Nominal: Who isn't a son-in-law?

"Why did it come to this?"

"How could this happen?"

"We're all good comrades!"

When people see that their former friends and colleagues, with whom they used to chat, are no longer answering their calls or have even blocked them, many panic and spend a sleepless night in fear.

The next day, when I arrived at work, I found that everyone in the office wanted to keep their distance from me, and the members of the unit's disciplinary committee were scrutinizing me.

These signals are crystal clear to these people.

Many people endured a grueling day in the office, some even unable to sit still for half a day, before succumbing to the pressure and turning themselves in.

Some received only the message, "Write a clear statement, make a profound self-criticism, and await punishment," while others never returned.

For several days in a row.

Investigators in many places have been working non-stop.

Registration and verification, record taking, and document archiving are seamlessly integrated across all positions, with only brief breaks for meals. The sounds of keyboard typing, document turning, and questioning conversations intertwine.

Piles of self-inspection materials, refund vouchers, and explanations kept pouring in, and ledgers and files were stacked up one after another. Staff members took turns on duty to tackle the problem, and everyone was on high alert, efficiently handling every piece of material and every clue.

It's not about how many people there are, but the busiest and most time-consuming part is organizing and compiling materials, because it needs to be connected into a coherent whole, with all the tasks linked together to form a coherent whole.

Therefore, this wave of surrenders did not lead to the reshuffling that some people imagined, but rather to the inspection teams' precise targeting of key figures.

The testimonies of numerous surrendered individuals corroborated each other and formed a closed loop, perfectly matching the core confessions of Gu Wangbei, Nie Mingyu, and others, thus completely connecting the originally scattered and hidden chains of interests.

Many previously hidden middlemen, covert protectors, and private channels were precisely identified one by one.

In just a few days, including the three locations and other regions, a total of over a hundred individuals with solid evidence of wrongdoing and active profiteering have been identified. The cases cover three levels and span multiple key functional areas, with each individual having conclusive evidence and clear culpability.

"Is that all?"

In the office, Chu Shijun flipped through the files and asked a question.

Across from him, Li Zhenwang nodded and said, "Yes, Secretary Chu, as of now, all those who have voluntarily surrendered or been apprehended through our investigation in the past three days have been recorded. As per your instructions, we have prepared two lists."

"After cross-examination, comparison of testimonies, verification of transaction records, and review of events, the final statistics were completed. Among them, there were 113 core personnel with serious problems, who actively violated discipline and laws, provided long-term protection for the black market, and were suspected of transferring benefits. All evidence was closed and the facts were clear."

"The remaining personnel who had failed to perform their duties, had a lax work style, were passively following others, or had minor problems were numerous. All of them have voluntarily surrendered themselves, turned over their ill-gotten gains, and completed self-examination and rectification. There were no cases of actively seeking personal gain or major dereliction of duty."

Chu Shijun nodded slightly, looked up from the file, and said, "Comrade Zhenwang, this list and this summary show that the inspection team and other relevant departments have done a very thorough and accurate job over the past three days, and the standards have been just right. You have worked hard."

"Secretary Chu, it's all thanks to your leadership. You've set a good example for us by taking the lead, which has enabled us to overcome difficulties and achieve results. If anyone has worked hard, it's you who has worked hard," Li Zhenwang said with a smile.

"You rascal!"

Chu Shijun raised his hand and pointed at him.

"Now that we have achieved initial results, there is no need to be on high alert all the time. You can take turns resting for the next few days to recharge your energy. But please remember to keep in touch 24 hours a day to prevent any emergencies."

After he finished speaking, he pointed to the case file.

"As for this, let me make one thing clear first: all those involved in this case, including the list of more than 100 key individuals and those found out later, will be investigated and punished severely without exception. This is a show of force."

"Don't feel pressured, I've already discussed it with you."

"These 113 people were not passively overlooked, nor were they passively following the crowd. They actively reached out and used their public power to pave the way for organized crime and corruption to make profits. In the operation of the black chain for ten years, they acted as a protective umbrella, a key hub, and the root of the chaos."

"Since the evidence is conclusive and the facts are clear, then we should act in accordance with regulations and discipline, strictly and severely punish those who should be detained, immediately detain those who should be detained, immediately transfer those who should be transferred, and hold those who should be held accountable to the end."

"Don't be timid just because there are many people, don't deliberately avoid things just because the level is high, and don't downplay the issue just because you're worried about the situation fluctuating. The large number of people precisely illustrates how deep-rooted the problems are in the local area and how solidified the social circles are, which further proves that our decision to target specific areas and eliminate these problems is correct."

"Some people always talk about maintaining stability and the overall situation, but in my opinion, maintaining stability is not about protecting the weak, and the overall situation is not about covering up the ugly things. There is no room for error for these parasites who deliberately do evil, infringe on public interests, and trample on the bottom line of the rule of law."

"If I encounter any obstacles during this process, I can call you 24 hours a day."

Immediately, Chu Shijun changed the subject, softening his tone slightly, and placed his hand on another file.

"As for the remaining personnel with minor issues who have voluntarily surrendered, rectified their actions, and returned the stolen goods, all of them will be archived for future reference. Their problems will be recorded, their responsibilities will be documented, and their past actions will be considered important points in subsequent promotions, job adjustments, and honor evaluations. The period will be three years, but they will be treated leniently and punished in lieu of punishment."

"As I said before, if the water is too clear, there will be no fish, but the fish can't rot in the pond either."

"These people have made mistakes and neglected their duties, but since they have not committed serious crimes, have no malicious intent, and have no deliberate acts of evil, their problems are issues of conduct and performance of duties, not serious issues of a collapse of bottom line or illegal and criminal acts."

"Since they have taken the initiative to cut ties, admit their mistakes, and stop their losses during the window of opportunity, demonstrating a correct attitude and making thorough rectifications, we must honor the policies, provide a way out, and leave room for maneuver."

Li Zhenwang carefully recorded every word he said, and the final solution became clear in his mind.

After finishing writing, he couldn't help but sigh softly, "Secretary Chu, to be honest, this number of more than one hundred people is not small. Once they are all held accountable, the region will likely experience a significant upheaval."

Upon hearing this, Chu Shijun gently shook his head and slowly explained the core considerations behind his decision, which was also the perspective he had gradually developed over the course of his life: "The upheaval is temporary, but the purge is long-term."

"We have come this far because we have the support of the people, and we will punish corruption and investigate and punish any corrupt officials."

"Short-term personnel turmoil is inevitable with this approach, but healthy turmoil is a necessary process for purifying the environment and reshaping the atmosphere. Temporary fluctuations are worthwhile and necessary in exchange for long-term stability."

"Ordinary people don't care about these things. Even if the public notice of the punishment is issued, they might just glance at it or even skip it. What they care about is how their lives are, how much money they made this month, how their children and the elderly are doing, and how the lights of millions of homes support this country."

"Therefore, those of us in positions of power must not only govern, but also protect our people. If we are worried about this or afraid of that, we might as well not wear this hat."