“From the beginning to the end of that video, Governor Wu only appeared once—when he was arrested. I have reason to suspect that this matter may not have anything to do with Governor Wu at all.”

Lan Weisong nodded with a smile. He responded, “Director Yin’s suspicion is understandable. However, our colleagues at the Ministry of Justice have already thoroughly investigated this matter. This is definitely Wu Jingzhong’s fault. After all, regardless of whether they’re biologically related or not, Wu Zongxu is still Wu Jingzhong’s son. His only son, right?”

Yin Li shook his head. “Governor Lan, that’s not what you said. Right now, there are only three potential justifications for arresting Governor Wu. First, because Wu Zongxu is his son. Second, because the beneficiaries of this project are the members of the Wu family. Third, because this project cost 200 million yuan, and the bank card used for the payment is in Governor Wu’s name.”

“The first reason isn’t in line with our country’s law.It was Wu Zongxu orchestrating this whole thing from the very beginning. It had nothing to do with Governor Wu. Why insist on arresting him and pinning this crime on him?

“For the second reason… Even though the beneficiaries of the project are technically related to the Wu family, many of our state leaders actually know the three people who got the money from the project. They are distant relatives of the Wu family who were disowned for wronging the family. Governor Wu made them apologize and compensate the family before he publicly announced that these three people had no connection to the Wu family anymore. Thus, this matter has nothing to do with the Wu family. Even if Governor Wu wanted to carry out this underhanded scheme, he had no reason to choose those three people as the beneficiaries. Furthermore, I have reason to suspect that these three people merely contracted the road and then up and left—they wanted to blacken Governor Wu’s reputation.

“As for the third reason, my younger brother, Yin Ge, is the chief of the Public Security Bureau of Wangcheng Area. After the incident took place, I asked him to investigate and obtain evidence regarding the bank card involved. Although this card was in Governor Wu’s name, Wu Zongxu was the one who used it. Not once has Governor Wu ever used this card. We all know that banks nowadays have come up with all kinds of gimmicks to register an account and get a card—it’s far less common for people to get away with such a thing now, but it can still happen. Given that it was Wu Zongxu opening the account, do you believe the bank employees would refuse to register a card for the governor’s son?”

“That all sounds reasonable!”

“I agree!”

“I agree too!”

“Me too! I agree!”

…

After Yin Li finished speaking, those with a good relationship with Wu Jingzhong and those who admired his character raised their fists in agreement.

“The Ministry of Justice convicted Governor Wu so quickly. Isn’t it unethical to broadcast such a damning video, capable of ruining his reputation with every official in the entire province, before the court has even reached a verdict? Even if Governor Wu really does turn out to be the mastermind behind this incident, right now he is only considered a suspect—not a criminal. The court hasn’t even reached a verdict yet, and the Ministry of Justice is already so casually showing all of us this video. Isn’t this very disrespectful toward Governor Wu?”

“That’s right!”

“I think so too!”

…

There was another wave of agreement.

“Everyone!” Lan Weisong waved his hands to signal for everyone to be quiet.

“I informed everyone about today’s video in advance. This is a video to remain internal to this meeting, kept only between us and not to be circulated.”