Reborn as a Noble's Son

In this world, there is no love or hate without reason, especially for someone in Qiao Yiren’s position. Would he make a move without having a purpose? Clearly, this was not a fairytale or a story of a mystical bearded old man.

Taking into account all these matters, along with the wide-reaching implications of the Yuhai case in his recollection, it was unprecedented. It was no longer just a single faction or lineage, but a complicated entanglement involving multiple powers.

Nodding, Nie Zhenbang appeared very humble at the moment, “Dad, I know a little. However, I don’t fully understand it. Do Jiamin and Gao Wei’s visit to Wanghai have anything to do with this situation?”

In front of his father-in-law, he needed to keep a low profile when it was time to do so. Carrying the humble mindset, Nie Zhenbang acknowledged Yang Shengli’s superior political acumen and experience and seek to learn from them. He was still too inexperienced. Now, he was undergoing a form of tempering. After all, a good sword is honed and plum blossom fragrance comes from the bitter cold. If Nie Zhenbang could overcome his greenness and immaturity, his future would be limitless. Otherwise, he risked losing everything in these political skirmishes.

Looking at Nie Zhenbang, Yang Shengli couldn’t help but chuckle and scold in his heart, ‘Clever boy, now you know to hide your claws in front of me.’ On the surface, however, he said solemnly, “Gao Wei’s trip to Wanghai was indeed carefully arranged. Qiao Yiren has a good relationship with Secretary Yuan, and has the full confidence of the Secretary. Gao Xuan is the Director of the Central Office, which is akin to the Secretary-General of the Municipal Committee. Do you think Gao Wei’s trip to Wanghai is merely a normal exchange?”

He paused before continuing, “As for your uncle’s second son, he is also currently very eager to demonstrate the purity of the military in front of Secretary Yuan and Vice Chairman Shen. That’s why he was hastily sent over, under Qiao Yiren’s arrangement.”

Listening to Yang Shengli’s analysis, Nie Zhenbang was somewhat awe-stricken. No wonder he was a potential future leader. His craft and intellect were extraordinary and not something the average person could possess. With one pull, he managed to involve the Gao family, the Nie family, and Secretary Yuan. Still, that wasn’t enough, he also wanted Nie Zhenbang to head over. Judging from the importance Qiao Yiren placed on the matter, it was evident how complex the situation was.

Seeing Nie Zhenbang in deep thought, Yang Shengli felt a bit vexed. His only son-in-law and the Yang family’s only son-in-law, excelled in many areas. Even many of his contributions had significant implications for the country. However, he had his shortcomings, like his overemphasis on the line in the sand, sowing seeds of discontent. His behavior often came across as peculiar and usually quite Greenfield. Regardless, in reality, his choices proved correct. Thinking that Nie Zhenbang wouldn’t go to Wanghai was impossible; the Nie family is known for their stubbornness, and Nie Zhenbang was quite a hardliner.

Pondering, Yang Shengli slowly said, “Wanghai is a city planned by the country and is one of the first special economic zones. It is also a sub-provincial city. Even Shi Yiwu, the Secretary of the Wanghaishi Municipal Party Committee, holds the title of the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Committee.”

Nie Zhenbang wasn’t particularly surprised. In this era, some places had already set a course, like Jiangbei, which was a standard bearer with two vice-bearers. Within the two vice-bearers, one was the head of the government with a deputy secretary title, while the other was a full-time deputy secretary.

But in some places, this definition was not very strict. Many provinces, such as the current Zhongyuan Province, had up to six people with deputy secretary titles. In Minan, while they were trying to align with the standard, some titles could not be entirely erased. Deputy Secretary of Minnan Province Committee, Secretary of Wanghai Municipal Party Committee, this title should instead be a member of the provincial committee.

Yang Shengli added, “Due to this, the central government regards Wanghai highly. It’s not like other places. For instance, South of the Yangtze River is traditionally within the Yang family’s sphere of influence. As for Bashu Province, it lies within the Nie family’s sphere of influence. But in Wanghai, no faction could claim to be the most dominant. The situation there is complex and intertwined. It’s not simple.”

Bashu being within the Nie family’s sphere of influence was news to Nie Zhenbang. It came as a surprise that the old man, his grandfather, had left such profound connections for the Nie family. At the same time, he also gained a preliminary understanding of the situation in Wanghai.

After a moment of contemplation, Nie Zhenbang said humbly, “Dad, in your opinion, how should I conduct my work once I arrive in Wanghai?”

Yang Shengli’s main purpose of saying so much was to guide Nie Zhenbang’s focus for the following work. He would have initiated the conversation even if Nie Zhenbang didn’t, so Nie Zhenbang asking the question saved Yang Shengli from some embarrassment. With an approving nod, he said, “The work situation in Wanghai is complex. This time when you go there, you have to unite with comrades. Everyone’s hearts differ, factions differ. How to balance relationships both above and below, how to harmonize relationships among peers, these are the issues you have to face and are an opportunity for practice. That’s why your grandfather will turn a blind eye.”