From a conventional perspective, as the top official, Yu Xuewen criticizing Qin Mu would naturally be no problem.
Even with the provincial discipline inspection commission present, he could still criticize him. But this time, he clearly underestimated the situation.
He assumed Qin Mu had proactively gone to the provincial discipline inspection commission to explain the problem, or that someone had leaked information to them. However, he hadn't anticipated that the provincial discipline inspection commission's visit was specifically targeting him.
"Comrade Yu Xuewen, I think you should first clarify your own problems. My affairs are none of your concern."
Qin Mu couldn't help but want to laugh at the man's serious and righteous demeanor.
Old fox, you've been acting for so long, you've really gotten into it?
Does he really think he's some kind of incorruptible official?
What?
My own problems?
What do you mean?
Yu Xuewen's heart skipped a beat. He felt there was something special about Qin Mu's words, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't think of anything he had exposed.
Impossible!
Absolutely nothing exposed!
"This kid's definitely bluffing me!"
In a flash, Yu Xuewen had considered many possibilities, but he still didn't think he had exposed himself.
After all, his secrecy measures had always been excellent, so there was no possibility of exposure. He preferred to believe that this kid was bluffing him, trying to create a weakness and throw him into disarray.
"Qin Mu, don't forget, I'm still the county party secretary, the head of the Huaining County Party Committee. Do you have any respect for me? Do you think you can do whatever you want just because you have some connections?"
Yu Xuewen said sternly, his face resolute and unwavering. Years of experience as a county party secretary had instilled in him a leader's aura, one that could easily overwhelm an ordinary person. Zhang Kui, who was standing nearby, unconsciously took a step back, afraid of being caught in the crossfire.
"I only respect comrades who are fair, honest, and dedicated to the country and its people. You don't deserve my respect!"
Qin Mu said calmly, "Your good days in Huaining are over after three and a half years. The dark clouds hanging over the people of Huaining should also be dispelled."
"Comrade Yu Xuewen, I am Zhuo Zhihong, Director of the First Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office of the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection. We have some matters to discuss and would like you to come with us to the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection office to provide some explanations. Your cooperation is appreciated."
Zhuo Zhihong stepped forward from behind Qin Mu, produced a document, and spoke.
"Impossible! This is impossible!"
Before Yu Xuewen could even process Qin Mu's words, Zhuo Zhihong's words delivered the most fatal blow.
"I'm innocent! You're slandering me!"
Yu Xuewen became almost hysterical, shouting angrily, "You have no evidence, what right do you have to take me away?"
"I want to see Mayor Qiu! I want to see Vice Mayor Liu! This is utter nonsense from the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection!"
His loud shouts, at this moment, sounded like a helpless rage.
The eyes of those around him held a hint of pity, even sympathy.
Did Yu Xuewen have any problems?
Definitely!
Everyone present knew that Yu Xuewen had been in charge of Huaining for three and a half years. To say he had no problems was impossible; it was just that evidence was hard to find.
Now that the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection was here, how could he possibly escape?
What good would it do to still say he had no problems?
After Yu Xuewen finished shouting, he found that everyone present was watching him quietly, without the slightest urgency.
Especially Zhuo Zhihong and Qin Mu, whose eyes were calm, even carrying a slight smile, as if they were mocking him.
What does this mean?
Did he make a fool of himself?
"Comrade Yu Xuewen, if you want to see Mayor Qiu and Vice Mayor Liu, please call them now. I can give you a little more time."
Zhuo Zhihong said calmly, "I'm also very curious to know how much you're involved with these two leaders."
Upon hearing this, Yu Xuewen fell silent instantly.
He knew better than anyone that once they heard he was being watched by the Discipline Inspection Commission, not only Mayor Qiu and Vice Mayor Liu, but even his secretary and the janitor in the county committee compound would instantly sever ties with him.
These days, who isn't afraid of a Discipline Inspection Commission investigation?
Mayor Qiu and Vice Mayor Liu are both provincial-level officials; their fear of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission is no less than his own.
At that point, not only would they not help him, but they might even tell the people from the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission about his problems on the spot!
"Comrade Yu Xuewen, do you have any other requests?"
Zhuo Zhihong looked at the silent Yu Xuewen and asked, "If you have nothing to say, then we can leave."
What good would requests do? Yu Xuewen felt no.
Looking around, everyone remained silent, staring at him. Yu Xuewen knew he might never return.
"Let's go!"
Yu Xuewen said slowly, then turned and walked outside, wanting to salvage his last shred of dignity.
But unfortunately, news of the provincial discipline inspection commission's arrival spread throughout the entire county committee compound almost instantly.
As Yu Xuewen stepped into the courtyard, he felt the gazes from the buildings behind him.
Looking back, he saw eyes everywhere—in the corridor, in the windows—watching how he, the former top official, was taken away by the discipline inspection commission.
At that moment, what Yu Xuewen saw in those eyes was no longer awe, no longer respect, no longer fear, but pity.
When power was gone from him, he was just an ordinary old man.
He could even notice a hint of respect in the eyes of some people when they looked at Qin Mu behind him.
Because power had shifted.
"Comrade Yu Xuewen, may we go now?"
Zhuo Zhihong, seeing Yu Xuewen standing there reluctantly, casually reminded him.
He'd seen this scene many times. These were people obsessed with power, even at the last minute, unwilling to get into the car, as if every second they could hold out meant enjoying the taste of being the next leader.
Brought back to reality by Zhuo Zhihong's voice, Yu Xuewen slowly walked towards the car.
"Bang!"
Closing the car door, Zhuo Zhihong walked to Qin Mu's side and said, "I owe you a favor for this. If you need any help in the future, just let me know!"
The investigation of Yu Xuewen was entirely due to Qin Mu providing evidence. He traveled from Huaining to the provincial capital late at night to submit the evidence, and then personally led the team to shut down Wenyu Tourism Company, obtaining firsthand information, thus completing the investigation of Yu Xuewen.
The main contributor was Qin Mu, but anyone else in his position certainly couldn't have accomplished this. The reason is simple: taking action against a county party secretary involves numerous procedures, and it's impossible for an average person to complete all the formalities in such a short time.
Zhuo Zhihong was able to do it, simply because his surname is Zhuo.
This is also why Qin Mu chose to cooperate with him.
Without connections, some things are impossible to accomplish.