amaotonovel Chapter 1272 Returning to the Scene
Chapter 1272 Returning to the Scene
Chapter 1272 Returning to the Scene
Li Zhiyuan reluctantly returned to the back hall of the county government office.
Yue Weishan sat upright in his armchair, his fingertips tapping lightly on the mahogany tabletop. The sound was soft, yet it felt like drumsticks striking Li Zhiyuan's heart. The air seemed to solidify into lead, pressing down so heavily that Li Zhiyuan could barely breathe.
“Committee Member Yue…” Li Zhiyuan, his obese body hunched over, sweat dripping from his forehead into the stand-up collar of his Zhongshan suit, his voice trembling uncontrollably: “This subordinate… is incompetent. Yesterday… yesterday I led a team to Bailu Village to arrest Lu Zhaopeng… but we found nothing… I originally planned to bring his mother and younger brother back…”
"Bang!" Yue Weishan slammed his hand on the table, making the teacup lid rattle.
"Useless! Utterly incompetent! Lu Zhaopeng, a weak scholar! In such a tiny place as Bailu Village! In his own home! In his dilapidated primary school! You had a dozen guns and dozens of men, and you actually let him escape?! You couldn't even hold onto women and children?! Am I supporting you all just to eat?! You've completely disgraced Zishui County and the Provincial Party Committee! Tell me! Are you incompetent, or are you deliberately protecting him?!"
Li Zhiyuan felt his legs go weak, and he almost knelt on the ground. Large beads of sweat instantly covered his oily, chubby face. "Committee member, please calm down! I would never dare to cover this up! It's just... it's just that the security regiment was blocking the village entrance, pointing their guns at our soldiers! I was worried that a conflict would make it harder to make the arrest, so I didn't dare to act forcefully! When we entered the village to search, Lu Zhaopeng seemed to have vanished into thin air. As for his mother and Zhaohai... that Bai Zihan blocked our way, saying something about 'not punishing one's wife and children,' and inciting the villagers to block the road... I was afraid of inciting a popular uprising, and if Bailu Plain got into chaos again, it would be difficult to manage..."
"Useless thing!" Yue Weishan stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced around the hall agitatedly, his chest heaving, clearly furious.
After a long while, Yue Weishan turned around, and the terrifying anger on his face receded quickly like a tide, leaving only a deep pool of gloom and a trace of unfathomable mockery.
"Bai Zihan, what skill and prestige!"
"County Chief Li."
"The humble position is here."
Li Zhiyuan quickly responded, bending even lower.
"Go and do something immediately." Yue Weishan's tone became unusually calm: "Find me a piece of fine bluestone, something impressive and substantial. Ask the best stonemason in the county to carve a monument."
"A stele?" Li Zhiyuan was completely dumbfounded, wondering if he had misheard. They couldn't catch the person, so why carve a stele? For whom?
"Committee Member Yue, what... what does this mean?"
Yue Weishan's lips curled into a chilling smirk: "As for the inscription, let's carve 'Model Bailu Village.' The font should be large and eye-catching. After it's carved, drape it in red and colorful decorations, make it as grand as possible, beat drums and gongs, and send it to Bailu Village in a grand display!"
Li Zhiyuan's mouth gaped open, his jaw almost dropping to his chest, his mind completely blank: "Committee...Committee...Why...why is this? Bailu Village has produced Lu Zhaopeng, the head of the farmers' association! It's a disaster area for the farmers' association! It's one thing not to punish him severely, but why...why are they erecting a monument to commend him? This...this isn't...enhancing their morale? This humble official...this humble official is too dull to understand the intricacies! If this gets out, what will the other counties in the province think? Won't those troublemaking villages become even more chaotic?"
"Hmph!" Yue Weishan snorted heavily, his face full of disdain: "Stupid? You're more than just stupid! That's why you can only be this lowly county magistrate!"
He strolled back to the main seat, picked up his teacup, blew away the foam, and spoke slowly and deliberately, a shrewd and calculating glint in his eyes. "It's precisely because of a 'rebel' like Lu Zhaopeng that this monument must be erected! And it must be erected in the spotlight! Bailu Village is a 'disaster area' of the farmers' association? Hmph, Lu Zhaopeng has been causing trouble in Bailu Plain for half a year. Apart from those few scoundrels like Sang Laoba and Erlaizi, and apart from the Lu family itself, how many people in Bailu Village have he truly incited? Has there been any looting, arson, or vandalism like in the neighboring counties? Has any land changed hands?"
He looked at Li Zhiyuan's shocked face, his voice low but each word clear as a knife: "This monument is the stone to silence the gossip! Erecting this monument tells the whole world, and also tells those above: Under the wise leadership of the Party, Bailu Village is orderly and well-educated. Even a place like Lu Zhaopeng's, a 'rebel', can become a 'model village'! This is because Yue Weishan has governed the area effectively!"
"Moreover, there's another layer of meaning here. This monument stands at the entrance of Bailu Village, right under everyone's noses! What will those remnants of the peasant association scattered across the land, those who sympathize with Lu Zhaopeng, think? Humph! Model village? Why is their peasant association unable to move an inch in Bailu Plain? Why is Lu Zhaopeng's hometown 'model'?"
"In their eyes, this stone engraved with 'model' is ironclad proof that Bai Zihan and the entire Bailu Plain landlords and gentry 'betrayed the poor,' joined forces to suppress the peasant association, and curried favor with the government! This is not just a simple stone tablet; it's a living target! It pushes Bailu Village to the opposite side of the peasant association! It makes them see the peace of Bailu Plain as a betrayal and obstacle to the peasant association's cause! Tell me, how many times more powerful is this than us simply saying how unpopular the peasant association is?!"
Li Zhiyuan suddenly realized, a chill running from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. This was practically putting Bailu Village on the brink of disaster, forcing Qin Hao and the entire village to dance and laugh on the fire! He couldn't help but shudder, repeatedly replying, "Brilliant! The committee member is truly brilliant! This humble servant is foolish, but this humble servant will take care of it immediately! I will certainly handle it with great fanfare!"
Yue Weishan nodded in satisfaction: "Remember, make a big show of it! Let all the people of Zishui County see it!"
……
The next day, a peculiar procession arrived at Bailu Village in a grand procession. At the head of the procession was a huge stone tablet, draped in red ribbons and covered with a red cloth, carried by eight strong men. Behind them followed a county band, playing music and making quite a scene.
Li Zhiyuan, dressed in a brand-new county magistrate's uniform, walked at the head of the procession with a formulaic smile on his face, though the smile looked somewhat stiff and forced. Beside him, a group of county officials of all ranks surrounded him.
Such a ostentatious display stood out starkly against the simple village roads of Bailuyuan. Villagers, busy with their farm work, stopped what they were doing and cast bewildered, confused, and uneasy glances from the edge of the fields or behind earthen walls. Whispers rippled through the crowd like a swarm of flies in summer.
"What...what's going on here? Why such a big commotion?"
"Look over there, a stone covered with a red cloth, what's that strange thing?"
"Why is Fatty Li here again? And with that big rock?"
"I'm afraid... it's nothing good, right? They went back empty-handed last time, who knows what kind of trouble they're up to..."
Upon hearing the news, Heiwa led his security team members to the village entrance at top speed. Each of them was armed to the teeth, their faces solemn, as if facing a formidable enemy, and they once again completely blocked the village entrance archway.
At this moment, Qin Hao arrived with Bai Jiaxuan. Bai Jiaxuan's brows furrowed, his cloudy old eyes filled with worry. Qin Hao, on the other hand, had a somber expression. His gaze pierced through the noisy procession and Li Zhiyuan's fawning smile, landing on an inconspicuous black car at the back of the procession—sure enough, the car door opened, and Yue Weishan, dressed in a plain long robe, with a lean face but piercing eyes, got out of the car unhurriedly, accompanied by his adjutant.
Yue Weishan's gaze swept over the heavily armed security team, lingering for a moment on Heiwa's murderous face before finally settling on Qin Hao. A sincere and polite smile appeared on his face as he strode towards Qin Hao.
"Zihan! I've long heard of the virtuous governance of Bailu Village, and seeing it for myself today, I can confirm that it truly lives up to its reputation!"
Yue Weishan's loud voice echoed through the village: "When I first came to Zishui County to act as Party official, I deeply felt that the key to local governance lies first and foremost in education! Bailu Village, although located in the countryside, has a tradition of farming and reading, a clean and upright atmosphere, and harmonious neighbors. Even if it has encountered some... setbacks..."
He emphasized those two words meaningfully, and then continued, "They can also uphold their original intentions and maintain order! Such a simple and kind village atmosphere is truly a model for Zishui, and even for the whole province!"
Seeing this, Li Zhiyuan quickly stepped forward and forcefully tore off the red cloth from the stone tablet. There stood a massive, polished blue stone tablet, taller than a person, with five powerful characters inscribed on it: "Model Bailu Village"!
"To commend Bailu Village for its pure customs and virtuous education, this monument is erected as a model for all! We hope that the elders of your village will continue their efforts and forever maintain this exemplary status!" Li Zhiyuan announced loudly, a smile of triumph on his face.
The air seemed to freeze instantly. Bai Jiaxuan stared at the five glaring characters, his body swaying, his lips trembling as he tried to say something, but Qin Hao gently pulled his arm. Qin Hao's gaze slowly moved from the stone tablet to Yue Weishan's face, meeting his smiling yet unfathomable eyes.
Qin Hao instantly understood: a blatant conspiracy! A naked conspiracy! What a "model village"!
"Commissioner Yue, you flatter us. Bailu Village is just an ordinary village on the Guanzhong Plain. We rely on the rules passed down from our ancestors and the mutual help among our neighbors to make a living. We are humbled by this 'model' title. However, since it is Commissioner Yue's kind intention, the whole village of Bailu feels deeply honored. On behalf of the entire village, I thank Commissioner Yue for his kind intentions."
A barely perceptible glint of shrewdness and pleasure flashed in Yue Weishan's eyes. He clapped his hands and laughed, "Excellent! Mr. Bai is indeed a man of great principle!"
Then, turning to Li Zhiyuan, he said sternly, "County Chief Li, what are you standing there for? Choose an auspicious time and erect a monument! It should be placed next to the village entrance archway, and it should be erected in a dignified manner so that all passersby can see it!"
County Chief Li quickly instructed people to get to work.
The villagers watched silently as the officials began digging a pit, erecting a stele, and tamping it down beside the archway. They didn't know whether the erection of the stele was a good thing or a bad thing. Judging from the clan chief's expression, it didn't seem like a good thing.
After the excitement subsided, Yue Weishan showed no immediate intention of returning with the convoy. He gestured for Qin Hao to follow, and Qin Hao led Yue Weishan towards the Bai family compound. Upon entering the main hall, Yue Weishan dismissed his attendants, leaving only himself and Qin Hao inside.
Yue Weishan's smile faded slightly, replaced by a more sincere expression and a particularly earnest tone: "Brother Zihan, the country is in dire need of talent right now, and it is a great loss to the nation that such a talented person as Zihan is unemployed at home."
He sighed, stood up, and paced back and forth a couple of steps, as if deeply concerned about the country and its people.
"I, Yue, am unworthy to hold the position of a member of the Provincial Party Committee. My duty is to select and recommend outstanding talents for the country. My dear brother... would you be so kind as to accept this offer and lend me, and the country, a helping hand?"
Here it comes! Qin Hao sneered inwardly. This was to completely bind him to the war machine. However, Qin Hao knew in his heart that there was no way to avoid it now. Rather than being forcibly assigned by Yue Weishan to a so-called "important position" where he would be charging into battle and getting his hands stained with blood, he might as well choose a relatively clean path that would give him some room to maneuver.
"Brother Yue, I am truly unworthy of your kind words! Your words just now were like a wake-up call, making me feel deeply ashamed and even more embarrassed! How could I refuse to serve the country?"
At this point, Qin Hao changed the subject, his tone laced with just the right amount of self-deprecation and humility: "But... I'm not afraid of being laughed at, Brother Yue. Although I was fortunate enough to learn a few characters in my youth and even attended university for a few years, at heart I'm just a scholar, utterly powerless. I'm a complete novice in military and political affairs, truly unfit for any role. I only feel that education is the foundation of a nation's future, the key to prosperity and decline. I'm grateful for your high regard, Brother Yue. If it's convenient... could you perhaps put in a good word for me with the higher-ups and secure me a position in the education department? Even something as simple as copying classics in a library or working as a regular teacher in a middle school, imparting knowledge, teaching skills, and answering questions, would be far better than holding a position without doing anything, only to attract criticism. To contribute to education is both serving the country and my heartfelt wish."
These words, while humble, also conveyed a sense of tact and compromise, subtly implying unwavering resolve. The core message was clear: I've agreed to return to public life, but only for "education"-related work; I will absolutely not get involved in the dirty work of military force or political infighting!
Yue Weishan frowned slightly and sighed, "In that case, I can no longer work with Zihan. What a pity."
"We are all contributing to the country, just with different responsibilities."
Yue Weishan was very satisfied with Qin Hao's answer: "In that case, Zihan, just wait for my good news."
Seeing that Qin Hao was so "cooperative", Yue Weishan left Bailuyuan satisfied after eating and drinking his fill.
A week later, Qin Hao received an offer of employment from the Xi'an Ministry of Education.
"Yue Weishan is really generous; he offered the position of vice president of Guanzhong University right off the bat."
Bai Jiaxuan asked with some concern, "How about we pretend to be sick and not go?"
Qin Hao shook his head: "Yue Weishan has completely set his sights on me. He won't stop until he's completely tied to my side. In any case, working in education is better than doing dirty work for them."
Hearing that Qin Hao was going to Xi'an to take up an official post, Bai Ling'er also insisted on going with him. Xiancao was reluctant to let her go and tried to persuade her to stay. Bai Zhaoshi even scolded her for not acting like a girl. Bai Ling'er pestered Bai Jiaxuan and said that her eldest brother, second brother, and third brother had all gone to Xi'an, leaving her alone at home, which was unfair. Bai Jiaxuan had no choice but to agree.
Before leaving, Qin Hao entrusted the security regiment and the ammunition factory to Heiwa. The two drank together and said goodbye. The next morning, Qin Hao, along with Leng Qiuyue, his son, and Bai Ling, drove a horse-drawn carriage to the village entrance, only to find Lu Zhaohai also carrying luggage. He said he was going to Xi'an to attend a military academy and become a high-ranking official so that no one would dare to bully his mother anymore.
Qin Hao frowned and asked, "Did your mother agree to let you go?"