Regimental Commander Mai had a headache. He had been in his position for several years, and just when he saw a glimmer of hope for promotion, this mess landed on his lap.
One was the Commander’s wife, and the other was a soldier prioritized for development by Chief Ning, neither of whom he could afford to offend. If he didn’t handle it well, his hopes for promotion might well disappear, so he had called Chief Ning overnight to consult about the situation.
Chief Ning’s response was, "Since ancient times, the prince and the commoner are equally subjected to the law." Was this meant to imply that he should deal with the Chiang family or abandon Qi Taiguo?
Regimental Commander Mai guessed painfully and, with a brazen face, asked for clarification, only to receive the phrase "understandable circumstances."
Regimental Commander Mai was nearly led in circles!
Now, hearing Qi Taiguo’s words, he thought that it was indeed as Chief Ning had said, "understandable circumstances."
"Regardless, as a military man, it’s wrong to resort to violence and killing, and moreover, the victim is a woman, a leader’s family member," said Regimental Commander Mai, his face a picture of righteousness.
"I was wrong," Qi Taiguo lowered his head.
To admit his fault so readily turned the tables on Regimental Commander Mai, leaving him at a loss for reprimanding words.
"For this issue, tell me, what do you plan to do? Now, Commander Chiang’s wife is unrelenting and demanding that you be discharged from military service and make a public apology," Regimental Commander Mai said irritably.
"Speaking of this, Regimental Commander, I too have been wronged. This is my written report. My partner was harmed by Commander Chiang’s wife, causing a miscarriage. I hereby plead with my superiors for fair justice and request Commander Chiang to give me an explanation!" Qi Taiguo handed over the report he had written the previous night.
He had been impulsive, but that didn’t mean he was completely thoughtless. He had acted, but he could not just let it go; he could not allow the Chiang family to focus only on his errors.
The Chiang family had power and influence; he could not compete with that, so he might as well make a big fuss about it. It was do or die, and nobody was going to have it easy.
Regimental Commander Mai received his so-called written report dumbfounded—a thick stack, several pages long. Upon a cursory glance, it detailed the events and also included hospital evidence.
Such thorough preparation!
Regimental Commander Mai’s lips twitched slightly as he looked at Qi Taiguo: "You..."
"If Regimental Commander Mai cannot make a decision on my behalf, I will submit a report to the political office and the Military Commission. I believe that this country has justice," Qi Taiguo said earnestly.
Regimental Commander Mai’s headache intensified. Could this issue be further escalated or toned down?
A company commander challenging a commander—where did Qi Taiguo get this confidence?
Regimental Commander Mai swallowed, saying, "Taiguo, you’re still young, and not just Chief Ning, but I too believe you have an unlimited future. There’s no need to be a hotheaded martyr. There are still plenty of opportunities for you."
Qi Taiguo looked at him and said, "That’s precisely why I must fight for this breath of honor," he paused before continuing, "Also, Military Doctor Jiang and his family have threatened the lives and health of military families. Therefore, I request that the organization transfer Military Doctor Jiang out of Qing City Troops."
If the Chiang family could accuse him, why couldn’t he counteraccuse? He was impulsive, but there was a reason for it. What about the Chiang family?
It was not him, Qi Taiguo, who should be using his leverage; it was the Chiang family!
Regimental Commander Mai looked at him as if he were mad and, finding no words to say, waved his hand and made a call to Ning Gang.
Ning Gang was stunned, then laughed after a long pause, "He’s not as foolish as I thought. Let him file the complaint. Send a copy of that report to me via telegram, immediately."
From behind the scenes to the foreground, Jiang Conghe would likely suffer a setback this time.