Chapter 1031: with translation of chapter title

After Zhang Jiangbo finished speaking, he turned and left. Zhao Nanxing watched Zhang Jiangbo's back, his eyes full of anger.

Just now you were talking about whether the government permits it, this is still within the scope of discussion of government actions, and you directly came up with whether there is a protective umbrella? Did I provoke you, or did you provoke me?

In such a situation, haven't similar things happened elsewhere? Others still practice harmony for wealth, you scratch my back I scratch yours, everyone benefits, which not only promotes local economic development but also fattens the pockets of the Common People.

As for the so-called resources, what use is it leaving them there? If not mined, won't they still be lost?

Su Yang, you're no good either, directly reporting it to the city—wouldn't that embarrass all of us?

Fine, since that's the case, you also don't expect to get off easy. You have connections behind you—doesn't anyone else have them?

Also, Zhang Jiangbo, with someone dead, the County Party Secretary bears the primary responsibility—don't think you can get away with it.

On the way back, Su Yang received a call that was both unexpected and yet understandable.

Su Yang glanced at the number, a hint of disappointment showing at the corner of his mouth; although he felt a bit chilled, he still answered: "Former County Magistrate, hello! I haven't come to eat or drink tea with you lately, and was just thinking of making an appointment when your call came. How about it—are we thinking alike?"

The Former County Magistrate's mood was not so good now, his tone even a bit hurried: "Su Yang, we're both sensible people; some things don't need beating around the bush. Is there still room to talk about this matter? Although it has already blown up, with your influence you could suppress it—I don't think you even need to use your connections behind you; even if you go to the city and say a word to Secretary Zhao and Mayor Wang, this matter can be made big into small, small into nothing."

"I think with this lesson, the villagers of Guantan Gou Zhen will no longer be so reckless, nor will they again reach out to the Sha He. The economic development model currently being strongly advocated in the county is quite good, and we could also establish these two planting enterprises in Guantan Gou Zhen. At that time I will also call on everyone to follow the county government's development ideas, wholeheartedly boosting our county's economy."

"Although in the short term the villagers may not be so willing, in the long run this is definitely a way out."

Su Yang pretended not to understand: "Former County Magistrate, what are you saying? You overestimate me; I'm just a Vice County Magistrate in charge of attracting investment. With such a big incident, if I really wanted to suppress it, I should look for Secretary Zhang."

"He came down from Jingcheng, and is also a Deputy Secretary of the Municipal Party Committee; as long as he can speak a few words for our local cadres at the Municipal Party Committee standing committee meeting, I think there shouldn't be a big problem. This is the county's development, and it's not something I can manage; as I said, I'm just a Vice County Magistrate."

Moreover, only now realizing the seriousness of the problem, wanting to withdraw—isn't it a bit late? If we had stopped half a year ago, perhaps we wouldn't be so passive.

The Former County Magistrate grew anxious: "Su Yang, why go through all this? I believe with your wisdom you can surely see that this is Zhang Jiangbo's scheme to kill two birds with one stone."

"He wants to establish his own prestige through this matter, and also take it as one of his achievements. As for causing deaths, he definitely has the ability to settle it; afterward the superiors won't blame him, and might even reward him with a commendation because of this."

"Within the System, you're not unaware—there's no absolute standard for measuring such things. Moreover, while he appears to be targeting County Magistrate Zhao, his ultimate goal is actually for you and County Magistrate Zhao to fight like clams and snipe, letting him, the fisherman, reap the benefit."

Su Yang suddenly laughed: "Former County Magistrate, what does this have to do with County Magistrate Zhao? Moreover, according to what I know, the most people involved in this matter are just the township cadres; perhaps County Magistrate Zhao is also involved… but surely not? Besides, I'm just doing what I should."

But in his heart he was secretly laughing; the Former County Magistrate really couldn't hold on this time.

Sure enough, the Former County Magistrate laid his cards on the table: "Let me be frank with you—regarding the sand mining matter, I am also aware of it, and I have tacitly approved it."

"Because so many people are involved in this matter, you can hardly imagine it. Except for a very few, everyone in the County Party Committee and County Government leadership has participated."

"This lid is really about to be blown off—do you think you can still stay in this position? Moreover, as far as I know, Zhang Jiangbo's plotting isn't just to make this matter explode; he definitely also has means aimed at you."

"Even if you think you have strong connections behind you, can even the strongest connections withstand public opinion? Step back, let's live in harmony—although I've already stepped down, I still have some connections and relationships. Not to mention far away, at least in the county the vast majority of standing committee members can unconditionally support you, letting you fulfill your political ambitions; when the time comes you'll leave with a dazzling achievement—wouldn't that be good?"

Su Yang said: "Hehehe, Former County Magistrate, I once felt grateful to you; it was your persistent petitions and reports that made the Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government pay attention to the problems of Lieshan Xian, leading to the later removal of the tumor Geng Miao."

"There's something I never understood before: why Geng Miao never moved against the interests of the Sha He; I originally thought he feared the local clan forces, feared the people's unity, and feared the vast network you organized."

"But actually, what he fears is your endless reporting and petitions; you also know that only this way can you hold onto this benefit. In fact, whether the provincial authorities come to investigate or have decided to eradicate this tumor Geng Miao, you don't care; you care only about whether you can keep hold of your little plot of land. But later developments exceeded your expectations—Geng Miao was uprooted outright, and you began to act recklessly."

"Lastly, I want to say that party discipline and state law make no exceptions; even if you've retired, that's not enough to become a shield for your safe landing. As for me, you needn't worry at all—as long as I can face the Common People and face the Cultivation Organization, even if I'm given the notorious label of an officialdom killer, what does it matter?"

Since they've already torn faces, he really doesn't need to hide anymore.

Seeing this, the Former County Magistrate also laid his cards completely: "Fine, since that's the case, then give it a try—I don't believe you alone can shake up so many people, nor do I believe the Cultivation Organization would deal with all those cadres at once."

Su Yang said calmly: "Then let's wait and see."

Su Yang had just returned to his office when Chen Bo rushed in anxiously: "County Magistrate Su, during the transfer to the city hospital, two people didn't make it—they died on the spot. This has already become a major accident; I estimate it will not only shock the city but also the province. We may not be the primary responsible party, but we likely also have to bear responsibility for this."

Su Yang couldn't help but frown; he didn't care about the superiors' punishment, but rather about having lost two fresh lives, which concerns two families behind them.

Before he could think further, his pocket phone rang. He pulled it out, saw the number, and his expression changed instantly.