Reborn as a Noble's Son

In his memory, a major smuggling case involving the Eastern Sea Group, which was infamous in Wanghai, was to break out next year. According to this timeline, this year they should have already begun a covert investigation. Subsequently, Qiao Yiren was promoted from Vice Secretary of the Provincial Committee to Acting Governor.

Assigning him to work in Wanghai, was it in order to investigate this case through him? Such a matter indeed required Nie Zhenbang’s consideration.

The Eastern Sea Group case was an extensive one involving hundreds of officials. A large number of senior officials in Wanghai had fallen from grace because of this case. Would he be able to withstand this?

At this moment, Qiao Yiren also chuckled lightly. Selecting Nie Zhenbang also stemmed from various considerations. On one hand, he indeed valued Nie Zhenbang’s abilities and moral integrity. In addition, Nie Zhenbang’s family background would ensure that he would dare to assume responsibility after becoming involved in this matter.

On the surface, within the Minnan Province Committee, his being the full-time deputy secretary made him the undisputed third in command. However, the saying goes ‘only the drinker knows his water is hot or cold’. In reality, his life wasn’t easy. The relationships he had with the leaders of the Provincial Committee were not harmonious as it seemed on the surface. Each person had their own thoughts and agendas. As a city of sub-provincial level, both the secretary and mayor of Wanghai hold the rank of vice-ministers and other vice positions equate to the level of head of department. This made the situation in Wanghai look like a microcosm of the Provincial Committee.

From top to bottom, if he personally interfered, apart from not knowing where to start, another issue would be the strong obstructing force that would arise, giving Qiao Yiren a feeling of being unable to take a step forward.

This time, the ruckus that had been stirred up in Liangxi City had also given Qiao Yiren some ideas. As for the Li family, Qiao Yiren definitely was not afraid of them, disregarding the relationship he had with Secretary Yuan, it was evident that there was no chance of a harmonious coexistence between him and the Li family.

Looking at Nie Zhenbang, Qiao Yiren said, “Zhenbang, what is your decision? To go and work in Wanghai, serving as the executive deputy mayor of Wanghai. You will be in charge of economic construction, assist in overseeing political affairs and law, and connect with the work at Wanghai customs.”

Wanghai City is a sub-provincial city, and as executive deputy mayor, he would also be a department level official, which is considered a lateral move. For Nie Zhenbang, given his age which is not yet thirty, it is unrealistic to elevate him to a vice-minister. This isn’t just about Nie Zhenbang, it’s also because the central government will not approve the emergence of such an anomalous individual in balancing various factors.

Nie Zhenbang also hesitated. At this moment, he had no other choices. If he didn’t go to Wanghai, Qiao Yiren would certainly no longer manage this matter. Between them, they were neither related by blood nor marriage, nor did they have any personal relationship. Even though there were grievances between Qiao Yiren and the Li family, it was still unrealistic for him to offend the Li family without rhyme or reason purely for Nie Zhenbang’s sake.

However, after studying at the Party School, how he himself gets arranged later would be another matter. At that time, being promoted to a department, being appointed to a vacant position, the rank being department level, displaying the like treatment of vice-ministry level. This could silence many mouths. This matter mainly resulted from his excessive actions. The wealthy families in Jingcheng had a sense of impending disaster, because by pulling down Li Guohua, he had already incurred public wrath.

“Vice Secretary Qiao, can I bring a few people with me?” Nie Zhenbang asked again.

As he said this, Nie Zhenbang had already decided in his heart. On one hand, Qiao Yiren’s bright future was enough for Nie Zhenbang to take a gamble; doing a good job in Wanghai would leave a good impression in Qiao Yiren’s heart. Having a good relationship with the three top leaders, or even all four top leaders, was a unique situation in Huaxia.

On the other hand, if he chose not to go and stayed in Liangxi, he would definitely be sent to the Party School for studies. By then, aside from being shelved, just the fact of being dormant was unbearable for himself. Holding office was not only for the sake of filling a position, but more importantly, how he could benefit the local residents. This was his pursuit. Therefore, going to Wanghai was also a good option. Although there were great risks, there were also great opportunities. If he did a good job in Wanghai, it would be a significant political achievement, and one that could be made public. Not getting promoted would be difficult.

Since he had already decided to agree to Qiao Yiren’s request and take up office in Wanghai, matters concerning this place had to be considered as well. Firstly, Chen Le would definitely be the prime target. After that, Yi Jun, as well as Huang Xuyang, Yang Qingshan and others who had followed him, had to be arranged properly.

“No way, Zhenbang. To be honest, you should understand your situation as well. Even though I am moving you over there, it indeed requires considerable effort on my part. The Li family is currently watching you like a tiger eyeing its prey. As for the others, I am helpless to assist.” Without giving it a second thought, Qiao Yiren immediately rejected Nie Zhenbang’s idea of bringing his team to work in Wanghai.

Listening to Qiao Yiren’s words, Nie Zhenbang nodded as well, having expected this already. Now, it merely confirmed his conjecture.

Immediately after, Nie Zhenbang looked at Qiao Yiren and said, “Vice Secretary Qiao, generally speaking, I am willing to take up the post in Wanghai. However, before going, I hope Vice Secretary Qiao can help me arrange some subsequent matters. If possible, I would like Zhao Xintian to succeed as the executive deputy mayor of Liangxi City. In addition, I would like Chen Le to succeed as the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee and director of the Public Security Bureau. Furthermore, I want Ning Zhiyuan, the current Mayor of Zisha City, to serve as the executive deputy mayor of the municipal government, and Yi Jun to serve as the Mayor of Zisha City. Vice Secretary Qiao, this isn’t a condition, it’s a request. These people have followed me for many years. I can’t just leave them behind. Settling them down well is also my responsibility.”

At this, Qiao Yiren’s complexion altered subtly. He had heard of Nie Zhenbang’s political acumen before. But now, he had seen it for himself. Zhenbang’s demands seemed unreasonable, yet they were not impossible to address.

In Liangxi City, with Nie Zhenbang’s departure, Zhu Zhuozhen was most likely to take the position of the mayor. To gain Ning Shouchang’s support, Wang Daan would agree to Zhao Xintian taking on the role of Executive Deputy Mayor, and the position vacated by Zhu Zhuozhen would be highly attractive to Huang Jiang, the Secretary of the Municipal Politics and Law Committee. Chen Le taking over this position could then be facilitated effectively.

Of course, this wouldn’t be without its complications. As the instigator of the Li Guohua incident, the role Chen Le played in the Liangxi City Public Security Bureau was critical. His desire to be promoted to the Secretary of the Municipal Politics and Law Committee and join the Standing Committee would require meticulous planning and execution.

As for Ning Zhiyuan’s placement, it seemed quite straightforward. Few in the Jiangbei Provincial Committee would dare to risk offending Ning Shouchang by blocking the career progression of his son.

Nie Zhenbang’s plans for Yi Jun were very resourceful. The positions of Secretary-General of the Municipal Government and Director of the Municipal Government Office seemed glamorous but were often thankless. Whether Zhu Zhuozhen would utilise Yi Jun fully or sparingly remained in question. His transfer to Zisha City would be the most suitable.

As for Yang Qingshan and Huang Xuyang, they were cadres at the division level and their placements would be much easier to arrange. They could serve in either the city’s various departments or the townships. The presence of figures like Zhao Xintian would ensure there were no major issues concerning the two.

Qiao Yiren, destined to be a central figure, had invested significant time in understanding the nature of Nie Zhenbang’s relationships and affairs in Liangxi City after deciding to propose the latter’s appointment in Wanghai.

Upon weighing these thoughts, Qiao Yiren said in a deep tone, “Transferring Yi Jun to Zisha City is feasible. As for your secretary and driver, with Zhao Xintian and others looking out for them, I believe it won’t be an issue. However, I can’t promise you anything regarding Chen Le’s case. It carries far-reaching implications. The Li family needs a scapegoat.”

Qiao Yiren was strikingly candid, understanding that overpromising would only raise doubts in Nie Zhenbang’s mind about his move to Wanghai. Qiao Yiren would ensure that his people didn’t experience unnecessary setbacks.

Subsequently, Nie Zhenbang responded, “Vice Secretary Qiao, I accept your offer. I’m going to Wanghai. Regarding Chen Le, I trust that you won’t put me in a difficult position.”

Hearing this, Qiao Yiren burst into laughter, “Well done, Nie Zhenbang. Guowei’s son is indeed of great merit. You even dared to put your Uncle Qiao in a bind. Rest assured, I’ll handle the matter concerning Chen Le.”

After Nie Zhenbang left, a man in his thirties walked into the tea house and naturally began to pour some hot water into Qiao Yiren’s teacup. He then whispered, “Secretary, you’re making a big bet this time. Is it worth it?”

Qiao Yiren responded with a serene smile, “Liang, some matters cannot be measured in terms of worthiness or unworthiness. You don’t understand Nie Zhenbang. Despite being just under thirty, who else commands as much respect from Elder Nan, President Yuan, Prime Minister Yun, and even Vice Chairman Shen in Huaxia? I believe he’s the only one.”

Qiao Yiren’s secretary, Liang Yuan, was taken aback by this revelation. If it came from anyone else, he wouldn’t have believed it.

At that moment, Qiao Yiren rose from his seat and said to Liang Yuan, “Liang, prepare the car. We’re going to Jiangzhou to visit the Secretary of Jiangbei Province, Shen Yanshuo.”

The matter of Liangxi City wasn’t just about Ning Shouchang’s support. Qiao Yiren could only find a breakthrough with Shen Yanshuo. At Shen Yanshuo’s current position, the so-called ‘Li Faction’ wasn’t as distinct. Except for Li Guohua’s special status as the eldest son and direct descendant of the Li family, Shen Yanshuo wouldn’t have been this severe. This is the basis for cooperation. Qiao Yiren firmly believed that nothing could hinder cooperation. If there was no cooperation, it only meant that the offer conditions and sincerity were inadequate.

Meanwhile, in the second courtyard of the municipal government’s residential area, Nie Zhenbang was seated in the main seat in the middle. Chen Le, Zhao Xintian, Ning Zhiyuan, Lu Wu, Huang Xuyang, He Qingjun, and Yang Qingshan were all present.

Looking at Nie Zhenbang’s serious expression, the atmosphere in the living room was a bit heavy. These individuals were all considered his staunch supporters and they all had one thing in common – youth. In several years, these men might become important officials in various provinces, forming the strong core of the Nie faction. However, at the moment, they seemed relatively inexperienced.

After looking around at everyone, Nie Zhenbang said in a sober tone, “The reason I called you all here is to discuss something important. After the closing of the Eastern Forum, I’m afraid I’ll be transferred elsewhere.”(.)