Chapter 539: Chapter 496: Double Regulation Storm (First Update, Calling for Monthly Tickets)_1
 

With Zhang Zusi’s remarks, the entire meeting room turned into something akin to a market, bustling with animated back-and-forth discussion.

At this moment, Wang Yaguang raised his hands and spoke firmly, “Comrades, let’s all calm down a bit. From what I see, there isn’t much to be gained from further debates right now. Let’s take a break, we’ve already been at this for an hour and further discussions are unlikely to clarify anything. It’s already noon. Why don’t we all cool down in the lounge? Have a quick lunch. Secretary Shi could use this opportunity to report to the Provincial Committee and hear their opinions. We can continue discussing the matter two hours later. What do you all think?”

This standing committee meeting was of an urgent nature. Even though Shi Yiwu called for the meeting early in the morning at nine, Nie Zhenbang had other inspection duties, delaying his arrival until eleven with a string of reasons.

Nie Zhenbang very well knew the focus of this meeting: It revolved around the various goods and evidence seized by the Military Subdistrict and the subsequent interpretation of these facts. Despite hearing that the higher-ups established a special case team, headed straight by Secretary Zhuang Aiguo himself, every day the special case team didn’t show up added to Nie Zhenbang’s mounting pressure.

After three days, Nie Zhenbang felt like he had run out of excuses. He had no choice but to play the rogue, delaying an hour here and a day there.

Upon hearing Wang Yaguang’s words, Shi Yiwu’s face turned gloomy. He grunted in displeasure, expressing his dissatisfaction to Qi Siyuan, Lin Mohan, and Liu Yafu before abruptly standing up and stalking out of the room.

The committee members didn’t venture far. Shi Yiwu in particular retreated to his office to rest, while Zhang Zusi, Liu Sicun, and Zhao Dingguang followed him. Meanwhile in the lounge, Nie Zhenbang sat on the side, eating an instant noodles bucket.

Jiang Li and Zhao Fei kept to themselves, while Zhang Zhengguang didn’t touch his food, instead absently rolling a cigarette. His stress was only second to Nie Zhenbang’s. He was already receiving notice from above to expect a transfer order; along with it would come the new Commander of Wanghai City Military Subdistrict. He understood that if a new commander stepped in before this was handled, he’d be finished. For now, he held his breath, praying that Nie Zhenbang could turn the tides. Then, leaving would be a promotion.

Qi Siyuan, Lin Mohan, and Liu Yafu quietly ate their boxed lunches together, while Wang Yaguang reclined leisurely on the sofa, appearing nonchalant.

At two in the afternoon, the Wanghai City Standing Committee resumed after a one and a half hour interruption. When everyone returned to their seats, their tempers had all cooled considerably.

At this moment, Shi Yiwu remained resolute. Zhang Zusi launched straight into the fray, saying, “Continuing from where we left off, I believe that Nie Zhenbang potentially committed serious violations during the arrests in the major smuggling case in WangHai. Not only did he fail to immediately transfer major suspects to the Wanghai City Public Security Bureau and Discipline Inspection Commission, he unreasonably detained the suspects. I wonder whether Nie Zhenbang has certain under-the-table ties with the smuggling groups. I suggest a vote – all in favor of demanding immediate release of the suspects from the Military Subdistrict and suspending Nie Zhenbang for investigation?”

This appeared to be Shi Yiwu’s strategy. Detaining for three days was indeed not a usual approach. One might even interpret it as shielding the culprits. This of course was a common line of thinking. Hearing Zhang Zusi’s speech made Lin Mohan and Liu Yafu fall silent. The two had just received Nie Zhenbang’s approval, and there were many matters they didn’t fully understand. Their doubts were to be expected,

Upon the conclusion of Zhang Zusi’s words, Shi Yiwu raised a hand, “I agree with Secretary Zusi’s view. Immediate actions should be taken against Nie Zhenbang and the Military Subregion must transfer the suspects to the Public Security Bureau of Wanghai City immediately.”

“I agree too!” The one who raised their hand was Deputy Mayor and committee member Zhao Dingguang.

“I have no objections.” This time, it was Liu Sicun.

Following this, after a brief hesitation, both the Secretary of the High-Tech Zone Work Committee, Zhao Fei and the Minister of the United Front Work Department, Jiang Li raised their hands. That made six votes.

Shi Yiwu shifted his gaze to Wang Yaguang, Liu Yafu, Lin Mohan, and Zhang Zhengguang. His look clearly indicated his expectation.

At this moment, Wang Yaguang chuckled and said, “I don’t know much about this incident, so I abstain.”

His words left Shi Yiwu grinding his teeth in bitterness but there was nothing he could do. The notoriously slick and affable Wang Yaguang had finally shown his fangs.

Just as Liu Yafu was about to raise his hand in hesitant agreement, the meeting room doors were suddenly flung open. Striding in at the front was none other than Deputy Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Comrade Liu Wei.

A few workers dressed in dark suits followed him in. The staff of the Wanghai City Committee scrambled out followed by the unwelcome surprise guests.

At Liu Wei’s side, the person who accompanied him was Ding Jiashu, the standing member of the Provincial Committee of Minan Province and the Secretary of the provincial discipline commission. Seeing this scene, an ominous premonition instinctively surged in Shi Yiwu’s mind.

Shi Yiwu knew both of these people, the woman leading the procession, being a famous iron lady from the Central Discipline Commission, Secretary Liu Wei.

At this moment, seeing the members of the Standing Committee, Liu Wei remained silent. And Liu Bin, the leader of Group No.1 who was specifically in charge of investigating municipal party and government leaders, stood up, looked around at the crowd and asked, “Excuse us. Can you tell us who Comrade Shi Yiwu is?”

Although Shi Yiwu didn’t want to answer, under these circumstances, he couldn’t avoid recognizing people, thus he had no choice but to stand up, muster his courage and say, “It’s me.”

Liu Bin glanced at Shi Yiwu indifferently, a swift exchange of glances with Nie Zhenbang, following which, Liu Bin continued, “We’re from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. Here is my credential.”

Saying so, Liu Bin, following strict procedures, pulled out his work permit and placed it on the table. Whether Shi Yiwu would see it or not was of no concern to Liu Bin.

Next, Liu Bin sternly said, “Comrade Shi Yiwu, according to the central decision, you’re temporarily relieved from your duties as Secretary, Standing Committee member, and committee member of the Wanghai City Municipal Party Committee. We ask that you cooperate with us at the designated time and place, and provide reasonable explanations to the issues under our investigation.”

After finishing his statement, Liu Bin gestured, and the two officers already approached, one from the left and one from the right, clasping Shi Yiwu’s arms.

Liu Bin was very familiar with this situation. Once the Central Discipline Inspection Commission got involved, few of these party and government leaders could walk away on their own. They usually ended up kneeling down.

However, that wasn’t all. Just as Zhang Zusi’s heart was pounding with fear, and just as Zhao Dingguang was avoiding Liu Sicun’s pale gaze, Liu Bin asked again, “Who are comrades Zhao Dingguang, Liu Sicun, and Zhang Zusi?”

No answer was needed at this moment. Off to the side, Lin Mohan stood up and directed, “This gentleman, these are comrades Zhang Zusi, Zhao Dingguang, and Liu Sicun.”

For these three people, Liu Bin even omitted the formal declaration. He directly gestured and commanded sternly, “Take them away.”

After the three of them were led away, Liu Wei also stepped forward. This Deputy Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection originally had a displeasing attitude towards Nie Zhenbang.

However, over time, as she got to know Nie Zhenbang better, Liu Wei’s opinion of him changed significantly. He was truly an idealistic official. This kind of young man was a blessing for the nation and its people.

“Comrade Zhenbang, we meet again.” Liu Wei’s genial words left the remaining standing members of the Wanghai City Municipal Party Committee stunned. Nie Zhenbang was indeed extraordinary.

Nie Zhenbang smiled at this moment, and then, nodded, “Secretary Liu, nice to see you. I’ve been looking forward to your arrival. The crime suspects and confiscated items seized by the Wanghai City Military Subdistrict a while ago will be transferred to you.”

Liu Wei nodded, seeming very satisfied. She scanned the venue and added, “The situation in Wanghai City has shocked the Central authorities, Secretary General Yuan and Premier Yun. I hope that all the comrades present here will take responsibility and maintain social stability in Wanghai City during this period.”

As Liu Wei finished speaking, she went silent, and beside her, Ding Jiashu, the Provincial Discipline Secretary, also started speaking, “Comrade Siyuan, as per the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection’s request, you are temporarily assigned to a special task force to assist in the investigation.”

Liu Wei and the others, they came hurriedly and left in equal haste. As soon as the relevant personnel from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection drove away from the municipal government office building, the originally quiet municipal government compound immediately boiled over.

Regulation storm, it was a regulation storm. Four standing members of the municipal party committee were taken away at once. The determination of the central and provincial committees was all too apparent at this moment.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang seemed very poised and open. There was a lot of evidence gathered on Siyuan’s side, however, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection took away all four individuals, surely, they must have a substantial amount of evidence on hand. Nie Zhenbang went into deep thought as he saw the indifferent expression on Wang Yaguang’s face.

PS: My brothers and sisters, you are awesome! I just woke up to 563 votes. This chapter is an extra release for reaching 550 votes. There will be at least three more releases. Only 37 votes needed to reach 600. Old Cai is giving it his all!!! Five or even six releases are expected! (To be continued. If you like this novel, you’re welcome to cast recommendation votes and monthly tickets at qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)