Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 735 - 691: Operation _1
Chapter 735: Chapter 691: Operation _1
When Cao Dingkun spoke in this manner, it altered the expression on Huo Siyuan’s face. Nobody expected that Cao Dingkun would show such disregard for his own dignity. He was willing to sacrifice his reputation for the sake of a vice-ministerial position.
Nie Zhenbang was taken aback as well. He was now in a difficult position. If he agreed, it could result in resentful feelings from Huo Siyuan. It may even lead to dissatisfaction and could potentially jeopardize their plan. However, disagreeing could mean offending Cao Dingkun. Being a provincial governor with such stature and having said those words, he would be a hard figure to offend.
After some thought, Nie Zhenbang responded with a smile, “Governor Cao, you are too gracious. If that’s the case, let’s go together.”
Without much room for thought, Nie Zhenbang could only select the most advantageous situation at this moment. Simply put, the current dynamics in Liaodong Province portrayed Huo Siyuan as strong and Cao Dingkun as weak. If he were to fall out with Cao Dingkun now, his importance in Huo Siyuan’s eyes would diminish. Hence, Nie Zhenbang naturally chose what suited him best.
Exiting from Tianyuan Hotel, Cao Dingkun’s car was already waiting. His secretary helped Cao Dingkun and Nie Zhenbang into the car, and they swiftly left the Tianyuan Hotel.
At this moment, Huo Siyuan and others had also come down, with the other committee members parting ways in their respective cars. Huo Siyuan and Shi Jianshe got on the provincial party’s car.
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As soon as he got in, Shi Jianshe commented, “Secretary Huo, Cao Dingkun has truly gone all out this time.”
Huo Siyuan’s face was very calm. However, the occasional seriousness flashing through his eyes betrayed his emotions. He knew very well about the local government’s affairs and understood how difficult they were to handle. Not a single official can say that they’ve kept their hands clean. Although Nie Zhenbang didn’t possess any real power, the influence he held could dictate the change in Liaodong’s political scene, something worth being on guard against.
After a moment of silence, Huo Siyuan said solemnly: “Jianshe, take it easy. Nie Zhenbang is not that simple. Given today’s situation, he has no choice but to agree. Cao Dingkun spoke so straightforwardly that he essentially forced Nie Zhenbang to take a stand. In fact, Cao Dingkun has essentially made a poor move. Do you really think Nie Zhenbang is the type of pawn to be manipulated?”
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Huo Siyuan’s words enlightened Shi Jianshe who nodded and replied, “Secretary, are you implying that Nie Zhenbang agreed to Cao Dingkun’s request to ease the situation?”
Huo Siyuan nodded. He was very satisfied with Shi Jianshe’s quick comprehension. As the Secretary-General of the Provincial Party Committee and his top aide, Shi Jianshe proved his worth. Many times, when it was inconvenient for him to act, he could pass on his messages through Shi Jianshe, saving him a lot of trouble.
An official’s personal abilities were critical. Shi Jianshe clearly had impressive skills. Therefore, Huo Siyuan did not mind guiding him a bit more, and promptly nodded in agreement, “Correct. Nie Zhenbang’s reputation is well-deserved. It seems he’s already familiar with the situation in Liaodong Province. At this time, when I am strong and Cao Dingkun is weak, if Nie Zhenbang offends Cao Dingkun, his value to us diminishes. So, his decision today was indeed the best, however, I’m somewhat puzzled how Nie Zhenbang, who’s never previously visited Liaodong, is so familiar with the situation here?”
Once he finished speaking, Shi Jianshe fell into deep contemplation. Focus paved way for enlightenment as he looked up, exclaiming, “Secretary Huo, could it be Lin Mohan from Gangcheng City?”
Shi Jianshe continued, “Lin Mohan was appointed from elsewhere, but in these few years in Gangcheng City, despite maintaining a low profile and focusing on economic development, he was a former Standing Committee member and Propaganda Department Director of the Wanghaishi Municipal Party Committee when Nie Zhenbang was serving in Wanghai City.”
Upon hearing Shi Jianshe’s words, Huo Siyuan nodded affirmatively, “That makes sense. I wondered how Nie Zhenbang knew so much about Liaodong. In that case, it seems we need to re-strategize.”
While Huo Siyuan was hashing out Nie Zhenbang’s situation, Nie Zhenbang had returned to his hotel room along with Cao Dingkun.
After welcoming Cao Dingkun into his room, he had his assistant, Li Jupeng, brew some fine tea. Nie Zhenbang also brought out his can of Panda cigarettes for this occasion. The sight of the light yellow can surprised Cao Dingkun. These were special supply cigarettes, exclusively for national leaders, a privilege not everyone was entitled to. However, given Nie Zhenbang’s background, which Cao Dingkun somewhat knew about, it was not a surprising feat. Given his father’s current role on the State Council and his uncle’s high rank in the military, smoking such cigarettes was not considered extraordinary.
The tea they sipped was of excellent quality too, from the top-tier of Wuyi Mountain – Da Hong Pao. The yield from the mother tree didn’t exceed one kilogram a year.
Cao Dingkun, holding the small tea cup, savoured the taste. After a moment, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “Director Nie, I have to say, I am sincerely impressed. This is tea from the Da Hong Pao’s mother tree. I’ve only heard about it, never expected I’d have the chance to taste it.”
Nie Zhenbang chuckled, “Governor Cao, it’s not that extraordinary. The true essence of tea lies within the ambiance. I can’t really distinguish the differences and basically feel like I’m wasting such precious resource by consuming it. If you appreciate this, I just happen to have a little more of this tea from my father-in-law. I’ll give it to you today.”
He started off by bringing out the special edition Panda. He followed this up with the high-quality Da Hong Pao tea. All of this was done on purpose by Nie Zhenbang. By nature, Nie Zhenbang is not one to flaunt his family’s wealth and status. However, at this moment, he found it necessary to show off a little in front of Cao Dingkun. As a ministerial-level official, Cao Dingkun naturally carried a certain air of arrogance.
Lin Mohan was aiming for the position of deputy governor. Mere manipulation from higher-ups would not be enough. Convincing Cao Dingkun would give him a greater chance of success.
In this respect, Cao Dingkun was easier to persuasion than Huo Siyuan. Nie Zhenbang’s plan was to start by displaying his own prestigious background, and then highlighting his connection with Lin Mohan.
As expected, Cao Dingkun was taken aback. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, he smiled and said: “Director Nie, may I inquire who your father-in-law is?”
This being a trap that Nie Zhenbang had carefully set, he naturally didn’t withhold any information. He smiled and said: “Governor Cao, we have, what one might call, a familiar relationship. Speaking as casually with you as we do here in the northeast makes our chat more enjoyable. My father-in-law is Yang Shengli.”
This statement naturally startled Cao Dingkun. Being related to one of the nine core members, the fourth ranked leader, Nie Zhenbang’s background was indeed extraordinary.
Seeing Cao Dingkun’s reaction, Nie Zhenbang again smiled and said: “Governor Cao, it seems we hit it off at first sight. There’s a favor I’d like to ask of you. Comrade Lin Mohan, the secretary of the Gangcheng Municipal Party Committee, was a very good colleague of mine back in Wanghai City. He is a very capable individual in all aspects. In the future, I would like to ask for your support and care for Lin Mohan.”
This left Cao Dingkun somewhat surprised. Today’s string of unexpected pieces of news had somewhat scrambled Cao Dingkun’s thinking.
Cao Dingkun was wondering what Nie Zhenbang was trying to do. First, he subtly revealed his deep background, followed by bringing up Lin Mohan. These seemingly simple matters occurred consecutively, suggesting an unusual intention behind them.
For the first time, Cao Dingkun felt that his mind was somewhat overwhelmed. He began to ponder whether there was a necessary connection between these events. At this moment, he had no interest in staying with Nie Zhenbang any longer.
Initially, he had planned to discuss with Nie Zhenbang some powerful competitors under Huo Siyuan. But now, he was not in the mood to do so. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Cao Dingkun stood up, excused himself, and left.
After seeing off Cao Dingkun, a smile appeared on Nie Zhenbang’s face. Today, he had done a lot, and it was basically enough. Revealing too much information would only put pressure on Cao Dingkun. Anything, at any time, should be done in moderation. This is the so-called principle of stopping while you are ahead.
Those who could become governors were no fools. Nie Zhenbang believed that Cao Dingkun would understand the deeper meaning of his words.
Given the current situation, it would be unrealistic for Cao Dingkun to beat Huo Siyuan without his intervention. By giving up this position and gaining Nie Zhenbang’s favor and approval, it would certainly help his future development. Whether or not Cao Dingkun could understand this was something still to be determined.
Nie family? Yang family? Solid faction? Nie Zhenbang and Lin Mohan? These key words appeared one by one in his mind. In the car, it appeared as if Cao Dingkun was resting his eyes, but in reality, he was contemplating the connections between them.
First, one thing could be determined: Nie Zhenbang was indeed favored and his background was terrifyingly strong.
Lin Mohan? Asking him to look after him? Deputy Governor? Upon considering these words, Cao Dingkun suddenly opened his eyes. Could it be that Nie Zhenbang’s visit this time was for the position of Deputy Governor?
This must be the case, Cao Dingkun concluded. If it wasn’t for this position, why would Nie Zhenbang make such strange actions?
While Cao Dingkun was pondering Nie Zhenbang’s real intention, Nie Zhenbang, at that moment, took out his mobile phone. He flipped through the phone book and dialed the number of Shi Jiandong, the Minister of the Central Committee.
The phone rang twice and was quickly answered. A hearty voice could be heard from the other side: “Zhenbang, you’re a rare visitor.” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to visit qidian.com to cast vote and support. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
