Qi Tongwei: Sign-in relationship started during student days

Chapter 1115 Lü Liang's Confession

On the red certificate, the gold-embossed national emblem gleamed, and the words "National Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Commission" struck Lü Liang like a heavy hammer.

Lü Liang's pupils suddenly contracted. He reached out and took the document, his fingertips trembling slightly. He looked down and carefully examined it. Every detail, every seal, was genuine and authentic.

These are indeed the official identification cards of the National Commission for Discipline Inspection, and the people in front of me are indeed an investigation team from Beijing.

Having confirmed his identity, Lü Liang felt a little relieved.

At least, these people weren't scoundrels. But then, a deeper sense of unease washed over him, causing cold sweat to break out on his back.

He was a high-ranking official in the Handong Provincial Procuratorate and a prominent figure in the political and legal system of Handong Province. However, even though the investigation team from the National Commission for Discipline Inspection had arrived in Jingzhou and entered his home, he had not received a single word from them. There was also no notification from the Handong Provincial Party Committee or the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection. This was highly unusual.

People from the National Commission for Discipline Inspection never come to a locality without a reason, let alone make such a secret visit without warning.

The fact that the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection has mobilized so much and acted so cautiously suggests that something big is about to happen in Handong Province.

He dared not think any further, quickly handing the documents back to Zhong Xiaoai. The wariness on his face disappeared, replaced by a serious expression. He bowed slightly, his tone sincere and solemn: "Director Zhong, I am truly sorry for my rudeness just now."

Since you are comrades from the National Commission for Discipline Inspection, I will certainly cooperate fully. Ask me any questions you have; I will answer everything I know without reservation.

Zhong Xiaoai took the documents, put them away, and looked calmly at Lü Liang: "Comrade Lü Liang, don't be nervous. We're just asking routine questions to understand the situation. Please sit down, and we'll talk slowly."

Lü Liang nodded and sat down on the single sofa next to him, his back ramrod straight, but his palms were already sweating.

"Because of time constraints, let's begin now," Zhong Xiaoai said.

Lü Liang nodded.

The accompanying staff spread out the documents, and the scratching sound of pens tracing across the paper officially began the conversation.

Without any unnecessary preamble, Zhong Xiaoai cut straight to the point, her tone sharp: "Comrade Lü Liang, what is your opinion of Comrade Hou Liangping?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Liang was taken aback. He hadn't expected that the other party was there to investigate Hou Liangping. He remained silent for a few seconds, and after careful consideration, he gave a steady reply: "He is a young and capable cadre." As soon as he finished speaking, as if worried that his words might be misinterpreted, he added, "At least from what I have seen so far, that is indeed the case."

Whether the sudden investigation into Hou Liangping is solely targeting him or intended to implicate Zhao Lichun behind the scenes remains unknown.

At times like these, any biased remarks could backfire, and remaining neutral is the safest option.

After all, at the age of thirty, he was able to become the director of the anti-corruption bureau and crack several major corruption cases that shocked the region. The phrase "young and promising" is a well-known fact, and it is neither a favor nor a denigration.

"Anything else?" Zhong Xiaoai pressed, her tone devoid of emotion, but her sharp eyes remained fixed on Lü Liang, as if trying to catch a flaw in his expression.

Back in Jiangchang, she met Hou Liangping and had a rather so-so impression of him, even feeling a bit of aversion to him.

Perhaps influenced by her brother-in-law Zhao Ruilong, the fact that she was assigned to investigate Director Hou by her superiors this time further confirmed her suspicions.

After a moment of contemplation, Lü Liang finally shook his head slowly and said no more.

This answer clearly failed to meet Zhong Xiaoai's expectations. She frowned slightly, and her tone suddenly became more interrogative: "Comrade Lü Liang, are you having some reservations? Are you considering his father-in-law, Comrade Zhao Lichun?"

A faint, slightly helpless smile appeared on Lü Liang's lips.

How could he ignore it? In officialdom, when it comes to matters involving high-ranking officials, saying even a single word could bring about undeserved disaster.

Regardless of who the investigation ultimately targets, those who act as "whistleblowers" never have a good ending.

Moreover, although he occasionally disagreed with Hou Liangping on working methods, he had to admit that this young cadre was extremely principled—he was neither greedy nor corrupt, and his distinction between public and private matters was impeccable.

For example, regarding the use of vehicles, the deputy director of the anti-corruption bureau is provided with a car.

Unlike others who treat the cars in the compound as their own private vehicles, Hou Liangping rarely uses the cars provided by the bureau. He always prefers to pay for taxis out of his own pocket for personal matters and would never overstep his bounds.

In Lü Liang’s view, Hou Liangping should be considered a person who pursues political ideals. What he “coveted” was only personal political achievements and power, not petty material gains.

Furthermore, his wife is wealthy and has no need to worry about making a living, let alone seek personal gain.

If that's all there is to it, the investigation into Hou Liangping will likely come to nothing in the end, and every word he says could become the fuse that buries him.

“Comrade Lü Liang, we are staff members of the Discipline Inspection Commission,” Zhong Xiaoai’s voice suddenly became serious, carrying a heavy weight, “This means that there is no limit to our investigation.”

Although this investigation is ostensibly targeting Hou Liangping, we have the same right to investigate thoroughly if any other leading cadres are involved.

Therefore, I hope you can speak freely and without reservation; this is a matter of responsibility to the country, the Party, and the people.

Lü Liang said, "Director Zhong, I understand everything you said. I can guarantee with my Party spirit that my words are absolutely true."

Zhong Xiaoai nodded, her expression softening slightly, but still carrying an earnestness that left no room for refusal. "I've heard a lot about your deeds in Handong, and many comrades speak highly of you."

That's why we specifically sought you out, and we hope you can speak freely and without reservation.

Lü Liang took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling slightly, and then exhaled heavily, as if he had unloaded some invisible burden.

He looked up at Zhong Xiaoai, his gaze sincere and firm: "Director Zhong, I speak from the bottom of my heart. I sincerely admire Comrade Hou Liangping's ability in anti-corruption work. The cases he has handled over the years are evident to all. Of course, there are indeed some aspects of his work procedures that are worth discussing, but overall, the flaws do not outweigh the merits."

Zhong Xiaoai nodded slowly, tapping her fingertips lightly on the table. Her tone suddenly changed, with a hint of probing: "So, you think he's an upright person? According to the information we have, this anti-corruption bureau chief's anti-corruption ability is indeed outstanding, but there are also claims that his anti-corruption efforts are targeted and purposeful."

Lü Liang frowned slightly and replied after a moment's thought, "Targeted? Purposeful? I have no idea."

The essence of anti-corruption is to eliminate its pernicious influence and uphold the law and discipline. I only care whether he adheres to principles and whether he deviates from the correct direction in the process of anti-corruption.

As for whether he has other political considerations or personal motives, that's not something I can speculate on, and I'd rather not comment.

His answer remained impartial, neither defending Hou Liangping nor deliberately smearing him by echoing Zhong Xiaoai's words, always adhering to his principles and bottom line.

Lü Liang's words did not offend Zhong Xiaoai; on the contrary, they made her even more convinced that she had found the right person this time.

Any remarks that are biased or preconceived are fatally misleading to a discipline inspection cadre, and if not handled carefully, they can lead the entire investigation astray.

Although Zhong Xiaoai had no good feelings towards Zhao Lichun and his family, the bottom line of judicial fairness could not allow for excessive personal likes and dislikes or emotions.

Thinking of this, Zhong Xiaoai smiled slightly: "Comrade Lü Liang, I think our dialogue can officially begin."

Lü Liang was slightly taken aback, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes. Was the conversation just now not considered the official start?

Zhong Xiaoai saw through his confusion at a glance and explained, "Comrade Lü Liang, as veterans on the political and legal front, we all know that the worst thing in investigation work is to be biased and blinded by one-sided views."

Especially when it comes to investigating important leading cadres, we not only need the support of various clues and information, but also need to check the credibility of the information at every level.

An objective and neutral testimony can save us from countless detours.

Your attitude just now precisely demonstrates that you are a true prosecutor who adheres to principles, and I believe your words will be of great help to our work.

Lü Liang suddenly realized what was going on, and his expression returned to calm: "Director Zhong, you flatter me. This is just my duty."

“If every Party member were like Lü Liang, our work would be much easier.”

After a few simple pleasantries, Zhong Xiaoai got straight to the point.

"You just mentioned that there were some problems with Comrade Hou Liangping's investigation procedures. Could you please elaborate on that?"

Lü Liang nodded slowly, his tone calm and objective: "How should I put it? Comrade Hou Liangping is a very capable and courageous cadre. Perhaps he has enough backing to support him, which makes him dislike sticking to conventions in his anti-corruption work and often break out of the established procedural framework."

Take, for example, a recent case involving a bureau-level official. According to regulations, no one may take action without explicit instructions from the provincial party committee or the provincial political and legal committee.

However, Comrade Hou Liangping always had a habit of taking the initiative to conduct a preconceived investigation into this bureau-level cadre before issuing any instructions.

Frankly speaking, this approach is not advisable. While it may seem swift and decisive, it actually undermines the seriousness of the judicial process.

As Bacon once said, a crime only pollutes the stream, but an unjust justice pollutes the source.

The fairness of the judiciary must be subject to the constraints of rules.

Breaking the rules, in a sense, is also a form of judicial injustice.

Of course, I don't deny that his initial intentions were good.

Lü Liang subtly shifted his tone, seemingly showing understanding, but actually progressing step by step: "Many people now have this misconception that as long as the anti-corruption campaign catches real corrupt officials, does not fabricate evidence, and does not frame others, it is harmless to overstep boundaries or use special methods in the process."

In my view, rules are rules, and violating procedures is violating procedures. No matter how good the initial intention, it cannot be an excuse to break the rules.

Zhong Xiaoai nodded slightly, clearly agreeing with these words.

She then raised a key question: "We have also received some feedback that Hou Liangping's anti-corruption efforts are not impartial, but rather have obvious biases and clear purposes, and may even be serving his own and his father-in-law Zhao Lichun's political goals."

Based on your observation and judgment, does he have this problem?

After a moment of contemplation, Lü Liang spoke with extreme caution: "I really can't make a hasty conclusion on this issue."

I've never been good at thinking about political matters. In my eyes, any corrupt official should be resolutely investigated and punished.

As for whether he had ulterior motives or biases behind his handling of the case... frankly, that's not a question we front-line prosecutors should delve into.

Upon hearing this, Zhong Xiaoai's gaze sharpened slightly; this old prosecutor was still too cautious.

He winked at the person taking notes beside him, who nodded slightly and closed the notebook.

"Comrade Lü Liang, let's end our conversation here. I'd like to chat with you about some everyday things."

"Ordinary daily life?" Lü Liang was taken aback.

“Yes, just casual conversation.” Zhong Xiaoai nodded. “As the saying goes, discipline inspection and political and legal affairs are one family.”

You are a veteran in the political and legal system with many years of experience; I'm sure you have a lot to share with us.

Lü Liang quickly waved his hand and said modestly, "Director Zhong, you are joking. With my limited experience, how could I dare to show off my limited skills in front of you central comrades?"

Zhong Xiaoai smiled, ignoring Lü Liang's modesty, and went straight to the point, "Comrade Lü Liang, what do you think political and legal work is?"

Lü Liang was puzzled, but still read from the script: "The main role of political and legal work is to safeguard national political security, ensure social stability, promote social fairness and justice, and protect people's peaceful and happy lives."

"On this point, you and I are thinking the same thing. So what do you think political security is, what is overall stability, and how do you promote social fairness and justice and ensure that people live and work in peace and contentment?"

Lü Liang paused for a moment, then shook his head with a wry smile. "Director Zhong, you've been waiting for me here."

Zhong Xiaoai smiled too.

Seeing Zhong Xiaoai's earnestness, Lü Liang seemed to be persuaded. "Alright, alright, Director Zhong, since that's the case, I'll say a few more words."

Zhong Xiaoai smiled and nodded, then gestured to the recorder again. The recorder immediately reopened the notebook and picked up a pen.

Lü Liang adjusted his posture, his tone somewhat heavy: "To be honest, I don't want to comment too much on Comrade Hou Liangping. It's not that I have no opinion, but I have too many concerns."

His status is special; he's the son-in-law of Governor Zhao Lichun, making him a very influential figure in Handong's political circles. As for me, although I'm half a rank higher than him, I'm insignificant and have little influence. If I say the wrong thing, it could at least affect my career, or worse, get me into serious trouble.

Zhong Xiaoai nodded calmly, her tone steady and reassuring, giving Lü Liang a strong sense of security: "Comrade Lü Liang, you can rest assured here."

Today's conversation was kept strictly confidential and only a few of us knew about it. All records are for internal reference only for the inspection team's verification work and will never be leaked, much less implicate you.

Furthermore, our investigation will ultimately be based on facts and evidence; we will never make a conclusion based solely on one side's account. Therefore, you are free to speak your mind.