LRAB Page 439
Page 439
He spoke in platitudes while nervously observing Mu Chen's expression.
"However, Secretary Gao Yuliang also gave instructions, requiring us to fully consider the defendant's attitude of admitting guilt and his remorse, and to reflect the principle of combining leniency with severity."
"But Secretary Zhong also emphasized the seriousness of the case and its social impact..."
Wang Jianguo's voice grew softer and softer until it was almost a muttering to himself, his face filled with distress.
He did not explicitly state the two sides' drastically different demands, but his meaning was clear enough.
He was caught in a dilemma, torn between the provincial party committee standing committee member and secretary of the political and legal affairs commission in charge of political and legal affairs, and Zhong Xiaoai, deputy secretary of the provincial discipline inspection commission with a powerful background.
As a mere intermediate court president, he can't afford to offend either side!
And on the opposite side.
Mu Chen listened quietly, his face showing no change in expression, as if what the other person was saying was nothing more than a trivial matter.
After Wang Jianguo finished speaking, the office fell into a suffocating silence.
The other person's heart was in their throat, and the back of their shirt was already soaked with cold sweat.
Finally, Mu Chen slowly nodded and replied with only a few words.
"understood."
understood?
That's it?
Wang Jianguo suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with astonishment and confusion.
He risked coming to ask for instructions, hoping that the special envoy could give him a clear signal, telling him which side to lean towards, or at least give him some direction.
But knowing just those three words doesn't actually provide any real information!
How is he supposed to proceed when he gets back?
How to handle the problem?
Wang Jianguo opened his mouth, wanting to say something more, trying to glean some clue from the special envoy's face.
But Mu Chen had already picked up the documents on the table again, his eyes lowered, clearly indicating that he had no intention of continuing the conversation.
That silent posture was more oppressive than any words.
Wang Jianguo's throat went dry, and in the end, he could only swallow back all the questions and anxieties in his heart. He bowed slightly and said in a hoarse voice:
"Yes...yes, Special Envoy, I'll head back now."
He practically walked backwards out of the office, only daring to let out a long breath the moment he gently closed the door.
What exactly does the special envoy mean by this attitude?
Does this mean they tacitly approve of Secretary Gao's intentions? Or are they implying that he should ignore Zhong Xiaoai?
Or should we just ignore both sides and let him handle it himself?
Wang Jianguo felt dizzy and couldn't figure out Mu Chen's thoughts at all!
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Inside the special envoy's office.
After Wang Jianguo left, Mu Chen did not immediately get back to work.
He put down the documents, his gaze falling on the red dedicated telephone on the table, his eyes slightly cold.
Zhong Xiaoai's hand reached out too far.
Interfering with the independent adjudication of the judiciary is a grave taboo!
She thought that with the Zhong family's background, she could do whatever she wanted in Handong, and even openly pressure the court to interfere with the direction of the trial of specific cases.
The atmosphere in Handong has just begun to improve, and the lingering influence of Zhao Lichun has not yet been eradicated. How can we tolerate the growth and spread of new privileged ideas!
Mu Chen picked up the phone and, without going through his secretary, dialed the number for the office of the deputy secretary of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection.
The call was connected very quickly.
"Secretary Zhong."
Mu Chen's voice was calm, revealing no emotion.
But it carried a strong sense of oppression.
Zhong Xiaoai on the other end of the phone paused noticeably.
She clearly didn't expect Mu Chen to call her personally, and she certainly didn't expect him to call her directly at this time.
"Special Envoy?"
Zhong Xiaoai's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible wariness, and her tone became somewhat colder.
Mu Chen skipped the pleasantries and went straight to the point:
"Gao Xiaoqin's case has been transferred to the Jingzhou Intermediate People's Court for trial in accordance with the law."
"The court will conduct independent trials in accordance with the law and make judgments based on facts and the law."
"The provincial discipline inspection commission can handle what it should handle."
"Don't get involved in things that aren't your business."
"Do you understand me?"
The last question left no room for negotiation; it was an undeniable warning!
There was a deathly silence on the other end of the phone.
Mu Chen knows!
He not only knew that she was putting pressure on Wang Jianguo, but he also pointed out her behavior so directly and forcefully!
That phrase, "Don't reach out too far," was like a resounding slap across her face!
But what terrified her even more was the power contained in Mu Chen's words.
There was no roaring, no threats, but the absolute authority and control emanating from that calm left her with no doubt that if she dared to make any further moves, Mu Chen would make her pay a heavy price!
The image of Mu Chen's deep eyes flashed uncontrollably through my mind.
He swiftly and decisively sent a behemoth like Zhao Lichun into the abyss with a mere flick of his wrist!
His unquestionable decisions at every provincial party committee meeting flashed before my eyes!
fear!
And I'm scared!
There was also a hint of admiration and worship for Mu Chen that Zhong Xiaoai herself was unaware of!
It made her instinctively willing to obey Mu Chen's orders!
next moment.
Zhong Xiaoai's voice trembled slightly, a tremor she herself was unaware of, as she responded respectfully, even obediently, into the microphone:
"Yes, Special Envoy! I understand!"
"Please rest assured, Special Commissioner, the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection will strictly abide by discipline, respect judicial independence, and will never interfere in the trial of specific cases!"
Her assurance was quick and urgent, carrying an air of eagerness to distance herself and make a statement.
Even Zhong Xiaoai herself didn't realize it.
She simply believed that she was doing this to preserve the Zhong family's influence in Handong.
And the concessions made!
On the other end of the phone, Mu Chen simply gave a faint "hmm" and then hung up.
I could hear the busy tone coming from the microphone.
Zhong Xiaoai slowly put down the phone, as if she had used up all her strength, and leaned heavily against the back of the chair.
The thoughts that had been stirring within her were put to rest by Mu Chen's phone call.
They all vanished without a trace!
They dared not retaliate any longer and abandoned all their previous thoughts! It was as if Mu Chen's phone call had an irresistible effect!
Chapter 350 The trial of Gao Xiaoqin's case has concluded! Qi Tongwei has let go of his obsession!
First Trial Division, Jingzhou Intermediate People's Court.
The presiding judge sat in the center, with the jurors on either side looking solemn.
In the audience.
Qi Tongwei sat in the front row, on the side.
Beside him was Gao Yuliang!
The judge's gaze swept over the two highly influential provincial party committee members in the audience, and a fine bead of sweat almost imperceptibly appeared on his forehead.
The pressure is immense!