Chapter 29: Impatient?

Jiang Zhaoyang’s emotions were in extreme turmoil. He knew full well that every word he spoke next could be the tipping point in the other person’s conscience. Finally, summoning his courage, he spoke in a tone of almost heart-wrenching tenderness: "Thank you, Wenjuan."

"I know how difficult this must be for you, caught between personal ties and your professional duty, torn in both directions." His voice was filled with understanding and empathy. He wanted her to know that regardless of the outcome, he saw her struggle and kept it close to his heart.

A soft sigh came from Wu Wenjuan’s end, as if acknowledging this understanding.

"I know this is a tough decision for you. If you choose to remain silent, I will never hold it against you, nor will I feel a shred of resentment. Truly, Wenjuan, you are doing the right thing. In this complex game, your ability to uphold your principles and fulfill your duties is a testament to the discipline you possess as an outstanding official of the Commission for Discipline Inspection. I understand you, and I respect your choice."

Silence. There was only silence on the line.

After a brief pause, as if steeling himself for a decision, Jiang Zhaoyang’s voice took on a note of entreaty and hope: "Of course, Wenjuan, if, after understanding my position, you are still willing to trust me—if you believe my father is innocent and has been framed—and if you are willing to extend a helping hand and tell me the truth, even if it is just a tiny clue, then I will engrave this integrity and courage of yours upon my heart as the most precious treasure of my life. I will be eternally grateful for your help, and I will remember it for as long as I live. Whenever and wherever you need me, I will be your firmest pillar of support."

Jiang Zhaoyang’s words completely broke through Wu Wenjuan’s defenses. Once again, she had suffered a total defeat in his presence.

She chided him with a mixture of true and feigned annoyance: "You are too stingy; you won't give me what I want."

Jiang Zhaoyang was taken aback. "How am I being stingy?"

Wu Wenjuan brushed the topic aside and smiled faintly. "Very well, I will take this risk for you. Wait for my call." With that, she hung up abruptly.

Jiang Zhaoyang exhaled slowly, the heart that had been suspended in his chest finally settling. He knew Wu Wenjuan well. A promise made by her was a promise kept. To say her word was worth its weight in gold would be an understatement.

Just as he was basking in this brief relief, his phone rang, startling him and cutting off his train of thought. Jiang Zhaoyang was struck by a sudden, sharp surprise: *Has Wu Wenjuan already found something?*

*That can't be, can it?* He couldn't help but feel a surge of doubt. He quickly pulled his phone from his pocket, but as the screen lit up, he saw it was not her. It was a call from his mother.

*What could Mother want?* Jiang Zhaoyang wondered. He pressed the answer button immediately, holding the phone tight to his ear, his voice betraying a hint of urgency and concern: "Mom, is everything alright? Don't worry, take your time."

His mother, Zhou Jing, spoke from the other end: "Son, about your father..." She seemed hesitant, unable to finish the sentence.

Jiang Zhaoyang hurried to comfort her: "Mom, please, you must rest assured. I have been keeping Father’s situation in mind every single moment; I have never forgotten it for an instant. Day and night, I am searching for any clue, no matter how small the hope, I will not let it slip away." He paused before adding, "As soon as there is any news, whether good or bad, I will tell you at once."

Zhou Jing nodded gently, letting out a soft "Mm," her voice trembling in a way she couldn't hide. However, this fleeting calm was quickly shattered by what followed. Taking a deep breath, she shifted the subject, her tone heavy and filled with hesitation: "Son, actually... there is another important matter I must tell you."

Jiang Zhaoyang’s heart plummeted; a dark premonition washed over him. He forced himself to remain calm. "Mom, what is it?"

Zhou Jing spoke slowly, each word landing like a heavy stone on his heart: "He Donglai has taken over your father’s position as Bureau Chief."

Jiang Zhaoyang felt a sudden jolt, as if struck by an electric current. His whole body shuddered. *So soon? Are they really that impatient?*

He knew, of course, that He Donglai was the father of He Di. He Di was arrogant, despicable, shameless, and overbearing. As the saying goes, if a son is not taught, the fault lies with the father; the apple does not fall far from the tree. He Donglai was no better.

Thinking of this, Jiang Zhaoyang’s feelings became even more complex. He said to Zhou Jing, "Mom, Father must have been framed. You know his character better than anyone. He has been upright and incorruptible his entire life; he would never do anything illegal or undisciplined. Those so-called 'pieces of evidence' are nothing more than fabrications carefully concocted by those with ulterior motives. Rest assured, the day will come when his name is cleared. Justice may be late, but it will never be absent. That day is not far off!" His tone was absolute. "I will prove all of this through my actions. Whether it is gathering evidence or seeking legal aid, I will not give up until the truth is brought to light."

Listening to her son, Zhou Jing’s eyes grew misty, yet a smile of relief touched her face. "Good! Mother believes in you. Your father is proud to have a son like you." She knew that every word her son spoke came from the bottom of his heart, born of his deep love and trust for his father.

"That Bureau Chief position is truly a source of disaster," Jiang Zhaoyang said, his voice low and powerful, as if every word were being squeezed from the depths of his soul. "In this circle, power and interest are woven into an invisible net. There are always those who will stop at nothing, using any means necessary, just to climb higher. It is because they coveted Father’s position as Education Bureau Chief that they fabricated these baseless charges to destroy him. If it’s gone, let it be gone—as long as he is safe, that is what matters."

"Yes, son, that is exactly what I worry about most," Zhou Jing sighed. "In that position, others drink wine and feast on delicacies, enjoying the glory and benefits that power brings. But your father—he did not consume wine or delicacies; he consumed bitterness. He did not endure glory, but endless pressure and risk. His body was already crumbling under such a heavy burden; he was worn out." Her voice was filled with deep pity. "In those days, he worked almost without sleep or rest. And in the end, he was framed by those plotting against him in the dark." A flash of anger crossed Zhou Jing’s eyes. "Those people are truly despicable and shameless! For the sake of power and status, they would stop at nothing."