Deputy Director Li was still sulking as he really didn’t know about this matter. He felt that Minister Zhang was glaring at him, so he merely snorted softly and glanced at Deputy Director Gao.
Deputy Director Gao acted as if the matter had nothing to do with himself, “This kind of thing needs to be thoroughly investigated; it’s really outrageous!”
But there were a few people who knew about the actuality of the situation. After all, how could they not know about Zhao Anpin’s matter when it was all there was to talk about?
Though, all this being Han Qingsong and Luo Haicheng’s efforts?
Even if the other soldiers were going to face their deaths, they wouldn’t believe that Director Qin and the former Director didn’t have anything to do with initiating or helping out with the investigation.
That being the case, the two would merely act as if they didn’t know anything and be surprised when the situation called for it.
In the future, the others would have to restrain themselves slightly and live with their tails tucked between their legs(2), so as to not be dragged into an involuntary background investigation.
(T/N: A phrase used for people who have to live carefully, usually referring to those who committed many crimes. It originates from the hierarchy of wolves and their tail placements— alphas have their tails held high and omegas have theirs drooping. So, to tuck it between their legs is being careful not to attract attention.)
In the end, Director Song shook his head and sighed, “I’m useless, I don’t even know what’s happening right under my nose.”
It would be strange to not know if someone was calling you an old fox, though.
Who wouldn’t know that the labour farm was a place of splendour! Be it about grains or any other rights, anyone who had mastery or authority over the labour farm wouldn’t have to worry about anything.
They just had to curry favour with the County Materials Bureau.
Director Song glared at Zhang Heilu, “Regardless of whether it is wrong or not, I will strip your title as the Platoon Leader first. Then, when we review the evidence one by one, anything that concerns your involvement better be admitted. In the future, you better work properly as well!”
Zhang Heilu’s face was as dark as the bottom of a pot, but he didn’t dare to refute as he was only capable of giving Han Qingsong a bitter look.
Although Zhao Anpin insisted that it was injustice and refused to admit his crimes even to his death, the evidence was solid. There were both witnesses and material evidence present. Plus, the accounts were completely bared in front of them, so there was no possibility of him denying his wrongdoings.
Even if he pleaded not guilty, he would still be punished for the crimes but he would be given a heavier sentence.
At this time, as long as the death penalty was not met, everyone had to basically carry out their sentences at the labour reform farm since there was no fixed prison in the County.
As the Procuratorate and the Court were now replaced by the Revolutionary Committee, the sentencing was naturally discussed by the latter party.
In the end, Zhao Anpin was sentenced to life imprisonment. Every single property of his was confiscated and he was escorted to the Shanshui Labour Farm with the other felons.
Zhao Jianshe was found to have colluded with accomplices in framing a public security personnel in his career. The crime was added to his lists, making the previous 5-year sentence extend by another 3 years.
With the confession of Shorty, he received a 1-year commutation of his sentence.
Skinny served as an accomplice and hence received an additional year in confinement.
Han Qinghua escaped and received an additional 2 years in prison, but for his indirect meritorious service, the sentence was reduced by a year.
Knowing that he broke the law, Zhang Heilu was demoted to a Squad Leader. He lived, ate and worked the same way with the farm’s personnel, no longer enjoying the preferential treatment of the staff for a period of 2 years.
Although Minister Zhang was not implicated in the matter, the Directors looked at him with unkind eyes, which was more than enough to frighten him.