Nominal: The pinnacle of power began in the sixth province of Handong.

Chapter 191 Discussion on Marriage

When Xia Qing returned to her office, she was surprised to find Qi Tongwei already sitting on the sofa. Upon seeing Xia Qing, he quickly stood up and greeted her.

Jiang Shulan from across the hall also came over to report to Xia Qing that Qi Tongwei had been waiting there for half an hour.

Xia Qing knew that Qi Tongwei had come to apologize.

The two entered the office, and Qi Tongwei gave a brief report on his work before getting down to business.

He conducted a thorough self-examination regarding the previous events and the fact that Zhao Ruilong had leverage over him.

In the end, with tears in his voice, he confessed to secretly releasing Ding Yizhen.

Xia Qing listened without saying a word, observing Qi Tongwei's state throughout.

He knew that Cheng Du's death in front of Qi Tongwei must have been a huge blow.

After all, Cheng Du took the blame with his life for Qi Tongwei.

After Qi Tongwei finished speaking, Xia Qing walked to his side, patted him on the shoulder, and slowly said:

"Tongwei, where did you let Ding Yizhen go? Wasn't it Cheng Du who let him go?"

Qi Tongwei looked up in shock at Xia Qing, his eyes reddening.

Xia Qing emphasized it again, even more seriously:

"Remember, the Hantong Provincial Committee recommended a vice governor, not an accomplice who released Ding Yizhen. There is only one person like that, and that is Cheng Du. That's a certainty."

Qi Tongwei's eyes shifted from shock to dejection, and then to numbness.

His sadness vanished at that moment, whether he suppressed it or it truly disappeared, it was unclear.

In short, Qi Tongwei regained his composure.

He stood up and bowed to Xia Qing, saying:

"Thank you, Minister, I understand."

Xia Qing hesitated for a moment, then said:

"How's the investigation into Liu Xinjian's death going?"

Qi Tongwei knew that Xia Qing was targeting him.

Previously, all the evidence pointed to Zhao Ruilong, but since the other party had leverage over him, he could only call to inquire.

After Zhao Ruilong denied it, there was no way to pursue the matter further.

And now.

Qi Tongwei now fully understands what he should do.

A true transformation, now all alone.

Thinking of this, Qi Tongwei's eyes were filled with unwavering determination as he said:

"Reporting to the Minister: I interrogated Du Bozhong, and he knew nothing about Liu Xinjian's death. Based on the clues we have gathered so far, we can be fairly certain that Liu Xinjian was murdered at the behest of Zhao Ruilong."

"That's pretty much what I was thinking, the problem is..." Xia Qing looked at Qi Tongwei and said meaningfully:

"Do you dare to investigate this thoroughly?"

Qi Tongwei's face immediately turned red. At this moment when he was full of fighting spirit, Xia Qing's words were simply an insult.

So, Qi Tongwei patted his chest and said:

"Minister, I assure you, I would dare to visit Zhao Lichun, let alone Zhao Ruilong, and ask him questions."

"Alright, alright, that's enough. Go on with your work," Xia Qing said with a relieved smile, then added a reminder:

"Visit Secretary Yuliang when you have time."

Qi Tongwei was taken aback, then nodded vigorously and said:

"Understood."

After seeing Qi Tongwei off, Xia Qing subconsciously slumped onto the sofa.

These days, I'm under immense mental strain.

Fortunately, Sha Ruijin returned to work smoothly.

They managed to withstand Zhao Ruilong's counterattack.

Next, we will launch a full-scale attack on the Shanshui Group.

We've found a way to break through the Zhao family's defenses.

However, the ledgers have already been destroyed.

Without the ledgers, the prosecutor's office's secret investigation would be put on the defensive again.

It's equivalent to no progress.

This is troublesome.

Xia Qing rubbed the bridge of her nose.

Just then, Xia Qing's phone rang.

It was his wife, Jiang Yao, calling.

Xia Qing's mood improved considerably, and she quickly answered the call.

A gentle voice came from across the room:

"Old Xia, you're amazing! You even caught Du Bozhong!"

Xia Qing was momentarily speechless. He hadn't caught them himself; Gao Yuliang had taken advantage of Du Bozhong being tricked by Zhao Ruilong to capture them all, and then gave them to him as a favor. So, somewhat embarrassed, he could only reply:

"Ah, actually it was Secretary Yuliang who made the arrest..."

"I don't care, you're the best. Thanks to you, I've done a great job this time! Of course, the relevant departments in Handong will also recognize you, and they will definitely be grateful to you!" Jiang Yao said with a smile.

Xia Qing sighed and rubbed her forehead, but her smile was full of affection.

As far as I can remember, Jiang Yao has always been like this since the beginning of our relationship. She always praises and encourages me without reservation, making me feel like I'm the one being pampered every day.

At the same time, Jiang Yao is also an excellent listener and can offer unique insights from her perspective.

Since the Ministry of State Security is involved in Du Bozhong's case, wouldn't it be considered a leak to report some relevant information about the case to Jiang Yao, the deputy director of the Ministry of State Security?

Thinking of this, Xia Qing told Jiang Yao in detail the whole story, including the events of that night, and the account books that were destroyed, which were of most concern to her at the moment.

Jiang Yao listened attentively and said with emotion:

"Du Cheng was truly an extraordinary man. Regardless of what he had done before, in the end, he was a real man."

Xia Qing also agreed:

"Yes, if only I could have someone like that sooner..."

"Haha, Lao Xia, you're starting to sound like a politician," Jiang Yao jokingly remarked.

Xia Qing then realized that her words had been too cunning, so she coughed twice and asked:

"What's your opinion on the account books?"

"Hmm... Old Xia, let me give you an example." Jiang Yao thought for a moment and said:

"Imagine you desperately want a particular type of chocolate, but you can't find it anywhere in the world! One day, someone gives you a whole box of that chocolate, but tells you you can't eat it and to give it to someone else. As a normal person with selfish desires, what would you do?"

Xia Qing confessed honestly:

"I'll secretly keep a few... Ah!"

As soon as he said that, a sharp glint flashed in Xia Qing's eyes.

He understood Jiang Yao's reminder.

That's it!

Xia Qing said in a deep voice:

"You mean... Gao Yuliang will keep a copy for himself after receiving the account book?"

"It's very likely! If this ledger is really as important as you say, Gao Yuliang wouldn't leave it unattended," Jiang Yao said.

That makes sense.

Previously, Xia Qing had focused on how Qi Tongwei would use the ledger to overcome this predicament.

However, they overlooked the ledger itself.

Since it's so important, there's no reason for Gao Yuliang not to keep a copy of the account book after he got it.

At the same time, Xia Qing thought of someone else.

Gao Xiaoqin.

This clever, even cunning, strong woman couldn't possibly be unaware of what would happen if the account book were given to Gao Yuliang.

If this ledger is a pledge of allegiance to Gao Yuliang.

Then, Gao Yuliang would provide Gao Xiaoqin with shelter.

This is detrimental to launching an offensive against the Shanshui Group.

Gao Yuliang would never voluntarily hand over the account books.

What needs to be done now is to figure out how to break through the Shanshui Group's obstruction under Gao Yuliang's obstruction.

Then they forced Gao Yuliang to hand over the account books.

Of course, all of the above plans could only be carried out under the assumption that the ledger was in Gao Yuliang's hands.

But Xia Qing was willing to gamble.

Not only because Xia Qing trusted Gao Yuliang's prudence and experience, and his ability to always have a backup plan.

He also believes that his wife, Jiang Yao, has never made a mistake in judging details!

The couple worked together, one taking charge of the big picture and the other handling the details.

This is Xia Qing's ideal state, and it is also the source of his motivation!

Thinking of this, Xia Qing regained his previous enthusiasm and said to his wife:

"Thank you, honey. I know what to do. Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll take a vacation and go on a trip with you."

"Oh dear, what wife... you really are... I have to go now!" Jiang Yao only showed this girlish side of herself in front of Xia Qing. After saying this coquettishly, the two exchanged a few more sweet words before hanging up the phone.

Xia Qing held her phone and looked at the secure phone number on the table.

Dial the number.

A resolute male voice came from the other side:

"Hello, Minister, I am Chen Hai."