Zhu Xingwang's reputation as a model of integrity in later generations, earning him the title of an upright official in his time, was not built on accepting bribes.
If he goes empty-handed and handles things strictly according to the rules, things might go more smoothly.
Those who brought valuable gifts to bribe Zhu Xingwang will likely be disappointed.
Sure enough, despite the crowd's eager flattery, the young man, who had just walked out of the county discipline inspection commission's gate wearing a patched suit, refused to accept any gifts from anyone.
His resolute, dark face was so serious that it inspired awe.
What are you doing?
He glanced at the crowd that had gathered around him and shouted, "If you have something to do, go to the relevant department directly. What do you mean by handing me these things? Are you trying to put me in a bad position?"
In an instant, all the enthusiasm on their faces froze.
What's going on here?
In this day and age, if you want to get things done by people in the system, don't you have to show some "sincerity"?
They believed they were "full of sincerity," so why did Zhu Xingwang react this way?
Could it be that this is the entrance to the county discipline inspection commission, and they are afraid of leaving any evidence against them, so they are deliberately putting on an upright and incorruptible act?
Yes, that must be it!
The people weren't stupid; they quickly and similarly came to the same conclusion.
So, instead of continuing to force gifts on them, the people left one after another.
But before leaving, they subtly approached Zhu Xingwang and whispered something to him, their faces full of fawning smiles.
Or perhaps, she would cast suggestive glances at Zhu Xingwang, or even intentionally or unintentionally mention the gift box in her hand.
but,
Zhu Xingwang ignored all the subtle hints from this group.
His attitude remained firm as always: "If you have any issues, go to the relevant department to handle them. I'm off work now, so don't bother me!"
After saying that, he pushed through the crowd and walked straight to a corner not far away.
No one dared to follow.
After all, Zhu Xingwang was so impartial and incorruptible that people would have to consider his attitude before asking him for favors.
Since the other party doesn't want a gift and hasn't accepted any invitations, we'll have to find another way.
Perhaps, after the other party leaves the county discipline inspection commission building, we can find a secluded place to extend the invitation.
Alternatively, they might find someone to pull strings and offer bribes privately.
Only Wang Qian remained on the sidelines, watching the whole time.
Zhu Xingwang's integrity and incorruptibility will indeed serve as a model for future generations, and bribing him would certainly not be an option.
But even without bribery, it's still difficult to get in touch.
Just as Zhu Xingwang just said, if there's anything, contact the relevant department to handle it.
It's not that if he doesn't bring a gift, the other party will treat him differently.
That's why he asked Yang Shenglong to help him put on a show.
Soon, everyone dispersed and went off to make their own preparations.
As for Zhu Xingwang, he walked to a corner and came out pushing an old bicycle.
He pushed the bike to a spacious spot, mounted it, and rode off, completely ignoring the astonished looks from everyone.
Wang Qian didn't chase after them, because the real show was just beginning.
"Director Zhu, please wait a moment!"
Zhu Xingwang had only ridden his bicycle a short distance when a burly young man suddenly darted out from the roadside and blocked his way.
What are you doing?
Zhu Xingwang was startled and quickly braked his bicycle.
"Director Zhu, I have been wronged beyond belief. Please help me seek justice!"
As he said this, the young man also presented a very inexpensive gift box.
It was a box of candy, bought for two yuan.
It was the complete opposite of the expensive gifts brought by others.
The gifts brought by others were either various fine wines or expensive cigarettes, etc.
Even the cheapest ones cost at least fifty yuan or more.
It's easy to imagine how shabby the box of candy the young man was.
The young man, in particular, was wearing a tattered cotton-padded jacket, and anyone could tell at a glance that he was poor.
"I don't want the gift!"
Zhu Xingwang's face remained cold. "If you have any grievances, come back tomorrow to explain. I'm off work now and need to go home. Get out of my way!"
"Director Zhu, I'm begging you!"
The young man blocked the bicycle and pleaded, "Only you can stand up for me now. If you don't help, I'll just have to accept my fate!"
"you……"
Before Zhu Xingwang could say anything more, Wang Qian, who was already prepared, rushed forward and pulled the young man aside. "Yang Shenglong, what are you doing? Get out of the way and don't bump into Director Zhu!"
"Xiao Qian?"
The young man looked belatedly surprised and asked, "Why are you here too?"
"Stop asking questions. Let Director Zhu leave first. Although our grievance is urgent, he has already left work and we can't disturb him any further!"
At this point, Wang Qian snatched the box of candy from the young man's hand again. "What are you doing? Are you trying to bribe Director Zhu?"
"I……"
The young man was speechless.
This young man was Yang Shenglong.
The worn-out cotton-padded jacket he was wearing was one that Wang Qian had specifically asked him to wear before they came here.
As for the box of candy in his hand that cost two yuan, it was also something Wang Qian asked him to buy.
"Director Zhu, I'm so sorry for offending you just now!"
While pulling Yang Shenglong aside, Wang Qian cast an apologetic glance at Zhu Xingwang.
Zhu Xingwang frowned slightly, but a hint of curiosity also appeared in his eyes.
Yang Shenglong exchanged a glance with Wang Qian, then broke free from Wang Qian's grasp and rushed back to Zhu Xingwang's bicycle. "Director Zhu, we have been wronged beyond belief! Please help us!"
"Yang Shenglong, didn't you hear me?"
Wang Qian forcibly pulled Yang Shenglong back again, saying, "It's already after get off work, we can't take up Director Zhu's rest time."
Because of the force applied, it tore Yang Shenglong's already worn-out cotton-padded coat with a "ripping" sound.
But Yang Shenglong didn't care about any of that. He said indignantly, "If we don't ask Director Zhu to help us seek justice today, where are we going to find 12,000 yuan to pay the fine?"
"We'll have to wait until Director Zhu comes to work tomorrow to discuss that!"
Wang Qian slammed the box of candy on the ground and kicked it to the side of the road. He said fiercely to Yang Shenglong, "Director Zhu is a well-known honest official. You actually want to bribe him with something like this? You're simply out of your mind!"
"But if I don't bring some gifts, I'm afraid Director Zhu won't help me get justice!"
Yang Shenglong said awkwardly, "Besides, this is all I can buy, I really..."
"Enough!"
Before he could finish speaking, Wang Qian forcibly dragged him away. "We can't afford to offend that person. Let's not drag Director Zhu into this or cause him any trouble. You come with me now and don't cause any trouble here!"
"But……"
Yang Shenglong wanted to say something more, but Wang Qian interrupted him again, "Stop talking. Let's just admit defeat this time. What can we do when we have no power or influence?"
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