Chapter 219: Thunderous Sweep

The raid on the abandoned brick kiln was like smashing a huge wasp nest; the captured organizers and core members, under solid evidence and intense interrogation pressure, saw their mental defenses collapse one after another, spilling out hidden nests, undisclosed "referrers" and upper‑level contacts like toothpaste being squeezed out.

The clues grew like a rolling snowball; a black network concealed beneath the veneer of Feudal Superstition, tangled and intricate, gradually became clear.

Li Ping'an acted decisively, coordinating with the City Bureau, and launched a larger‑scale cleanup operation.

In the following days, police officers from several districts of Nan Cheng and security cadres struck together like precise surgery, successively shutting down three secret meeting sites, arresting over a dozen core and key members, and seizing large quantities of illegal printed propaganda, props, and the money and supplies extorted for superstition.

This thunder‑like sweep dealt a heavy blow to the reviving feudal remnants, uprooting their organizational structure almost completely, causing a noticeable stir in society and greatly deterring those restless petty troublemakers.

To consolidate the results, purge the poison, and educate the public, the street office acted swiftly.

Director Wang personally summoned the heads and active members of each courtyard for a meeting, conveyed the higher‑up directives, and deployed the propaganda‑education work.

Soon, a propaganda campaign themed "Eradicate Feudal Superstition, Promote Scientific Civilization" erupted enthusiastically in every large courtyard. Street cadres and activists brandished metal loudspeakers, posted eye‑catching posters and slogans on Hu Tong Kou and courtyard walls, the content striking straight at the heart:

"If you're ill, go to the hospital; let science treat you!"

"Superstition kills people; money and wealth go empty!"

"Stay vigilant; report any Feudal Superstition activity immediately!"

"Don't believe rumors, don't spread rumors, firmly support the new society!"

The propagandists used plain language, combined with the just‑suppressed real cases, to explain to residents the dangers of Feudal Superstition, exposing the true nature of those "fairy goddesses" and "divine men" who swindle money, urging everyone to trust science, seek medical help promptly, and report suspicious persons or activities to the street office or Police Substation at once.

This strong wave of positive propaganda dispelled the confusion and fear that had lingered in many hearts.

Many people who had once been misled or harbored doubts suddenly awoke in front of the vivid examples, feeling deep remorse.

However, when this wind reached Siheyuan No. 95, it carried an especially sharp chill.

That evening, after work, Director Wang entered the Siheyuan with two officials, her expression solemn. Instead of first seeking out a few senior residents as usual, she sent a middle‑aged woman to summon Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong and Yan Bu Gui to the Central Courtyard.

The three elders felt a sudden jolt, especially Yi Zhonghai, who sensed something was wrong. Others in the courtyard also sensed the odd atmosphere, dropped their tasks, and gathered to watch the scene.

Director Wang swept her gaze over the three men with varied expressions, her voice clear and stern, echoing through the whole courtyard:

"Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong, Yan Bu Gui! You three, as the courtyard's recognized senior heads, have seriously neglected your duties during the recent surge of feudal remnant activity!"

The words struck like thunder on flat ground, turning the three's faces pale.

"Jia Zhangshi participated in illegal superstition activities and was swindled, right under your noses! Did you not know, or pretend not to know? Why didn't you stop it in time? Why didn't you report it to the street office?"

Director Wang's questioning continued without mercy, one sentence after another.

"The street office has repeatedly ordered stricter management and heightened vigilance! And you? Turn a deaf ear! Let it run its course! Perhaps you even adopt an 'it's none of my business' attitude, hanging yourself high! With such conduct, can you still be senior heads of the courtyard? Do you deserve the neighbors' trust?"

Yi Zhonghai's face burned hot with shame, unable to find words; his trembling lips wanted to say something but he had no defense. He did know Jia Zhangshi was a bit mystical, but thought it a family matter, didn't think much, and failed to grasp the seriousness.

Liu Haizhong's plump face flushed bright red; he tried to adopt a leadership stance to rebut, but the words "serious neglect of duty" pressed down like a mountain, leaving him mute.

Yan Bu Gui was even more frightened, shrinking his neck, his small eyes darting away, cursing his own greed for small profit and forgetting the looming "neglect" hat.

Director Wang, seeing their demeanors, grew colder: "In view of your serious neglect, the street office has decided to issue you a formal criticism! Moreover, starting tonight, for a whole week, you must attend a nightly ideological study class after work at the street office, thoroughly reviewing your mistakes and learning the relevant policies and regulations! When you truly understand, it ends!"

Punishment: study at the street office tonight!

For the image‑concerned three elders, this felt worse than a fine; it meant losing face before all street cadres and other courtyard heads, and their 'senior head' authority was swept away.

The other courtyard residents debated, opinions divided. Some thought the three elders deserved discipline and this was outrageous; others felt the street office's penalty was excessive; and some, like Xu Damao, hid behind the crowd, relishing the spectacle.

Jia Zhangshi had intended to protest, claiming she was also a 'victim', but seeing the turn of events, she swallowed her words, cradled her grandson and slipped back into the house.

Sha Zhu watched nearby, wanting to laugh but embarrassed to do so, stifling a chuckle, his shoulders shaking. Ma Dongmei gave him a tug, signaling him to compose himself.

Xu Damao's eyes lit up, seeing a once‑in‑a‑lifetime chance to mock the three elders.

"Everyone disperse! Get on with your business!" Director Wang waved her hand, scattering the onlookers, then gave the three elders a cold glance, "Remember, 7 p. m. tonight, street office conference room, be punctual! One minute late adds an extra day of study!"

Having said that, Director Wang left with the officials, leaving Yi Zhonghai, Liu Haizhong and Yan Bu Gui like three frost‑bitten eggplants, wilted and drooping in the courtyard center, bearing the varied gazes from all sides.

The sunset's afterglow stretched their shadows long, yet offered no warmth to their now‑cold hearts.

From that day onward, for a week each night, the sight of the three elders, dusty and dejected, trudging to the street office to 'study' became a common scene in the Siheyuan and the entire Alley, and the news of their 'Dereliction Penalty Study' spread quickly, becoming fodder for tea‑time chatter.

After this incident, the three elders' prestige plummeted. Yi Zhonghai, further battered by the Deaf Old Lady incident and this neglect case, grew even more silent and withdrawn.

In stark contrast stood Xi Kua Yuan.

Li Ping'an knew his wife needed quiet rest during pregnancy, and with so many affairs inside and out lately, he worried about Lin Xueqing's strain.

That night after dinner, he solemnly said to his younger sister Li Pingle: "Pingle, your sister‑in‑law's condition has become heavier and more volatile. When you get home from work, take extra care of her, let her avoid the housework, watch over her, don't let her get tired."

Li Pingle had now grown into a young woman, more sensible, and immediately nodded: "Brother, don't worry! I'll definitely look after sister‑in‑law! I'll handle tea, water, laundry, cooking, everything!"

She pounded her chest in promise, her face earnest and full of anticipation for the unborn nephew (a girl).

Lin Xueqing felt warm inside, scolded lightly: "Don't be so pampered, I can still move."

"Listen to me." Li Ping'an said gently but authoritatively, "Now, you and the baby are the most important."

Thus, Xi Kua Yuan displayed a different scene. Li Pingle rushed to do chores, inventing ways to prepare tasty side dishes for her sister‑in‑law.

Under the careful care of her sister and husband, Lin Xueqing, though still uncomfortable, felt cheerful, her complexion gradually regaining color.

This little family, amid the outside wind and rain and the courtyard's low pressure, formed its own warm, peaceful harbor.

Li Ping'an stayed with his wife and sister. Outside, the moon and sparse stars glittered, and the old tree in the courtyard rustled softly in the night wind.

The thunderous operation against feudal remnants has paused for now, but its aftershocks have profoundly reshaped the power dynamics and relationships within the Siheyuan.

The three elders' prestige swept away, making Xi Kua Yuan's standing unmistakably more prominent. Li Ping'an knows the battlefield of ideas never rests; the next storm may arrive in another form.

But at this moment, safeguarding this small pocket of warmth and tranquility is his foremost task. He looked at his sleeping wife's profile, his gaze steady and gentle.

Whatever reefs and undercurrents lie ahead, he will continue to forge ahead as always.