Chapter 146: Three Factories Self‑Inspect Without Blind Spots, Facing the Inspection with Integrity

Night fell, and the lights of Shanwan Village's three factories burned bright, shining in the darkness like three pearls.

Workers gradually finished their shifts, their faces showing unmistakable excitement; today's events had already spread throughout the village.

In Lu Qingshan's courtyard, two large tables were set, and Lin Yue'e and several female workers from the village were busy preparing dinner.

Zhang Zhidong, Deputy Bureau Chief Li, Director Wang, a few provincial and municipal leaders, Zhang Xincheng and Liu Yuejin, two county leaders, together with Zhao Yongnian, Zhao Dazhi and other village cadres, as well as Li Jianqiang, Qian Jin and several plant managers and technical experts, a dozen people sat together.

"Come, come, leaders, taste the local dishes of Shanwan Village!"

Zhao Yongnian lifted his wine glass, his face flushed with red light.

On the table were braised Wild Boar meat, clear‑stewed river fish, carrot‑chunk lamb stew, marinated deer meat, scallion‑fried free‑range chicken eggs, cold mountain vegetables, and dumplings hand‑made by Lin Yue'e, filling the air with fragrance.

Zhang Zhidong picked up a piece of Wild Boar meat, and as soon as he bit it his eyes lit up: "This meat is so fragrant, far tastier than the city restaurants!"

"Secretary Zhang, this is the Wild Boar caught by Lu Qingshan, using a family‑passed marinating method," Zhao Yongnian introduced proudly.

Deputy Bureau Chief Li nodded repeatedly: "No wonder your meat jerky is so popular; the raw material is that good."

Lu Qingshan raised his glass: "Leaders, thanks to your support today, otherwise we truly wouldn't know what to do. I toast to everyone!"

"Lu Qingshan, you are too courteous," Zhang Zhidong set down his chopsticks, his expression turning serious, "But regarding today's matter, you must be aware. That Ma Defu won't give up easily."

Lu Qingshan nodded; he obviously understood this. The three factories' current revenue already exceeds that of many state‑owned enterprises, and it is impossible not to attract envy.

"Secretary Zhang, what do you think they might do next?" Li Jianqiang asked anxiously.

"They will just look for faults from every angle," Director Wang continued, "product quality, tax issues, environmental concerns—anything they can think of, they'll try to investigate."

Zhao Dazhi's face darkened at this: "Does that mean we can't possibly defend against them?"

"What are we afraid of!" Zhao Yongnian slapped the table, "We conduct our business honestly; why should we fear him at all!"

Lin Yue'e emerged from the kitchen, carrying a steaming plate of dumplings: "Leaders, please try the dumplings I made."

Zhang Zhidong picked up a dumpling, took a bite and raved, "Your sister‑in‑law's skill is superb; these cabbage‑pork dumplings are far more fragrant than the ones my spouse makes at home!"

Everyone laughed, and the tense atmosphere eased considerably.

"Lu Qingshan, what are your plans moving forward?" Deputy Bureau Chief Li asked.

Lu Qingshan thought for a moment: "In the short term, we will first stabilize the current situation; the three factories still have room to increase capacity. In the long run, I intend to work further on technology to produce more competitive products."

"That's a good idea," Director Wang nodded, "Technology provides core competitiveness."

Qian Jin's eyes brightened at this: "Lu Qingshan, I've been meaning to report to you; over the past two months we've been optimizing the production process and have made several breakthroughs!"

"What breakthroughs?" Lu Qingshan immediately showed interest.

Qian Jin said excitedly: "After repeated trials, we've reduced the jerky's drying time by 20% and improved its texture. The mineral water filtration process has also been upgraded, cutting impurity levels by 30% compared to before! In city tests, our water is rich in selenium, which is a valuable component."

"So production capacity can be increased?" Li Jianqiang also became excited.

"It's not just capacity; costs can drop too!" Qian Jin grew more animated, "With the new process, our output can rise by at least 20%, and product quality becomes more stable."

Zhang Zhidong heard this and a hint of admiration flashed in his eyes: "It seems your technical staff truly have some skill."

Yao Bai'nian took the floor: "Our Chinese‑medicine processing technique has also improved; the resulting herbs now contain 15% more active ingredients. Several pharmaceutical firms in Beijing say our product is the best they've ever seen."

"And our soda!" Wang Ming added, not wanting to be outdone, "I've tweaked the formula; the orange soda now tastes better and its shelf life is extended by a month."

Hearing this good news, everyone present became excited. Lu Qingshan felt a surge of pride; it seemed these technical experts had indeed been worth hiring.

"Leaders, you see, we're not just messing around; we truly have skill!" Zhao Yongnian said proudly.

"Indeed impressive!" Deputy Bureau Chief Li gave a thumbs‑up, "How could the province not support such a company?"

Just as everyone's enthusiasm peaked, Zhao Tiezhu rushed in.

"Brother Lu Qingshan, trouble!" Zhao Tiezhu shouted, "We got a call from the county; tomorrow the Business Administration, Health Bureau, and Tax Bureau will jointly inspect our factories!"

Everyone's laughter stopped abruptly, and the air seemed to solidify.

Zhang Zhidong's expression darkened instantly: "These people really just won't go away!"

"Lu Qingshan, don't panic," Deputy Bureau Chief Li comforted, "Our provincial inspection report is still pending; they won't dare act recklessly."

Lu Qingshan remained calm; he set down his glass and said slowly, "Let them come, we have a clear conscience. However…"

He glanced at everyone present, a spark flashing in his eyes: "Since they want to inspect, we'll let them inspect thoroughly."

He turned to Li Jianqiang: "Engineer Li, tomorrow morning we will conduct a comprehensive self‑inspection of the three factories, checking inside and out, leaving no evidence for them."

"Alright, Factory Director Lu!"

"Wait a moment," Lu Qingshan continued, "Also, have all the village workers report to work tomorrow as usual, do whatever they need to do, and don't be nervous. Remember, we are an upright enterprise, unafraid of any inspection!"

Lin Yue'e looked at her husband's resolute face, feeling a warm surge inside. This man had truly changed, becoming somewhat unfamiliar to her, yet she was deeply fascinated.

"Lu Qingshan is right!" Zhang Zhidong stood up, "Tomorrow I'll stay here too, to see what exactly they're up to!"

"A few of our provincial comrades are also staying," Deputy Bureau Chief Li added.

With this leadership support, everyone present felt considerably more reassured.

"Then it's settled!" Lu Qingshan raised his glass, "Come, let's toast to tomorrow's 'inspection'!"

Everyone lifted their glasses, yet each knew deep down that tomorrow would be a tough battle.

At that moment, Xiao Xue ran out of the house, timidly looking at the many strangers.

"Dad, who are those uncles?"

Lu Qingshan lifted his daughter and said softly, "These are all good uncles, here to help Dad."

Xiao Xue blinked her big eyes and said in a baby voice, "Then I also want to help Dad!"

The remark made everyone laugh, and the tense atmosphere eased again.

"Xiao Xue is really sensible!" Zhang Zhidong patted Xiao Xue's head, "Your father is great; tomorrow will definitely be fine."

Night deepened, and the guests gradually took their leave. Lu Qingshan saw off the last guests, while Secretary Zhang Xincheng led the leaders to the County Committee guesthouse. Returning to the courtyard, he saw Lin Yue'e clearing the tables.

"Yue E, aren't you worried?" Lu Qingshan walked over to help.

Lin Yue'e stopped her work, looking at her husband: "Worrying is certainly worrying, but I trust you."

She paused, then said, "Lu Qingshan, sometimes I feel you've become a different person; the old you would have lost your temper in such situations, but now you're so calm."

Lu Qingshan felt a stir in his heart, and memories of his past life surged like a tide. If his past self were in today's situation, he would indeed fly into a rage and might even act on impulse.

"People always change," Lu Qingshan gently stroked his wife's face. "For you, for Xiao Xue, I must become stronger."

Lin Yue'e's cheeks flushed as she lightly pushed him away: "Stop the teasing, go wash up and sleep. There's important business tomorrow."

Lu Qingshan looked at his wife's rosy face, and a wave of tenderness rose in his heart. No matter what difficulties tomorrow brings, he will protect this home.

In the night, three factories remained brightly lit, and the on‑duty workers were hurriedly preparing. They all knew that tomorrow would be a crucial battle.