Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 324: 317 Tianhai Group_1

His passing was not explosive nor at the forefront of a battlefield. There were no flowers, no applause. Despite his remarkable military record as the unseen Soldier King of Huaxia’s military, he did not fall while charging at the enemy. Instead, he brought his own life to an end.

The few military medals beside his head represented the young man’s contributions and efforts for the nation. His suicide note, although simple, manifested the perseverance and regretlessness of an outstanding soldier.

He apologized to the party and the state for their cultivation, and to the military for its teachings. However, one may wonder why such a promising young soldier would choose such a one-way journey to oblivion.

Knowing that it was wrong, but still going forward, is unwise. This had nothing to do with education or background. As a soldier bound by military discipline and rules, if one didn’t even know how to follow simple rules, it would be a mockery of the military. Xiong Changgui’s deep pain and intense hatred mirrored his inner reality.

A person’s death is like the snuffing out of a light, ending everything.

Under the management of Yao Yuan and Nie Zhenbang, Xiong Changgui’s body was cremated at the funeral home in Qianzhou City. An exquisite urn, bought with money pooled by Yao Yuan, Nie Zhenbang, and Qin Lang.

It’s not that Nie Zhenbang couldn’t afford it. Any one of the three could have paid for it. However, there was a significant meaning behind it. After all, they had all been comrades-in-arms.

Cangshan

The intense atmosphere that had once permeated Cangshan was no longer present. Now cold and quiet at the foot of the mountain, the sight of numerous police cars and a sizable military police presence was gone.

Once again, it had reverted back to its usual calm. Nie Zhenbang, cradling the urn, muttered, “Boss, we’re home. Your family is together again, never to be separated. Boss, this time you can stay with your parents and your younger sister forever. You can protect them forever.”

Between the waist of the mountain, several new tombs marked the resting place of Xiong Changgui’s parents. Surrounded by the serene mountain and clear waters, the place was open and spacious.

Qin Lang dig a grave next to it. Nie Zhenbang and Yao Yuan handled the urn with utmost reverence and solemnity, placing it in the grave. As they together raised a mound over it, creating a fresh tomb. Perhaps, after several years, the people who pass by here won’t even remember that a family was buried here.

Following the custom in the south, a tablet cannot be erected on a new grave for three years. Nie Zhenbang dusted his hands and took out a packet of Zhonghua cigarettes from his pocket. He lit three and respectfully placed them in front of the tomb. In a quiet voice, he said, “Boss, you’ve never smoked, but you always asked me for one. I know you were asking for Sun. This time, you can have a taste. I’ve also brought the wine. Today, we will drink until we are drunk.”

At his words, Qin Lang moved over a box of Erguotou liquor. Opening four bottles, each of them took one, leaving one for Xiong Changgui.

They removed the caps and poured the liquor evenly onto the tomb. This was how soldiers mourned. This kind of emotion could never be understood by those who weren’t soldiers. Sitting by the tomb, the three men tossed aside their dignified images. Whatever they were, colonels, deputy director-level officials, or soldier kings, none of that mattered here. In this moment, only one emotion mattered, the comradery between fellow soldiers.

“Haha, Boss, you’ve finished, how can we not finish?” At this moment, Nie Zhenbang lost all his usual calm and majesty, appearing like a madman, talking to himself, laden with unutterable heaviness.

Emptying a bottle of wine, Nie Zhenbang called out again, “Sun, open another, one bottle isn’t enough. Three bottles of wine. Today, we the brothers, will drink until we are drunk.”

Two cases of liquor, each case contained six bottles, were emptied in less than half an hour. The three men drank as if it were just water. As they drank, they began to feel the effects of the alcohol. Especially Qin Lang, his tolerance wasn’t very good. He was already a complete mess. Nie Zhenbang and Yao Yuan both held him from the left and right, the three of them swaying as they walked down the hill.

Fortunately, a car sent by the Qianzhou City Military Subdistrict was there to pick them up, but by this point, they had no recollection of how they managed to get in the car.

Early the next morning, Nie Zhenbang was up early, a night of heavy drinking had left him with a headache. As he walked out of the house, Yao Yuan and Qin Lang also came out from inside, carrying their luggage.

Nie Zhenbang also nodded, he was very clear about the affairs of the Tiger Group. Yao Yuan and Qin Lang couldn’t stay here for a long time; once they understood Xiong Changgui’s situation, they naturally had to return to the Northwest.

At this moment, Yao Yuan had already taken the initiative to come over. He did not speak, just tightly hugged Nie Zhenbang, and then they both turned and left.

Nie Zhenbang fell silent for a moment, then walked down to the restaurant, ordered a bowl of rice porridge and two bread buns. After eating a bit, he had just returned to his room when Xu Qi, the Secretary of Qianzhou City Committee, came personally. As soon as Xu Qi saw Nie Zhenbang, he smiled and said, “Director Nie is up. Secretary Da Liang arrived in Qianzhou last night. Seeing that you were drunk, we did not bother you. Let’s go to see him together now.”

Upon hearing Xu Qi’s words, Nie Zhenbang nodded, somewhat surprised. He was impressed by the speed and efficiency of the Jiangbei Province. Even when he was here, Sun Daliang’s prompt arrival was proof of his character. He was indeed an outstanding cadre.

Given Sun Daliang’s status, Nie Zhenbang would not have been able to object even if he had not come. Sending an inspection team was already a sign of respect towards Nie Zhenbang. Sun Daliang’s proactive style numbed Nie Zhenbang a bit. Consequently, he didn’t hesitate, smiling, he said, “Alright, Secretary Xu, please lead the way. Let’s go and visit Secretary Sun together.”

Sun Daliang was not staying here, but at the guesthouse of the Qianzhou City Party Committee. Upon entering the living room, Sun Daliang was sitting on the sofa, holding a file, carefully going through it. During this time, Nie Zhenbang was also examining Sun Daliang.

Sun Daliang was about fifty-one or two years old, but as a senior cadre at the provincial and ministerial level, he looked younger due to his well-maintained appearance. This was natural. Nie Zhenbang had seen Sun Daliang’s resume before. He was fifty-eight this year. After this term, Sun Daliang was about to retire.

His hair was a bit sparse, his round face had small eyes, and his eyebrows were upright. He seemed strict and serious – a demeanor common among disciplinary officials.

At this moment, Xu Qi also smiled and said, “Secretary Da Liang, Director Nie is here.”

In front of Nie Zhenbang, Sun Daliang did not put on airs. After all, Nie Zhenbang’s identity was clear. Though their ranks were not equivalent, Nie Zhenbang is a representative from the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

Seeing Sun Daliang put down his papers, even before Sun Daliang could say anything, Nie Zhenbang took the initiative: “Secretary Sun, hello. You made a special trip in your busy schedule, making me feel somewhat embarrassed. Yesterday, I was in a low mood after attending a friend’s funeral and did not provide you with the proper greeting. I hope you won’t take offense.”

At this moment, Sun Daliang was quite satisfied with Nie Zhenbang’s demeanor. Firstly, the case of Xiong Changgui’s attempted murder was shocking to the provincial committee and the central government. The Military Political Department was involved. The perpetrator had committed suicide, but the matter had not yet been entirely resolved. A number of key questions remained as to how a military elite had chosen to blatantly murder people. Considering this situation, the pressure on Jiangbei province was indeed huge.

Moreover, having Nie Zhenbang stationed here was a significant factor. If Jiangbei province were to stubbornly stick to its views and the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection were forced to intervene directly, things wouldn’t end well. Regardless, Jiangbei province would have to fully cooperate, providing whatever personnel and evidence required. However, Nie Zhenbang had voluntarily contacted the Jiangbei Province Disciplinary Committee and handed over the main investigation authority, a move that pleased Sun Daliang.

Secondly, Nie Zhenbang had proactively greeted Sun Daliang and had adopted a very humble approach. This too please Sun Daliang.

Subsequently, Sun Daliang also smiled and said: “Comrade Zhenbang, it’s understandable to grieve the loss of a friend. People are emotional beings; I understand this.”

After saying this, Sun Daliang turned the conversation back to the main topic. Once Nie Zhenbang and Xu Qi were settled, he said, “Secretary Xu and Director Nie, your arrival is most timely. This is the material provided by the Qianzhou City Disciplinary Committee and Supervision Bureau. For now, we’re referring to this case as the ‘Xiaxiang Incident.’

After a pause, Sun Daliang said in a heavy voice: “According to these materials, there are quite a few issues in the Xiaxiang case.”

Upon hearing Sun Daliang’s words, Xu Qi was also stunned. He had not expected the Xiaxiang case to be so serious, to the extent that even Sun Daliang said there were numerous issues. Although shocked, Xu Qi was not particularly worried. As a newcomer, he bore no leadership responsibilities, being, as it were, outside the case, at ease.

Sun Daliang then continued, “According to the report, Xiaxiang initiated tourism through migration, creating water-based characteristic houses for tourism development. The provincial government allocated 500 million yuan for immigrant resettlement. This fund is dedicated for use in Xiaxiang County. In response, Xiaxiang County has set a ‘high-voltage line,’ and no person or unit is allowed to misappropriate resettlement funds for other purposes. However, it is worth pondering why, under this ‘high-voltage line,’ someone would dare to touch it.”

Being an experienced disciplinary inspector, Sun Daliang managed to get to the crux of the case. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang was also a bit curious, so he picked up the materials on the table and took a look. He then raised his head and asked, “Secretary Xu, this Tianhai Group. What do they do? Why have they undertaken such a significant role in the construction of Xiaxiang’s resettlement houses?”

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