With Li Mianmian sobbing on her knees and Boss Lu groveling in the dirt, the bandit threat vanished instantly. Boss Lu's wife barked a sharp command, and her guards dragged both Li Mianmian and Boss Lu away like trash, leaving the stage completely clear.
The Magistrate, wiping cold sweat from his forehead, hurried to the front of the platform and banged his gavel. "Quiet! Everyone, quiet! We will now proceed with the candidates' speeches for the leadership of Unit Fifty!"
Master Qian stepped up first, fanning his fat face while grinning greedily. "If you vote for me," he declared, patting his large belly, "I will double the grain collection from every household! Naturally, half will go toward filling my personal pantries to ensure your leader is well-fed and strong!" The crowd immediately erupted into angry boos and curses at his shameless greed.
