Chapter 65

When Hou Jianjun followed Lu Zheng into his office, Lu Zheng was on the phone.

Hou Jianjun had already learned the general course of events and was inwardly amazed, even feeling a bit of fear when he looked at Lu Zheng again.

His current state of mind was completely different from Gao Zhikai's. Gao Zhikai was likely immersed in a mix of rage and elation: rage that Du Xiaohu had tried to shoot him, and that he had once groveled at Du Xiaohu's feet; elation that after this incident, even if it sent Lu Zheng to prison, it wasn't impossible.

However, Hou Jianjun saw another side of the matter.

Who was Lu Zheng? How could he make someone kill for him? And this murderer wasn't some thug or desperado, but a police station chief, young, with a bright future and a solid background.

This matter was hard to explain simply as a matter of life-and-death friendship on the battlefield. After all, Hou Jianjun knew Du Xiaohu, who, though a bit rash, wasn't the type to treat human life as grass. Unless, he had a reason he couldn't avoid.

What was that reason?

Hou Jianjun pondered, feeling a chill.

Lu Zheng put down the phone and gestured for Hou Jianjun to sit on the sofa with him.

"Jianjun, help me with something," Lu Zheng said, slowly lighting a cigarette. "Old Zhao said he saw Xiaohu point a gun at Gao Zhikai's head. I don't quite believe it. Help me investigate and see if this really happened."

Hou Jianjun's heart skipped a beat. The case hadn't spread in the bureau, and no one knew why Du Xiaohu was sent to the hospital covered in blood. The only ones who knew the details were him, Lu Zheng, Gao Zhikai, Zhao Mingbang, and a detective from the criminal investigation department, Wang Liguang.

Zhao Mingbang and Xiao Wang were both Gao Zhikai's confidants, but Xiao Wang arrived late and didn't see the whole thing. When he arrived, Gao Zhikai was viciously beating the already handcuffed Du Xiaohu, forcing him to confess that Lu Zheng was the mastermind.

So, Zhao Mingbang was the only strong eyewitness in the entire case.

The deeper meaning in Lu Zheng's words was not lost on Hou Jianjun.

Lu Zheng was hinting that he should find a way to make Old Zhao keep quiet.

Under Lu Zheng's gaze, Hou Jianjun felt a chill down his neck. How to make Old Zhao keep quiet? Did he have to eliminate him too?

Lu Zheng stood up. "I'll leave this to you. I need to go to the county for a bit."

Hou Jianjun felt bitter but could only nod stiffly.

...

When Lu Zheng hurriedly entered the county party committee building, Ma Yuewu was just coming out. He had come early to report to Jiang Haiyan and Qiu Dahe. Seeing Lu Zheng, he gave an awkward smile. Running into Gao Zhikai earlier was nothing, but bumping into Lu Zheng face-to-face, he knew Lu Zheng would know why he was there, making him feel awkward.

Lu Zheng nodded at him and went up the steps. In the government, especially among officials with conflicting interests, there were no true friends. Not stabbing someone in the back when they were down was already a sign of good character. Lu Zheng saw this clearly and took it lightly.

When Gao Zhikai came to see Jiang Haiyan, Ma Yuewu had just left her office and then went to Qiu Dahe's office. When Lu Zheng arrived at Jiang Haiyan's office door, Gao Zhikai was just coming out.

Gao Zhikai glanced at Lu Zheng with a cold, venomous look, but after the morning's emotional turmoil, he was clearly calmer now.

Lu Zheng knocked and entered. Jiang Haiyan, holding a teacup, seemed a bit lost in thought, perhaps still shocked by the case Gao Zhikai had reported.

"Oh, you're here? Sit down," Jiang Haiyan pointed to the sofa opposite her.

"Is it about Du Xiaohu?" Jiang Haiyan's gaze, behind her thick glasses, scrutinized Lu Zheng.

Lu Zheng nodded. "Yes, I don't know what happened, but I absolutely don't believe that Du Xiaohu intended to murder Deputy Director Gao Zhikai. That's absurd. A police station chief trying to kill a public security bureau director? Is that even possible?"

"But there are eyewitnesses and physical evidence," Jiang Haiyan lowered her head, gently blowing the tea leaves floating in her cup.

Lu Zheng said, "What physical evidence? Du Xiaohu has always carried a gun. His own gun, of course, would have his fingerprints. As for the eyewitness, can't that be faked? I hope the county will handle this case carefully. After all, it's a serious matter. If it spreads, how will the people view our public security bureau? The impact would be terrible."

Jiang Haiyan suddenly smiled. "We can't just cover it up because of the impact, can we?"

Lu Zheng had always had a good impression of Jiang Haiyan. Many of her governance ideas aligned with his. Although she had various misunderstandings about him and might even be one of the masterminds behind his departure, he didn't have any ill feelings toward her; they were just on different sides.

But now, discussing Du Xiaohu's life and death, seeing Jiang Haiyan's relaxed smile and her malicious speculation, a surge of anger rose in Lu Zheng. This old woman, she deserved a beating.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Zheng barely suppressed his anger, stood up, and said, "Whether you believe it or not, Jiang Haiyan, I will protect Xiaohu. If you have the nerve, try to go against me!" With that, he strode out.

Jiang Haiyan was taken aback, stunned for a long time, her face alternating between red and white. Fortunately, no one else was in the office to hear.

In the hospital, seeing Lu Zheng enter, Du Xiaohu struggled to sit up. Lu Zheng quickly walked over and supported him, scolding, "You should just lie down."

Seeing no one else in the room, Du Xiaohu hung his head and said, "Brother Zheng, I always get hot-headed. This time, I caused a big problem. I really..."

Lu Zheng smiled and patted his shoulder. "You're scared now? That's good."

"If I had known, I would have shot him and then committed suicide..." Du Xiaohu beat his head in frustration.

Lu Zheng frowned. "Would that solve the problem? If you shot him, the provincial and city leaders, and your superiors, would respect me? Would I advance?"

With each question, Du Xiaohu shook his head. Seeing his expression, Lu Zheng couldn't help but laugh. "I've told you before, we only fight winning battles. This political path is no different from the battlefield. Sometimes, a temporary retreat is for the ultimate victory. Xiaohu, don't rush when things happen. This incident is actually good for you. Next time you get impulsive, think about today, think about how I'm in a bind because of you, and how I might end up in jail. That will help you stay calm."

Du Xiaohu asked anxiously, "Brother Zheng, are you okay?"

Lu Zheng patted his hand. "Don't worry, I'm fine. Just focus on getting better."

Du Xiaohu sighed deeply and nodded silently.

...

In the evening, in a private room on the second floor of Dongmi Garden.

Gao Zhikai, Zhao Mingbang, and Wang Liguang occupied a large table, chatting and drinking.

Today, Gao Zhikai was the host.

Since Hou Jianjun took over as department head, Gao Zhikai had lost control. Now, only Old Zhao and Xiao Wang could be considered his confidants. This morning, he had gone to their offices to discuss matters but was almost shot by Du Xiaohu.

Thinking about it now, Gao Zhikai still felt a bit of fear, but more so, the joy of about to defeat his opponent.

Gao Zhikai suddenly said with a smile, "Do you remember what Lu Zheng said? 'I'm not afraid of a god-like opponent, but I'm afraid of a pig-like teammate.' I think Du Xiaohu is a pig."

Old Zhao, who actually had a good impression of Du Xiaohu, coughed a few times and remained silent.

Xiao Wang, however, clapped and cheered. He was a few years older than Du Xiaohu and had joined the county bureau earlier, but who would have thought that Du Xiaohu, a yellow vest, would rise quickly under Lu Zheng and become a police station chief, which made him extremely unbalanced.

When Gao Zhikai beat Du Xiaohu, he also helped a lot, while Old Zhao kept trying to persuade him to stop.

Gao Zhikai continued, "The investigation you were supposed to do, you don't need to do anymore. Lu Zheng is definitely finished this time."

Xiao Wang asked with concern, "Director Gao, is Lu Zheng really done? I can't believe it. It feels like a dream." If it were before, he wouldn't dare ask, but seeing Gao Zhikai in a good mood, he decided to ask.

Gao Zhikai took a sip of wine and coldly said, "This is called self-inflicted. Lu Zheng has offended more than just a few people. He was already on the verge of ruin, and now this happened. Heaven is helping us to take him down."

Xiao Wang laughed and said, "I knew that offending Director Gao would mean no good. Who else has he offended?"

Gao Zhikai snorted and said, "Not to mention County Chief Jiang Haiyan, even Peng Hongjun, do you think he's a pushover? He's an expert at digging up dirt. During the Cultural Revolution, he was persecuted, so he must have learned a thing or two." He sneered, disliking Peng Hongjun's methods. But today, with the satisfaction of revenge, he felt relaxed and even chatted with his confidants, something he rarely did.

Taking another sip of wine, Gao Zhikai continued, "Everyone has their pride. How could a young upstart dare to insult Peng Hongjun in a standing committee meeting? Anyone would want to take him down. How long has Lu Zheng been in power? How many people in Guangning really support him?"

Xiao Wang stuck out his tongue and said, "Peng Hongjun is the discipline inspection secretary, right? Lu Zheng is really something, with enemies everywhere." He thought, to live like this, one must be quite extraordinary.

At that moment, the door curtain was gently lifted, and a beautiful, delicate woman walked in. She was the wife of the owner of Dongmi Garden, Mr. Wang. She asked softly, "Director Gao, Director Zhao, Director Wang, do you need anything else?"

Since Dongmi Garden was Lu Zheng's base, it had flourished since his rise. Lu Zheng often hosted dinners here, and Gao Zhikai had only heard of its reputation but never visited, as he saw it as Lu Zheng's territory.

Today, he invited Old Zhao and Xiao Wang to dinner to discuss how to deal with the