503: tough style

After all, they all had some understanding of Li Yang's background.

The Discipline Inspection and Supervision system was established under his personal initiative. That rigorous system was like a vast net, leaving no room for countless illegal and disciplinary actions to escape.

Coupled with his brilliant political achievements in other positions, he was definitely a top-notch, formidable character in investigating illegal crimes and combating corruption, employing strong and decisive methods.

Thinking of this, those officials with dirty hands and illegal activities couldn't help but tremble.

Their eyes were filled with fear and unease, tiny beads of sweat appeared on their foreheads, and their hands unconsciously clenched and unclenched.

This was also the confidence Li Yang possessed due to his dual identity.

The Longlan Star Cluster, due to its special geographical location, was in a very complex situation.

Here, only the subordinate Galaxys were equipped with some Guard Divisions, responsible for maintaining basic daily order.

However, in most cases, the public order of the entire Star Cluster was handled by the Longlan Star Cluster Border Defense Garrison.

But now, this Border Defense Garrison, which bore the heavy responsibility of public order in the Longlan Star Cluster, had become Li Yang's solid backing. They were loyal and reliable, allowing Li Yang to carry out his work without any worries.

Furthermore, as the highest-ranking official in the entire Longlan Star Cluster, he held supreme power and responsibility, which gave him sufficient confidence.

At this moment, he no longer needed to cautiously investigate step-by-step, as he did when he was Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee, only confronting offenders after concrete evidence was gathered.

Li Yang slowly stood up, his gaze like a torch sweeping across the surroundings.

He saw that the officials all looked nervous, and the atmosphere had reached its peak tension, like a string that would snap with the slightest touch.

Therefore, he decided to appropriately ease the oppressive atmosphere.

He reversed his previous angry and firm tone and attitude, his expression gradually softened, replaced by a calm yet dignified look, and he continued to speak.

"However, considering the special location of the Longlan Star Cluster, in some unavoidable circumstances, everyone might find themselves in some complex situations."

"After the meeting, officials who believe they have committed illegal crimes should proactively come to my office and explain themselves clearly. I will treat them leniently and give you a chance to reform."

At this point, his tone suddenly became serious, and his eyes revealed an undeniable firmness.

"If I have to find out in the end... Hmph!"

That cold snort, like an ice blade in winter, made the officials present shiver involuntarily.

After all, Li Yang had just taken office, and he deeply understood that in this complex Star Cluster, stability and order were paramount.

If he took drastic actions from the start, while it could quickly combat illegal crimes, it might also cause unnecessary turmoil and resistance.

Therefore, he hoped to give those errant officials an opportunity to confess proactively through this method, which would both demonstrate his magnanimity and benevolence, and to a certain extent, reduce resistance to the rectification.

This was also the only chance Li Yang gave to those officials. Whether they could seize this opportunity depended entirely on their own understanding and courage.

Those who remained unrepentant and attempted to evade legal sanctions would ultimately receive the punishment they deserved.

"Are you the Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee?"

Li Yang's gaze suddenly fixed on the sweating official beside him, his tone calm but with an undeniable scrutiny.

The named Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee stiffened, quickly took half a step forward, his hands nervously pressed to the seams of his trousers, his voice betraying an imperceptible tremor.

"Yes, Speaker Li, I am Nash, the Secretary of the Disciplinary Committee of the Longlan Star Cluster."

At this moment, he had long lost his previous confidence, and his uniform on his back was soaked with cold sweat, leaving dark marks.

Only now did he truly understand that this New Speaker's assertiveness was not just a rumor.

It was an aura that blended military iron-blood with the sharpness of supervision, especially when he thought that the other party also held military power over the Border Defense Garrison, which made his heart tighten.

Li Yang's fingertips gently tapped on the table, each tap like a strike on Nash's nerves.

"Transmit my order."

He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room, and said word by word.

"First, immediately arrest and investigate all personnel of the Bian Long Star Administration Department. You will personally lead the team. Second, those found to be deeply involved in smuggling, harboring criminal gangs, and with serious offenses, shall be executed directly without reporting. Third, all Extraterrestrial Civilizers involved in cases shall be detained first, and dealt with after their identities and crimes are clarified."

He looked at Nash and emphasized his tone.

"Deputy Division Commander He of the Border Defense Garrison will bring a regiment to cooperate with your operation. Weapons and authority are fully open. Any problems?"

The word "executed" was like two ice picks, piercing deeply into the hearts of everyone present.

A collective gasp echoed in the conference hall, and even the unrelated officials in the back rows couldn't help but shiver.

Although Imperial law was strict, the execution of public officials had always been handled with caution, at least requiring a trial first. Yet, this Speaker directly set the rule of "without reporting," showing his iron-fisted determination.

Nash's face instantly turned pale, his lips trembling, but he dared not hesitate in the slightest, immediately standing at attention and saluting.

"Subordinate... subordinate understands! I guarantee to complete the mission!"

He knew that Li Yang was handing him the sharpest knife, and also giving him his last chance: either cleanly cut off the cancerous tumor, or be crushed along with those corrupt elements.

Those officials who knew the inside story stood rooted, feeling a chill down their necks.

If Li Yang's orders were truly carried out, more than half of those in the Bian Long Star Administration Department entangled with smuggling networks and criminal gangs would likely be marked with a red check on the execution list.

If the small fries below were so deeply implicated, how could these "big shots" in high positions, and those hidden protectors, escape unscathed?

As this thought emerged, many people felt their legs go weak, cold sweat streaming down their temples. They could only clutch their clothes tightly to hold themselves up, fearing that a stumble would expose their guilt.

Li Yang scanned their pale faces, his eyes devoid of any ripple, and added.

"Immediately establish an Investigation Team, starting from each subordinate Galaxy. Not a single detail can be missed. Anyone with illegal criminal activities, or significant suspicion, arrest them first!"

He paused, his fingertip gently tapping the edge of the table.

"I want to see how much of the foundation of this Longlan Star Cluster has rotted."

They clearly understood the weight of Li Yang's words. The so-called "arrest them first" was merely the last leeway for proactive confession. Once the Investigation Team came knocking, the dark muzzles of guns were far more terrifying than prison bars.

This was not an investigation; it was clearly a warning bell telling them that those with problems should confess early, and not wait until the bullets were loaded to cry in regret.