuratorate, in order to quell the uproar, he instead thinks of covering up the mistake. Trying to hide behind the guise of "according to law and regulations," he tacitly allows his subordinates to turn this case into an ironclad one.

Wang Daochen did not name and criticize him at the meeting, which is already a great favor.

Thinking about this...

Prosecutor Chen feels another pang of regret, unsure if it's too late to mend his ways; he thinks of trying to revive a dead horse, but even if he steps aside, he wants to do so with dignity.

"Dongfan, oh..."

Prosecutor Chen turned to Lin Dongfan, forcing out an embarrassed smile: "Today, I've learned a lesson from you."

"Prosecutor Chen, you're overstating it; I'm just stating the facts, I didn't mean to lecture you."

Lin Dongfan is polite on the surface, but harbors contempt in his heart.

At that moment, he really wanted to lash out:

"The Yue Prefecture Municipal Health Bureau, Public Security Bureau, and procuratorate—people from these agencies have teamed up to target the homeless Huang Xiuju in order to protect the interests of certain individuals at the Provincial People's Hospital! Comrade Chen Gang, at the critical moment you pretended not to see, like a blind man, and even tacitly allowed your subordinates to arbitrarily issue arrest warrants—do you still have the face to smile?!"

But these angry voices could only be held inside.

Lin Dongfan clearly understands:

Prosecutor Chen's approach is not an isolated case; it's quite common in officialdom—few people would risk offending many for the sake of a "Huang Xiuju".

Lin Dongfan, seeing no point in hiding things, laid his cards on the table: "Chen Song, Wei Shouqin has already been caught. I can confidently say that no matter how strong his will to resist investigation or how clever his methods, I can break his mindset within seven days! Now I just want to know when we can release Huang Xiuju."

This remark carries a hint of forcing the palace.

Prosecutor Chen again put on a helpless smile: "I understand the leadership's determination to crack down on medical corruption. The medical system's shoddy accounts indeed need to be cleared. But Dongfan, this is a separate matter. Huang Xiuju seriously injured a hospital guard; this is an independent criminal case, and the Yue Prefecture Procuratorate has already approved his arrest. Even if there are mistakes, they need time to be investigated—you can't just say release him and release him."

"How long do you think it will take?"

Lin Dongfan's gaze was like a torch, making Prosecutor Chen's scalp tingle; he is determined to pull Huang Xiuju out of detention and give her justice.

Prosecutor Chen said: "I will urge the Yue Prefecture Procuratorate to promptly review the case; don't rush things..."

"From the Yue Prefecture Public Security's arrest of Huang Xiuju to the Yue Prefecture Procuratorate's approval of the arrest, it took only three days! Back then they were swift and decisive—now, for the re-examination, is three days enough?" Lin Dongfan pressed relentlessly.

Prosecutor Chen's head felt like it was about to explode, and he was momentarily speechless.

After so many years in politics, this is the first time a subordinate has driven him to the point of wanting to die, and he can't simply assert his authority to push back.

The red telephone on the desk suddenly rang.

Prosecutor Chen clung to the call like a lifeline, seizing the chance to change the subject: "Go back and investigate Wei Shouqin's matter thoroughly; I will handle Huang Xiuju's case as soon as possible."

Having said that, he picked up the receiver, indicating he had no time to entertain you.

Lin Dongfan walked away, saying: "If after three days the Yue Prefecture Public Security and procuratorate still haven't released her, remind them they're on their own!"

"Are you trying to kill me?"

Prosecutor Chen, covering the phone receiver, replied with a mixture of laughter and tears, but Lin Dongfan did not turn back.

Two hours later.

Lin Dongfan, on his way back to the Provincial Party Committee Guesthouse, received a call from Wang Daochen.

Wang Daochen laughed on the phone: "You little brat, you actually dare to force your superior to release someone." His mood seemed good.

Lin Dongfan asked: "Did Prosecutor Chen complain to you?"

"Not really; he came to report his work, which also counts as stating his position. He said he would urge the Yue Prefecture Public Security and procuratorate to promptly review the Huang Xiuju case, hoping you'd give him more time."

"So you're here as a mediator?"

"I guess so; give him a little time to correct himself, since he's realized the seriousness of the issue and straightened his attitude, a day or two won't matter."

"Secretary Wang, I think you're speaking from a position of comfort, not feeling the pain."

"Do you still want to criticize me together? Haha, you're just full of hot air. Frankly, your old man has the right to criticize me, but you don't. Between us, only I have the right to criticize you."

"I wouldn't dare criticize you."

"What did you mean by what you just said?"

"What I mean is, people sitting in offices can't feel the pain of being innocently locked up in a detention center. Why don't you take some time to stay there for two days? Experience Huang Xiuju's feelings."

You're still criticizing me, huh?

No, just seeking truth from facts.

Comrade Dongfan, you need to understand one thing: before the review process is finished, Huang Xiuju is a criminal suspect; you can't just let her go.

So I gave them three days to finish the review; isn't that enough?

All this back and forth has just brought us back to square one.

If you have no further instructions, I won't take up any more of your precious time; I'll come back another day when you're free to humbly listen to your teachings.

I'm not used to you speaking like this; I still like your unruly, untamed demeanor.

This is what you said, so I won't hold back in giving you a piece of my mind: you're acting as a spokesman for those scumbags, which puts my mood in a foul state! Hang up, you old man!

Never mind whether Lord Wang was shocked into a black line; after saying that, Lin Dongfan hung up the phone.

I figure you all want to look out for the big picture—that's your business—but my thought is simple: Huang Xiuju is an innocent victim; whoever messes with her, I'll mess with them!