Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 736 - 693: Parting on Bad Terms_1
Chapter 737: Chapter 693: Parting on Bad Terms_1
Yang Shengli’s final words caused Nie Zhenbang to chuckle. The message was already clear enough. As long as he could set up a good structure within Liaodong Province and promote Lin Mohan as the recommended candidate for Liaodong, there wouldn’t be much of a problem from above.
Also, Yang Shengli’s words had given Nie Zhenbang a cold sweat, even though Nie Zhenbang always displayed a nonchalant demeanor. However, this doesn’t mean that Nie Zhenbang didn’t agree with his father-in-law’s words.
Yang Shengli’s words were quite subtle, but to put it bluntly, Nie Zhenbang had overextended his reach significantly.
Indeed. Not to mention Nie Zhenbang’s arrangements in Wanghai City. Back when he was mayor of Wanghai City, his power to make recommendations was justified.
However, his subsequent strategic deployments in Xibei and Liangxi, as well as his current actions in Liaodong Province, have all been somewhat overstepping. Nie Zhenbang, who is merely a deputy department-level cadre, has started to meddle with central personnel changes and assignments. Doesn’t this put the central leaders in an awkward position? Isn’t this a joke?
Beyond that, such behavior is likely to leave a negative impression of power-loving on the likes of Director Shen, which, consequently, caused Yang Shengli’s furious scolding.
...
Under the current situation, although Nie Zhenbang indeed commands great trust from Director Shen, he is also under the care of President Yuan, as well as being Elder Nan’s great grandchild.
However, others aren’t aware of that, nor is the outside world. Elder Nan is already in his nineties, approaching a hundred. According to insider news, Elder Nan’s thinking has become somewhat muddled, and he often appears in a sort of stupefied state. This old man, who has devoted his life to the rejuvenation of Huaxia, is nearly at the end of his life.
Besides, Director Shen, after stabilizing his role in this term, has completely solidified his position within the party and nationally. President Yuan still holds some influence, but it’s not as significant as before.
At this point, Nie Zhenbang’s high-profile behavior, while aiming for his future, could easily cause discomfort among others, not just Director Shen. Qiao Yiren might also be wary.
This is similar to the relationship between the emperor and the crown prince in ancient feudal societies. If Director Shen is conceived as the emperor and Qiao Yiren as the crown prince, Nie Zhenbang can be seen as the eldest grandson. But if the emperor hasn’t yet abdicated, and the eldest grandson is jumping around, isn’t that giving them leverage and causing them discomfort?
At any time, those in power will not tolerate such unstable factors in their purview. This is why Yang Shengli was so furious. Nie Zhenbang’s move was too risky.
…
The next day, the work at the “Three Public Expenses” office officially began. After over a half-year’s inspection, everyone at the office is now well-versed in the work process. At present, there is hardly any need for specific arrangements for each city or province’s inspection.
In every province or city, mandatory inspections are first conducted on local provincial government departments. The offices of the Provincial Committee and the Government, as well as the provincial capital city, are all checked. The process varies in length but averages a week.
Now, Nie Zhenbang seems quite relaxed. At six o’clock in the morning, many workers at the “Three Public Expenses” office had already started working, and Nie Zhenbang had also gotten up.
The winter in the northern three provinces brought the temperature down to below ten degrees. But for Nie Zhenbang in a heated room, the cold didn’t have much effect. He was wearing a single layer of clothing.
Having cleared a space in his room, he executed a set of Shape-Intent Fist moves, which left him feeling incredibly relaxed.
At half-past seven, the hotel waiter brought breakfast punctually. It was quite exquisite: a few snow-white buns, two fried eggs, and a cup of hot milk.
After enjoying his breakfast, Nie Zhenbang contentedly picked up the newspaper to read. Just then, Li Jupeng entered from outside and reported in a low voice: “Director, Secretary Huo is here.”
The arrival of Huo Siyuan was expected. Last night, when he and Cao Dingkun left together, Huo Siyuan didn’t say anything on the surface. However, he must have had some misgivings. As expected, Huo Siyuan came over very early today.
Nie Zhenbang nodded and stood up. At that moment, the door opened and Huo Siyuan walked in. Looking at Nie Zhenbang, he smiled and said, “Director Nie, how was your sleep last night? If you need anything, don’t hesitate to tell us.”
“Secretary Huo, you are too courteous. We are very satisfied with the arrangements made by the Liaodong Provincial Committee. We felt very much at home with last night’s rest. Secretary Huo, it is truly too much for you to come here so early in person.” Nie Zhenbang also responded with a smile.
Though Nie Zhenbang didn’t appreciate the bureaucratic roundabout talk that was so prevalent within the system, he had to admit that he had become exceptionally skilled at it.
This, however, made Huo Siyuan’s face darken. Despite Nie Zhenbang’s polite words, they did not further Huo’s agenda, making it difficult for him to steer the conversation.
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After a moment of silence, Huo Siyuan made a decision in his mind. He looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Director Nie, I heard that Comrade Lin Mohan, the Secretary of Gangcheng City, used to be your colleague back when you were in Wanghai City?”
Huo Siyuan’s words did not surprise Nie Zhenbang. No one can lie about their official career. He and Lin Mohan both had experience working in Wanghai City, and this would not be a secret from Huo Siyuan. On this matter, Nie Zhenbang had no intention of hiding anything.
He nodded and smiled, “Indeed, Secretary Huo. Back when I was the Deputy Mayor and then Mayor of Wanghai City, Comrade Lin Mohan was the City’s Publicity Department Head. It’s been a few years since we last met. How is Comrade Lin Mohan doing in Liaodong Province?”
His response irritated Huo Siyuan. He thought that Nie Zhenbang was too slick. This feeling made Huo feel uneasy. Clearly, Nie was one level below himself, and anyone from Liaodong Province, even deputy ministers, were always cautious around him. Yet, Nie Zhenbang’s identity elevated him to the same level as himself.
Earlier, by mentioning Lin Mohan, Huo was implying to Nie Zhenbang that he was aware of Nie’s connection with Lin. So, for matters concerning Liaodong Province, if Nie cooperates with him, he would look after Lin Mohan.
However, much to Huo’s surprise, Nie Zhenbang remained indifferent and avoided his sensitive topic once again.
“Comrade Lin Mohan has done an excellent job. As the Secretary of Gangcheng City, he has proven his leadership skills. He adopted measures suited to local conditions and made full use of the industrial base and advantages of Gangcheng City. Both the economy and society in Gangcheng City have greatly developed over the past two years. We are lacking such talents in Liaodong Province. As for Comrade Lin Mohan, we have decided to give him greater attention. He is a competent cadre and should naturally shoulder more responsibilities,” Huo Siyuan said, smiling. His words were spoken after careful consideration.
Although it seemed like a simple evaluation of Lin Mohan, Huo’s words implied a piece of news – he intended to give Lin Mohan a key position, but of course, on the premise that Nie Zhenbang would cooperate with him.
Nie Zhenbang clearly understood the underlying message in Huo Siyuan’s words, but he found it amusing. At this stage, Huo Siyuan still played this card. His sincerity was clearly not as high as Cao Dingkun’s.
Everyone knows how to paint pretty pictures but when it comes to bureaucracy, even promises made during public nominations can be broken, let alone an unattested single-sided commitment. Nie Zhenbang was not a naive youngster. Such words could not deceive him.
After a moment of silence, Nie Zhenbang stood up and calmly said, “Secretary Huo, in that case, I should thank you on behalf of Comrade Lin Mohan. But these matters are specifically related to Liaodong Province. As such, it’s not appropriate for me to comment too much. I believe good talents shine no matter where they are.”
After pausing momentarily, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Secretary Huo, I have some other things to attend to. I won’t keep you any longer.”
At this point in the conversation, there was no need to continue. Nie Zhenbang had noticed Huo Siyuan’s determination to secure this position. It seemed that Huo Siyuan had somewhat guessed the Central Government’s intentions.
Since Huo Siyuan had no intentions of giving up on this position, there really was nothing else that could be said between the two.
Nie Zhenbang’s words darkened Huo Siyuan’s face. As the top official of Liaodong Province, Huo Siyuan was not used to being dismissed like this. To him, Nie Zhenbang’s behavior seemed like stupidity in disguise, showing a lack of recognition for what was being offered.
He then stood up, his smile strained, and his gaze on Nie Zhenbang intense and meaningful. “Well, if Director Nie has other matters to attend to, I won’t disturb you any longer. I trust the inspection conducted by the San Gong office will be fair and impartial because that’s the kind of person Director Nie is.”
Well, his insinuations had begun. But Nie Zhenbang just laughed and said, “Of course, Secretary Huo. The San Gong office’s inspections in any province or city are without any malicious intent. We only look at the facts. Everything is based on the facts.”
Watching Huo Siyuan leaving with a huff, Nie Zhenbang sat down again, finally able to relax a little.
PS: I need a break. I just received news that one of my brothers just had a baby girl today. Anyway, I have to visit him in the hospital. I may come back late. Please don’t wait up. If there’s an update tonight there is. If not, I will make it up tomorrow or the day after. (To be continued. If you like this novel, please vote for it on qidian.com. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
