Chapter 1041: with translation of chapter title

As a result, just as he was about to make a call, Old Zhou's call came through.

Obviously, Old Zhou had already noticed the series of events that had occurred in Lieshan Xian.

Su Yang had just picked up the phone when Old Zhou asked, "Su Yang, what on earth is going on in your county? How did so many things suddenly happen?"

Su Yang then told Old Zhou about each and every incident that had occurred and the results they had produced, and also mentioned that the former county magistrate had just jumped from the building in his office.

He then said, "This is something I never imagined; I never expected him to do something so drastic. He is trying to drag all of us down with him. Even if I really did nothing, public opinion later will probably not say that."

"Dad, has this also affected you? I see that some media's tone is actually aimed directly at you. I didn't expect them to make such a big fuss. These past few months I've kept a low profile whenever possible; many things I've turned a blind eye to, only responsible for incubating enterprises and boosting the economy. These people have absolutely no moral bottom line."

Old Zhou said, "As long as you're fine, that's all that matters. As for those underhanded tactics that aren't fit for the table, I disdain to respond head-on; the Hong Kong side can ignore them, but these few media outlets in Jingcheng are really sick — even some teachers at the party school have been dragged into it."

"A Party cadre, even if they make minor mistakes in decision-making, can be accepted, but we must never allow problems in their ideals and convictions; those who need correction must step forward to correct them, and we must never let them become historical sinners."

"I have already returned to Jingcheng today and visited the leaders at the institute; regardless of whether it's those two authoritative media outlets or the party school matter, news will soon break out again."

"I was also about to tell you about that former county magistrate, but I hadn't gotten the chance before something happened."

"You mentioned him twice before, and I really didn't take your former county magistrate seriously, because I already knew he was diligent in his work and, under those conditions, genuinely wanted to seek welfare for the common people."

"Objectively speaking, he is a qualified cadre. It was precisely because I noticed these things happening in your county that, when I went to the institute today and chatted with some comrades about this matter, I only then learned that he had once had a relationship with the deputy secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission during that special period; later he stayed at the grassroots while that leader returned."

"Moreover, under those circumstances, he not only provided food for that institute leader on several occasions but also protected him; he never used that favor, and it seems he has now used it in this step."

"Furthermore, this deputy secretary's relationship with us has never been particularly good. Also, you might not know that this matter has already alarmed the Environmental Protection Bureau and several other related units."

"If I'm not mistaken, the Discipline Inspection Commission will come to find you tonight, and this matter will at the latest be reported tomorrow; by then, it's likely to be more than just your provincial Discipline Inspection Commission taking over."

"Of course, still the same saying: true gold fears no fire. As long as you are strong enough, even if dirty water is splashed at you, I can shield you."

"Because behind this it's not just you; other things are involved. Otherwise, even if he knew people from the Discipline Inspection Commission, he couldn't get so many departments to act in unison."

"Also, this noon something happened on my end: the vice provincial governor in charge of investment promotion had huge dealings with a foreign businessman; moreover, that vice provincial governor, who outwardly deals in precision instruments, is actually a foreign intelligence agency, and through one of our comrades he stole many important documents and intelligence; after the incident he jumped into the river."

"Almost at the same time, a key enterprise in the industrial park caught fire; this enterprise is a state‑key enterprise. That's why I also came to Jingcheng for this matter — truly, the wind is full before the storm."

"Furthermore, what comes next may be a very severe test for you; you need to be mentally prepared. I will not interfere in your own affairs — I am only responsible for settling the peripheral issues. Of course, I will also tell this to Grandfather and your maternal grandfather. Alright, give Ruo Han a call to let her know, so she won't worry about you; I estimate the time left for you is indeed short."

After hearing this, Su Yang felt his scalp go numb and cold sweat break out along his spine. No wonder the former county magistrate's puzzling words to him — it turns out this was a big move they had been brewing; not only him, but Old Zhou as well was dragged into it.

Just now, when he was alone with Sun Chengjun, perhaps to calm himself, he half‑jokingly said, "A person like the former county magistrate, if placed in ancient times, would definitely be a leader‑level figure of the Donglin Party."

But he never imagined that he would almost be right; the former county magistrate's methods exceeded his expectations.

If being able to pinch the county's cadres in his hand already shows a superhuman ability, the fact that he could weave all these events into this grand chessboard at this very moment reveals his scheming and wisdom — a pity he used them in the wrong place.

After briefly reviewing the situation, Su Yang called Zhou Ruohan — one to tell her the current state, and two to ask her not to worry about what might happen next, because concern leads to chaos; especially since Zhou Ruohan is still pregnant, we must not let the little one inside also be implicated.

Obviously, Zhou Ruohan already knew about this; she herself showed no panic, instead comforting Su Yang.

After hanging up, Su Yang went to the noodle shop opposite the county government and ate a hearty bowl of noodles, knowing full well that he would likely have no meals in the coming time. He had been in the small black room more than once, and especially this time, getting anything to eat would be a luxury.

While paying for his meal, he received a message from an unknown number: "This situation is very unfavorable to you; you must hold on at all costs. Part of it is someone targeting you, and another part may be a test of you and these cadres. If you fail the test, you will be eliminated; others likely can't help you, because the organization does not allow outsiders to interfere in such matters."

After reading it, Su Yang roughly understood why Old Zhou had said he had to bear this matter himself without much explanation — there was also this layer of meaning in their relationship.

Now thinking about it, the former county magistrate has exhausted all favorable timing, location, and human factors; perhaps he also knew Su Yang was entering the echelon, and truly he has concentrated all his means into this step — if Su Yang cannot hold out, his future will be completely ruined.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but laugh; perhaps he is lacking in other aspects, but this body of his is absolutely tough.

Of course, he could roughly guess who sent the message, but he didn't say much more, just replying with two words: "Thank you."

Then he returned to the dormitory and waited in silence for the storm to break.