Official excuse: I've put you on patrol in Handong, and the whole province is in a panic.

Looking at Su Zhe, Old Sun's eyes were filled with complex emotions—gratitude, remembrance, and guilt: "Comrade Su Dong was a hero... You could say he saved my life. This matter has always been buried in my heart. Later, when I learned that he had a son like you, I always wanted to find an opportunity to see you and see how you were doing."

Old Sun continued, "However, when I contacted your grandfather, his attitude was very clear. He was grateful that I still remembered Su Dong, but he didn't want me to get involved in your life too early."

He said, "You are a child of the Su family; you must walk your own path. You cannot live in your father's shadow or under my care. He worried that if I met you too early, it would be too late and disrupt your normal development. I respect your grandfather's opinion; he was a respectable old revolutionary, with integrity and foresight."

Su Zhe's heart was filled with turmoil. He finally understood why his grandfather would often stare at his father's photo in a daze, but never talked about the details of his father's sacrifice.

Grandpa hoped that he could make a name for himself.

Old Sun's tone turned to one of relief: "Over the years, I have actually been keeping track of your situation."

Seeing you join the army and perform outstandingly; seeing you selected to be stationed abroad and remain calm and capable; seeing you join the Discipline Inspection Commission after your discharge and diligently handle cases, step by step relying on your own abilities to reach the position of a full-fledged division chief.

You're only twenty-eight years old this year. Reaching this level at this age is truly remarkable, proving your own abilities and showing that your grandfather's insistence back then was right! You've matured now and are quite capable, so I think it's time to meet you in person to express my gratitude and to see Comrade Su Dong's good son!

Su Zhe was overwhelmed with emotion and didn't know what to say for a moment. After gathering his thoughts, he said sincerely, "Old Sun, you're too kind. Protecting you was my father's duty; he fulfilled his duty as a soldier. As his son, I was just doing what I was supposed to do. You don't need to keep it to yourself."

Old Sun nodded with satisfaction: "Good, good. Not arrogant or impatient, responsible, just like your father! I'm seeing you today for two reasons. First, to fulfill a wish of mine and thank you in person for saving my grandson, which is also a way to comfort your father's spirit in heaven. Second, there is indeed a work-related matter I'd like to hear your thoughts on."

Su Zhe immediately composed himself, knowing that the main topic was about to be discussed: "Please speak, Elder Sun."

Old Master Sun sat up straight, regaining his leader's demeanor, and said, "It is like this, the central government has decided to send the fifth inspection team to conduct a routine inspection of Handong Province in the near future."

The situation in Handong Province is somewhat complicated. While its economy is developing rapidly, it also has many legacy issues and potential risks.

When the inspection team leader, Comrade Xu Ming, reported to me, he expressed his hope that I could assign him a comrade with rich experience in handling cases and strong abilities to join the inspection team.

As you know, the inspection team cannot directly participate in case handling, at least not openly!

Xu Ming hopes I can help him find a colleague with strong case-handling skills!

Overt inspections will continue as usual, but covertly, some detentions or even direct case-handling may need to be carried out simultaneously!

After all, some problems, if reported through the usual channels or handed over to local authorities, might cause delays or even alert the perpetrators. The best approach is to simultaneously inspect, investigate, and even address the issues as they arise! This will thoroughly clear away the complex situation in Handong!

Su Zhe listened attentively, quickly analyzing the situation in his mind.

The main responsibility of the inspection team is to discover and report problems; they generally do not directly handle cases. Old Sun's statement implies that there may be serious problems in Handong Province that require covert handling.

Looking at Su Zhe, Old Sun continued, "I've considered this carefully and reviewed your resume. I think you're a good fit. You've served in the military, so you have a strong mental fortitude; you've been a military officer, so you have good coordination and problem-solving skills; you're technically savvy and can handle complex situations; and you've handled cases in the Discipline Inspection Commission, so you're familiar with the procedures."

Therefore, I want to arrange for you to join the Fifth Inspection Team in a special capacity. Your main responsibility during the inspection will be to handle any major issues that may arise. Although you are a member of the inspection team, you are also representing the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, so you need to cooperate well with the inspection team. Do you understand?

Su Zhe did not answer immediately; he quickly thought about it.

This task is both very important and very risky.

The situation in Handong Province is complex, which means there will be great resistance.

I'm only at the division chief level now, and I'm being asked to be in charge of a covert investigation that might involve provincial or ministerial-level officials. My rank seems a bit too low, and coordination will be difficult.

Old Master Sun seemed to see through his concerns, smiled, and said, "You don't need to worry about the administrative rank issue."

Before you arrived, I had already spoken with your Party Secretary Zhao Lianhai. Given your consistently excellent performance and the needs of this special mission, the organization has decided to promote you exceptionally to the position of Deputy Director of the Sixth Discipline Inspection and Supervision Office, at the deputy provincial level. This way, as a deputy provincial-level deputy director of the supervision office, joining the inspection team led by a ministerial-level leader to oversee the special investigation is both legitimate and facilitates coordination.

Deputy Director-General level!

Su Zhe was shocked!

A deputy director-level official at the age of 28! This is extremely rare even nationwide; it's a truly exceptional promotion!

Although I know that there are factors such as Mr. Sun's care and the needs of the mission involved, it also means that the organization recognizes and trusts my abilities.

Mr. Sun added, "Of course, this also means greater responsibility and pressure. You're still young, and the burden has suddenly increased; you need to be mentally prepared. So, are you confident in accepting this challenge?"

With everything said so clearly and arrangements made so meticulously, what else could Su Zhe possibly hesitate about?

This is both a tremendous opportunity and a heavy responsibility.

He immediately stood up, straightened his back, and stated firmly, "Thank you for the organization's trust and training! Thank you, Elder Sun, for giving me this opportunity! I will resolutely obey the organization's arrangements and guarantee to complete the task! I will do my utmost and live up to the trust placed in me!"

Old Sun smiled with satisfaction and gestured with his hand: "Good, sit down and talk. It's good that you have confidence. Young people should have this kind of drive and sense of responsibility."

Su Zhe sat down again, still unable to calm down.

Old Sun's smile faded, and his tone became serious, carrying a hint of warning: "Su Zhe, remember this. Although you are nominally joining the inspection team and under the leadership of Comrade Xu Ming, the work of the inspection team must be carried out according to his unified arrangements."

However, you must have your own judgment regarding specific case-handling directions, the application of investigative methods, and decision-making at crucial moments. To put it more directly, your trip to Handong this time is on my behalf, indicating that I am paying attention to certain matters!

Be bold in upholding principles and daring to confront tough issues. If you encounter intractable difficulties or discover significant situations, you can report directly to me.

Go for it with confidence and don't worry too much. You have the organization behind you, and I, this old man, will support you. Understand?

These words carry immense weight!