"I understand how you feel, but the reason Xiao Zhang is so arrogant in the People's Armed Forces Department is mainly because his father is the head of the Personnel Bureau. Since you have proof from above, it means you are also involved in the political arena. The head of the Personnel Bureau wields considerable power. It's best to avoid provoking him if possible."
The director continued to advise Chen Feng.
"Are you implying that my position is very low? That I can't afford to provoke the head of the Personnel Bureau?"
Chen Feng asked with a cold sneer.
This trip to Azhe's hometown was solely to process Azhe's martyr certificate. He didn't want any complications or to attract attention.
However, these few scumbags here were forcing him to do so.
"That's not what I meant. It's just that you are not very old. The Chinese political arena values seniority, so... alas, my point is, whether it's me or you, it's better to have fewer troubles when navigating the political landscape."
The director explained in a low voice.
"Then guess what my political position is?"
Chen Feng asked deliberately.
"Judging by your age, you should be a minor clerk in the town. The Chinese political arena is the most seniority-conscious place in the world. In the West, people in their thirties can become state governors, but in China, that's absolutely impossible."
The director stated assertively.
"I am a Vice Mayor."
Chen Feng didn't mention Mingshan City, but only stated that he was a Vice Mayor, wanting to shock the director.
"Ah? You're a Vice Mayor?"
The director asked in shock.
"Otherwise? Look at the proof you have from above. If I weren't a Vice Mayor, would I be able to persuade them to issue such proof?"
Chen Feng retorted calmly.
The director thought about it and realized it was indeed the case. In China, without a certain level of influence, it was impossible to obtain some crucial documents.
"Since you are a Vice Mayor and have strong connections from above, I will go and bring Xiao Zhang in immediately."
The director pledged his support.
"Don't delay, go quickly."
Chen Feng nodded.
"But what if Xiao Zhang's father tries to stop us?"
The director inquired softly.
"If Xiao Zhang's father dares to interfere, call the local garrison directly."
Chen Feng replied crisply.
"Understood, I'll handle it right away."
The director's worries were finally eased.
Although Xiao Zhang's father was the head of the Personnel Bureau, he was nothing in front of the local garrison.
This was not just in China, but in other countries as well.
The military held the greatest power; no one could contend with it.
Less than half an hour later, the director arrived at the People's Armed Forces Department.
Upon entering the office, the director was surprised.
Xiao Zhang's father was actually at the People's Armed Forces Department.
"Elder Zhang, I am very sorry, but there's pressure from above, and I have to take Xiao Zhang away today."
The director said calmly.
"Did I hear you correctly? You want to take my son to the police station? Are you tired of being a director?"
Xiao Zhang's father said with a mocking smile.
Xiao Zhang, standing beside him, also couldn't help but smile.
"This is an arrest warrant."
The director, without further ado, produced the arrest warrant.
"Put that thing away! It might scare ordinary citizens, but it's useless against me. This is just a piece of paper, isn't it? You just scribbled your signature on it?"
Xiao Zhang's father continued to scornfully retort to the director.
"Elder Zhang, you are also an experienced figure in the political arena. You should know that as a mere director, I wouldn't dare to overstep my authority without absolute certainty, would I?"
The director explained.
"So, you're saying Xiao Zhang has provoked someone who cannot be offended this time?"
Xiao Zhang's father said dismissively.
"Yes."
"How powerful is this guy? Tell me."
"He is a Vice Mayor."
"Vice Mayor? Hmm, he does have some power, but have you considered that if I can be the head of the Personnel Bureau, wouldn't I have connections from above?"
Xiao Zhang's father said with a smug expression.
"That goes without saying. The Chinese political arena is all about connections. So, it's a contest to see whose connections are stronger. To be frank, your so-called connections are utterly vulnerable before Mr. Chen."
The director said earnestly.
"This is interesting. Today, I want to see just how strong Chen Feng's connections are. To put it bluntly, you won't be able to take my son away today. You may be the director, but I can make a call and have the bureau chief come to protect my son. If the bureau chief's level isn't enough, I can even call a big shot from the provincial level to protect my son."
Xiao Zhang's father said arrogantly.
"Elder Zhang, must things be escalated to this extent?"
The director confirmed one last time.
If Xiao Zhang's father had accepted his proposal, only Xiao Zhang would have been arrested.
But if Xiao Zhang's father insisted on making a scene, then unfortunately, he would have to be arrested as well.
"Enough talk. Chen Feng has a formidable background. Just call them. However, let me state clearly, if Chen Feng's background isn't as strong as mine, then I'm sorry, but you'll also be in trouble."
Xiao Zhang's father said with a murderous look.
Upon hearing this, the director stopped talking and immediately called Chen Feng to summon the local garrison.
Soon, a vehicle full of soldiers arrived.
Coincidentally, Xiao Zhang's father's friend from the provincial capital also arrived.
Elder Lu, Xiao Zhang's father's friend from the provincial capital, saw the imposing presence of a vehicle full of soldiers and immediately deflated. Being able to mobilize a vehicle full of soldiers meant this person's connections were absolutely extraordinary.
"Zhang Jun, I have matters to attend to in the provincial capital, so I'll be leaving now."
Elder Lu said as he walked towards the exit.
"Elder Lu, what do you mean by this? I am being framed by an insignificant person, and you have the ability to help me."
Xiao Zhang's father said, completely bewildered.
"I'd like to help you, after all, we've known each other for so many years. But look at the situation here, do I have the ability to help you? Forget it, you'd best accept your fate. I told you before that your son is too arrogant and will eventually implicate you, but you didn't listen, and there's nothing I can do."
After saying that, Elder Lu left.
"Elder Zhang, please get into the car with your son."
The director was no longer polite and said with a murderous look.
"Considering our good relationship in the past, could you speak to Mr. Chen and let us father and son off the hook? No matter how much money it takes, I will pay."
Looking at the vehicle full of stern-faced soldiers, Xiao Zhang's father panicked.
Just as Elder Lu had said, his wretched son had provoked someone he shouldn't have.
"Elder Zhang, there's nothing I can do. I gave you a chance just now. You insisted on confronting Mr. Chen, and this is the consequence."
The director shook his head.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhang and his father were so terrified that they collapsed onto the ground, unable to move.
Without further ado, everyone lifted them into the car.
Chen Feng no longer concerned himself with the affairs of Xiao Zhang and his father. With the local garrison involved, these two scumbags would definitely face severe consequences.
Now that Azhe's martyr certificate had been processed, he had to return to Mingshan City.
Mingshan City had recently completed its administrative expansion, and he had to return to preside over the overall situation.
That evening, Chen Feng returned to Mingshan City overnight.
Before he could even settle in, Qin Yan came looking for him anxiously.
"Chen Feng, you're finally back. If you hadn't returned, I really wouldn't have been able to hold on."
Qin Yan said with a dejected expression.
"Mayor Qin, has something happened?"
Chen Feng inquired tentatively.
"Something big has happened! Not long ago, Mingshan City incorporated the neighboring Hong County. Now, the two factions of officials are engaged in a power struggle, making Mingshan City a chaotic mess. I can barely manage it."
Qin Yan sighed deeply.