Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

"Do these people still care about the people? Do they still have any humanity left?"

"And what nonsense are you spouting!"

What does it mean for cadres to have low salaries and live in poverty?

"How could those cadres who have guaranteed incomes regardless of drought or flood possibly have financial difficulties?"

"If they are all struggling, how can ordinary people survive?"

"Damn it, these corrupt officials are nothing but beasts!"

After hearing what he said, Qiu Mu didn't dare to utter a sound.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself: "Secretary Qiu, I don't care what the atmosphere was like in Liping before, but from now on, it must change!"

"The organization and the people entrusted Liping to us not so that we could become officials or lords, much less so so that we could reap personal benefits!"

Qiu Mu lowered his head, not daring to speak.

Gu Mingyuan sat down again, his tone softening somewhat, but still firm: "I know you may have concerns."

"I'm afraid of offending people, afraid of affecting unity, and afraid that no one will do the work."

"But can these concerns justify condoning corruption?"

"No! If we let a small problem go unchecked today, it will lead to a big problem tomorrow."

"If we let one corrupt official go free today, there will be ten, a hundred tomorrow!"

He picked up the top document: "This deputy mayor of Qingshi Township falsely reported poverty alleviation projects and embezzled 50,000 yuan of national funds."

"Fifty thousand yuan may not be much to some people, but for impoverished families in the mountains, it represents several years' worth of living expenses!"

"These kinds of people are already stealing from ordinary people, and we're still here discussing their work performance?"

Qiu Mu's face turned bright red: "Secretary Gu, I...I was wrong."

"You're not wrong, you've forgotten your responsibilities!" Gu Mingyuan stood up.

"The Discipline Inspection Commission is the organization's discipline force and a sharp sword against corruption."

"If even you are timid and hesitant, how can the political environment in Liping be purified?"

How can we regain the people's trust?

He walked up to Qiu Mu and said in a deep voice, "I'm giving you three days to review all the whistleblower materials, file cases where necessary, and investigate where required."

"I want to hear a detailed report in three days."

"If you still can't come up with a decent plan by then, I'll recommend to the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection that the candidate for Secretary of the Commission for Discipline Inspection be changed!"

"If you can't do it, let someone who can do it do it!"

Qiu Mu trembled: "Yes, Secretary Gu, I'll take care of it right away!"

Watching Qiu Mu's hurried departure, Gu Mingyuan felt heavy-hearted.

He hadn't expected the corruption in Liping to have reached this level, and he certainly hadn't expected the secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission to have such an attitude.

This Qiu Mu, I'm afraid, also has problems.

Any problem must be eliminated; this is a matter of principle!

Zhong Xiaoai pushed the door open and came in. Seeing his pale face, she asked softly, "What's wrong? Did you have a bad talk with Secretary Qiu?"

Gu Mingyuan briefly explained the situation, and Zhong Xiaoai frowned as well: "How could Qiu Mu think like that?"

"He's not the only one who thinks this way; it represents a trend." Gu Mingyuan walked to the window.

"Why is Liping poor? Besides natural conditions, problems with the cadre team are also a major reason."

"Some people don't think about how to develop the economy and improve people's livelihoods; they spend all their time thinking about how to gain personal benefits."

"If this trend is not reversed, Liping will never develop."

"What are you planning to do?"

"Fight corruption!" Gu Mingyuan said resolutely.

"Let's start now, starting with these whistleblower letters."

"No matter who is involved, we will investigate to the end!"

Zhong Xiaoai said worriedly, "Won't this create too much resistance? You've just become the Party Secretary, and your position isn't stable yet."

"It's precisely because I've just become the Party Secretary that I need to start this first thing." Gu Mingyuan's gaze was firm.

"If I don't even dare to fight corruption, what's the point of being the Party Secretary? I might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes!"

"I refuse to believe I can't deal with these beasts!"

He picked up the phone and called Pei Yihong.

After the call was connected, Gu Mingyuan gave a detailed report on the situation and his determination to fight corruption.

After listening, Pei Yihong remained silent for a moment, then solemnly said, "Mingyuan, I support you."

"Fighting corruption and promoting integrity is a requirement repeatedly emphasized by the higher authorities, and it is also what the people want."

"It's a good thing that the problems in Liping were discovered and resolved early."

"However, you must pay attention to your approach; you must be resolute yet prudent."

"If you encounter any difficulties, feel free to report them to me. The Municipal Committee will be your strong support!"

With Pei Yihong's support, Gu Mingyuan became even more confident.

The following morning, Gu Mingyuan presided over an enlarged meeting of the Standing Committee of the County Party Committee, which was attended by all township secretaries and principal leaders of county departments.

The meeting room was packed, and the atmosphere was unusually heavy.

Gu Mingyuan got straight to the point: "Today's meeting has only one topic—anti-corruption. I have a stack of whistleblower materials in my hand, involving multiple townships and departments. The problems are shocking and extremely serious."

He surveyed the room, his voice firm and resolute: "I want to make it clear here that the Liping County Party Committee has zero tolerance for corruption!"

"No matter who is involved, no matter their background, we will investigate thoroughly and show absolutely no leniency!"

The room was completely silent; some people bowed their heads, while others wiped their sweat.

Gu Mingyuan continued, "I know that some comrades may think that a new broom sweeps clean, and this fire will burn for a while and then pass."

"Then let me tell you, this fire must not only burn, but it must burn brightly and thoroughly!"

"If I don't purify the political environment of Liping, I, Gu Mingyuan, am not fit to be the county party secretary!"

"If I can't do it, I'll quit!"

He announced the establishment of the Liping County Anti-Corruption Leading Group, with himself serving as the group leader, and Qiu Mu, the secretary of the county discipline inspection commission, the head of the county organization department, and the director of the public security bureau serving as deputy group leaders.

"Starting today, all members of the Discipline Inspection Commission and the Supervision Bureau will be mobilized to verify each reported tip-off."

"Public security, auditing, and finance departments are fully cooperating."

"At the same time, we have set up a mailbox and hotline to encourage public supervision and reporting."

He paused, then his tone became even sterner: "I want to emphasize one point in particular: no unit or individual may obstruct the investigation or make any requests or requests on behalf of others."

"Anyone who dares to engage in any underhanded tactics at this time will be dealt with severely!"

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan kept the heads of several key departments behind.

"Secretary Qiu, three days have passed. Where's your proposal?"

Qiu Mu quickly handed over the materials: "Secretary Gu, as per your request, we have re-examined all the clues and formulated a detailed investigation plan."

"This is a preliminary list, involving seven section-level cadres and fifteen sub-section-level cadres."

Gu Mingyuan read it carefully and nodded: "Okay, let's proceed with this plan. But I want to remind you, don't just focus on the case at hand, but dig deep into the root cause."

"Why did these people dare to take bribes? What loopholes exist in the system? What deficiencies exist in oversight? These questions need to be clarified."

"Yes, I understand."

Gu Mingyuan then looked at the police chief: "Old Zhao, when the Discipline Inspection Commission needs your cooperation in handling cases, you must provide full support. If it involves illegal or criminal activities, you must intervene promptly."

"Secretary Gu, rest assured, the public security system will resolutely obey the leadership of the county party committee!"

In the following days, undercurrents were swirling in the political arena of Liping.