"Director Nan, the candidates have arrived. As per your instructions, they’ve filled out their forms. Everything is here."

Su Jie placed the documents on Nan Sheng’s desk. The office was already filled with nearly twenty people, the result of their hard work over the past few days—though the numbers were still far from sufficient.

"Hmm. Have them wait outside for now. I’ll review the materials first."

Nan Sheng seemed somewhat distracted. The initial screening had focused on candidates with work experience, but these fresh graduates, untainted by society, would likely be more impartial and diligent.

After going through each profile, she formed a general impression. "Call them in one by one, in order."

"Yes, Director!"

Su Jie took the documents back and went to fetch the first candidate.

"Zeng Chunhua, you may come in now."

Zeng Chunhua’s father also worked in the county committee. Originally, she had been slated for a clerical position, but when news broke about the disciplinary committee’s expansion, she jumped at the chance to apply.

"Hello, Director Nan. I’m Zeng Chunhua!"

Nan Sheng motioned for her to sit. Zeng Chunhua looked to be in her early twenties—bright, youthful, and exuding a bold, vibrant energy that spoke of a privileged upbringing.

"Does anyone in your family work in government?"

Zeng Chunhua froze. Was Director Nan always this direct? Panic flickered, but she quickly steadied herself.

"Yes, Director Nan. My father works in the county committee. I’m very eager to join the disciplinary committee and hope you’ll give me this opportunity. I won’t let you down!"

"Good. Of course, you’ll get your chance." Nan Sheng’s smile was enigmatic.

"You’re aware of the nature of our work. Here’s your task: as a provisional member of the disciplinary committee, investigate your father’s conduct. Within three days, I want to know if he’s engaged in any misconduct. Can you handle that?"

Zeng Chunhua: So the condition for joining is to take down my own dad?

This was not what she’d signed up for!

Torn between refusal and compliance, a sudden realization struck her.

"Director Nan, according to regulations, if my father were under investigation, I’d have to recuse myself. So I’m afraid I can’t complete the assignment you’ve given me."

As expected, it had only been a test. Nan Sheng had never intended for her to actually investigate. "Your credentials are impressive, and you’ve passed the interview. Consider this my early congratulations on clearing the political vetting."

Wait—did that mean she was in?

Zeng Chunhua’s face showed no joy, only bewilderment. This Director Nan was utterly inscrutable!

Su Jie, observing from the sidelines, was equally lost. They said working close to leadership was enlightening, but the more she learned, the more confused she felt. Could someone please explain what just happened?

Zeng Chunhua emerged from the office in a daze after just a few minutes, her demeanor unnerving the remaining candidates—though some couldn’t help but feel a flicker of schadenfreude.

If she failed, their own chances improved!

"Next, Luo Xiaoxuan!"

Luo Xiaoxuan fit the bookish stereotype to a tee—rigid, unyielding. Nan Sheng took one look and decided "stubborn" was the perfect word for him.

People like him never backed down from a challenge. Perfect for tackling tough cases.

"You graduated from China University of Political Science and Law?"

Luo Xiaoxuan nodded. "Yes, Director Nan. My family background is clean, and I consistently ranked at the top of my class. My major in the department—"

"Skip that. If you pass the vetting, report directly to Sanwei Town. Any objections?"

Luo Xiaoxuan blinked in confusion. "No, but… aren’t you going to ask me anything else?"

Su Jie cut in. "This way, Comrade Luo. Congratulations on passing the interview!"

Fake it till you make it, she thought. If she acted fast enough, maybe the boss wouldn’t notice she was clueless.

Outside, the crowd watched as the second candidate exited just as bewildered—and even faster. Had he been kicked out mid-interview?

Just how brutal was this process?

Meanwhile, Lin Han’s troops swept through the towns under Qingjiang County’s jurisdiction. Alongside Han Yongxiang and Luo Hao, he led raids to dismantle black markets, heralding a massive crackdown.

With the military’s arrival, town Party secretaries stood taller, their worries eased—while disciplinary committee members were rounded up like strays, pinned to the ground.

Soldiers moved with precision, arresting those on their lists and clearing out the rest.

No one dared resist. Not with rifles trained on them. Since when did they bring in the big guns? This isn’t fair!

Other officials held their breath. The soldiers were striking, yes—but their icy glares sent chills down spines. A few bold souls had already learned the hard way.

While the government side saw a one-sided victory, the black markets proved trickier. Sensing trouble, the underground dealers fought back, armed and desperate.

Liu Song’s intel had been accurate—these men carried firearms. Though not formal military, their resolve was fierce. Their identities? Anything but ordinary.

"Damn it, who cares who they are? Break through, and we’re home free across the border. Go all out!"

They’d amassed plenty over the years. With policies shifting, they’d planned one last haul before vanishing—until disaster struck.

Lin ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‌ ‌‌ ‌‌‌ ‌‌ ‌ ‍Han gave his men a standing order: "Anyone who resists gets shot on sight."

Survivors weren’t a priority. Keeping his soldiers alive was.

Sanwei Town Government

"These three are from the same village? Bring them in together."

Faced with shared interests, she was curious how they’d perform.

The trio bowed in unison.

"Director Nan, I’m Liu Su, 22, graduated from Electric Power University!"

"Director Nan, I’m Liang Kechang, 21, graduated from Worker-Peasant-Soldier University!"

"Director Nan, I’m Xu Liang, 22, graduated from China Postal University!"