Reborn as a Noble's Son

After staying at the Military General Hospital for three days, the old lady personally ordered Li Lixue to take the child to the old Nie residence for postnatal confinement.

The old Nie house was located in an old alleyway in Jingcheng, a traditional siheyuan with several courtyards. Not all its neighbours were high-ranking officials or wealthy people. After the old man’s death, security was basically withdrawn, making the place inconspicuous. It wasn’t a big deal for Li Lixue to move in.

Moreover, when the old lady spoke, the Nie brothers naturally had no objections. As for Nie Zhenbang, he was more than happy. The old lady was subtly telling Li Lixue that the Nie family recognized her as a daughter-in-law, although they had no formal recognition.

In fact, among the children of Jingcheng’s prominent families, Nie Zhenbang’s situation was not rare. However, none of them did it as spectacularly as Nie Zhenbang. Usually, the legitimate wives were all from political marriages. Those without formal recognition were common women, or daughters of officials from other places. But Nie Zhenbang was even more domineering, causing Dong Wan, the only daughter and heiress of the Dong family, to willingly debase herself to be with him.

Yes, in the eyes of the children of Jingcheng’s famous families, Dong Wan’s behavior was a classic case of self-degradation.

Seeing Li Lixue’s current situation, Dong Wan seemed quite delighted. If there was one, then there must be a second one. Furthermore, Dong Wan was now living in the old Nie house as well.

As a result, Mr. Dong seemed to harbor less resentment towards the Nie family, and his attitude softened a bit. After all, it was his precious granddaughter. If the Nie family did not force her and she was willing, then there was nothing he could do except lament that daughters are bound to marry. In his heart, Mr. Dong would hate to disown his granddaughter.

Now that he had a granddaughter, Nie Guowei, who was currently the Governor of Yanbei Province, even took the time to come back to visit the sleeping Yaya. Nie Guowei sighed, and simply patted Nie Zhenbang’s shoulder, saying, “Zhenbang, you are stronger than me.”

Nie Zhenbang also understood the meaning behind his words; Nie Guowei was still feeling guilty about the incidents from the past.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang didn’t harbor much resentment either. He smiled and said, “Dad, the past is the past. We should be looking forward. I believe that mom, down in the underworld, would be happy to see me now.”

…

The old man’s study was now empty. Usually, Nie Guodong stayed at the Jingcheng Military District compound, where he also had his own house. Nie Guowei was mainly in Yanbei. The third generation of the Nie family was spread out, making it hard for them to gather together.

At this moment, they were all gathered. In the wooden living room of the study, Nie Guodong sat in the middle, Nie Guowei to his left, and Nie Zhenbang to his right. The brothers Nie Jialei and Nie Jiamin sat on the single couches. From this, it could be seen that the Nie family was temporarily led by Nie Guodong, but Nie Zhenbang’s position was indisputable. He was the undisputed third generation heir of the Nie family.

“Since the beginning of this year, the situation in Jingcheng has been somewhat subtle. After this term ends, I’m afraid Guowei and I will have to make some moves,” remarked Nie Guodong astonished.

Nie Zhenbang understood this very well. Take his Uncle Nie Guodong, for instance, who was already fifty-five this year. Although not very old, he had already served two terms as the commander of the Jingcheng Military Region. When the time comes for a change of leadership, after President Yuan’s retirement, the new General Secretary will surely instate his most trusted people.

No matter how good the relationship between himself and Shen Xiuchao was, that was about him, not Nie Guodong. Politics can be treacherous; even the heart might overturn. Especially now when he was not part of the actual faction.

At the side, Nie Guowei nodded in agreement: “Big brother is right. Next year is the term change for every province and city in the country. I guess I might also have to make a move, with the greatest possibility of returning to a Ministry in Jingcheng.”

Indeed, this was a connected issue. The military was just one aspect; local governments would also have to pave the way for the new General Secretary. This was inevitable.

“Dad, Uncle Second, it can’t be that serious, right? Our Nie family may have lost grandfather, but isn’t nobody daring to touch us now? This time, if you both have to make a move, somebody must be promoted to the Politburo, right?” Nie Jamin casually voiced his opinion.

At that moment, Nie Guodong looked rather complex. He glanced at Nie Zhenbang beside him. In the past, Nie Guodong didn’t understand, but now he had reached a position where he had access to high-tech military equipment, giving him a glimpse of something.

The Nie family is untouchable for many reasons. One aspect of this is due to the affinity of Elder Nan. As long as Elder Nan is around, the Nie family remains solid as Mount Taishan. On the other hand, it is also due to Nie Zhenbang’s covert contributions to the country.

Among the Nie lineage, at the supreme echelon of the Central Leadership, only Zhuang Aiguo remains. Soon, Zhuang Aiguo will retire. There are a few within the Nie lineage currently serving as members of the Central Committee, but when it comes to entering the Political Bureau, this is not something that is decided by positions or ranks.

“Jiamin, do you think just anyone can get into the Political Bureau? It is not a matter of entertaining guests or settling favors. The seats in the Political Bureau are limited. In Jingcheng, each political family is vying for a position. If only our grandfather was still here, it would be doable. Now that grandpa is gone, it is uncertain if the Nie family can still get a seat.” Jialei Nie reprimanded.

As the eldest brother, Nie Jiamin had some fear of him. At this moment, after being reproached, he could only smile awkwardly and bow his head, not saying a word.

Nie Zhenbang was pondering in his heart. His own anticipations about the changing situation in Jingcheng were starting to fall into place. From a few perspectives, one of them being Nie Jiamin’s relocation, signifying that Nie Guodong is trying to avoid suspicion, laying a solid foundation for his further advancement to the vice-chairmanship of the Military Commission. Once he is appointed as the vice-chairman, his entry into the Political Bureau is inevitable since he has already been promoted to Deputy State level.

Secondly, The Gao family had relocated Gao Wei to WangHai. Was it such a mere coincidence that the offspring of the Jingcheng nobility were flocking to WangHai?

Considering the recent storm in WangHai, this is likely Secretary General Yuan’s planning for the successor. Additionally, there was the visit to Secretary Mu.

At first, this seemed to be a simple visit to a former leader. However, in the end, Secretary Mu had arranged a stunning meeting, connecting him with Shen Xiuchao. Granted, his exceptional performance on the three agricultural issues had gained the attention of Vice Chairman Shen. Yet, it could not be ruled out that Vice Chairman Shen was using this to gain support for his own advantage.

Having understood these circumstances clearly, the situation becomes more transparent. It seems that there are still a few qualified individuals in Jingcheng who are not content with Vice Chairman Shen’s rise to power. As for this, Nie Zhenbang simply sneered. Historical facts prove who eventually emerges as the victor. Knowing these circumstances, if he still doesn’t know which side to align with, then he is as good as a pig and his seven or eight years immersed in the system are wasted.

“Zhenbang, do you have anything to say?” Suddenly, Nie Guodong was looking at Nie Zhenbang and spoke.

This statement undoubtedly expressed Nie Guodong’s stance. At this moment, Nie Guodong had placed Nie Zhenbang at the same level as himself.

In the past, Nie Zhenbang had salvaged the situation by virtue of a few articles and strategies, and pulled the Nie family out of the conservative faction. Not only did they avoid the decline of the conservative faction, but they also gained huge benefits. This incident was deeply ingrained in Nie Guodong’s memory.

Although the situation was not as dangerous as before, political matters do not allow room for carelessness. The slightest slip could lead to irreparable damage. Even though Nie Guodong had limited talents, he was not narrow-minded. Nie Guodong was well aware of his capabilities and limitations. This was why he took the initiative to seek Nie Zhenbang’s advice. Under the subtle situation of the current mandated family changes, all families in Jingcheng are acting to maximize their interests. The prestige and connections of the Nie family in the military are naturally a tempting bite.

“Uncle, Dad, I believe at present, it is best for us not to interfere in anything. Our generation, elder brother, Jiamin and I, can fool around a bit. However, you and Dad are in this position and cannot act rashly.” Nie Zhenbang thought for a moment before slowly speaking.

Nie Guodong nodded in agreement. This approach was similar to the one they had taken before – staying out of the matter so that whoever takes over would bring benefits.

However, Nie Zhenbang proceeded, “But, Uncle, this time it’s different. I believe that you have a chance to enter the Political Bureau. My dad is eligible in terms of rank, but he does not have any advantage in age, being only 48.”

Nie Guodong was delighted at the prospect of entering the Political Bureau – a dream of everyone in politics. Nie Zhenbang only saw advantages and disregarded familial affection, which made Nie Guodong appreciate his nephew’s uniqueness even more.

“Uncle, I suggest that after returning to the Jingcheng City Military District this time, you should hold a study session that emphasizes politics, contemplates the bigger picture, and underscores principles. You must highlight the theme of rallying closely around the Central Leadership Group with Secretary General Yuan at its core and following the Party’s lead. I suspect that if you handle this matter well, your chances of being promoted to the Political Bureau should not be an issue.” Nie Zhenbang suggested his plan at this point.

Upon hearing these words, Nie Guodong contemplated briefly and then understood. Taking this course of action would undeniably show Secretary General Yuan and the future Secretary General his stand. After a smooth transition, as a subduer of the dragon and a meritorious official, it would be strange if he wasn’t promoted.

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang continued with a smile, “Additionally, I suggest elder brother also go down to the grassroots level for some practical experience.”