Reborn as a Noble's Son-Chapter 796 - 752: Reactions from All Parties (Vote for Double Monthly Tickets)
Chapter 796: Chapter 752: Reactions from All Parties (Vote for Double Monthly Tickets)
“Governor, personally, I think you should reconsider this matter. Once it is made public, we won’t have any chance to salvage the situation,” in Gutian County Party Committee meeting room, Pan Jianzhang was earnestly advising Nie Zhenbang.
After pausing for a moment, Pan Jianzhang continued, “Governor, think about it, nowadays, everywhere in the country, when there’s a problem, isn’t it common to cautiously cover it up? Which place doesn’t try to conceal something? By doing this, it’s not just about making the local area look good. From a national image perspective, it also looks better. If we do this, it could lead to pressure from all sides.”
The words of Pan Jianzhang were sincere and direct because at that moment in the room, it was just him and the Governor. Such a talk didn’t require any holding back.
Nie Zhenbang was no longer concerned with the aftermath of the Victorious Coal Mine disaster, but at this point, he was in no rush to return to Tianfu City.
Of course, after the rescue operation was over, Nie Zhenbang, in a compliant manner, moved from the Victorious Coal Mine to the Gushan County Party Committee guesthouse. Judging by this posture, it was clear he intended to wait for the definitive resolution from Wuliang City before leaving.
Listening to Pan Jianzhang’s words, Nie Zhenbang picked up a Zhonghua cigarette from the table, lit one, took a deep drag, and said, “Lao Pan, I understand all that you’re saying. I’m also aware that once tomorrow’s press conference starts, the incident at the Victorious Coal Mine will definitely become the focus of the entire nation. I, Nie Zhenbang, will certainly become the target of public criticism.”
This statement left Pan Jianzhang somewhat astonished, “Governor, if you know this… then why still…?”
Nie Zhenbang waved his hand and spoke with a grave voice, “Lao Pan, what I’m doing now, knowingly engaging in a futile endeavor, is not wise. Yet, despite that, I must do it. I can’t do nothing just because I fear this or that. It’s not in my character. Back when I took office at the San Gong, the same year I pioneered the San Gong hospitality standards regulations, there was similar skepticism from the outside world. But in the end, what happened? The San Gong regulations were fully implemented, and just by that measure alone, the nation was saving nearly a hundred billion in funds each year. It’s a huge figure. Now, it’s the same. Why I’m doing this is to tell the cadres in Bashu Province, and cadres across the country, that there are things not because they cannot be done, but rather, it’s about whether they are done or not. Even if it leads to severe consequences, I maintain this attitude. Life is transient like autumn grass and trees; a man should stand up for his actions and know what not to do. In life, in conduct, all I ask for is a clear conscience and loyalty to the country. That’s how I handle things.”
Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Pan Jianzhang no longer spoke. What remained was complete admiration. Looking at Nie Zhenbang’s resolute expression, Pan Jianzhang also nodded and said, “Governor, I understand.”
The next day
In the auditorium of the Gushan County Party Committee and County Government, the Bashu Provincial Government officially held a press conference about the Victorious Coal Mine disaster.
At the meeting, Liu Bingyi, the Secretary of the Wuliang City Party Committee, announced the results of the investigation. The Victorious Coal Mine was found to have incomplete paperwork, inadequate safety precautions, and issues with overstaffing on the working face. The owner of Victorious Coal Mine and twelve others, including Daxing Town’s Party Committee Secretary and Mayor, were formally detained. The Party Committee Secretary of Daxing Town and five other government officials were expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office. The Secretary of Gushan County, due to inadequate supervision, was removed from his position and appointed as the Secretary of the Wuliang City Agricultural Bureau Party Group. The Gushan County head was transferred to serve as the Director of the Wuliang City Science and Technology Bureau.
Next, the Deputy Director of the National Safety Supervision Bureau, Yao, reported the number of fatalities at Victorious Coal Mine. The death toll of forty-four people shocked the media reporters who attended the press conference. Moreover, the incident was classified as a particularly serious safety accident.
After the press conference concluded, the news exploded across the country as if a pot had been stirred, and this move by Bashu Province was like dropping a bomb. With this precedent set, what should the leaders in other regions do? In case they face such an incident in the future, should they conceal it or report it truthfully?
All the provincial and ministerial-level officials felt as if, without realizing it, they had been kidnapped by Nie Zhenbang’s actions.
At the Tianfu City Provincial Party Committee and Provincial Government offices in Bashu Province,
In the office of Zeng Taiping, the Provincial Party Secretary, he felt almost explosive with rage. He smacked his hand on the table and said to his Secretary-General Lu Qingyu, “Qingyu, call Nie Zhenbang immediately, ask him what he’s up to. Does he still consider the organization, does he still respect me as his leader? With such a major issue, he decides on his own without a word. Now, the entire Bashu Province, including myself, has been strapped to his chariot. How are we supposed to face other provincial and city leaders after this?”
Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s candid report that a mine disaster had been classified as a particularly serious safety accident, Zeng Taiping jumped to his feet when he heard the news.
Yet, Lu Qingyu remained calm, his demeanor as placid as an ancient well. After Zeng Taiping had finished his rant, he slowly said, “Secretary, do you think there could be some misunderstanding regarding this matter? After all, Deputy Director Yao from Anzong was also there, could it be that…”
“Bullshit! I know exactly what kind of person Yao Gensheng is. At our level, we always have to show some respect for each other. As long as it doesn’t put Yao Gensheng in an especially difficult position, it’s really no issue at all. This was all Nie Zhenbang’s idea,” one can imagine Zeng Taiping’s rage at the moment, the provincial party committee leader even using crude language.
After a moment, Zeng Taiping said with a heavy voice, “You don’t need to make that call, I’ll do it myself.”
…
While Zeng Taiping was fuming, Nie Zhenbang was on the phone. He was speaking with Zeng Fengchun, the Secretary of the Qianzhou Provincial Committee.
“Little brother, this time, your actions have broken a taboo. To put it bluntly, you’ve become a public enemy,” Zeng Fengchun voiced his concerns.
Both from the same faction, their interactions weren’t particularly deep, but they were still comrades in the same trench. Zeng Fengchun was somewhat worried about Nie Zhenbang’s current situation.
Moved by Zeng Fengchun’s words, Nie Zhenbang knew that at this level, most people would not easily express such an attitude. His ties with Zeng Fengchun were not that deep, but these words clearly conveyed a lot of concern.
After a moment of silence, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Big brother, I understand what you’re saying. To tell you the truth, it’s not that I, Nie Zhenbang, am trying to be more noble than others. By doing this, I just hope that it can start with me and bring about some change to the officialdom across the country. Even if it’s just a little, I would be satisfied. It’s just like the ‘Three Public Expenses’ regulation.”
Clearly, Zeng Fengchun was somewhat dismissive of Nie Zhenbang’s words. At that moment, Nie Zhenbang gave the impression of likening himself to a saint.
Then, Zeng Fengchun said with a smirk, “Since you have plans, little brother, I won’t say more. You arrange the matter yourself.”
After hanging up with Zeng Fengchun, his mobile phone rang again. It was a call from Tian Xujian, and upon answering, Tian Xujian’s voice came through, “Zhenbang, this time, you have really made a name for yourself.”
Nie Zhenbang couldn’t help but smile wryly at Tian Xujian’s words. The relationship they established in Wanghai City meant a deep-seated comradeship between them, “Lao Tian, when did you, the Governor of Heishui Province, become so gossipy? Tell me, what’s the reaction over there now?”
Speaking of this matter, Tian Xujian replied gravely, “Zhenbang, I have heard about it too. Many people think that you are just putting on a show right now.”
After chatting with Tian Xujian for a while and putting down the phone, Nie Zhenbang’s mobile rang again—it was finally Zeng Taiping’s call. Once connected, Zeng Taiping’s voice came through, “Comrade Zhenbang, this time, with the incident at Victorious Coal Mine, we seem to be at a disadvantage.”
Although spoken calmly, his words carried an undercurrent of blame. Nie Zhenbang, however, simply smiled and responded, “Secretary Zeng, I have also carefully considered the situation at Victorious Coal Mine. I believe you are well aware that the continuous problems with small coal mines, on one hand, are due to unclear policies from the central authorities. On the other hand, it’s mainly because of the interest chains involved. In short, it’s a complex issue.”
Continuing, Nie Zhenbang added, “Therefore, after the mine accident at Victorious Coal Mine, I thought about it. Taking this opportunity to amplify our influence and create pressure, we could revamp the coal mining enterprises across the province and close down and merge numerous small coal mines. That’s my ultimate goal.”
Nie Zhenbang’s words were grand and seemed well-reasoned. Zeng Taiping felt like he had hit cotton with a punch—furious but unable to vent his anger. After hearing this, Zeng Taiping snorted coldly, “Comrade Zhenbang, this incident has already become established fact. I think you should focus your main efforts on the development and economic construction of the province. The current situation should be left to Wuliang City to handle. Human energy is limited after all, and sometimes you need to delegate appropriately. What do you think?”
“Secretary Zeng, you worry too much. Currently, the work in Wuliang City is basically coming to an end, and even if you did not mention it, I was planning to return to the province tomorrow,” Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, and after a pause continued, “Secretary Zeng, do you have any other matters? If not, I won’t disturb you any longer.”
After hanging up the phone, Nie Zhenbang directed someone outside his door, “Ju Peng, call Liu Bingyi and ask him to come over.” (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to qidian.com to vote for recommendation tickets and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)
Foll𝑜w current novels on fɾēewebnσveℓ.com.
