Chapter One: Calamity Without Cause

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A magnitude twelve earthquake struck Liuli Town.

The town’s Party Secretary, Fu Zhengliang, fell from grace.

He was subjected to “double designation” by the county’s Discipline Inspection Commission for his involvement in serious disciplinary violations.

The news hit like a bolt from the blue.

It plunged the entire Liuli Town into unprecedented turmoil.

Within the government compound, everyone was abuzz with speculation about who else might be implicated.

Soon after, Jiang Zhaoyang, the acting director of the Party and Government Office, received a summons from the county’s Discipline Inspection Commission for a “talk.”

The news spread quickly.

Jiang Zhaoyang was taken to a holding room at the Chunfeng County Discipline Inspection Commission’s investigation base.

It was a specially designed standard room—furnished with a table, chairs, and even a bed and padded walls.

These measures were to prevent detainees from harming themselves in moments of emotional distress, such as by hitting the wall or attempting suicide.

Such practices were standard across the country.

After he sat down, a young staff member handed him a paper cup.

Jiang Zhaoyang looked inside—thankfully, it was tea, not water.

He took a gentle sip.

The familiar, slightly bitter taste eased his nerves a little.

“Do you know why you’re here?” asked a female staff member sitting across the table.

She was young and attractive, with delicately arched brows and a dignified air.

“I don’t know,” he replied.

“You don’t know?”

“Before the earthquake, even the cats and rats, and the fish in the pond, were restless, thrashing about.”

“That’s nature’s way of giving a warning.”

“And you? Are you less perceptive than they are? Did you really have no inkling?” Her pupils narrowed.

Jiang Zhaoyang was momentarily caught off guard by her gaze, but quickly regained his composure.

“Do you want me to look frightened and flustered? Would that prove something to you?”

“Would that satisfy you?”

He added, “What sort of twisted psychology is that?”

The woman was taken aback, momentarily at a loss for words.

No one had ever spoken to her like that before.

The male staff member beside her slammed the table. “This is Director Zhao Shan of our Discipline Inspection Division One. What kind of attitude is this!”

“How dare you behave so rudely in front of your superiors!”

But Zhao Shan showed no sign of anger.

She waved her hand, signaling her colleague to remain calm.

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Then, with a gentle expression, she addressed Jiang Zhaoyang, “It’s all right, Director Jiang. Don’t be nervous, and above all, don’t be confrontational.”

“We invited you here today with a clear purpose.”

“You need to adopt the right attitude. I hope you’ll understand and cooperate with our work.”

“That’s the only way you might earn leniency.”

“The evidence we have on Fu Zhengliang’s embezzlement and bribery already amounts to hundreds of thousands.”

“And that’s just the tip of the iceberg; much more remains unverified.”

“His actions have gravely violated both Party discipline and the law. We must investigate thoroughly.”

“As the acting director of the Party and Government Office, you interacted with him frequently. How much do you really know about his misconduct?”

“Or were you involved in any way?”

“You need to be completely honest.”

But facing Zhao Shan’s relentless questioning,

Jiang Zhaoyang merely shrugged, looking both innocent and helpless.

“How could I possibly know that, Director Zhao? You overestimate me.”

“Are you certain you know nothing?”

“Am I denying it?”

“You?” Zhao Shan’s eyebrows shot up. “Would he have appointed you as director if you weren’t his confidant?”

Jiang Zhaoyang replied with measured calm, “Director Zhao, you’re mistaken. Please, allow me to explain.”

“What is it?”

“I’m only the acting director; it’s a temporary position that could be replaced at any time.”

“My relationship with him is purely professional, nothing like what you’re imagining.”

Zhao Shan sneered, “Is there really much difference between acting and permanent?”

“Hmph, to me, it’s just a matter of paperwork.”

“Since you’re in this role, don’t think you can wash your hands of it.”

“Besides, the relationship between secretaries and leaders is unique—most secretaries know or at least hear about their superiors’ affairs.”

“And sometimes, they’re even involved!”

“Am I a secretary?” Jiang Zhaoyang countered.

“Only higher-level leaders have secretaries, that’s the rule,” Zhao Shan retorted, “but at the township level, the director of the Party and Government Office is pretty much the same.”

“It’s just a different title.”

Jiang Zhaoyang smiled wryly. “Director Zhao, may I ask you something?”

“What is it?”

“Which corrupt official isn’t secretive about their actions?”

“The more people who know, the greater the risk of exposure, isn’t it?”

Zhao Shan was momentarily taken aback.

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She forced herself to stay patient. “One grows red by being near cinnabar, black by being near ink. You should know this better than I.”

“In a dye vat, even the purest white cloth can hardly remain unstained.”

“How much less so a person?”

“Of course, our Party’s policy is to punish the past to save the future, to cure the disease and save the patient. For those who err, there’s always a way out.”

“We’ve called you here today to give you a chance to turn back, to save you.”

“This is your opportunity.”

“You’re well aware of the situation—Fu Zhengliang’s problems have come to light.”

“As his former subordinate, are you willing to step forward and confess anything about him or yourself?”

Here she paused. “Have you made up your mind?”

In truth, Jiang Zhaoyang knew very little about Fu Zhengliang’s corruption.

In fact, he was completely in the dark.

Fu Zhengliang had chosen him only because he was a graduate of a prestigious university and had a talent for drafting reports.

Nothing more.

Even corrupt officials need capable people and achievements.

After all, the reports submitted to higher authorities must be impressive, mustn’t they?

Whether it was embellishing Fu Zhengliang’s image or singing his praises, Jiang Zhaoyang had no choice.

But as for corruption, Jiang Zhaoyang had nothing to do with it.

But Zhao Shan refused to believe him.

She was hoping to break through Jiang Zhaoyang, to build on the momentum and expand her anti-corruption achievements.

A faint, ambiguous smile played at Zhao Shan’s lips.

There was mockery and a hint of threat in her expression. “Jiang Zhaoyang, do you really intend to stay obstinate, clench your teeth, and refuse to talk?”

“Or are you still harboring hopes, waiting for Fu Zhengliang to make a comeback?”

“I truly don’t know. You can’t force me to fabricate things just to suit your needs, can you?”

At these words, Zhao Shan’s face darkened at once.

With a look of anger, she said coldly, “So, you refuse the easy way and choose the hard way?”

“People as stubborn and incorrigible as you are nothing new.”

With a sudden wave of her hand, the heavy curtains were drawn shut.

Zhao Shan said coldly, “If you won’t talk, then stay here in this dark room.”

“When you’ve thought it over, press the bell on your chair.”

With that, she and the other staff left the room.

In an instant, the lights went out.