Chapter 32: Drawing Fire from Beneath the Cauldron

Early the next morning, the Poverty Alleviation Office was already bustling with people, all smiling brightly. Fangshui Township, the poorest corner of Anxing County, did not even have a proper bank branch. Moreover, many farmers were uneducated and elderly; most were unfamiliar with electronic payments or banking apps, often using their phones merely for calls. Thus, in distributing poverty relief subsidies, many impoverished areas still relied on the most traditional method: handing out cash directly.

At that moment, Lu Hao, director of the Poverty Alleviation Office, was absent from the scene. He had left early with Hong Haifeng in the township government’s van, heading to the chemical plant. Hong Haifeng oversaw crucial responsibilities like poverty alleviation, civil affairs, and production safety. He had evidently approved Lu Hao’s plan following a phone call the previous day.

Today, Hong Haifeng wanted to take Lu Hao to the chemical plant for two reasons: first, to help Lu Hao avoid some internal township government matters; second, to deepen his understanding of Fangshui Township’s current poverty situation. The chemical plant was located in a remote area near a river, notorious for its poor signal reception, making phone calls nearly impossible.

Inside the Poverty Alleviation Office, the atmosphere was festive, as if it were a New Year celebration with candy being handed out. Everyone was cheerful and loud, naturally drawing the attention of other township government departments. One by one, the money was distributed to the farmers’ households. Tang Chunyan took charge of the entire process, meticulously arranging the arrival times of each group.

Halfway through the distribution, Wang Shaojie burst into the office with a fierce demeanor, shouting at Tang Chunyan, who was in the midst of handing out funds: “Where is Lu Hao? Where is he now?”

Tang Chunyan, somewhat puzzled by Wang’s tone, replied, “Director Lu went with Mayor Hong to the chemical plant.”

“To the chemical plant? Then why can’t I get through to him on the phone?”

“The plant is near the river; the signal there is poor. Mayor Wang just arrived at Fangshui Township recently, so it’s understandable you don’t know.”

Wang Shaojie froze for a moment, his face turning cold. He snapped, “Tang Chunyan, stop distributing the money immediately. Who authorized you to do this? Was the township leadership consulted?”

Tang Chunyan sensed trouble but stuck to the explanation Lu Hao had given her: “Mayor Hong approved it long ago, and the distribution was scheduled for today. Is there something wrong with that?”

“Stop everything. Not a single cent is to be disbursed. Retrieve all the money already handed out. Do you understand?” Wang slammed his fist on the table.

“Mayor Wang, do you know how long it’s been since we last received poverty subsidies?” one of the farmers interjected.

“Come on, explain to us why this money can’t be given out. Isn’t it meant for us impoverished households?”

“We’re nearly starving, and now you want to take back the money already given. What kind of logic is that? Believe me, if you don’t give us answers, I’ll carry my mother to your office myself. Whether she lives or dies is then your responsibility.”

Before Tang Chunyan could respond, several impoverished farmers surrounded Wang Shaojie, their eyes blazing with anger. Wang, new to grassroots affairs, was startled by the outburst. These villagers showed no respect for him; anyone who dared to withhold their money would face fierce resistance. Cold sweat broke out on Wang’s forehead.

After several tense minutes, Tang Chunyan helped Wang extricate himself, and he left the office in embarrassment. Outside, he stormed into Li Haotian’s office with a scowl.

Meanwhile, Lu Hao and Hong Haifeng arrived at the Fangshui Township chemical plant. The factory covered nearly one hundred acres, producing chemical agents, pesticides, fertilizers, and pharmaceutical ingredients. It had numerous buildings and many workers, most of whom were local villagers.

The plant’s establishment had county approval, intended to create jobs for some Fangshui residents and boost fiscal revenue—a key poverty alleviation measure at the time. However, since its inception, management had been chaotic. Waste discharge and emissions failed to meet standards, causing severe environmental pollution. The nearby river was no longer clear, and air quality was poor.

Lu Hao coughed intermittently as he entered the area. The factory owner personally guided them through several buildings. Hong Haifeng offered many suggestions for remediation, demanding strict implementation.

The owner repeatedly assured them there were no problems and even accompanied them to their vehicle, offering cigarettes and liquor to be placed in the trunk—offers Hong Haifeng politely declined.

On the way back, Lu Hao couldn’t help but say, “Mayor Hong, I want to check the river near the chemical plant where the waste is discharged.”

Hong Haifeng hesitated briefly, then instructed the driver to turn toward the river behind the plant. A few minutes later, Lu Hao got out and approached the riverbank.

He saw a thick pipe emerging from underground at the factory, pouring a torrent of black waste directly into the river. Having seen such scenes on television during university, the real sight shocked him even more. The water was heavily polluted, emitting a foul stench.

“Mayor Hong, if this factory continues operating like this, the river and air in Fangshui Township will only worsen,” Lu Hao frowned.

He was certain the wastewater and emissions were substandard and likely untreated by any professional process.

“I know that all too well,” Hong Haifeng sighed. “I’ve raised the issue with Secretary Zhao and Mayor Li, urging them to shut down the plant. But their response has been limited to demanding rectifications. The factory relies on powerful backers. They agree in front of us but refuse to act behind our backs. You saw their attitude just now.”

As the township’s executive deputy mayor, Hong handled many affairs but lacked authority to enforce such a shutdown.

“Powerful backers?” Lu Hao was taken aback.

“Yes. Rumor has it that Mayor Li’s distant cousin holds shares in the factory. Of course, I only heard this secondhand; it might not be true,” Hong Haifeng smiled wryly.

Lu Hao furrowed his brow, realizing the situation was more complicated than it seemed.

“Let’s go have lunch first. We’ll return in the afternoon. I know your thoughts align with mine. Previously, only I cared about this matter in the township government. At least now there’s one more person. But we must proceed cautiously.”

Lu Hao nodded. Rushing to disturb someone else’s interests without understanding the full picture could spell serious trouble.

Around three o’clock in the afternoon, Lu Hao and Hong Haifeng returned to the Poverty Alleviation Office by van. As soon as they entered, Lu Hao asked Tang Chunyan, “Has all the money been distributed?”

“Just finished half an hour ago. As you predicted, Wang Shaojie came storming in, furious, ordering us to stop and retrieve the money. But several villagers surrounded him, and I think his legs nearly gave out,” Tang Chunyan said with a triumphant smile.

“Well done!” Lu Hao gave her a thumbs-up.

“By the way, Wang said you should head to Mayor Li’s office immediately after you return. He looked extremely displeased. I advised you to wait until tomorrow,” Tang Chunyan whispered.

“I’ll have to go. I can’t avoid it. But keep today’s matters quiet and maintain a low profile,” Lu Hao instructed before leaving.

He went upstairs and knocked on Li Haotian’s office door.

“Who is it? Come in,” Li’s irritated voice answered, revealing his foul mood.

Liu Ruyan had handled many projects in Fangshui Township—poverty alleviation and regular construction projects. Whenever the township government allocated funds, Liu’s side always ensured he received his share. However, the township’s finances were nearly depleted, forcing them to divert money from poverty relief funds.

Li Haotian had expected Lu Hao to comply quietly. Instead, Lu Hao had preemptively undermined his plans, provoking Li’s fury.