Chapter 540 The Positions of Father and Son
"Liangping, you can't just look at Qi Tongwei's personal crimes. He has been in the Handong officialdom for many years, and his roots are complicated. If we rashly abandon him completely, we may face a greater crisis." Gao Yuliang tried to persuade Hou Liangping, with a hint of helplessness and anxiety in his eyes.
Hou Liangping retorted without hesitation: "Teacher, it is precisely because of the huge power behind him that we must resolutely deal with him according to the law. If we condone evil because of fear of so-called "turmoil", the dignity of the law we uphold will be gone, and the people's trust in the rule of law will collapse. Qi Tongwei must be tried, and the dark forces he represents must be eradicated, even if the process is difficult and dangerous. This is our unshirkable responsibility."
Qi Tongwei watched Hou Liangping and Gao Yuliang arguing for him, and an inexplicable sadness welled up in his heart. He remembered that he had once entered the officialdom with ideals, eager to make a difference, but reality dragged him step by step into the abyss of sin. "Don't argue. I don't want to be a pawn in your power game. I am only willing to accept the judgment of the law. No matter what the result is, it is what I deserve. As for Handong's political direction, that is no longer my concern."
At this time, the atmosphere around was so solemn that it seemed to suffocate people. Gao Yuliang looked into the distance and fell into a long silence. He knew that Hou Liangping's persistence was correct, but his inner worries followed him like a shadow. The political ecology of Handong has formed a delicate balance in the years of development. Qi Tongwei's incident is undoubtedly a heavy bomb. Once it explodes, the consequences will be disastrous.
Hou Liangping stared at Qi Tongwei firmly, waiting for the trial process to proceed step by step, determined to make this typical corruption case an ironclad case to warn all public officials. He began to sort out the detailed evidence chain of Qi Tongwei's crime, from his early power rent-seeking transactions to a series of illegal and disorderly behaviors later, leaving no detail unturned.
During the investigation, Hou Liangping discovered that Qi Tongwei's corruption was not a one-time thing, but a gradual process of corruption and lure of desire. He had accepted huge bribes in the approval of some key projects and given the green light to illegal businessmen; in personnel appointments and dismissals, he appointed people based on personal connections, excluded dissidents, and built his own sphere of influence. The exposure of these crimes has made people see more clearly the harmfulness and concealment of corruption.
As the trial date approaches, all sectors of Handong are focusing on this high-profile case. The public is looking forward to justice, while the officialdom is also experiencing a deep reflection and shock. Those who have colluded with Qi Tongwei or have been lucky are now on pins and needles, worried that they will be implicated.
While waiting for trial in prison, Qi Tongwei began to review his life. He recalled that he was born in poverty and that he worked hard to get into a prestigious university. He thought he could change his fate, but he gradually lost himself in the face of the reality of officialdom. He realized that in order to pursue power and status, he abandoned his ideals and beliefs and hurt countless innocent people, including his relatives, friends, and the people who trusted him. Although he still sneered at "conscience" verbally, he also felt a trace of regret deep in his heart.
On the day of the trial, the courtroom was packed. As the prosecutor, Hou Liangping read out the indictment of Qi Tongwei with righteous words, and the crimes were shocking. Qi Tongwei stood in the dock, looking haggard but still stubborn. When he defended his crimes, he did not make too many excuses, but only stated the pressure and temptation he faced in the officialdom, trying to find some excuses for his depravity.
However, the law is fair and selfless. After a rigorous trial procedure, the judge finally found Qi Tongwei guilty of multiple charges and sentenced him to fixed-term imprisonment. This verdict caused a strong response in Handong, and the people applauded and believed that it was a victory for justice. A large-scale clean government rectification campaign was also launched within the officialdom, taking the Qi Tongwei case as an opportunity to strengthen supervision and education of public officials and reshape Handong's political clean image.
The news that Qi Tongwei was arrested according to law was like a bombshell, which caused an uproar in the power circle of Handong and soon attracted the close attention of Zhao Lichun. Zhao Lichun, a man who has been working in Handong for many years and has a complex power structure, keenly perceived the huge variables and potential value behind the Qi Tongwei incident.
In the study room that was luxuriously decorated but filled with the atmosphere of power, Zhao Lichun sat on a large armchair, frowning and thinking. Zhao Ruilong, who was standing beside him, smiled and carefully persuaded his father.
"Dad, Qi Tongwei's case is a hot topic in the city now, but don't underestimate him. He has been in the Handong officialdom for so many years, and he has a deep foundation and extensive connections. Although he has committed a crime, as long as we give him a hand, he will definitely be grateful and will serve us wholeheartedly." Zhao Ruilong's eyes flashed with a cunning light. As he spoke, he observed his father's expression.
Zhao Lichun raised his head slightly, with a hint of doubt in his eyes, "Ruilong, don't think too simply. Qi Tongwei is now the target of public criticism, and the crimes he committed cannot be easily covered up. Once we get involved, we may get into trouble if we are not careful."
Zhao Ruilong came forward and said in a low voice, "Dad, I understand the risks. But think about it, Qi Tongwei has been in the public security system for many years, and he holds many unknown secrets and resources. If we can rescue him and let him stand on the stage of power again, he can become a sharp blade for us in the officialdom, help us eliminate dissidents and consolidate the position of our Zhao family. Moreover, the officialdom in Handong is in turmoil because of his affairs, and this is a good time for us to take action. As long as we operate properly and handle this matter without anyone noticing, who can do anything to us?"
Zhao Lichun fell into deep thought, and he had to admit that his son's words made sense. In the land of Handong, the struggle for power has never stopped, and every chess piece has its unique role. Although Qi Tongwei is in trouble, his ability and influence cannot be underestimated.
"But how can we explain it to the law? Hou Liangping won't let him go easily. He has Sha Ruijin supporting him behind the scenes." Zhao Lichun said with some concern.
Zhao Ruilong sneered, "Dad, the law is enforced by people.