Chapter 448: Taken By the Unexpected Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter

Li Chunsheng’s lateness delayed the Senate meeting in He Feng by two hours. Niu Zhengman, planning to oust Chunsheng, was eager to witness his despair; he relished crushing his opponents. As soon as Chunsheng arrived, Niu Zhengman received news, sneered, and told the secretary, “Start the meeting.”

Niu Zhengman usually started the meetings; Head Secretary Qian Fanghan was largely ceremonial. With a year until retirement and no hope of promotion, Qian Fanghan’s demeanor was consistently ambiguous. Most anticipated this.

By the time Chunsheng arrived, everyone else was present. “Mayor Li is really busy! Luckily, we’re all free, so we have time to wait for Mayor Li,” Chang Yao remarked upon Chunsheng’s appearance. However, the Senate remained silent, knowing Chunsheng might leave before warming his seat. Offending a soon-to-depart, yet potentially resurgent, Chunsheng seemed unwise.

Niu Zhengman glanced at Chunsheng before announcing, “I shall conduct this meeting. Jiang Ping, take the minutes.” Unchallenged, Niu Zhengman was accustomed to dominance. Yet today, Qian Fanghan countered, “I will conduct the meeting today. Mayor Niu has been quite fatigued lately.”

This was highly unusual in He Feng. Since his arrival, Qian Fanghan had never been assertive or cultivated a faction. He was a man preparing for his grave, having spent half a year announcing his imminent demise. His decision to conduct the meeting was unexpected.

Was this his final flourish? Even Chunsheng was puzzled. Was Qian Fanghan aligned with Niu Zhengman?

Niu Zhengman felt insulted. His usual dominance had been usurped without warning. He felt Qian Fanghan could have informed him earlier instead of this public affront.

Silence fell. The senators, anticipating Chunsheng’s downfall, now witnessed a clash between Qian Fanghan and Niu Zhengman.

Furious, Niu Zhengman clenched his fist, thinking, ‘Even in retirement, I won’t yield. My authority in He Feng demands absolute compliance!’

“Secretary Qian, conducting a meeting at your age is taxing. Perhaps you could point out any problems after the meeting?” Niu Zhengman offered with a smile.

Chunsheng hadn’t anticipated Qian Fanghan’s intervention as he prepared to confront Niu Zhengman. Qian Fanghan, seemingly oblivious to Niu Zhengman’s implication, responded slowly, “I’m the Head Secretary; are there truly that many problems? The citizens granted us our positions. Their choice implies my sufficiency. While Mayor Niu is capable, your vision isn’t as keen as the citizens’.”

Niu Zhengman’s anger morphed into alarm. Would a retiring secretary employ such sharp language?

Not only Niu Zhengman, but everyone else shuddered. They understood Niu Zhengman’s actions, but dared not speak. They realized they’d underestimated the old man; he was leagues above them.

“I support Secretary Qian Fanghan conducting this meeting,” Chunsheng reacted first, sensing something amiss. Qian Fanghan’s intervention as he prepared to confront Niu Zhengman felt too coincidental.

Niu Zhengman had a bad feeling. Chunsheng’s behavior struck him as peculiar. Chunsheng’s usual low profile stemmed from his precarious position. Why was he now supporting Qian Fanghan?

Niu Zhengman smiled, “Haha, since Old Qian isn’t afraid of fatigue, I’ll take a short break. This is the meeting’s agenda.”

He handed his documents to Qian Fanghan. His surprise wouldn’t deter his plans; he’d study Qian Fanghan later.

Qian Fanghan ignored Niu Zhengman, stating, “My recent workload has limited my Senate impact.” He refused the documents, adding, “We’ll discuss three matters: Luo Yue’s investment in He Feng and the recent scandal. The second topic…”

Niu Zhengman was again surprised. He’d planned only two; the first concerning Li Chunsheng’s entanglement with Luo Yue. How were there now three?