Chapter 60

"Are you kidding? You might as well say to fine him another billion, does he even have that much?" Peng Hongjun simply didn't want to listen anymore, frowning, he said, "Lu Zheng, what exactly are you trying to say?"

Lu Zheng, however, nodded slightly and said, "Yes, he probably doesn't have it. We don't have a personal bankruptcy law, but we can formulate corresponding regulations to deduct a certain percentage of his future income as a fine, leaving him only enough to maintain a normal living standard. The rest of his income will be confiscated as a fine until the fine, including interest, is fully paid or until his natural death. Of course, if the criminal has no normal income after being released from prison, the fine cannot be collected, but it does not affect their enjoyment of various minimum social benefits."

"Moreover, family joint property should be included in the scope of the fine, including any previous gifts from the corrupt individual to family members, to prevent the corrupt individual from sacrificing themselves for the happiness of the whole family."

"In the future, we can be progressive and lenient in sentencing for economic crimes, but we must demonstrate the deterrent power of the law in a civilized manner."

"By implementing fines, we can significantly increase the cost of crime, which will greatly reduce the likelihood of some criminals obtaining ultra-high returns with just a few years in prison. After being released from prison for corruption and bribery, you can only live an ordinary life. Want to continue living extravagantly with luxury cars and beautiful women? That's just a dream."

"Click," Lu Zheng had just taken out a cigarette when a young secretary came up behind him and held a lighter to his mouth.

Lu Zheng lit the cigarette, smiled and nodded at the young secretary, then turned and said, "So, in Lin Haixia's case, her verified illegal gains are over 22,000 yuan, right? Then fine her another 11,000 yuan. Verify her family property and any gifts to her children, all of which will be confiscated as part of the fine. If she doesn't pay enough before going to prison, the fine will be collected after her release." Saying this, Lu Zheng nodded thoughtfully and added, "If Lin Haixia is just taking the fall for someone else, she might recant now. And the source of each fine, we must also verify clearly."

Everyone was stunned. Lu Zheng's roundabout way of speaking was just to fine the Du family again? This, this is like turning against them completely?

Those familiar with Lu Zheng's character knew that although he had a bad temper, he was very loyal. During the investigation of Du Botao, even Secretary Qiu kept his distance, but Lu Zheng didn't avoid suspicion and often visited Du Botao's home. Lu Zheng was definitely not a cold-hearted person, and today's words must have some deeper meaning.

Peng Hongjun sneered, "Why make it so complicated? If the crime is serious, confiscate their property."

Lu Zheng shook his head slightly and said, "The definition of severity is too vague, and the actual implementation is very difficult. Laws and regulations must be clear and precise to be enforceable."

Jiang Haiyan glanced at Qiu Dahe and said, "Secretary Qiu, what do you think of Lu Zheng's idea? Shall we discuss it after the meeting?"

Qiu Dahe nodded slightly.

At this point, Lu Zheng said, "We don't have a clear fine system, so even if our Guangning court makes such a judgment, it will only be a special case for the economic special zone court, but its significance is extremely important. I'm thinking, do we need to provide a legal explanation for this? We can also seek valuable opinions from provincial and municipal legal experts. Perhaps in the future, it can be implemented nationwide, which will be a great boost to our Wushan and Guangning judicial systems."

Everyone was speechless. It turned out that this was the main point he was trying to make. All the roundabout talk was for political achievements. If the Guangning judicial system performs well, he, Lu Zheng, will be the first beneficiary.

Some people's views of Lu Zheng changed. This stubborn Lu, who said he was just a rough person? Being on the Standing Committee, it's not just luck. This guy can always stir up some noise and turn bad things into good. His skills are quite deep.

Jiang Haiyan looked at Lu Zheng with deep meaning, but a hint of disdain appeared at the corner of her mouth. It seemed that "selling out friends for personal gain" was another label she had attached to him.

Peng Hongjun's face was not good. Perhaps he had planned to use the handling of Du Botao to showcase his power as the discipline inspection secretary, but Lu Zheng easily stole the show.

Lu Zheng slowly smoked, not caring what others thought. He only hoped to use the current case to gradually explore and set a benchmark for the high cost of economic crimes.

From the central government to local governments, political and economic reforms are still in the exploratory stage. Often, local methods are generalized to the whole country, and especially for economic special zones, policies are more flexible.

For example, Shenzhen is preparing to issue special zone currency, which has already been approved at the central level.

A country issuing two sets of currency under the same system is almost within reach. What else is impossible?

Lu Zheng believes that influencing the republic through local methods is the best time now. Many things can still be changed.

...

In a small private room on the second floor of Dongmi Garden, only Lu Zheng and Du Botao were present.

Du Botao had just submitted his resignation. His current state made staying in the office meaningless. Originally a high-ranking official, he now couldn't even speak at the party group meetings of the bureau's departments, a situation worse than that of an ordinary clerk. Staying in the office would only make him a laughingstock.

"Botao, take care of yourself in the future." Lu Zheng raised his glass and gently clinked it with Du Botao's.

Du Botao nodded with a bitter smile. He had many things he couldn't understand, but it was clear that Lu Zheng didn't want to give him answers.

The court had just sentenced Du Botao's wife, Lin Haixia, to five years in prison for "speculation and profiteering," confiscating all her illegal gains and fining her 11,200 yuan. Du Botao had learned from various sources that this was all pushed by Lu Zheng, who proposed the fine at the Standing Committee meeting and then held multiple meetings with officials from the public security, procuratorate, and court, even influencing the judgment through administrative orders.

Some said that Lu Zheng was pushing so hard to achieve results for the judicial system he led, thus adding to his own achievements.

Du Botao, however, didn't believe the rumors. The Lu Zheng he knew was not the tyrannical thug others saw, nor was he a cold-hearted person.

To raise the fine, Du Botao had almost drained his savings and borrowed from all sides, still falling short by a few thousand yuan. Just when he was in a bind, Du Xiaohu brought a sum of money, solving his immediate problem.

Today, Lu Zheng invited him to dinner and gave him good news. Lu Zheng had already contacted a trading company in Beijing, and in a few days, he could start working there.

Lu Zheng said more seriously, "Botao, this is all I can do for you. How you develop in the future is up to you. If you do well, you might pay off all your debts, including the ones I lent you, in one or two years."

"But I have high hopes for you. You've been working in the commercial system for years. If you focus on business, few can match you."

Du Botao was still confused, not knowing what Lu Zheng was up to. If Lu Zheng went to such lengths just to show his loyalty, it was too absurd. Besides, what did he gain from it?

Seeming to know Du Botao's doubts, Lu Zheng put down his glass and said seriously, "In short, Botao, this isn't about you. Don't bear a grudge against me."

Du Botao laughed bitterly and said, "Zhenzi, what are you talking about?" Without the burden of office, Du Botao felt more relaxed.

After all, this had nothing to do with Lu Zheng. Whether his wife was sentenced or he was demoted, it was an inevitable outcome. Lu Zheng only proposed the additional fine and then actively helped him with the aftermath. So, there was no reason to bear a grudge.

Moreover, after his incident, only Lu Zheng and Li Xiangyang still interacted with him in the entire Guangning political circle. Even Li Xiangyang, his old friend, kept some distance, far less open than Lu Zheng.

"Actually, after doing these things, I might not stay in Guangning for long!" Seeing Du Botao's puzzled look, Lu Zheng smiled and said, "Let's not talk about this!" He raised his glass, "Botao, I wish you success in your new career! Let's drink to your future in Beijing!"

Du Botao smiled slightly, feeling inspired by Lu Zheng's enthusiasm. He lightly clinked his glass with Lu Zheng's and drank it all in one go...