The morning after the press conference, as expected, the headlines of various news media were filled with explosive news, with more than ten coal industry peers, including Xishan Coal Industry, Taishan Enterprises, and Jin'an Group, jointly denouncing Han's Coal Industry.
The incident was too significant. Even though these news media outlets were wary of the Han family's power, they had no choice but to report the truth, otherwise, they too would face considerable trouble.
Once the news broke, it swept through the entire Longcheng region like a hurricane, shaking the industry inside and out.
It wasn't just the coal industry itself; outsiders also developed a keen interest.
Everyone with some influence in Longcheng knew what kind of power Han's Coal Industry was. It was an incredibly powerful family enterprise, a top player in the coal industry with immense financial resources.
In recent years, Han's Coal Industry had developed aggressively, no longer content with just Jin Province. They had already expanded their operations into Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia, provinces with extremely rich coal reserves, and their progress was considerable.
No one expected someone to directly confront such a rapidly rising enterprise, and to do so by joining forces with over ten companies to denounce them.
After the explosive content was published in the newspaper headlines, many people found it hard to believe. However, many soon realized.
The rapid development of Han's Coal Industry over the years and the methods they employed were common knowledge to many.
Throughout history, no large power has ever grown without controversy. This was especially true in a highly profitable business like coal mining, where countless stories were involved, enough to be told for three days and three nights.
According to the newspaper reports, the legs of Lin Kun, the former general manager of Xishan Coal Industry, were crippled by someone sent by Han Guangyao, and the legs of Wang Bailin, the general manager of Taishan Enterprises, were also crippled by people sent by Han Guangyao.
Furthermore, Jin'an Group and several other coal companies had suffered significant losses due to Han's Coal Industry's unfair competitive practices and ostracization.
The outcome today was thus considered normal. Many people adopted a spectator's attitude, waiting to see how the situation unfolded.
Even many other forces, long dissatisfied with Han's Coal Industry's hegemonic behavior, were stirring, looking for an opportunity.
Although Jin Province was a major coal-producing region with abundant coal resources, if this opportunity could be used to bring down the Han family, many more people would undoubtedly benefit.
Driven by such immense profits, Longcheng was on the verge of turmoil. An atmosphere of impending crisis permeated the air. This was a commercial war fought without visible smoke, and if the Han family were to truly lose this battle, the repercussions would be immense.
Some noticed that after the newspaper report, police cars and vehicles from various inspection agencies were seen at Han's Coal Industry and the old Han family residence.
The entire Han family and their subsidiaries were in a state of panic.
Rumors even spread that Han Guangyao had been taken away for investigation.
This news instantly escalated the tension to its peak.
However, the news was soon confirmed to be a rumor; Han Guangyao was fine and at home.
Not only that, but the Han family's counterattack quickly followed.
All the forces, large and small, that belonged to the "Avengers Alliance" in Longcheng were subjected to investigations by relevant departments. Issues ranged from environmental non-compliance and product violations to tax irregularities.
At this moment, the vast influence of the Han family became evident. In less than two days, seven enterprises in the Longcheng area, large and small, were forced to suspend operations for rectification, and their responsible individuals were even taken away for investigation.
Among these, Xishan Coal Industry bore the brunt. As for Jin'an Group and Taishan Enterprises, since they were not under Longcheng's jurisdiction, they were temporarily unaffected.
Following the malicious reports and investigations against Xishan Coal Industry and other alliance members in the Longcheng region, many members of the Avengers Alliance were shocked and enraged, and their hearts were filled with apprehension.
"This Han fellow, daring to unscrupulously use his network of connections to retaliate! I think he truly has no desire to live!"
"Since that's the case, we have no reason to be polite to that old man. Let's just publicize the scandal!"
Shan Xiongjin slammed his fist on the table, his face filled with anger.
"Yes, we no longer need to be polite to that old man!"
"Let's directly expose his ugliest side and let the world see his true face."
In the room, others were also filled with righteous indignation.
Han Guangyao's actions this time were truly too arrogant. With the most crucial lifeline in their hands, he dared to brazenly use his network of connections to retaliate against the alliance members. If they didn't show some resistance, he would truly consider them pushovers, completely disregarding them.
"Qin Chuan, what do you think of this matter?"
As many were filled with righteous anger, Wang Bailin suddenly turned his gaze to Qin Chuan.
"I think Han Guangyao's sudden display of such a sharp stance must mean that something has happened that we are unaware of. Otherwise, there would have been no need for him to adopt a humble attitude and invite all of us for dinner to discuss matters."
Qin Chuan spoke, and his words instantly captured everyone's attention.
Although Wang Bailin was old, his reactions were sharp. Hearing this, his eyes flickered, "Qin Chuan, are you implying that Han Guangyao has found a way to counteract those photos?"
"That's impossible!"
"These photos we have are all genuine. We welcome any appraisal agency to verify them; they are absolutely not photoshopped."
Someone spoke, their expression extremely surprised.
"The photos can't be faked. But what if Han Guangyao has found a scapegoat?"
Qin Chuan said softly.
"Scapegoat?!"
Everyone was stunned, then their expressions turned thoughtful.
"That doesn't seem likely either," Shan Xiongjin frowned. "With the photos we have, it would be extremely difficult for Han Guangyao to find a suitable scapegoat. This person must first be able to freely enter and exit Han Guangyao's manor, and second, must be someone credible."
"Otherwise, given the actual scenes depicted in the photos, it simply wouldn't make sense!"
As Shan Xiongjin finished speaking, Wang Bailin, seated in his wheelchair, suddenly's eyes flashed, and he said sternly, "I've thought of someone. He is very suitable to be Han Guangyao's scapegoat."
"Who?!"
Qin Chuan, Shan Xiongjin, and the others all pricked up their ears, their gazes fixed on Wang Bailin.
"His name is Kong Nanchao. He has been by Han Guangyao's side for over seventy years. Their relationship is so close that it even surpasses Han Guangyao's relationship with his three sons."
Wang Bailin said slowly.
"Only he, as a scapegoat, could silence the public's gossip while making it seem entirely reasonable."