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Page 176
Lin Yunfei walked up to him and said coldly, "Zhao Pengxiang, the crimes you have committed are unforgivable. Now obediently accept the punishment of the law." Then, the soldiers restrained Zhao Xiaosheng and Zhao Pengxiang and put them into a military truck.
Zhao Pengchao was the only one left untouched.
Because he has been in Australia for all these years. There is no evidence of a crime.
197. Under prolonged interrogation, the executive vice mayor surrendered himself to the authorities.
197. Under prolonged interrogation, the executive vice mayor surrendered himself to the authorities.
The three Zhao Xiaosheng, Zhao Pengxiang, and Zhao Pengzhan, father and sons, were successfully captured.
Military armored vehicles, escorting the three members of the Zhao family, drove out in a grand procession, leaving Zhaojiawei. In the night, police lights flashed, and the convoy disappeared into the distance.
Lin Yunfei was very satisfied, thinking that the next step was to wrap things up.
Zhao Xiaosheng, his hands cuffed, stared intently at Lin Yunfei with a fierce glint in his eyes. He continued to spout arrogant words: "Lin Yunfei, you're too young."
"Our Zhao family is all-powerful in Changwu, and even throughout the entire Handong region. No one can rival us."
Snapped!
A crisp slap rang out; Lin Yunfei showed no mercy. He stepped forward and delivered a hard slap to Zhao Xiaosheng's face.
"Who do you think you are? No one can cover up the truth before the law!" Lin Yunfei shouted coldly, his eyes firm and fearless.
Zhao Xiaosheng's face turned ashen, blood seeping from the corner of his mouth, and he finally shut his mouth.
“I am the vice governor and concurrently the director of the Public Security Bureau. The drugs seized from the Zhao family’s old house in Changwu alone are estimated to weigh over 100 jin (50 catties).
"According to the Empire's criminal law, whether it's drug use, drug trafficking, or drug transportation, anything exceeding one gram of drugs is considered extremely serious."
"Your Zhao family has caused thousands of families to be torn apart, with families broken and people killed."
"And you, Zhao Pengxiang, are now charged with smuggling firearms, illegal possession of firearms, operating a casino, and drug trafficking."
Lin Yunfei looked at Zhao Pengxiang, the third son of the Zhao family, and said firmly, "With multiple crimes, the minimum punishment is death!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Pengxiang's legs went weak, and he almost collapsed to the ground, his eyes filled with fear and despair. He opened his mouth, wanting to defend himself, but found himself speechless.
Zhao Pengzhan sat in his wheelchair, his face ashen. He knew the Zhao family was completely finished this time; all their glory and wealth would vanish in this very night. He lowered his head, not daring to meet Lin Yunfei's sharp gaze.
Lin Yunfei looked at the three Zhao family members and continued, "Do you think that having money and power means you can do whatever you want and trample on the law? You're wrong. The law is fair; it won't show favoritism because of your status or position."
"Justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent," Lin Yunfei said firmly.
"Now, you will pay the price for your actions. What awaits you is the severe punishment of the law." Lin Yunfei's voice was firm and powerful, echoing in the night.
. . . . .
This arrest operation alarmed leaders at all levels in Changwu City.
They tried to find out the details of the Zhao family's downfall through various channels.
In particular, Executive Vice Mayor Han Ya stared at her phone screen with a look of terror on her face, her trembling fingers constantly refreshing the news page, displaying an expression of fear and unease.
You should know that Han Ya is Zhao Xiaosheng's woman, and she even bore him two children.
Zhao Pengchao and Chang Zheng. Han Ya understood in her heart that the destruction of the Zhao family meant that her end was also coming.
The newly appointed Director of the Public Security Bureau, Lin Yunfei, took swift and decisive action without notifying her beforehand.
What does this tell us? Distrust!
Lin Yunfei had no trust whatsoever with the public security, procuratorate, and judicial organs of Changwu City, or even any official.
Ring ring! A call came in from an unknown number.
Han Ya took a deep breath, hesitated for a moment, and then answered the phone.
A deep voice came from the other end of the phone: "Vice Mayor Han, you should know about the Zhao family's matter, right?"
Han Ya's face was pale, and her voice trembled: "I know... May I ask who you are?"
The other party sneered: "Who I am is not important. What's important is that you have to make a choice now."
Han Ya gripped her phone tightly, her mind a jumble of emotions. She knew she was standing on the edge of a precipice. Every word from the other person felt like a hammer blow to her heart. She swallowed hard, trying to calm herself: "A choice? What...what should I do?"
The other party's voice grew increasingly cold: "Either cooperate with us, turn yourself in, and admit that you are Zhao Xiaosheng's biggest protector. Or, you will sink with the Zhao family."
Han Ya's fingers clenched so tightly that her nails almost dug into her palms. She knew that whichever path she chose, she would face endless darkness. She took a deep breath, a resolute glint in her eyes: "I...I'm willing to cooperate."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by a cold snort: "A wise choice, but remember, don't say what you shouldn't say."
"Otherwise, your son Changzheng will be hit and killed by a truck."
After hanging up the phone, Han Ya slumped into a chair, tears silently streaming down her face.
She knew this path was also fraught with thorns, but at least there was a glimmer of hope. She quickly gathered her thoughts and began preparing the materials for turning herself in, silently repeating in her heart, "For Chang Zheng, for my son."
. . . . .
The man on the other end of the phone hung up, a cold smile playing on his lips, a hint of malice flashing in his eyes.
His name is Zheng Guangtian, one of the fifty-four protectors of the Zhao family.
The deputy head of the provincial party committee was Zheng Guangtian.
In other words, this deputy provincial-level official is the biggest backer of the Zhao family.
Zheng Guangtian gently fiddled with the chess pieces in his hand, thinking to himself: Han Ya's surrender might be the opportunity for him to escape. He then tried to divert Lin Yunfei's attention.
It's important to understand that the anti-corruption storm in Handong is currently raging, and any slight disturbance could trigger a chain reaction.
With Qi Tongwei's downfall and arrest, and Ding Yizhen's arrest and return to China, the Han University gang is on the verge of collapse.
Zheng Guangtian knew that only by cleverly utilizing Asiana Airlines could he protect himself in this storm.
. . . . .
An hour later, Zhao Xiaosheng and his two sons were all taken to the county public security bureau in the outskirts of Changwu City.
Lin Yunfei's expression was serious. He waved his hand and said, "Pass on my order: interrogate Zhao Xiaosheng, Zhao Pengzhan, and Zhao Pengxiang, father and son, until they are exhausted."
"All officers of the county public security bureau, leave immediately. No one is allowed to stay."
"Li Zheng, you will personally interrogate Zhao Xiaosheng with the help of interrogation experts. In the yacht bombing case, prosecutor Zhao Pengcheng was killed in the explosion."
Lin Yunfei turned around and looked at Li Zheng, the director of the First Division of the State Security Bureau.
Li Zheng's eyes were sharp as he nodded solemnly and said, "Secretary Lin, rest assured, I will live up to your trust and thoroughly investigate the yacht bombing case and the other crimes committed by the father and son."
Lin Yunfei patted Li Zheng on the shoulder and said earnestly, "This interrogation is of utmost importance. The Zhao family has been entrenched in Changwu for many years, and there must be many shady dealings behind them. We must investigate thoroughly."
Li Zheng responded firmly: "Understood. I will start with their weakest point in their psychological defenses and gradually break through."
Afterwards, Li Zheng led the interrogation experts into the interrogation room. The interrogation room was dimly lit and the atmosphere was oppressive.
Zhao Xiaosheng and his two sons were taken to different interrogation rooms.
Li Zheng led the way to Zhao Xiaosheng's interrogation room. Upon entering, he saw Zhao Xiaosheng still sitting in a chair with an arrogant and unruly demeanor, his eyes revealing disdain.
Li Zheng calmly walked over and sat down opposite Zhao Xiaosheng, saying, "Zhao Xiaosheng, now it's time for you to pay the price for your crimes. You shouldn't have forgotten the yacht bombing, in which Prosecutor Zhao Pengcheng was killed, right?"
Zhao Xiaosheng sneered: "Hmph, don't try to get anything out of me. I won't say anything."
Li Zheng smiled slightly and said, "Zhao Xiaosheng, do you think you can cover up the facts by not talking? We have already obtained a lot of evidence, and we just hope that you can tell the truth and try to get a lighter punishment."
Zhao Xiaosheng raised his head and said loudly, "Treat me leniently? Don't dream about it. I, Zhao Xiaosheng, have been in Changwu for so many years. What haven't I seen? What can you do to me?"
"Besides, Zhao Pengcheng is my son. As a father, would I kill my own son?"
Li Zheng looked at Zhao Xiaosheng, his eyes sharpening: "Zhao Xiaosheng, don't be so stubborn."
"Do you think those protective umbrellas behind you can still protect you? With the anti-corruption storm raging so fiercely right now, they can hardly protect themselves, let alone take care of you."
Zhao Xiaosheng's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure: "Stop spreading alarmist rumors. I, Zhao Xiaosheng, don't need anyone's protection."
Li Zheng stood up, walked to Zhao Xiaosheng's side, and said in a low voice, "Zhao Xiaosheng, think carefully about your family, your sons Zhao Pengxiang, Zhao Pengzhan, and Zhao Pengchao. They also have to be held accountable for their crimes... If you can confess the truth, perhaps we can give them a chance."
A hint of hesitation flashed in Zhao Xiaosheng's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by stubbornness: "Don't threaten me with my family, I won't fall for it."
Meanwhile, in other interrogation rooms, interrogation experts were also interrogating Zhao Pengxiang and Zhao Pengzhan.
Zhao Pengxiang was already terrified and completely lost his composure. Under the relentless questioning of the interrogation experts, he began to stammer and confess to some of his crimes.
“I confess, I admit it. I killed someone with a handgun at the seafood market.”
"Be more specific?" The interrogation expert's face darkened, his gaze sharp.
Zhao Pengxiang's voice trembled as he slowly spoke: "I bribed Xia Zongtao, the general manager of Changwu Seafood Group, to persuade his brother Xia Zonghai to allow me to invest in the seafood market, but Xia Zonghai disagreed."
"After our negotiations failed."
"He arrived at the dock with several thugs, wearing black raincoats, and shot Xia Zonghai dead. Xia Zongtao was also thrown into the sea."
Zhao Pengxiang's Adam's apple bobbed, utterly terrified: "I confess, I turn myself in. Please don't kill me."
Another interrogation room.
Zhao Pengzhan remained silent in his wheelchair, attempting to resist the interrogation through silence.
Li Zheng returned to his seat, looked at Zhao Xiaosheng, and continued, "Zhao Xiaosheng, you now only have one path before you, which is to truthfully confess your crimes. Otherwise, you will face even more severe punishment."
After a long silence, Zhao Xiaosheng finally spoke, "I need to see Lin Yunfei. I will only speak after I see him."
Li Zheng nodded: "Okay, I will convey your request to Secretary Lin. However, before Secretary Lin arrives, I hope you will think carefully about your crimes."
After saying that, Li Zheng walked out of the interrogation room, preparing to report the situation to Lin Yunfei.
Meanwhile, the anti-corruption storm in Changwu City was intensifying.
. . .
"He said he wants to see me, but I'm just supposed to?"
Lin Yunfei snorted coldly and looked at Li Zheng: "Let's see who can withstand the fatigue interrogation."
"Zhao Xiaosheng has been running rampant for so many years, he must have a protector. And he must have a big fish in his pocket."
Li Zheng nodded, stood at attention, and saluted: "Understood, Secretary Lin."
The next day, as dawn broke, the sky turned a pale white.
Secretary Liu Can rushed over, entered the armored vehicle, and woke Lin Yunfei: "Secretary Lin, an official has turned himself in."
"Who is it?" Lin Yunfei slowly sat up and stretched.
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