Nominal: Intercepting Zhong Xiaoai, Dominating Handong

Upon returning to the county committee, Sun Zhengping immediately reported to Pei Yihong by phone.

After listening, Pei Yihong remained silent for a long time before saying, "Handle this according to the law and regulations. No matter who is involved, investigate thoroughly. Also, is Comrade Mingyuan here?"

Gu Mingyuan answered the phone: "Secretary Pei, I'm here."

"Mingyuan, the situation is more serious than we thought."

"You need to stabilize the situation, resolutely fight corruption, and ensure the normal operation of all tasks. Are there any difficulties?"

"There are difficulties, but we can overcome them," Gu Mingyuan said firmly.

"I have arranged for two special teams to operate in parallel. The anti-corruption team will be led by Secretary Sun, and I will personally oversee the development team."

"Liping's development will not be halted by the anti-corruption campaign."

"Good! It's good that you have this sense of responsibility," Pei Yihong said with satisfaction.

"Remember, the fight against corruption is for better development."

"Only by eliminating the pests can we move forward with a lighter load."

"I see!"

That afternoon, Director Li of the County Transportation Bureau and Wang Ping, the deputy county head in charge of transportation, were taken away by the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection for investigation.

County Party Secretary Gu Mingyuan personally oversaw the emergency meeting of the Standing Committee.

"Comrades, you all know what happened today." Gu Mingyuan said with a stern expression.

"Li Weiguo, Wang Ping, and Qiu Mu are suspected of serious violations of discipline and law and are currently under investigation."

"What does this show? It shows that our anti-corruption campaign is serious, and that the corruption problem in Liping must be completely eradicated!"

The Standing Committee members all looked solemn.

No one expected that the anti-corruption campaign would so quickly strike the deputy county head and the secretary of the discipline inspection commission.

"I know some people might be thinking, is the investigation too harsh? Is it affecting stability?" Gu Mingyuan looked around the room.

"I'm telling you all, not investigating is the biggest harm we can do to Liping!"

"If these parasites remain in their positions, there is no hope for the development of Liping, and the people of Liping will not stand for it!"

He stood up and said, "From now on, the deputy secretary will temporarily preside over the work of the county discipline inspection commission. The first deputy director will preside over the work of the transportation bureau. All departments must remain at their posts to ensure uninterrupted work and maintain order."

"At the same time, I announced the establishment of a special task force for economic and social development in Liping County, with myself as the team leader, responsible for development, projects, and people's livelihood."

"We must be resolute in fighting corruption, but we cannot stop development."

"We must prove with tangible results that the fight against corruption will only lead to a better future for Liping!"

After the meeting, Gu Mingyuan returned to his office and leaned wearily against his chair.

Three important officials were investigated in one day, including the secretary of the discipline inspection commission.

The shock this caused to Liping was unimaginable.

But once the arrow is released, there's no turning back; once you've started, you have to see it through to the end.

The phone rang; it was Zhong Xiaoai.

"Mingyuan, I heard something big happened in the county?" Zhong Xiaoai's voice was full of worry.

"Yes, we arrested a few corrupt officials," Gu Mingyuan said casually.

"Are you alright? Are you under a lot of stress?"

"It's alright, I can manage." Gu Mingyuan didn't want his wife to worry.

"Xiao Ai, I'll probably be even busier during this time, so the family will be relying on you."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of things at home," Zhong Xiaoai said gently.

"But Mingyuan, you need to be careful. Fighting corruption will offend people, and I'm afraid someone might do something desperate."

"I know, I'll be careful." Gu Mingyuan felt a warmth in his heart.

"By the way, where's Pengpeng?"

"He's playing with building blocks. I think he's trying to build a big house," Zhong Xiaoai laughed.

After hanging up the phone, Gu Mingyuan looked at the family photo of the three of them on the table, and his heart was filled with tenderness.

His family is both the driving force behind his struggles and his haven of rest.

No matter how tired or difficult things get, the thought of his wife and son gives him the strength to keep going.

On October 28th, the news spread, causing shock in Liping.

The people applauded, while the officials were all on edge.

Gu Mingyuan received several phone calls pleading for his life, from senior city officials and people with connections in the province, but he politely declined them all.

"Secretary Wang, it's not that I'm being unreasonable, it's that the law doesn't tolerate favoritism."

"Director Li, if I make an exception for one person today, ten people will come to me tomorrow. There are no exceptions in the fight against corruption, please understand."

The attitude was firm and left no room for compromise.

Some people cursed him behind his back, saying he was heartless and ruthless, while others said he was young and impetuous.

Gu Mingyuan didn't care.

He publicly stated at a cadre meeting: "Some people say that I am young and impetuous and do not understand human relationships."

"Then let me tell you all, showing leniency to corrupt officials is a crime against the people!"

"I'm going to be this arrogant to the very end!"

On October 29, the investigation by the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection made a breakthrough.

Wang Dayou's confession implicated more people, including the heads of two townships and three county-level departments.

A corruption network centered around engineering projects gradually came to light.

Sun Zhengping briefed Gu Mingyuan on the situation: "Secretary Gu, preliminary investigations have revealed that this corruption network has existed for more than three years. They have embezzled state funds by falsifying project quantities, designating suppliers, and engaging in irregular bidding processes. The amount involved may exceed five million yuan."

"Five million yuan!" Gu Mingyuan gasped.

"How much is Liping's annual general public budget revenue? These parasites!"

"What's more serious is that they've formed a community of shared interests," Sun Zhengping said gravely.

"Qiu Mu, as the secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission, not only failed to investigate and punish them, but also participated in the scheme and provided them with protection. This is a typical case of embezzlement by someone in charge!"

"Secretary Sun, what's the next step?"

"Continue to dig deeper and expand our gains," Sun Zhengping said decisively.

"I have reported this to Secretary Pei and suggested that stricter measures be taken against those responsible."

"Secretary Gu, you may need to be prepared, this anti-corruption campaign will be very intense."

"I was prepared." Gu Mingyuan's gaze was firm.

"No matter how many people are involved, no matter how high their rank, we will investigate to the end!"

On October 30th, Gu Mingyuan decided to go to Yunwu Township—both to inspect the work and to relax.

The pressure of fighting corruption is too great; he needs to go among the people and listen to their true voices.

The car traveled smoothly and quickly on the newly built highway.

Three months ago, this road was a bumpy dirt road, but now it is a smooth asphalt road.

Grandpa Wang was picking tea leaves in the tea garden when he saw Gu Mingyuan and greeted him from afar, "Secretary Gu! You're here again!"

"Grandpa, how are the tea leaves growing?" Gu Mingyuan walked over.

"Great! This year is a bumper harvest," Grandpa Wang said with a smile.

"Secretary Gu, I heard that the county has arrested quite a few corrupt officials?"

Gu Mingyuan nodded: "We caught a few parasites who were harming the people."

"Well done!" Grandpa Wang gave a thumbs up.

"Those officials who don't think about serving the people but only about how to make money should be arrested!"

He held Gu Mingyuan's hand: "Secretary Gu, you are a good official. We ordinary people all support you!"

Several tea farmers nearby also gathered around, chattering amongst themselves:

"Yes, Secretary Gu, since you came, the road has been repaired, the tea has been sold, and our lives have become much better."

"Those corrupt officials, eating the government's food while harming the people, should have been arrested long ago!"

"Secretary Gu, don't be afraid of offending people. We, the common people, will back you up!"