Chapter 306: Chapter 303: Fearless Because of Solid Backing_1
At his son Feng Tianbao’s suggestion, Feng Dabiao sighed at the increasing ruthlessness of younger generations, but was also tempted. As his beloved son pointed out, this was indeed a rare opportunity. From the behavior of these people, it was evident that the investigation group had left no room for doubt. As for which level the investigating group belonged to, Feng Dabiao guessed that it was very likely from Jingcheng. This made Feng Dabiao somewhat proud. A county party secretary, able to attract the attention of central investigators – it was an honor for him.
If Nie Zhenbang knew that Feng Dabiao was not fearful, but had such notions instead, he would undoubtedly be infuriated.
Regarding the investigation group, Feng Dabiao had a clear understanding. If the other party had revealed their identities, regardless of their authenticity, Feng Dabiao would not have been able to harm them. However, Nie Zhenbang had made a choice under uninformed circumstances – to launch a surprise attack on the police, holding them hostage. This provided Feng Dabiao with an excuse. In the face of such a situation unknowingly, Feng Dabiao, as the county party secretary, could naturally ask his subordinates to storm in, rescue the hostages, and even gun down these people if necessary.
Deep in thought, Feng Dabiao was also hesitant at this moment. This matter was related to his future prospects. Realizing that he was at a life and death juncture, the punishment for his deeds would outweigh his life a hundredfold, he was in a desperate situation and could not care less. Since they wanted to send him to Yama, he would let them go ahead to wait for him. Feng Dabiao, having made up his mind, also nodded: “Alright. Bao, proceed as you suggested.”
Having made up his mind, Feng Dabiao’s face depicted a mix of desperation and determination. As the paramount figure in Dameng County, Feng Dabiao was undoubtedly the local emperor. His domineering aura as the ruler was slightly palpable.
With a somewhat grim face, he then picked up the phone on the table and connected to Feng Dajun, the Standing Committee member of Dameng County Committee, the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, and concurrently the Director of the Public Security Bureau.
Feng Dajun and Feng Dabiao. From their names, it was clear they were cousins. Generally, family members with such close kinship should not hold office in the same place. However, Feng Dabiao somehow managed to keep Feng Dajun stationed in Dameng County via the East Mongolian organization department.
On the other end, Feng Dajun, who had answered the phone, did not wait for Feng Dabiao to speak. He began, “Big brother, something big happened. Just received news. That bastard Fu Yingcheng from Car Road Police Station has offended someone. He has been taken hostage. What should we do?”
Feng Dabiao frowned at the earthy language, solemnly saying, “Dajun, how many times have I told you? Lose that ruffian accent. You’re not that delinquent from fifteen years ago. You’re now a member of the county committee, the leader of the Dameng County Legal Battle Line. Act and speak professionally. Why don’t you ever listen?”
Towards his cousin, Feng Dajun was quite intimidated. Over the phone, Feng Dajun chuckled awkwardly, speaking in a much lower tone, “Hehe, well, big brother, you know me. I barely graduated middle school. Now, I have changed a lot in front of my subordinates. I just got anxious. Because it’s you, don’t criticize me. What are we going to do about this? I’m in quite a dilemma.”
Hearing the phrase “quite a dilemma”, Feng Dabiao was taken aback. He did not expect this semi-illiterate cousin of his to use idioms now. However, this also reflects that the youngster was learning. Yet, his last words also unveiled Feng Dajun’s incompetence.
If he were really competent, a professionally trained Political and Legal Committee Secretary, someone who had worked on the public security line for years, would never panic in such situations.
Openly assaulting the police and taking them hostage, it was of the most severe nature. Without a proper reason, it would mean capital punishment.
Taking just this into account, without knowing Nie Zhenbang and the others’ real identities and backgrounds, the best solution for Dameng County Public Security Bureau would be to deploy sophisticated forces to deal with the situation, rescue the hostages, and control the criminals. This guy, however, was asking what to do directly.
Feng Dabiao hesitated for a moment, then solemnly ordered, “Dajun, I also heard about this incident. Their actions were heinous and the circumstances severe. It has had a huge impact on the county’s public security and economic development. The county committee and government attach great importance to this. You comrades in the Political and Legal Committee must also act – show courage and spirit, determinedly suppress this bad style and contempt for the state. The county committee and government authorize you to open fire if necessary. Otherwise, it would mean your incompetence, the incompetence of the Dameng County Public Security Bureau. Remember, don’t humiliate the county committee and government.”
Feng Dajun was unaware that at this moment, his cousin had sold him out. Once the perps were killed, when questions were raised afterwards, Feng Dabiao could claim ignorance. All the orders were given by Feng Dajun. The higher-ups could only swallow their anger, and if responsibility was to be sought, it would be borne by Feng Dajun.
At this time, in the office of the county mayor in Dameng County Government, Mayor Wei Zhiguo was staring out of the window. Dameng County was rather small, furthermore, Wei Zhiguo also had his trusted subordinate Tang Yutian within the public security system. Wei Zhiguo had been aware of Nie Zhenbang’s actions almost immediately after they started.
At this moment, Wei Zhiguo was confused. Logically speaking, as long as they revealed their identities, Feng Dabiao would definitely not dare to act further – at most, he would destroy evidence only. But now, under these circumstances, were these people truly fearless of death, planning to take themselves down with them?
“These people are not simple. Yutian, inform Zhuang Zhong and Yongjun about the current situation; it’s increasingly murky. It’s better if we just stand by for now. I can no longer see through the situation. What is the head of this investigation team trying to do? They have even resorted to such devious tactics.” Wei Zhiguo said intensely.
At this moment, if Nie Zhenbang heard his method of attacking the police being described as a devious tactic, he would probably feel so ashamed that he’d want to bash his head against a wall.
Looking at Zheng Gensheng, Nie Zhenbang also chuckled, “Old Zheng, you’re not hurt, are you?”
Zheng Gensheng shook his head and said, “Director Nie, you shouldn’t have come. If I were here alone, the worst they could do is beat me up, there’s definitely no threat to my life. But now, our situation is different. What if they don’t listen to our explanations and directly treat us as criminals? We would be wronged.”
Next to them, Gao Wei hesitated for a moment. As a seasoned inspector, Nie Zhenbang’s current approach was undoubtedly inappropriate, giving others an excuse to harm us indirectly. Putting their own lives at risk was a small matter, but hindering the investigation was a major issue. Then, Gao Wei also whispered, “Brother, Old Zheng is right. By doing this, we have indeed exposed ourselves to danger. Although they know who we are, they can pretend not to, and mistakenly kill us.”
In other words, what Gao Wei said was serious despite their shallow relationship. Although they are from respected families and share common beliefs, the actual interaction and availing were quite recent. In the past, they only knew of each other, but didn’t have any contact.
Nie Zhenbang maintained his composure and nodded after a moment of silence, “Wei Zi, I understand your concerns and Old Zheng’s. I have two main reasons for daring to do this.”
Nie Zhenbang held up two fingers and continued, “First, if we reveal our identity, that we are the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection investigation team, what do you think Feng Dabiao would do next?”
Silence. Both Gao Wei and Old Zheng were quiet. Clearly, representing the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection was imposing enough to intimidate some officials, provoking fear. This was proof of how dauntingly powerful they were.
There was no need to think about it. Upon learning our identities, the first thing Feng Dabiao would definitely do was to place us under surveillance. He has reasonable grounds after all. It can’t just be taken at face value that since we claimed to be from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, we are. Who would believe it without a Ludong Province official nearby? Then, Feng Dabiao would surely destroy evidence of his violation of law and discipline. Without evidence, it would be a waste of time. Although doing this is risky, it can mislead Feng Dabiao. Yet, both Zhang Xu and Gao Wei felt that the price was too high – Director Nie was gambling with their lives.
Nie Zhenbang then chuckled, “I think this is the best chance to mislead Feng Dabiao. In this way, he will become overconfident and careless. That’s exactly what we need, his carelessness. Second, the reason I dare to take this gamble is because, given what the troops in Dameng County are capable of. Even if we don’t have the hostages, if I insist, as long as they don’t bomb the building, it’s not a problem to hold out for three days.”
Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Zheng Gensheng was stunned, and Gao Wei felt a sense of defeat. Brother Nie’s words were not just bluffing. Almost everyone in Jingcheng’s prominent families knew that Nie Zhenbang had once disappeared for three years. Few people knew where he went during those three years. However, they have heard some things from the likes of Zhang Xu. Given Nie Zhenbang’s capability, this group of people was indeed only worthy of being called “small fry”.
Gao Wei was rather vexed, only Nie Zhenbang could pull this off. Gao Wei suspected that during those three years that Nie Zhenbang disappeared, he must have been in the army. Perhaps even in some secret unit, honing valuable and solid skills. Even compared to the guards in the Forbidden City in Jingcheng, he was not inferior. Gao Wei admired this skill. However, he knew that it was not something everyone could learn. If they tried, they wouldn’t even know how they died. This skill could not be replicated.
Just then, sirens rang out wildly outside. The Dameng County Public Security Bureau had finally responded. Peeking through a corner of the curtain, the police had completely surrounded the entire station building. There were even quite a few police officers holding guns, pointing towards where they were.
At the same time, a loudspeaker was set up, and a rough voice shouted, “Listen up, you inside! You’re surrounded. Surrender immediately and drop your weapons. The Party and the government will be lenient with you. If you resist to the end, we will suppress you decisively!”
As soon as the voice fell, Gao Wei cursed: “Who the hell is this? Trying to suppress us locally, who does he think he is? If this were a real hijacker, one of the hostages would likely be killed.”
PS: Seeking support for a monthly vote. I persisted for only one night, and already the novel by Chen Fengxiao has surpassed mine. I’m overwhelmed. (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, please come to qidian.com to cast your votes, and your monthly vote. Your support is the biggest motivator for me.)