Chapter 1003: Is This a Counterattack?

Logically, no one would come looking for him at this hour. Just as he was about to speak to Old Zhou, Old Zhou evidently heard him and said, "It's fine, you go on with your work; that's all I have to tell you."

"From now on, just communicate any matters at any time."

The person on the other end hung up, and Su Yang asked, "Who is it? What's the matter?"

A voice came from the doorway—Jiao Qiang said, "Hello, County Magistrate Su, I have something to report to you; is now a convenient time?"

Su Yang smiled and said, "Since you've come, I'm not unavailable; it's fine."

He said so, stepped forward and opened the door; Jiao Qiang glanced left and right, then entered the room.

Su Yang laughed, "What are you up to? You're being so sneaky—thankfully you're a man; if you were a woman, with that attitude entering my office, rumors would spread outside whether we have business or not."

Jiao Qiang replied, "That's true; I hadn't thought about it. I just heard that someone reported you for having profit ties with Secretary Hou and Secretary Zhou. What they mean is that you handed those projects over to people of Hou Junlai and Zhou Yanru to carry out."

Hearing this, Su Yang immediately understood. Previously, county matters were decided by the four of them; at the time, pressed by a tight schedule, he hadn't held any bidding and directly assigned the county's road paving and street‑light repair projects to Hou Junlai and Zhou Yanru.

Given their local connections, he trusted they could complete the two projects. The original intention was simple: locals would never tamper with them, and besides, he had his own motives—people constantly supported him, so he felt obliged to deliver substantive results in return. Some matters were out in the open, but others were hidden. Strictly calculated, it could indeed be labeled a profit exchange.

He asked, "Who is behind this? Has the matter reached the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission?"

Jiao Qiang said, "No. If it were the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission, I wouldn't have to run here in the middle of the night to report. I heard they escalated it straight to the province, and it might even go directly to Governor Zhao."

Su Yang's expression changed instantly. He had just found it odd; if some fool had tipped this to Hou Junlai, it would be meaningless, and even the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission wouldn't pose a big problem.

In the city there are Secretary Zhao, Mayor Wang and Department Head Lu; even if they wanted to make trouble for him, they'd have to think twice. After all, the incident where Zhang Jiangbo was publicly rebuked is still fresh, and city leaders, lacking absolute certainty, would never invite trouble. If it reaches the province and directly to Governor Zhao, then there's a foothold.

Some things others don't know, but he knows well. Earlier, regarding Lieshan Xian, the relevant city officials had already been punished; the mayor need not be mentioned. Municipal Party Committee Secretary Guo Haiyan had been transferred to the Federation of Literary Circles, and this was under the protection of Secretary Sha; otherwise, it would have been hard to land safely.

He had previously heard rumors that provincial officials would also bear responsibility for this, depending on whether the blame falls on Secretary Sha or on Governor Zhao.

If it lands on Secretary Sha, Sha might step back to a secondary role early; if it lands on Governor Zhao, the aftermath is uncertain. Unfortunately, the blame is headed for Governor Zhao, and Zhao can hardly be kind to him.

But this kind of issue is bound to arise sooner or later; better early than late, and since it can't be avoided, he'll just face it head‑on.

He asked, "Where did you hear this news? I didn't hear any rumors at all. Are you sure?"

Jiao Qiang said, "I shouldn't have heard about this, but this afternoon in the restroom I happened to overhear people from the County Party Committee Office whispering about it. According to them, the matter seems to be led by County Magistrate Zhao. If this gets investigated, it will be hard to handle, right? Moreover, you, Secretary Zhang, and County Magistrate Zhao aren't on good terms; they all hope you'll be scolded from above, which is why I'm in such a hurry to come tell you now."

Su Yang said, "If this matter is brought up, I admit I have faults and made mistakes, so I must own up. I expect there will be some punishment, but that's fine; as long as it brings real benefits to the Common People, a personal sanction is nothing."

Lying on the bed, Su Yang replayed what Jiao Qiang had just said. It was originally a minor issue; the standing committee wouldn't bring such matters to the surface. Even if they did, it would only be a superficial awkwardness—no one could really act against anyone, and having or not having this leverage made no difference, neither painful nor itchy.

So he didn't take it seriously; even the shrewd Chen Bo didn't remind him to follow procedure. But once the issue escalates to the province, it becomes a different matter. In the past he wouldn't have worried, but now if Governor Zhao gets implicated because of Lieshan Xian, Zhao will inevitably vent his anger on him, the original instigator.

Of course, besides work matters, there might be Tian Xiaofei's issue as well; after all, they're truly uncle and nephew.

The Jingcheng Club incident was merely a younger‑generation squabble, but behind it lay a contest of family background and connections. They beat Tian Xiaofei half to death on the spot, a first in the club's history.

Although the parents said nothing at the time, Zhao, being upset that his own nephew was beaten, couldn't act directly because the parents couldn't confront Old Zhou's influence, so the matter was forcibly suppressed.

But now that the blame lands on him, it would be a huge blow to his political future. In this situation, he must strike with full force; even Uncle Huang couldn't protect him, and it's hard to say anything even about Secretary Sha.

Being hit requires standing at attention; there's nothing to say about that. Yet he had just met the Former County Magistrate today, finished discussing matters, and was promptly reported. Moreover, that report also dragged Hou Junlai and Zhou Yanru in, a method undeniably ruthless and a tactic undeniably clever.

When that thought surfaced, Su Yang quickly dismissed it. It shouldn't be that way; even if they're displeased with him, why involve those two as well? Moreover, those two were the only survivors in the Geng Miao case, and they are deeply rooted local factions.

That night, Su Yang barely slept, because he couldn't understand how such a matter might not harm others yet benefit himself. The situation was riddled with contradictions, since aside from Zhang Jiangbo, no one could profit from this scheme.

The next morning at work, before Su Yang could even have breakfast, Shi Haoyun came in and said, "County Magistrate Su, we just received a call from the County Party Committee Office; a standing committee meeting will be held in an hour."