Both Weng Zhonghe and Bai Ming showed a hint of embarrassment, but quickly concealed it.
Weng Zhonghe's expression turned serious, and he pointed at Liao Yongchang, demanding:
"Liao Yongchang! Do you have anything else to explain?"
Liao Yongchang didn't dare meet the fiery gaze of Weng Zhonghe. Cold sweat poured down his body, quickly soaking his police uniform. He stammered, unable to utter a word for a long time.
Chen Yang pulled out the phone Liao Yongchang had smashed from his pocket and said,
"Gentlemen, although the phone is broken, the data stored in its memory shouldn't be so easily destroyed. I believe the videos we filmed tonight can be easily recovered."
Chen Yang paused, then pointed to Du Changsheng, who was hiding in the crowd with his head down, and said,
"That so-called complainant, Zheng Laoxi, slipped away in the chaos. But I can't help but ask, why was Zheng Laoxi present when Captain Du carried out the so-called arrest operation? He was even chatting and laughing with the police officers, and even rode back to the station in a police car? He's clearly a con artist, how could he be so familiar with the police officers? Why was Captain Du able to conclude that we were suspects based solely on his testimony?"
Chen Yang's series of sharp questions made Du Changsheng break out in a cold sweat. Du Changsheng knew in his heart that the tide had turned; even Liao Yongchang couldn't hold on, and he, a nobody, was even less likely to escape.
Now Du Changsheng understood. These young men were all from powerful backgrounds. Tonight's events were nothing more than a power struggle between spoiled young masters from wealthy families. Both he and Liao Yongchang had been dragged into this unwittingly and their deaths were somewhat unjust.
Chen Yang's questions were directed at Du Changsheng, but his gaze was fixed on Weng Zhonghe.
Weng Zhonghe and Bai Ming's expressions became even more awkward. They weren't without suspicion of Liao Yongchang and the other police officers, but as leaders of the Beijing political and legal system, both Weng Zhonghe and Bai Ming were inclined to protect their own people.
Especially since Chen Yang and his group had actually fought within the branch office and even taken the branch director hostage, this behavior had made Weng Zhonghe somewhat dissatisfied. Although Han Lingfei held military power, within the Beijing Municipal Party Committee, the two were roughly equal in party rank, with Weng Zhonghe, the secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission, even ranking slightly higher than Han Lingfei. Therefore, when he saw that Chen Yang couldn't produce evidence, he had the idea of taking advantage of the situation. Unexpectedly, Chen Yang quickly and effectively slapped him in the face with irrefutable facts, causing Weng Zhonghe to lose face in front of Han Lingfei.
However, with everyone's eyes on him, Weng Zhonghe had no choice but to step forward and state his position. He cleared his throat and said to Bai Ming in a commanding tone:
"The situation is now very clear: our police officers have serious problems! Here, on behalf of the Municipal Political and Legal Committee, I declare that no matter who breaks the law, we will investigate to the end and show no leniency!
Comrade Bai Ming, you will take the lead in this matter. Liao Yongchang and Du Changsheng will be immediately suspended from their duties and placed under investigation. The Changjie Branch will undergo a major overhaul of its work style and discipline. During this period, you will personally oversee the entire operation of the branch! Furthermore, you must immediately deploy forces to arrest the suspects involved in extortion! Justice must be served for the victims!"
"Yes, Secretary Weng! I will resolutely implement your instructions!" Bai Ming immediately stood at attention and answered crisply. After speaking, Bai Ming shouted:
"Disarm them both! Put them in the branch office's solitary confinement cell!"
Several SWAT officers quickly stepped forward and snatched Du Changsheng's service pistol. Liao Yongchang's gun, already taken by Chen Yang, was still in Liu Zhengyi's hands, which he voluntarily handed to the SWAT officers.
Then, like dragging dead dogs, the trembling Liao Yongchang and the dejected Du Changsheng were pulled out and thrown into the branch office's solitary confinement cell.
The branch office police officers who witnessed all this were utterly terrified. They had personally witnessed their once all-powerful Director Liao become a prisoner in the blink of an eye, and they all understood that Liao Yongchang was finished!
The Changjie Branch Office was about to undergo a major upheaval! After issuing a series of instructions, Weng Zhonghe turned to Han Lingfei, a slightly apologetic smile on his face, and politely asked,
"Political Commissar Han, I wonder if my proposed solution satisfies you?"
Han Lingfei had barely uttered a word since entering, mostly observing with a detached eye, but no one dared to ignore his opinion. It could be said that without Han Lingfei's presence, even if Chen Yang and his group had the strongest arguments, the situation wouldn't be as it is now.
Of course, the person Xu Haoran had called was still on his way; even if Han Lingfei hadn't arrived, the problem could still have been resolved.
Han Lingfei smiled slightly and said,
"Secretary Weng, you're too kind. This is an internal matter of your political and legal system. How can an outsider like me interfere? Besides, I believe that under your leadership, the Beijing political and legal system is generally very competent. Of course, it's unavoidable that a few bad apples might appear. I believe you will uphold justice and be impartial!"
"Our cadres also bear some responsibility for tonight's events. They acted too impulsively! I will definitely give them a good talking-to when I get back." At this point, Han Lingfei paused, glanced at Xu Haoran, and said, "Comrade Xu Haoran! I order you to return to the training camp immediately and await further instructions!"
"Yes!" Xu Haoran straightened his chest and answered loudly.
"Now that the matter is resolved, Director Bai, tell the comrades outside to disperse!" Weng Zhonghe said to Bai Ming, "Remind everyone to emphasize discipline and not discuss this matter privately!"
"Yes!" Bai Ming saluted and went outside to make the arrangements. "Secretary Weng, I'll take my leave now!" Han Lingfei said with a smile. "I'm sorry to have troubled you!"
"Not at all! Political Commissar Han, I'm the one who should be apologizing! I didn't lead the team well, I must apologize to you!" Weng Zhonghe said repeatedly, extending his hand to Han Lingfei.
Han Lingfei shook hands with Weng Zhonghe, then suddenly said to Chen Yang:
"Xiao Fang, you're staying at the Emperor Hotel, right? I'll give you a ride home!"
Chen Yang glanced at Han Lingfei, who was also staring at him, his gaze revealing a kind expression. Chen Yang hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
Thinking that Zheng Laoxi and the others had already slipped away in the chaos, Chen Yang was somewhat worried about Su Jun's safety. He instructed Su Jun to stay at the hotel with Liu Zhengyi that night, then followed Han Lingfei out of the interrogation room.
Liu Zhengyi found Han Lingfei's unusual behavior strange, but since Chen Yang had already agreed to ride in his car, Liu Zhengyi didn't think too much of it. He called Su Jun and they left the chaotic Changjie branch office.
Han Lingfei's off-road command vehicle drove smoothly through the streets of Beijing, the streetlights flashing past the windows, casting flickering light inside.
Han Lingfei, who had been sitting quietly, suddenly pressed a button. A partition slowly rose between the front and rear seats, quickly reaching its full height and closing completely. This created a private conversation space in the back.
Chen Yang sat calmly. He understood that Han Lingfei must already know his identity and be monitoring his every move; otherwise, he wouldn't have personally come to the Changjie branch office—the Xu family and the Han family didn't have such a deep relationship, and he certainly wouldn't have unusually invited him to ride with him.
Han Lingfei hesitated for a long time before finally sighing and asking, "Xiao Fang, how is your mother...?"
Actually, since learning of Han Xuehua's whereabouts, Han Lingfei had received regular reports from his subordinates and was quite familiar with her situation. However, seeing his younger sister's son, his own nephew, Han Lingfei couldn't help but ask this question.
But Han Lingfei's question stirred a hint of resentment in Chen Yang's heart. He thought of the hardships Han Xuehua had endured raising him at home. Although it was a memory from his predecessor, Chen Yang felt it deeply.
Thinking of the Han family's high status and the luxurious lives of their children, especially direct descendants like Han Lingfei, whose careers were undoubtedly bright, while his mother had to endure hardship and struggle for survival in a small county in the southeast, Chen Yang felt a pang of resentment towards the Han family's heartless actions. "Thank you for your concern, Political Commissar Han. My mother is doing well!" Chen Yang said indifferently, his words devoid of any emotion.
Clearly, Chen Yang was unwilling to delve deeper into this topic with Han Lingfei.
Han Lingfei was unaware that Chen Yang had discovered Han Xuehua's identity. He assumed Chen Yang was being reserved and therefore only spoke sparingly. He smiled and said,
"Xiao Fang, don't be nervous. I've come to talk to you today about your mother. It might seem a bit abrupt, but I feel it's necessary for you to know that your mother's original name was Han Xiaohua. She is my…"
"I'm sorry, Political Commissar Han! I only know that my mother's name is Han Xuehua. In my eyes, she is a great mother. She was my childhood haven, supporting the entire family with her frail shoulders! As for other matters, I'm not interested…" Chen Yang interrupted Han Lingfei rudely, speaking coldly.
Chen Yang already knew his mother's background, and his current feeling was more of a resentment towards the Han family, which made him somewhat impolite towards Han Lingfei.
Han Lingfei was taken aback. He turned to look at Chen Yang, only to see that Chen Yang remained calm and collected, his gaze fixed on the bustling scenery outside the car window, but utterly vacant, clearly lost in thought.
Han Lingfei immediately understood that Chen Yang knew far more than he had thought; at the very least, he knew about Han Xuehua's relationship with the Han family, otherwise, he wouldn't have such a cold attitude.
Han Lingfei sighed, gently patted Chen Yang's shoulder, and said,
"Chen Yang, it seems you already know about your mother's background... I know you must have a lot of resentment towards me and the Han family, and I completely understand! But the reasons for today's situation are very complicated, and cannot be explained in a few words. Let me explain slowly to you..."
"I'm sorry, Political Commissar Han, I have absolutely no interest in these things! I believe that with my own abilities, I can completely provide my mother with a good life and a carefree old age without relying on anyone," Chen Yang interrupted Han Lingfei abruptly.
At this moment, Chen Yang truly did not want to have a deep conversation with Han Lingfei. In his previous life, he was also a scion of a powerful family, and the Fang family's strength far surpassed that of the Han family. Chen Yang had seen many cold and indifferent relationships among aristocratic families, but he had never seen a family like the Han family, where their direct descendants had been living among commoners for decades without any regard for them. Naturally, his impression of the Han family was extremely negative. As for the details Han Lingfei mentioned, Chen Yang was indeed concerned, but he could easily find an opportunity to look through Han Xuehua's diary to understand it himself; why did he need Han Lingfei to tell him?
Although Chen Yang seemed unmoved, Han Lingfei persisted, saying,
"Chen Yang, just think of it as listening to an old man's rambling, okay? I've kept this to myself for twenty or thirty years, and I desperately need your help right now..."