Reborn as a Noble's Son

However, Ning Shouchang still acknowledged his affiliation to the Nie family. On many occasions, he had supported the Nie family, winning him the fondness of many. At the very least, they wouldn’t worry about being betrayed when cooperating with someone like Ning Shouchang.

Shen Yanshuo glanced at Ning Shouchang nonchalantly, a smile on his face as he asked, “Does Governor Shou Chang have any additional comments?”

This question was very craftily posed, setting the tone, because previously, what Shen Yanshuo has proposed was to send Nie Zhenbang to the Central Party School for studies. Now, by asking if Ning Shouchang had any additional comments, the implications were very clear. The warning was subtly included as well.

Ning Shouchang chuckled bitter-sweetly as he was quite upset about the situation. Nie Zhenbang’s audacity was simply overbearing. He dared to act against the Li family. Even when the old man was alive, such an act had to be carefully considered. Nietheless, Nie Zhenbang did it anyway without even notifying him in advance to prepare.

At this moment, it seemed that Nie Zhenbang going to the Central Party School was set in stone. Even without Shen Yanshuo’s warning, Ning Shouchang knew that there was nothing he could do. Then, Ning Shouchang nonchalantly said, “I also agree with Secretary Shen’s proposal. Comrade Nie Zhenbang’s abilities in various aspects are indeed not bad. If he can study at the Central Party School, he’s definitely capable of handling bigger responsibilities. This is a rare opportunity, and it shows the Provincial Committee’s regard for Comrade Nie Zhenbang. However, Secretary Shen, you know that the Eastern Development Forum is about to start. Shouldn’t we let Nie Zhenbang complete his tasks here before leaving?”

Ning Shouchang paused and then continued casually, “As we all know, the old city renovation project in Liangxi City has been under the charge of Li Guohua and Nie Zhenbang. Now, with Li Guohua being expelled, only Nie Zhenbang is left. If he leaves for his studies now, there might be issues with transitioning. Worst case scenario, if it affects the Eastern Development Forum, it would be a heavy blow to the Jiangbei Provincial Committee.”

After speaking, Ning Shouchang was also observing the changing expressions on others’ faces. Wang Daan, the deputy secretary of the Provincial Committee who works full-time, Sun Daliang, the Secretary of the Provincial Disciplinary Committee, and Huang Yuesheng, the standing deputy governor, all nodded in agreement.

This was a known matter. Wang Daan valued the upcoming Eastern Development Forum, and Sun Daliang maintained a good relationship with Zhuang Aiguo through his work at the Disciplinary Committee. The Huang family, whom Huang Yuesheng was a part of, was Nie Zhenbang’s uncle and thus obligated to help. Ning wasn’t objecting to Nie Zhenbang’s transfer, he was just asking for a delay of about twenty days. This favor would surely be granted by the other standing members of the Provincial Committee.

As expected, upon hearing Ning Shouchang’s words, Long Dianqin, the Commander of the Provincial Military Region, commented: “I think it can be done. Nie Zhenbang is indeed well-versed in matters at hand. Suddenly changing commands now could lead to serious problems.”

Subsequently, Yang Xingan, Minister of the Organization Department of the Provincial Party Committee, Yi Jingchao, Minister of Propaganda, and Li Dongmin, Secretary of the Provincial Political and Legal Committee, all expressed similar sentiments. Shen Yanshuo, at this moment, didn’t mind delaying a mere twenty days, and since there wasn’t an appropriate candidate to replace Nie Zhenbang for handling the Eastern Forum, Shen agreed, “Since everyone’s opinions align, I’ll go with the flow. The matter of Comrade Nie Zhenbang going to the Central Party School for studies can be discussed after the end of the Eastern Development Forum.”

Upon hearing Shen Yanshuo’s words, Ning Shouchang breathed a sigh of relief. The events this time had rattled everyone from the Nie family within the government system, and being described as walking on thin ice was not an exaggeration. From this point on, there was not much more he could do for Nie Zhenbang. If he dared to act against Li Guohua, and managed to invite Vice Chairman Shen, Nie Zhenbang himself would have to make his moves once the Eastern Development Forum starts, if he wanted to avoid being shelved.

…

In the golden autumn of October, when osmanthus flowers are fragrant, it’s a season of harvest. However, for the members of the Liangxi City Committee, it was a crucial test. If they performed well, they’d be met with joy and immense glory. If not, the Jiangbei Provincial Committee would lose face in front of the neighbors province and city. As the host, the Liangxi City Committee would definitely face criticism, and their future might become bleak.

At the moment, an extended meeting of the Liangxi Municipal Committee was being held in the City Committee’s main conference room. All thirteen standing committee members of the Liangxi Municipal Committee were present, along with the heads of various district, county, and city governments and departments, leaders of the municipal government departments, and members of the Municipal Political Consultative Conference, People’s Congress, and military sub-district. They all sat down in peace and solemnity.

Inside the large conference room, all four air conditioners were fully operating. Cold air was blowing outward, the curtains were drawn, and even though it was already autumn, the temperature in Liangxi City still remained somewhat scorching hot.

Furthermore, this meeting was the first official expanded standing committee meeting after the Li Guohua incident. The aftershocks of Li Guohua’s case had left numerous cadres in Liangxi City with a sense of trepidation. Political rivalry was at play. Recently, the direction signaled by newspaper coverage had circled around Liangxi City, leading officials from grassroots backgrounds and low-level cadre families to perceive the power struggles in the central political sphere for the first time. It was indeed startling and disconcerting.

At this moment, Fan Changsheng also felt some apprehension. Nie Zhenbang had a strong political backing and acted with fearless audacity. Now, Nie Zhenbang’s days in Liangxi were numbered. At this juncture, there was no need to provoke him. If Nie were to drag him down in a fit of rashness, to whom could he turn for consolation? He did not possess Nie’s formidable connections.

After casting a casual glance at Nie Zhenbang, who sat next to him with a grave propriety, Fan Changsheng promptly smiled and said, “Mayor Nie, as the head of the leading group for the East Development Forum, would you please discuss the schedule and plans?”

Nie Zhenbang appeared calm at this moment, already aware of the provincial committee’s decision. The outcome was something he had anticipated long before. He had considered the consequences whilst making a move against Li Guohua. Now, it was too late for regrets.

In the meantime, Nie Zhenbang had given it a lot of thought. Apparently, he was still too immature. If he ended up being placed on the shelf and suppressed, how could he realize his lofty dreams? However, Nie Zhenbang harbored no regrets. If he always used such an excuse, even when he reached the top, he would have to compromise due to one factional struggle or another. This was not in his nature.

However, what he hadn’t expected was that after toppling Li Guohua, the fallout would be so far-reaching that even Fan Changsheng was now wary of him. For a moment, in Liangxi city, Nie’s word had become absolute authority. Over the past few days, he seemed to recapture the feelings he once had in New Li City.

Concerning the Eastern Development Forum, Nie Zhenbang took it seriously. After contemplating for awhile, he said, “Today is the 3rd of October. The forum opens on the 6th, leaving us with only three days. The renovation of the old city, including the shanty towns, the upgrading of highways, and the citywide street lighting project, have all completed according to the initial plan. The construction and preparation of each venue are ongoing in an orderly manner. Provinces that have confirmed their participation have sequentially moved into the exhibition hall to begin their setup. Specific departments are in charge of these tasks. Here, I would like to emphasize some particular aspects of the work.”

Since Fan Changsheng willingly handed over the control, Nie was not going to be polite. Most likely, this would be the last expanded standing committee meeting he would attend in Liangxi City. Then, Nie Zhenbang said solemnly, “First of all, security reception. During the conference, all staff members of the city’s two five-star hotels, seven four-star hotels, and thirteen three-star hotels, must be active, ensuring cleanliness and security. All personnel of the Municipal Public Security Bureau must report for duty without rest. The Patrol Police Brigade must perform round-the-clock uninterrupted patrols in all districts of the city to ensure absolute security. All members of the traffic police detachment must be mobilized. All traffic arteries and intersections must have round-the-clock patrols. The Special Police Brigade, as the main security force for provincial and ministerial leaders as well as Vice Chairman Shen, must ensure a fool-proof implementation of every travel route.”

“Secondly, the sanitation department, food safety department, and the sanitation bureau should perform a thorough clean-up of the city’s streets, communities, and other areas. We need to showcase the best side of Liangxi to the attending provincial and city officials, as well as Vice Chairman Shen.”

“The third aspect concerns the Municipal Committee’s Office of Affairs, the City Government’s Office of Affairs, the City Investment Promotion Bureau, the Economic Commission, and other departments. They must do a good job of liaising and connecting the various exhibition areas to provide enthusiastic service, letting our guests feel like they are at home.”

“And the fourth area concerns the power, water, and communication departments. They must ensure the provision of electricity, water, and communication services to the hotels where the delegates are staying during the conference. There must be a thorough examination of core areas in the exhibition halls, with special focus.”

At this point, the standing committee members attending the expanded Municipal Committee meeting couldn’t help but admire Nie Zhenbang. Mayor Nie’s capability was indeed commendable. He managed this entire project extensively and meticulously and even presented it in an impromptu manner, which proved that all of these details were already planned out in Mayor Nie’s mind.

Sitting at his side, Fan Changsheng felt a sense of wonder. Nie Zhenbang was truly an outstanding individual. In just under a year in the Liangxi City, he had transformed many aspects of the city’s environment. Various enterprises had also been introduced into the high-tech zone of Liangxi City, coupled with the old city renovation, Liangxi airport, and his guidance to the West Village Group. All of these were impressive achievements. One must note that it wasn’t easy to achieve this in a city with an already thriving economy like Liangxi. Given more time, more accomplishments would likely emerge.

Just as Fan Changsheng was sighing in awe, Nie Zhenbang abruptly changed his tone, his face turned solemn, “Everyone in charge of these matters must take them seriously, get directly involved, and if any link were to pose a problem, don’t blame me for being merciless. Here, I will make a stand on behalf of the Municipal Committee and Municipal Government: anyone who causes a problem, will be dismissed without exception if the circumstances are serious.” (.)