Chapter 132: The Imperial Commissioner

"Yang Dong, the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection is determined to investigate and prosecute the Zhao Pengcheng case with the utmost severity. There will be absolutely no leniency."

Guan Mushan spoke with a grave expression. Ordinarily, he would not need to discuss such matters with a low-level deputy section chief like Yang Dong. However, he had a task for Yang Dong that required a clear and thorough explanation to ensure there was no misunderstanding of his intent. To guarantee that Yang Dong could effectively carry out his instructions, he had to be explicit.

"Leader, if we are to strictly investigate Zhao Pengcheng’s case, then... what about the Gu Santong case, and the Tian..."

Seeing that Guan Mushan was finally committed to a thorough investigation of Zhao Pengcheng, Yang Dong immediately saw a glimmer of hope and tried to press for answers regarding the previous cases. Before he could finish, however, Guan Mushan waved him off.

"Those are not your concerns!"

Guan Mushan set his face sternly and glared at Yang Dong. He would have to wait until he became the Secretary of the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection himself before worrying about those matters.

"Understood, Leader."

Yang Dong nodded, feeling a sense of disappointment. Yet, he knew this was only natural. With the national economy currently in a stage of rapid development, corruption investigations were rarely conducted with great fanfare. Economic construction remained the core priority, a fundamental policy that would never change. The Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection had to align with the decisions of the Provincial Committee and the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection; to act independently would be to break the rules. He understood the logic, even if it sat uncomfortably in his heart.

*Endure it,* he told himself. *Endure it for a few more years. When the time comes, not a single one of these corrupt pests will be able to escape.*

"I have a task for you."

Guan Mushan pulled a list from his drawer and tossed it onto the desk.

"Here is a list of over a dozen cadres. They are all problematic officials in Kaiyang County, all implicated in the Zhao Pengcheng case, and all influenced by Zhao Pengcheng and Lin Liangming. Some were promoted despite their corruption, others gained promotions by actively bribing Zhao Pengcheng. Some were slated for promotion by the Municipal Organization Department, but were tricked by Zhao Pengcheng, who exploited an information gap to extort money from them. The situation is quite complex."

"Once you arrive in Kaiyang County, you are to investigate thoroughly and handle matters at your discretion."

"I am going to play out a scene from history for you—I am sending you as an imperial envoy."

"Once you reach Kaiyang County, I grant you the power to act as you see fit. You may take action first and report back later. However, you must maintain a good relationship with the Kaiyang County Committee; you must absolutely not undermine the overall relationship between the city and the county."

"Upon arrival, go first to visit Xin Yao, the Secretary of the Kaiyang County Commission for Discipline Inspection. He is also a member of the Municipal Standing Committee and one of our own."

"As for how to handle these cadres, you may consult Secretary Xin Yao for his opinion, but the final decision rests with you, because you represent the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection!"

Yang Dong had never imagined that one day he would transform into an 'imperial envoy' like those in historical dramas. The power to act at his own discretion, the power to execute first and report later—these were truly formidable authorities. He could already imagine that when he returned to Kaiyang County, even Tan Long, the County Party Secretary, would likely treat him with the utmost hospitality, terrified of causing any offense. Though he was only a minor deputy section chief, he represented the Municipal Commission for Discipline Inspection. No, to be precise, he represented the Party's discipline and the nation's laws; he represented the entire system of disciplinary inspection and supervision.

"Leader, is there truly no limit to my authority?"

Although Yang Dong understood Guan Mushan's meaning, he had to ask carefully to ensure he didn't misinterpret his instructions and make a mistake.

"Yes, there are no limits."

Guan Mushan nodded solemnly, offering Yang Dong some reassurance. This trip was not just for show; he intended for Yang Dong to seriously deal with these nineteen cadres. The nature of their offenses was quite severe. The list included a deputy county head, three department heads from the county level, and four senior leaders from various towns, along with several other deputy-level officials. The situation was indeed complex. While Zhao Pengcheng had not embezzled even a fifth of what Gu Santong had, his impact was no less significant. Officials from municipal departments, as well as various county and town-level cadres, were all caught in his web.

Ever since the internal meeting with Wei Chonghu, Su Tongzhou, and Liu Shan, Guan Mushan had been weighing who to lead the team to purge these problematic officials. After much deliberation, he had added Yang Dong to the list. Yang Dong was undoubtedly one of the most suitable candidates. It wasn't just because Yang Dong had saved his daughter; it was Yang Dong's iron-clad, impartial nature that gave him peace of mind. Moreover, Yang Dong’s investigative capability and foresight were exactly what the Commission needed. Looking at things now, it seemed Yang Dong was truly ill-suited to be a mere secretary.

It appeared that in ten days, when Yang Dong’s two-month secondment ended, he would have to arrange a new position for him. As for the role of secretary, that could remain a part-time duty. Guan Mushan had his own hands and feet; he did not need a secretary who only knew how to pour tea and water.

"Do you have any other questions?"

Guan Mushan asked, noticing that Yang Dong was still standing in his office.

Yang Dong looked at him in surprise. "Leader, have you finished your instructions?"

"What? Do you want me to say more?" Guan Mushan raised an eyebrow.

After a moment of hesitation, Yang Dong boldly asked, "Leader, I can't possibly go on this mission alone, can I? I mean... surely I should have some help?"

Guan Mushan immediately slapped his own forehead.

"I must be exhausted; I completely forgot."

"The First Special Investigation Team has concluded, and your Tenth Special Investigation Team has also finished. Between the two teams, you have ten people; choose five to go with you."

"Right, Lu Yike cannot go with you. I have already sent Comrade Yike to Jieyang County. Like you, she is an imperial envoy."

Guan Mushan specifically mentioned Lu Yike, effectively removing her from the selection pool. However, Yang Dong was happy for her; this was a sign that she was being groomed for greater things. Lu Yike was already a deputy section chief and the deputy director of the First Disciplinary Inspection and Supervision Office. If she were promoted again, it would mean reaching the rank of full section chief—perhaps becoming the executive deputy director of the First Office, or being transferred to another department as a principal head. At the very least, she would be sent to a county to serve as the second-in-command of a discipline inspection department. Regardless, Lu Yike’s future was bright and promising.

Whether this had anything to do with her family background, he could not say. But having seen the respect shown to her by the Municipal Commission’s Secretary-General, Ling Zhenting, as well as the deference from Wei Chonghu and Liu Shan, and even the high regard in which Guan Mushan held her, it was clear that Lu Yike’s background was not simple. It might even reach all the way to the province.

Yang Dong thought carefully. If he were to choose five people to accompany him to Kaiyang County to carry out his duties as an 'imperial envoy,' they would certainly have to be...