Chapter 1123 - 1123

Before Dirk Carter arrived in Silverwood City.

The State Commission for Discipline Inspection had no significant presence, as we've mentioned before.

After Dirk came, he first used powerful means to take down Griffith Payne. Then, Executive Deputy Mayor Astrid had an incident, and up until now, the position has remained vacant.

The storm hasn't passed for long.

Another heavyweight official at the state level, Frederick Eames, was arrested, causing a sensation comparable to a political earthquake in Silverwood City.

Dirk Carter had just taken his seat.

Hadley Thorne and Colter Hall entered almost at the same time.

This situation had never occurred before.

After all, the struggle between the two factions was intense.

Perhaps, it was Dirk Carter's assertiveness that prompted the two to begin aligning with each other.

"Comrade Preston from the Military Division can't attend due to an issue, so let's start the meeting. Before we begin, we have a leader participating at the side today. Please stand and welcome Vice Chairman Jason Hall from the State Political Consultative Conference."

After everyone returned to their seats.

Hadley Thorne did not sit down immediately.

Instead, he gave an introduction.

All standing committee members immediately stood up.

Amidst grand applause, Jason Hall slowly walked in, wearing a smile tinged with a hint of aloofness.

Hadley Thorne immediately gave up his chief seat.

Jason Hall waved his hand, saying, "I'm here just as a sideline participant. The specific meeting is for your team to conduct. I'll just sit on the side."

After speaking.

He took the initiative and sat down on a chair in the corner.

Although he said he was just listening in.

His presence as a leader exerted pressure on others.

Everyone present was well-versed in these old political routines.

In Silverwood City's political scene, everyone knew about the relationship between Frederick Eames and Jason Hall. Even without saying it explicitly, Jason Hall's stance was all too clear.

"Alright, let's start the meeting. Today there is only one agenda item, which is regarding Frederick Eames being taken away by the Discipline Commission. Comrade Dirk Carter, regarding this matter, shouldn't you provide the standing committee with an explanation?"

As the meeting began.

Hadley Thorne immediately launched an attack.

Pay attention to the wording.

He did not say "report" but "explain."

Clearly, there was a tendency to hold someone accountable.

Dirk Carter certainly understood that this standing committee meeting targeted him.

He did not intend to avoid it.

He slowly stood up.

He said, "Then let me give you a detailed briefing on the case."

"Comrade Dirk Carter, I think you might be mistaken. Whatever the case is, it's a matter for your Discipline Commission. Secretary Thorne just said you need to give an explanation. Frederick Eames is a member of the City Committee and the top official in Riverwood District. Did you detain him with the City's consent? Have you considered the impact of this matter?"

Dirk hadn't finished speaking.

Colter Hall tapped the table, saying sternly.

The consecutive questioning from the top two officials.

Made Jason Hall smile smugly on the side.

In his view, he still had power.

Recalling Dirk Carter's arrogance in front of the unfinished building, this suppression made him feel quite satisfied.

If it weren't for the public forum, he'd certainly point at Dirk Carter and ask, "Aren't you really impressive? Come on! Show me how impressive you can be!"

Indeed.

Political scenes progress through their own processes.

Even if Dirk Carter was the head of the State Commission for Discipline Inspection.

To move below-ranked personnel also needed the Party Committee's approval.

Otherwise, he would be accused of disregarding superiors.

This accusation.

No matter how strong, cannot be withstood.

"Ahem..."

At this moment.

Lane Quincy suddenly cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention.

He sat upright.

He said, "Secretary Thorne, Mayor Hall, this matter isn't Comrade Dirk Carter's fault. If blame is assigned, blame me. It was an urgent situation back then. Comrade Dirk Carter asked me to report to both of you leaders. I was careless and forgot Dirk Carter's instructions. I'll take responsibility for my actions, no matter what political consequences it brings. I, Lane Quincy, am willing to bear them."

All at once.

Everyone was stunned.

They couldn't make sense of it.

Lane Quincy was previously the foremost adversary of Dirk Carter.

It was due to Dirk Carter that he was investigated by the State Commission for a long time.

He should have been the person who detested Dirk Carter the most.

Why did he suddenly stand up for him now?

Lane Quincy was seasoned enough.

He wasn't fazed by such challenges.

Jason Hall became slightly anxious seeing the situation.

And cautioned, "Comrade Lane Quincy, such jokes aren't acceptable. If what you said is true, then it constitutes negligence, for which you'd be disciplined."

Lane Quincy seemed indifferent.

He said, "I've already been disciplined. One more doesn't matter. I've said it, and I'll stand by my words, regardless of the consequences."

With this simple statement.

The mood shifted noticeably.

Hadley Thorne and Colter Hall, who had prepared thoroughly for questioning before arriving, were suddenly at a loss for words.

They exchanged glances.

Both felt a sense of dismay.

The worst-case scenario had emerged.

Dirk Carter had allies in Silverwood City.

And that ally was unexpectedly Lane Quincy.

After a brief silence.

Hadley Thorne looked over to Jason Hall in the corner.

For a moment, unsure of what to do.

Just as Jason Hall was about to speak, Dirk Carter suddenly asked, "Secretary Thorne, Mayor Hall, is today's standing committee meeting meant to discuss Frederick Eames' issue?"

"Uh..."

Hadley Thorne hesitated.

Unsaid words lingered.

Dirk Carter continued, "According to the Discipline Commission's rules, during case discussions, relatives and friends with conflicting interests must recuse themselves. As far as I know, Vice Chairman Hall is Frederick Eames' brother-in-law and should be on the recusal list. If the meeting is about Frederick Eames, then Vice Chairman Hall should not be present."

After saying this.

He turned towards Jason Hall.

He said, "Vice Chairman Hall, you're a provincial leader, surely you are aware of the basic work principles?"

Jason Hall was at a loss for words.

If he acknowledged his awareness, he would have to leave sensibly.

If he claimed ignorance, it would be self-denigrating, proving his incompetence as a provincial leader.

He initially thought this meeting would be an extensive pressure exertion assembly against Dirk Carter.

But Dirk already had strategies in place.

First by redirecting conflict through Lane Quincy.

Then trapping him within procedural norms.

Now it turned the tables, making him caught in a dilemma.

As Jason Hall blushed.

Struggling to respond.

Dirk Carter suddenly chuckled and said, "Vice Chairman Hall, I was joking. You're a leader, surely you wouldn't overlook such regulations. You risked violating codes to attend this meeting, surely with the intent of promoting justice over kinship? I propose we all applaud Vice Chairman Hall, commending the selflessness of leaders like him in Novaria State!"