Chapter Fifteen: You May Leave, But He... Cannot!

Secretly Taking Liu Dehai Away!

Ye Yuan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Not for himself, but even if just to protect the people of this land, the malignant tumor that was Liu Dehai must be eradicated!

“It seems Liu Dehai’s superiors are quite powerful,” Ye Yuan murmured.

“Sigh...” Xiao Bo sighed deeply, guilt etched across his face. “Old hero, it’s all my fault. If I had dealt with him sooner, none of this would have happened.”

But upon hearing this, Ye Yuan abruptly turned his gaze toward Xiao Bo. “Commander Xiao, you are a soldier. Military orders and discipline weigh heavier than Mount Tai. How can you say such irresponsible things?”

“If everyone disregarded the rules, what kind of world would this become? Isn’t that just losing the greater for the lesser?”

Xiao Bo’s body stiffened, instinctively straightening his posture.

For some reason, in this very moment, he felt as if he were still a lowly soldier seeing his commander for the first time.

“Yes, I understand!” Xiao Bo said firmly, then quickly added, “Old hero, let’s hurry over. If Liu Dehai has truly been taken away, something terrible could happen!”

“Let’s go,” Ye Yuan nodded.

...

Outside the Hehe County Detention Center, two groups faced off.

Though both wore identical uniforms, their distinction was clear as day.

A military vehicle approached from afar and came to a halt.

The door opened.

Ye Yuan, Ye Yan’an, Xiao Bo, and others stepped out.

“What do you mean by this, Commander Xiao?” A man wearing a lieutenant general’s insignia, named Bai Meijian, addressed Xiao Bo sharply. “This man is involved in a major case in our province. I’ve been ordered to take him away for investigation. Why are your people blocking me?”

“Major case in your province?” Xiao Bo sneered coldly. “Bai Meijian, you know better than I do why you’re taking him. Besides, this man is also involved in a case I’m handling. He is not going anywhere.”

Bai Meijian’s expression hardened. “Commander Xiao, are you trying to pick a fight with me? I’m telling you, this matter was personally ordered by Old Zhao. If you have grievances, take them to Old Zhao—not me!”

Old Zhao?

Ye Yuan was momentarily stunned.

Is this the powerful figure who pressured Xiao Bo with a phone call yesterday?

He pondered silently.

Back then, he didn’t even know anyone by the name Zhao.

“Don’t drag Old Zhao into this!” Xiao Bo remained unmoved, speaking with unwavering resolve. “Here’s the bottom line: this man is not going anywhere. If Old Zhao objects, then let Old Zhao come talk to me! Whether it means reassignment or dismissal, I’m ready to accept it!”

“But as long as I, Xiao Bo, remain the head of this provincial military district, I must take full responsibility for this matter!”

“You—!” Bai Meijian was furious.

He knew Xiao Bo’s stubbornness all too well.

That was why he came quietly to Hehe County, hoping to secretly take Liu Dehai away, only to be caught red-handed by Xiao Bo’s careful preparations.

“Old Bai,” Liu Ping stepped forward and looked at Bai Meijian softly, “I advise you not to get involved. This Old Ye is a veteran of the War of Resistance, and his identity is strictly confidential. My request to access his files hasn’t even been approved yet.”

Bai Meijian was momentarily taken aback, then looked at Ye Yuan with newfound respect. Yet he gritted his teeth and said, “I am merely following orders. Anything else is none of my concern.”

“Commander Xiao, there’s no need to make things difficult for Commander Bai,” Ye Yuan suddenly spoke.

Xiao Bo was stunned, unable to believe Ye Yuan had actually given in.

Quickly, he said, “Old hero! Don’t be afraid of him! I’m here, and he won’t be able to cause trouble while I’m around!”

Ye Yuan shook his head gently. “I’m telling you not to trouble him. Let Commander Bai and his men leave, but Liu Dehai must stay.”

Bai Meijian took a deep breath and then gestured to the side.

A young soldier immediately handed over a document.

“Since we can’t reach an agreement, let’s handle this officially,” Bai Meijian said coolly. “Commander Xiao, this is an official transfer warrant personally issued from above. Are you saying you don’t recognize it?”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Bo’s expression darkened.

Bai Meijian had come prepared, holding the transfer warrant for Liu Dehai.

Although Liu Dehai’s crimes were now clear, no formal case had been filed. It was only through Bai Meijian’s authority that Liu Dehai had been placed in the detention center yesterday.

If he had known this would happen, he should have had the Public Security Bureau file the case immediately!

One misstep leads to many more!

Seeing Xiao Bo fall silent, Bai Meijian smiled triumphantly. “What? Still going to stop me from taking him away? I have all the paperwork. Taking a prisoner is my duty.”

“You said he’s involved in a case from your province. What case? Is there any related documentation?”

“Don’t get cocky...” Xiao Bo inhaled sharply, “I…”

He was about to speak when Liu Ping interrupted, “Commander Xiao, don’t act rashly! We... aren’t in the right here.”

The last three words were uttered with great difficulty.

The other side was prepared, while they had nothing ready.

Then Liu Ping looked at Bai Meijian, still making a last-ditch effort.

“Old Bai, we just placed him in custody. The major case hasn’t been transferred to the local authorities yet. Your cross-provincial transfer with that warrant is against regulations.”

“No choice. The situation is urgent and requires special measures. Since you have no other objections, I’ll be taking him,” Bai Meijian said proudly.

Xiao Bo trembled, overwhelmed by guilt.

Yesterday, he had promised Ye Yuan he would provide an explanation for this matter.

But now, all he could do was watch helplessly as Bai Meijian took Liu Dehai away.

Once Liu Dehai slipped beyond their control, capturing him again would be nearly impossible.

“Let’s go!” Bai Meijian smiled triumphantly and began to lead his team away.

But then—

A figure blocked his path.

Bai Meijian froze, realizing it was Ye Yuan standing before him.

“Old hero, what do you mean by this?” Bai Meijian said respectfully, genuinely honoring this veteran of the War of Resistance. “I’m only taking him for investigation. Once the case is over, he will be released.”

“I told you, you may leave, but he...” Ye Yuan raised his hand, pointing firmly at Liu Dehai. “...cannot go.”

He took a deep breath. “Commander Bai, I respect your actions, but if this procedure becomes a tool to shield criminals and trample justice, then the procedure itself is illegal.”

“The crimes Liu Dehai committed must be judged here, in front of the victims and the villagers.”

“Old hero, don’t make a fuss,” Bai Meijian’s brow furrowed.

Liu Dehai, seeing the danger slipping away only to be suddenly thwarted, grew anxious. “Old hero, what are you doing? Commander Bai’s actions are lawful and proper. Why don’t you step aside? If you get hurt, whose fault will it be?”

Seeing Ye Yuan refuse to yield, Bai Meijian gritted his teeth and shouted, “Escort this old hero aside!”

Before the words had even fully left his mouth, a voice, slightly aged, rang out.

“Xiao Bai, the higher your rank, the greater your arrogance seems to become.”