That night, Nan Sheng slept particularly soundly. Having been in Rongcheng for so long, she still didn't like the climate there. It was better back in her hometown.
Waking up refreshed and clear-headed, she first had Mingli go out to call the town, saying they would return home a day later and that the family shouldn't worry.
Seeing his daughter's guilty look, Yu Feng knew the secret was out. Not wanting to involve Nan Sheng, he tried to send her away. "Xiao Nan, it's not easy for you to come back. Your in-laws must be anxious to see you. You should head back now!"
Nan Sheng shot him an annoyed glare. "Uncle Yu, I'm very upset right now. You'd better not provoke me. How could you hide something this big? Don't you think about it—who else besides me can help you with this?"
Nan Sheng said this with confidence. Although she had never used her network of connections, she was certain it was formidably strong.
"This matter isn't as simple as you think. I work in the Discipline Inspection Commission myself, so I understand the consequences better than you do. Just listen to my arrangements."
Hearing Nan Sheng speak this way, Madam Yu was immensely grateful. She truly hadn't expected Nan Sheng to be willing to wade into these troubled waters.
"Niece, are you saying my old Yu can still be extricated from this?"
Nan Sheng didn't make an absolute promise. "Complete extrication is unlikely. Right now, the goal is to minimize the impact on Uncle Yu. The best way is for Uncle Yu to proactively state his position, similar to how a disgraced family might sever ties to protect their relatives."
Yu Feng was very hesitant. Since his son was taken away, he hadn't inquired once, resolved to let him face the consequences of his actions.
But he also couldn't bring himself to step on his own son for the sake of his own career. Even a vicious tiger doesn't devour its cubs. This was also why he had resigned himself to taking the blow.
"If I state my position, will Yu Ping receive a heavier sentence?"
This question was indeed worth considering. However, based on Nan Sheng's assessment of the current situation, and given the need to maintain the government's image, this case would be dealt with strictly and specially. Yu Feng's stance wouldn't really affect the outcome.
"Uncle Yu, whether you make a statement or not won't influence Yu Ping's sentencing. If you want to save his life, make up all the money. That might offer a slim chance of survival."
Next, Nan Sheng analyzed the current situation in detail for everyone. Madam Yu decisively went out to borrow money, and Yu Feng also swallowed his pride to contact friends and relatives.
Even if that unfilial son could never come home again, staying alive would be a good thing!
Over two thousand in illicit money had been confiscated when Yu Ping was arrested. Yu Feng took out the family savings, pooled together five thousand yuan, and submitted it to the Discipline Inspection Commission. The shortfall was still five thousand.
Mingli directly stated that Yu Luotong should contribute her betrothal gifts and the savings the old couple had given her, easing a small part of the pressure. But even so, the money still wasn't enough.
The Yu couple hadn't had to ask anyone for help in many years. Going out on this errand was hard on them, and their spirits were lower than ever. "We're still short nearly two thousand yuan."
For the rest, they truly couldn't borrow any more!
Nan Sheng said, "It's alright. I have it here. You can use it first, no hurry to pay it back."
Nan Sheng contributed both money and effort. She wasn't doing it for nothing. Firstly, Yu Feng had indeed been good to her. Plus, his inherent value was evident. Only if he weathered this storm could Mingli's political career advance smoothly.
Seizing a moment when no one was paying attention, Mingli secretly pulled Nan Sheng outside. More than his father-in-law's future, he was concerned about his sister's family harmony.
"Sis, I can figure out the money issue. Don't just casually offer two thousand yuan like that. Will brother-in-law be happy? Also, help with this matter only if you can. Don't force it if you can't. If you got implicated, the ancestors of the Nan family would line up at night to knock on my head."
Mingli deliberately added a touch of humor, but Nan Sheng could hear the concern beneath it. Besides, it wasn't like this money wouldn't be paid back.
"Don't worry, it's a loan, not a gift. Your brother-in-law isn't that petty. I'll first test the waters with the government. If it's not feasible to intervene, I won't force any connections."
After lunch, Nan Sheng and Yu Feng went to the county government together. Some well-informed comrades in the government already knew what had happened in Yu Feng's family and were quite surprised by his visit.
Subordinates and colleagues greeted him, and Yu Feng responded warmly, as if nothing had happened. The two of them thus calmly and composedly arrived at the door of the Discipline Inspection Commission office.
The director of Huaishan County's Discipline Inspection Commission was named Qiao Yan. He was much younger than Yu Feng and had been promoted after the downfall of the Revolutionary Committee due to his outstanding performance.
He handled affairs impartially and prioritized evidence in investigations. Since taking up this post, he had worked closely with Yu Feng, knowing he had lofty ideals and valued his career. This was also why he had suppressed the matter upon first receiving the report.
He initially thought it was a misunderstanding and wanted to investigate thoroughly to clear Yu Feng's name. He never expected the investigation to reveal it was indeed caused by County Head Yu's lax management of his household.
He looked at the work report on his desk with a headache. Once this document was submitted, County Head Yu's future would be in jeopardy...
"Knock, knock!"
"Come in!"
Qiao Yan was somewhat surprised to see it was Yu Feng. In his view, Yu Feng's attitude had been clear: let the Discipline Inspection Commission handle everything.
If Yu Feng was here today to plead for mercy, it would only mean he had misjudged the man. He stood up and invited them to sit.
"County Head Yu, do you need something?"
Yu Feng smiled amiably. "There are two matters. One is related to Yu Ping's case. The other is that a young friend of mine wished to visit you."
Qiao Yan's gaze followed Yu Feng's indication to Nan Sheng. He immediately recognized that this person was surely also a comrade within the government system, though he didn't know how "special" her status might be!
He deliberately ignored Nan Sheng's presence. "County Head Yu, to be frank, I've already investigated this matter clearly. The relevant persons involved have been apprehended. Of course, a portion of the funds have also been recovered.
I know you were unaware of this. I've made that very clear in the report, so you can rest assured on that point. Let's all just wait calmly for the outcome."
Hearing Qiao Yan mention the money, Nan Sheng immediately opened her small cloth bag, revealing stacks of ten-yuan bills. Qiao Yan's expression changed instantly.
"County Head Yu, what is this? Put that money away immediately, or I'll call someone!"
He, Qiao Yan, was not someone who could be bribed. No amount of money would work!!!
Nan Sheng gave him a puzzled look. Was this man a bit too full of himself? Was he so good-looking that she'd give him money?
Yu Feng hurriedly explained, "You misunderstand, Director Qiao. These past few days, I've been thinking we mustn't let the common people suffer losses. I've borrowed from relatives everywhere and finally managed to gather the money. Please take it and return it to them."
The corner of Qiao Yan's mouth twitched. He could only lower his head and dutifully count the money. The scene was incredibly awkward.
He returned the excess money. "This is enough. Please rest assured, County Head Yu. I will return the money to the victims and instruct them not to make any more trouble."
This was all he could do, which could be considered an explanation of his feelings towards his colleague. After all, since coming to the county government, he had received Yu Feng's care.
