Rebirth of Corrupt Officials

Jiang Xiaochuan never imagined that, as he walked into the municipal compound lost in thought, he would come across Jiang Encheng and Yue Qingci sitting together and conversing in a secluded corner.

Jiang Xiaochuan didn’t have a penchant to look around as he walked. And Yue Qingci was seated in a well-concealed spot, on a bench behind a tree. They were not visible from the avenue. Jiang Xiaochuan only heard a faint whistle—a peculiar sound, not resembling a traditional one; rather, it seemed to be a modified small whistle. It sounded awkward but had a unique metallic quality.

This sound drew Jiang Xiaochuan’s attention, prompting him to take a few steps towards a garden he had never explored before, where he witnessed the scene.

Yue Qingci sat beside his father, Jiang Encheng, a yellow belt wrapped around one wrist, a small golden whistle hanging near his thumb, and a long empty shell in his other palm. The recent sound appeared to originate from this item.

Jiang Encheng took the cartridge case, examining it with a smile on his face.

For quite some time, Jiang Xiaochuan stood behind the two individuals.

Yue Qingxi in front of him no longer appeared as aloof as before. His facial expression softened as he looked at the small whistle in his hand, and his voice took on a somewhat lingering tone: “When that person left and so on… It’s such a simple matter. Uncle Jiang must be more informed than me, right?”

Jiang Encheng sighed and, for some reason, shook his head. “You’re still a young man. Why do you speak so maturely? You’re almost like someone from my own family…”

Jiang Xiaochuan had been like this since childhood, and as a father, he was accustomed to it. He just didn’t anticipate that someone as outstanding as Yue Qingci from the military region would share this characteristic. Just as he was about to say something, he turned around and saw Jiang Xiaochuan. He was stunned for a moment and then chuckled: “Oh, you really shouldn’t talk about people behind their backs; they’ll inevitably show up.”

Upon hearing this, Yue Qingci turned his face, and the remaining smile suddenly froze. For a brief moment, he seemed overwhelmed, but quickly recovered and politely exclaimed, “Mayor Jiang, good afternoon.” Though it was late afternoon, the weather was gloomy with no sunset, leaving the entire municipal compound garden appearing somewhat deserted. Approaching early summer, an artificial lake laid in front of the bench, featuring a central rockery and constant fountains—an arrangement reminiscent of a landscape garden. Given the municipal compound setting, the environment naturally boasted a higher quality.

Jiang Xiaochuan walked over, feeling the breeze from the lake, his brows furrowing even more tightly. He acknowledged Yue Qingci first, saying, “Major Yue,” and then turned to Jiang Encheng, adding, “Although summer is approaching, the weather has been unpredictable these past two days, and the lakeside wind is strong. Dad, considering your recent hospital checkup, it’s advisable for you to go inside.”

Jiang Encheng, feeling a bit awkward, could only smile. Acknowledging Jiang Xiaochuan’s filial piety, he pointed to Yue Qingci, saying, “He escorted me back today. I ventured out due to difficulty with my legs and feet, bought some items, but couldn’t carry them any longer. This young man was a great help.”

Hearing this, Jiang Xiaochuan glanced at Yue Qingci, who nodded, he said to his father, “I understand. I’ll express my gratitude later. You go inside first; your health is too delicate for the wind.”

Jiang Encheng had no choice but to comply with Jiang Xiaochuan’s suggestion. He knew that his son intended to accompany him back. The connection between them was not straightforward. Jiang Xiaochuan had been raised by him single-handedly. Despite Jiang Xiaochuan’s subsequent wealth, the father understood a portion of his actions. Not to mention, just moments ago, Jiang Xiaochuan’s vigilant eyes were keen and clear.

It was preferable for young individuals to handle their own matters, especially if they might be official affairs. Why should he involve himself in unrelated issues while being halfway buried in the earth?

After seeing Jiang Encheng safely inside the house, Jiang Xiaochuan returned to the artificial lake with a solemn expression. He placed his hands into the pockets of his suit pants and remained silent for the time being.

.

Since escorting Jiang Encheng back, Yue Qingci had been seated there, calmly examining a bullet casing in his hand. His expression was serene, with a graceful aura and a mysterious charm emanating from the dark glint in his eyes.

“What do you mean?” This was the first time Jiang Xiaochuan had seen himself act so impolitely.

“It’s nothing; I just happened to meet him.” Yue Qingci raised his eyes to meet Jiang Xiaochuan’s gaze. Despite knowing that his explanation might not be believed, even if Yue Qingci were in the same situation, he wouldn’t believe it was a genuine coincidence. Nevertheless, it was impossible for Yue Qingci to admit it outright. “Mayor Jiang, must you employ the utmost suspicion when speculating about others?”

In that moment, Jiang Xiaochuan was tempted to respond with his late teacher’s famous saying: ‘I am never afraid to assume the worst about you.’

However, he realized he couldn’t say that. In this lifetime, he and Yue Qingci had no animosity, so why would he speak to Yue Qingci in such a manner? He was not oblivious to the principles of treating people with respect. Suppressing the urge to make that remark, he attempted to convey calmly, “I apologize; that’s just how I am. It’s challenging for me to trust others. Yue Qingci, I’m not Mayor Jiang now; I’m Jiang Xiaochuan.”

He hesitated at first, it had been so long for someone to call his full name instead of his title. Jiang Xiaochuan had almost forsaken this name for quite some time, yet he found himself compelled to reclaim it in this lifetime. He couldn’t abandon everything.

Choosing to address Yue Qingci as ‘Yue Qingci’ rather than ‘Major Yue’ indicated his reluctance to delve into official matters with Yue Qingci at the moment. He intentionally confined the incident involving Jiang Encheng to just the two of them, steering clear of power transactions.

Jiang Xiaochuan always exercised caution, especially concerning Jiang Encheng.

Yue Qingci seemed aware of his tendencies and displayed no concern, maintaining a composed expression.