Of course, Teng Haibo also had many supporters who spoke out against Tang Wen's claims.
"It's precisely because the old helmsman made mistakes that he almost implicated the entire Tongmen sub-branch, so he can't blame others."
"Teng Haibo is the one who can lead us more steadily and better!"
"..."
Their implication was that Teng Haibo had worked diligently for the gang over the years, maintained good relationships with all parties, acted with discretion, and was capable of leading Tongmen to new heights.
However, those who openly supported Teng Haibo were ultimately in the minority.
Thus, supporters and opponents of Teng Haibo's participation in the selection began to clamor, with the Teng Haibo faction clearly at a disadvantage.
Facing the surging crowd, Teng Haibo couldn't help but frown.
He looked at the triumphant Tang Wen, and at the gang members who appeared indignant, or who remained silent,
Their faces calm, the elders of the gang, and felt once again that Tang Wen was truly his great enemy.
He looked at the scene, then at the composed Song Qiao, and felt a sense of unease.
He had invited Song Qiao to help him, yet Song Qiao was only concerned with drinking tea and chatting with women...
He truly doubted whether inviting Song Qiao to back him up was the right decision.
However, he dared not say anything to Song Qiao.
After all, he knew how powerful Song Qiao was.
Looking again at Song Qiao.
Perhaps annoyed by the surrounding noise, he placed his teacup heavily on the table.
The scene quickly fell silent.
However, the clamor soon reappeared.
"Hmph, are you trying to cause trouble in our Tongmen?"
"Don't disturb our selection, get out, quickly."
"..."
Song Qiao snorted coldly.
"I know the main reason you are doing this is because I killed Xia Fu."
"The authorities have already stepped forward and stated their position. If this was a personal vendetta between Xia Fu and me, and I killed Xia Fu, I would bear full responsibility. However, that is not the case."
As Song Qiao spoke,
The noisy crowd gradually quieted down.
Song Qiao guided them through the sequence of events again.
Xia Fu had sought out Sonov to scheme against Song Qiao.
But they had not anticipated how quickly the situation would escalate.
Hana Du, who was associated with Xia Fu, suddenly became a wanted fugitive, and national interests were involved.
Thus, they were unable to extricate themselves and ultimately lost their lives.
"Do you think by saying this, you can cover up the fact that you killed Xia Fu?" Tang Wen panicked.
Many other gang members echoed his sentiment.
"No matter what, Xia Fu was one of our gang members!"
"Yes, how we deal with him is our own business; we don't need an outsider like you to interfere."
"You should leave quickly, don't force me to act!"
"..."
Song Qiao looked coldly at these clamoring gang members.
Under his gaze, and seeing that Song Qiao and the other person made no move and that their words were useless, they soon quieted down.
Song Qiao then slowly began to speak.
"The nation has its laws, and the gang has its rules. Xia Fu first violated the law of the land, thus he deserved to die. As a member of the security department, I possess inherent law enforcement authority."
Many gang members did not agree with Song Qiao's assertion.
In their view, one of the reasons they joined Tongmen was for the freedom of drinking wine heartily, eating meat heartily, weighing silver in large scales, and gold in small scales.
But they had not expected that above the gang rules, there were also national laws.
Everyone, whether a gang member or an ordinary person, must abide by the law.
Otherwise, they might face legal sanctions.
However, facing a member of the security department, these usually unruly individuals dared not take any action.
Just as now, under Song Qiao's gaze, their eyes darted away.
Seeing this, Song Qiao was very pleased.
It seemed that the legal education he had conducted among them was very effective.
At the same time, it reflected how terrible lack of culture could be.
Song Qiao smiled.
This change in expression made those around him feel that he was suddenly less detestable.
Then Song Qiao continued:
"Furthermore, regarding the gang rules, Xia Fu also violated them. Killing him was to purge the sect."
"What right do you have to purge the sect? If this is to be done, it should be done by someone from our Tongmen."
Song Qiao chuckled.
With such a brain, one couldn't even be a good thug.
He glanced disdainfully at the gang member who spoke.
This gang member, unconcerned about the reactions of others, wanted to continue spouting nonsense.
Then, someone nudged him, "Did you forget he's from the security department?"
"Uh..." Only then did the gang member realize, and immediately shut his mouth, even a.
Like a rooster whose throat had been suddenly squeezed, he choked.
Song Qiao continued, "Therefore, I am not an outsider to you all. The selection of the Tongmen sub-branch's helmsman can proceed smoothly, and I am here as a guarantee. The government also hopes that you can complete the transition peacefully!"
Hearing his statement, the gang members began to whisper amongst themselves.
Some felt that what he said made some sense, while others thought he was talking utter nonsense.
Teng Haibo finally showed a relaxed smile.
It was done!
He hadn't expected this move from the person named Song.
He understood the implied meaning, realizing that Song Qiao's actions were intentional, even sanctioned by the government. What did he have to fear?
He now had a powerful backer.
He believed that others would not fail to see this.
As for Tang Wen, after hearing Song Qiao's words, his heart sank. Although he felt Song Qiao was quibbling, the latter's government background would influence many gang members' judgments and leanings.
Sweat beaded on his forehead.
Damn it!
As expected, Song Qiao then said:
"Regarding the outcome of this selection, as before, it will ultimately need to be approved by the Tongmen General Assembly."
"However, the priority is to ensure fairness and justice in the process. Therefore, Teng Haibo cannot simply be driven away as you wish."
"Hence, I, Song Qiao, am—here!"
As he spoke, he extended his finger, pointed downwards with force, and enunciated each word clearly.
His intention was clear: I am here to support Teng Haibo, to back him up!
Xia Haibin was furious. He stood up abruptly and shouted, "Song Qiao, who do you think you are, daring to interfere in Tongmen's affairs?"
Song Qiao chuckled, took out a jade pendant, and placed it on the table with a "snap." "According to Tongmen's rules, those who commit insubordination shall be beaten with fifty lashes! Prepare to carry out the punishment!"
Many people laughed. They had not clearly seen what Song Qiao had taken out.
"What, do you really think you are one of Tongmen?"
"Even if you are a lackey of the government, what does it matter? Do you still want to command us?"
"Do you really think you are the head of the Tongmen General Assembly?"
Song Qiao smiled charmingly and gestured towards Xia Haibin and the others, indicating that they should look closely.
Everyone cautiously moved closer, some with surprise.
They were all shocked: judging by its style and pattern, this jade pendant was genuine!
Shocked!
They exchanged bewildered glances. How could this be?
Could it be, the President of the General Assembly?
Heavens, how could such a thing happen?