Reborn as a Noble's Son

Liu Wenqing spoke directly, and Nie Zhenbang also laughed, saying, “Secretary, it seems that you already know why I am here.”

These kind of attitudes Nie Zhenbang presents in front of the leaders is well controlled. He, who had seen too much of the world, had met with quite a few central leaders, and even at Elder Nan’s place, could be passionate and point out directions freely. Therefore, Nie Zhenbang is naturally won’t be constrained in front of Liu Wenqing.

Nie Zhenbang, from the prestigious family of Jingcheng, still has his imposing manner. Neither humble or aggressive, he managed to give an impression of being open and relaxed, which is truly geniune. This made Liu Wenqing feel like he was not facing a subordinate, but a younger generation.

“Nie, what are your thoughts? I would like to hear them.” Seemingly indifferent, Liu Wenqing sat down, his eyes fixated on Nie Zhenbang.

Nie Zhenbang paused for a moment then laughed, saying, “Secretary, are you testing me? As for the party school training, it is certain to be attended. It is a directive given by Secretary Li of the Xibei Party Committee. I am definitely going. However, the current development of Lixian County is also key. I am in a dilemma.”

“You are such a cunning fellow,” Liu Wenqing laughed. “So that’s your intention. You want to go to the party school and also want to maintain the ongoing work in Lixian. However, the intention of the municipal party committee was never for Nie Zhenbang to give up power. If someone new takes place in Lixian and starts running things, it will surely affect the development. As for the party school, it’s not anything too special. After the start of the semester, the schedule will be relaxed anyway, because all the students are the party and government leaders from various municipal governments. They can’t possibly sit in the classroom all day.”

Liu Wenqing nodded and said: “Yeah, the development of Lixian does indeed hold the greatest importance. Originally, I was hoping for you to go to the municipal party school for further study after a few months, next spring. Unexpectedly, we’ve already received notification from the district party school.”

Upon saying this, Liu Wenqing paused and then seriously added: “Nie, this training is directed at deputy-level officers. Your participation is already an exception. I heard that it was Secretary Jiang Zhenquan of the Xibei Party Committee who specifically chose you. This is an honor. With this achievement, your future will no doubt be smooth sailing. Don’t underestimate this party school training. If possible, take on some roles in the class. That will earn you extra points.”

Hearing Liu Wenqing’s words, Nie Zhenbang was stunned. He had always thought it was Li Yifeng’s nomination. He never expected it to be Jiang Zhenquan.

Jiang Zhenquan might be able to guess his background, and, as evidence showed, Jiang had indeed guessed it. But from his position, Jiang would not court his favor this way. Was it purely about favor or did he really value himself? Nie Zhenbang was a bit puzzled.

However, though he didn’t understand, Nie Zhenbang still had to go. If it were Li Yifeng, he still had room to resist since they were close, but now it was Jiang Zhenquan who pointed him out, so if he didn’t go, it would really offend the head of the district party committee. Nie Zhenbang was a little surprised that even Fang Gushan didn’t know about it and thought it had been pointed out by Li Yifeng. It seemed that Li Yifeng and Jiang Zhenquan had made the arrangements together.

Thinking of this, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said “Secretary, please rest assured. I will definitely obey the organization’s arrangement. After going to the district party school, I will study seriously, strengthen my ideological study, unite with my classmates and maintain good relationships with them. I will never tarnish the image of Bazhou, and will color the image of Bazhou City.”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s grandiose assurances, Liu Wenqing laughed: “You, you’re still a child in some ways. You managed a county quite well, and hold great prestige. But now, you seem to be acting like a joke, saying anything and everything. You are trying to blandish me, huh? Anyway, just speak honestly. You have to go to the party school and also work on your duties in Lixian. I will send word to Zhang Chubin. Lixian is now the top priority for Bazhou City. The development of the new district in Lixian affects the overall development of Bazhou. You must keep a close eye on it. If there’s no urgent business, go home and pack up immediately and report to the party school early.”

Nie Zhenbang is going? To study at the party school? When Nie Zhenbang left, it seemed that the entire Lixian had gone mad, and rumors began to circulate.

At this moment, Yi Jun was having a tough time. Nie Zhenbang went this time without taking him along, and he left so suddenly that he didn’t have time to prepare. Now, all the officials in Lixian are in uproar, and there are all kinds of rumors going around.

Some of them say that Nie Zhenbang is studying at the party school in name only. In reality, the Municipal Disciplinary Committee deliberately transferred him so they could investigate issues related to Nie Zhenbang in Lixian.

Yi Jun scoffed at such talk. Isn’t he clear on what kind of person Nie Zhenbang is? There is absolutely no chance that Nie Zhenbang has any issues related to the Min Nong Company or Longhua Mining. As for the matter of the Wal-Mart Group, Yi Jun wasn’t clear. But, there definitely wouldn’t be any issue. This is trust.

At this moment, Yi Jun’s telephone on the desk suddenly rang. He picked it up and heard Yan Fengjiao’s voice from the other end. “Director Yi, are you busy? It’s Yan Fengjiao. Do you have time tonight? Let’s go out and have a gathering with a few old friends like Director Chen and Director Lin.”

County Mayor Yan’s words were clear and to the point. Naming specific individuals saved Yi Jun the guesswork, and he responded smilingly, “County Mayor Yan, wherever you are, I’ll come over.”

He headed to the Millionaire Hotel in Lixian, Zhu Lufeng’s first venture in Lixian. His leather factory was still under construction, so most of his efforts were now devoted to the hotel industry. The success of the Millionaire Hotel in Bazhou gave Zhu Lufeng the confidence he needed, and after the earthquake, he began to look for a new location. After several months, the Lixian branch of the Millionaire Hotel finally opened.

When Yi Jun arrived at a guest room on the fourth floor of the Millionaire Hotel, the room was filled with smoky haze. Several smokers were puffing away, their cigarettes glowing red.

The people present were all direct subordinates of Nie Zhenbang in Lixian – Lin Weimin of the Finance Bureau, Wei Chenglin of the Transportation Bureau, Chen Le of the Public Security Bureau, Fan Zhenming of the Investment Promotion Bureau, and Yan Fengjiao.

The news of Nie Zhenbang’s sudden departure caught everyone off guard. No one received any communication until Zhang Chubin revealed that Director Nie had left Bazhou and driven alone to Urumqi for a party school training program. Even his closest subordinates were kept in the dark, leaving them uncertain about what to do next.

Seeing Yi Jun arrive, the others stood up. After closing the door, Yi Jun immediately said, “Leaders, don’t ask me. I just found out as well. I can’t get through to Director Nie’s phone. I did hear that during Director Nie’s study period, the work of the Li County Government will be led by the Executive Deputy County Mayor Bekri, and the Development Zone by County Mayor Yan. This seemingly was a plan set by the county mayor before he left, but as for anything else, I know as much as you all do.”

The room fell silent at his words, everyone looking at the disheartened few. County Mayor Yan understood that it was time for someone to step up. “Old Forest,” she said, “Have you notified Director Xiong and Director Huang yet? It’s about time.”

The moment she finished speaking, Chen Le darkened his face and interjected, “Why wait for them? They’ve wasted their talents. They’re probably already someone else’s guests, thinking they’re so important. Thinking that Deputy Mayor Zhou is so great. I don’t care about any of this. Worst comes to worst, I won’t be the bureau chief anymore.”

Lin Weimin also spoke solemnly, “County Mayor Yan, I think we should focus on our own issues. Everyone has their own ambitions. True colors show in times of adversity. Both Director Chen and I were promoted by Director Nie. If Director Xiong and Director Huang have different ideas, we won’t force them. The question is how we can maintain the current situation. I’m afraid some people will be eager to step in.”

Yan Fengjiao nodded. Among those present, Yi Jun was Nie Zhenbang’s most trusted aide, and she herself owed a great deal to Nie Zhenbang. Chen Le and Lin Weimin felt the same way, while Wei Chenglin, a scholarly type of official, had his own persistence and stubbornness. As for Fan Zhenming, a strong young man, Nie Zhenbang’s tactics had won his admiration and loyalty. This was a situation where only the strong survived.

After a moment of contemplation, Yan Fengjiao quietly said, “Old Forest, with you in the finance bureau, I don’t think we have any issues. As for the development zone, both Director Fan and I are here, so for now, there shouldn’t be any problems. However, I’m afraid that if this drags on too long, issues may arise. Director Yi, would you consider making a personal trip to Urumqi to see Director Nie? It would help if we could have a clearer understanding.”

Yi Jun nodded, speaking in a solemn tone, “County Mayor Yan, you’re right. I think I should go to Urumqi tomorrow.”

Right now, while things were in chaos in Lixian, Nie Zhenbang was already standing at the entrance of the Party School of the Urumqi Autonomous Region.

Nie Zhenbang’s sudden departure was intentional. On one hand, he wanted to observe how his direct subordinates would react in this unexpected situation. On a deeper level, he knew he would have to leave eventually, and he wanted to test whether the current cadre in Lixian were capable of handling responsibilities and could carry forward his ideas. Therefore, this study period served as an early test for Nie Zhenbang.

PS: I recommend “Darling Gentle Wife”, a fascinating tale of a brilliant artist-turned-thief who arrived in Northern Song Hui Dynasty in its fourth year.

The story revolves around art and taste, featuring forged famous paintings, beautifully written calligraphy, and the appreciation of exquisite antiques.

My dear readers, the promised monthly ticket is here. Please support Old Cai. Despite it being a non-agenda month after a glorious previous one, we shouldn’t fall too far behind, right? Please support us. Four more chapters to go tomorrow. (To be continued… If you like this story, please vote for it on . Your support is my greatest motivation.)