Absolute power in officialdom

Chapter 292 A Woman with Inner Conflict

"Zhiyuan, I've had a few dealings with Yin Xueyao. I wouldn't say we're very familiar with each other, but I know a little about her."

Yin Xueyao was known for her willingness to take things seriously and confront tough challenges.

I'm wondering if her initial opposition was based on a genuine judgment of her profession and responsibilities?

But then there was a complete 180-degree turn. Did something happen?

For example, did someone put in a good word for him, or was he bribed?

After a moment of contemplation, Wu Zhiyuan said, "County Chief Ding, given Yin Xueyao's character, it's unlikely she's been bribed."

As for asking for favors or making requests on behalf of others, that possibility certainly exists.

We are all social beings, not living in a vacuum. Sometimes it's really hard to refuse when friends and family greet us.

After a moment of silence, Ding Yiyi said, "How about this, Zhiyuan, I'll call Yin Xueyao and see what she's up to. If there's any news, I'll let you know."

A dozen minutes later, Ding Yi called back.

"Zhiyuan, I've already called Yin Xueyao."

"How is it?"

"It's a bit subtle. When Yin Xueyao answered the phone, she sounded very tired, and her mood didn't seem too good."

I first asked her about her recent situation in Qingshan and exchanged a few pleasantries.

Then, I deliberately steered the conversation to the investigation of the Wanshan Bridge, saying that some people had strong opinions and believed that the bridge collapsed because of quality problems.

She remained silent for a while before saying that the investigation report was the result of collective discussion and expert consultation by the investigation team, and that she respected professional opinions.

She added that investigations are sometimes affected by a variety of factors, the situation on the ground is complex, and the integrity and objectivity of the chain of evidence may be subject to some interference in certain circumstances.

She said she personally hopes that the investigation can get as close as possible to the absolute truth, but in reality, it is often necessary to balance various considerations.

Sometimes, personal judgment and persistence seem powerless in the face of the bigger picture.

Yin Xueyao concluded by saying, "County Chief Ding, you're a sensible person. I understand some things, but I'm powerless to change them."

Wu Zhiyuan said excitedly, "County Chief Ding, it seems our judgment was correct."

The investigation report is just a fig leaf; Yin Xueyao has something she can't say about it.

The real culprit is the quality problem of the bridge.

"County Chief Ding, I'd like to meet with Yin Xueyao privately."

"Zhiyuan, I can help you make an introduction, but I'm not sure if Yin Xueyao will meet with you."

Yin Xueyao's drastic change in attitude must be due to external pressure, but the nature of that pressure remains unknown.

Meeting in private is very risky, especially for Yin Xueyao.

Therefore, if Yin Xueyao agrees to see you, you must be extremely cautious.

Wu Zhiyuan said confidently, "Don't worry, County Chief Ding."

Wu Zhiyuan has enough reason to be confident because he worked for the National Security Bureau for several years and is no ordinary person.

To Wu Zhiyuan's delight, Yin Xueyao agreed to meet.

Regarding the meeting place, Yin Xueyao chose a teahouse.

She secretly entered the teahouse under the pretext of shopping.

Wu Zhiyuan arrived shortly after.

He was wearing sunglasses and, as a former member of the Beijing Guoan team, confirmed that no one was following him.

Wu Zhiyuan and Yin Xueyao shook hands.

Actually, the two knew each other before, but their interactions were limited to work.

"Director Yin, thank you for agreeing to see me. I won't beat around the bush. Although the investigation report hasn't been officially released yet, I've already learned that it's been classified as an unforeseen circumstance."

I think the vast majority of people would disagree with this conclusion.

"County Chief Wu, you're right. The vast majority of people with common sense and eyesight would not agree with that conclusion."

But what can you do if you don't agree?

The waiter brought out tea and snacks.

After the waiter left, Yin Xueyao took a sip of tea and said softly, "I've seen a lot over the years!"

Many things, many so-called investigation conclusions, appraisal reports, expert opinions...

In the end, isn't it all just a fig leaf, a tacit performance by all parties?

Even if the conclusion is full of loopholes, even if it is completely contrary to the facts, even if the public's doubts are high,

Ultimately, didn't it still manage to be published, archived, and officially recognized as a fact and conclusion?

Yin Xueyao said with some agitation, "We know they are lying, they know they are lying, they know we know they are lying, and we know they know we know they are lying, but they are still lying."

From Yin Xueyao's words, Wu Zhiyuan could tell that she was a person with a strong sense of justice and responsibility.

"Director Yin, the phenomenon you described does exist to varying degrees and is thought-provoking."

But that's precisely why we need someone to persevere and expose those lies, no matter how small their strength or how difficult the road ahead.

If even we accept this performance, then the truth will never be revealed, and the wronged souls of the dead will die with their eyes wide open in vain.

Yin Xueyao shook her head and smiled bitterly: "Persist? County Chief Wu, you make it sound so easy."

Perseverance comes at a price. Sometimes, that price is a burden too heavy for a person to bear.

Wu Zhiyuan stared intently at Yin Xueyao: "Has someone threatened you, or even intimidated you?"

Yin Xueyao lowered her head and remained silent.

After a long while, Yin Xueyao finally raised her head, her eyes filled with melancholy: "County Chief Wu, although I haven't had much contact with you, I know a little about your character. You have a strong sense of justice and can't tolerate any injustice."

I admire your character and used to look up to you as a role model. However, sometimes we have no choice but to consider the consequences. I hope you can understand.

"Director Yin, threats and intimidation are despicable tactics used by those who have a guilty conscience."

The fact that they used such methods precisely shows that they were afraid—afraid that the truth would be revealed, afraid that their shady dealings would be exposed to the light of day.

As a professional, you should know better than anyone else that the collapse of the Wanshan Bridge was not a natural disaster, but a man-made disaster—a systematic and well-covered man-made disaster.

A bridge that cost over 50 million yuan to build collapsed in a single rainstorm less than a year after it opened to traffic. To call it a natural disaster would be an insult to everyone's intelligence!

"County Chief Wu, you are right about everything."

That was a man-made disaster, a case of shoddy workmanship, substandard materials, layers of exploitation, and greed that treated human life as a joke!

I know, I know better than anyone! Those reports, those data, those so-called expert opinions are all carefully packaged lies!

However, I cannot disclose the specific details; not only can I not disclose them, but I also have to sign a false investigation report…”

"Director Yin, I know you have something you can't say about it."

Lin Xue, the municipal party secretary, is an official from the provincial discipline inspection commission. She is incorruptible and hates this kind of collusion between officials and businessmen that disregards human life.

As you probably know, I used to be her direct subordinate.

I have always kept in mind Secretary Lin Xue's words: There is no turning back in the face of the truth.

Secretary Lin was shocked by the collapse of the Wanshan Bridge and demanded a thorough investigation into the cause.

However, as you also know, the municipal investigation team was arranged by Mayor Wen.

As long as we can obtain solid evidence, Secretary Lin will definitely back us up. You must believe that good will always prevail over evil.

Yin Xueyao fell into deep thought, a fierce internal struggle raging within her.

"Director Yin, some pressures are invisible and intangible, yet they are enough to crush a person's backbone."

However, if we choose to close our eyes and ears, or even fabricate lies against our conscience, out of fear of the consequences, then we become accomplices in the creation of lies.

Today it's a bridge, tomorrow it might be a school or a hospital;

Four lives were lost today; tomorrow, forty or four hundred may fall.

And those who hide behind the scenes, using power, money, or even dirtier means to weave lies and evade responsibility, will they stop because of our silence? No!

They'll only become more brazen, thinking this method is effective, and will be even more unscrupulous next time!

"County Chief Wu, I can tell you that we are staying at Biyuan Villa."

Bi Yuan, the owner of Biyuan Villa, is also the owner of the Wanshan Bridge.

Moreover, on the very night we checked into the resort, someone offered me shopping cards and gifts, but I refused them.

However, they did not give up and tried different methods.

County Chief Wu, I don't know whether others accepted gifts.

But I know that one member of the investigation team did not accept any gifts.

Because at the first internal analysis meeting, I strongly opposed Jiang Xiaoli's preconceived remarks. At the time, I spoke very harshly, saying that I would refuse to sign the investigation report if the conclusion was not objective.

That comrade complained to me afterward that someone had tried to bribe him, but he refused.

He felt helpless, believing that it would be difficult to change the outcome on his own, and he would only become a target of suppression. However, he was unwilling to sign the false report, as it would go against his conscience.

Wu Zhiyuan quickly asked, "Who is that comrade?"