Reborn as a Noble's Son

He sneered inwardly, thinking that if they didn’t yield this time around, Nie Zhenbang might as well be an emperor. Only emperors could act without any considerations. Even the General Secretary had to consider the balance among various factions within the country.

To him, politics has always been an art of balance, if Nie Zhenbang could go about his duties and keep people from finding any problems, that would be bearable. Or, if he could find crucial witnesses and evidence, that would also be acceptable. However, relying only on the confession of a dead man? Laughable indeed.

Immediately afterwards, Zhao Dingguang said solemnly, “Secretary Shi was absolutely right. Recently, there have been numerous rumors in the city. Bureaucrats are fearful and anxious, and many are even distracted from their work. The death of our comrade Liangwen has greatly shocked everyone. It’s inappropriate to secretly investigate a deputy bureau-level cadre without collective discussion or agreement, Such behavior has serious implications.”

After a short pause, Zhao Dingguang sternly said, “Secretary Shi, comrades, I think such behavior is atrocious. Not to mention the total disregard for organizational discipline, some comrades have already dismissed their party principles and turned the actual power departments into their private armies, presumptuously investigating comrades who have been tested and proven. I suggest reporting this matter to the provincial committee and conduct a serious investigation. We must identify those undermining the unity and development of Wanghai City.”

At this moment, Zhao Dingguang’s tone was severe as if he was the General Secretary. Nie Zhenbang looked at Zhao Dingguang’s self-righteous demeanor with an indifferent expression. On the official scene, once someone got a hold of your fault, you could never expect them to let go – even though they were colleagues, the position you occupied could be what they dreamed for. Even if they themselves didn’t need it, it would be a great resource for their subordinates. At such times, they would want nothing more than to step on you and send you to hell. Such is the brutal struggle within the system.

Sure enough, once Zhao Dingguang finished, Liu Sicun, Secretary-general of the Municipal Party Committee, slowly voiced his agreement, “I fully concur with Mayor Zhao. We have national laws and family rules. The selfish interests of a few cannot be allowed to affect the work of the entire city. I propose that the municipal party committee establishes an investigation team to thoroughly examine the death of Comrade Liangwen.”

After Liu Sicun finished speaking, Zhang Zusi also expressed his views, “I believe the proposals by Mayor Dingguang and Secretary Sicun are practical and objective. As party cadre leaders, we should always prioritize party discipline and principles. We should prioritize impartiality and embrace a spirit of seeking truth from facts. This is the basic quality required of a party member.”

Pausing for a moment, Zhang Zusi unintentionally directed his gaze at Nie Zhenbang and Qi Siyuan. He continued, “However, in the investigating Niu Chao and others in the wake of Comrade Liangwen’s death, this approach is clearly against party principles. Therefore, as the Deputy Secretary in charge of public sentiment, I deeply regret this incident and request a profound review and criticism from the organization. This is my oversight. I suggest severe sanctions against those responsible for this incident and do not intend on showing any leniency.”

One after another, everyone seemed to want to outdo each other in severity and ruthlessness, apparently competing to see who could be fiercer.

At this moment, Qi Siyuan’s expression darkened. The investigation of Niu Chao was agreed upon by both Nie Zhenbang and himself. However, what Qi Siyuan hadn’t anticipated was the fact that Niu Chao had a strong ability to resist investigations and interrogations. He had overlooked that aspect.

As a police academy graduate, Niu Chao had a well-rounded knowledge of working in public security and had developed a method for examining prisoners. At the same time, he was mentally tough. During the interrogation, even when confronted with the leads provided by Liangwen, Niu Chao firmly protested his innocence. He did not expose any flaws whatsoever. Moreover, he had prepared a strong defense for himself, and there was no available proof to justify claims against him from another angle.

Thus, it had turned into a pretext for Shi Yiwu and others to carry out their attack. Qi Siyuan regretted his negligence.

“I agree with Deputy Secretary Zhang’s opinion. The investigation of Comrade Niu Chao was indeed not in accordance with the rules. In this regard, I think, Secretary Qi of the Municipal Discipline Inspection Commission should provide an explanation and a resolution. As for whether Comrade Liangwen died to prove his innocence or committed suicide out of fear of punishment, I think it is still too early to make any conclusions. Moreover, the investigation of Comrade Liangwen was also ratified by a show of hands at the Municipal Party Committee Standing Committee. Now that there’s a problem, assigning the responsibility solely to Secretary Qi is irresponsible,” said Liu Yafu, Minister of the Organization Department of the Municipal Party Committee.

Notwithstanding, Liu Yafu was intensely suppressed by Zhang Zusi. And despite his dissatisfaction with Zhang Zusi and others, it did not prevent him from voicing his support now. After all, Qi Siyuan’s actions were met with dissatisfaction among the regular members of the Municipal Party Committee.

“Minister Liu, I think it’s a bit inappropriate to say that. At that time, we were strongly opposed to conducting a double regulation investigation on Comrade Huang Liangwen.” Zhao Dingguang had just finished speaking.

Only to be kicked by Liu Sicun sitting next to him. Zhao Dingguang suddenly realized what he’d implied, that Secretary Shi, who had voted in favour at the time, was now being implicated himself? Looking up at Shi Yiwu, sure enough, in Shi Yiwu’s eyes flashed a hint of discontent.

Nie Zhenbang’s eyebrows were also furrowing. After Liu Yafu finished talking, Minister of Propaganda, Lin Mohan, quickly followed with his stance. Essentially, he too was suggesting an apology and a written self-criticism, but he conveniently glossed over the matter involving Huang Liangwen.

A brutal verbal attack. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang felt that Qi Siyuan seemed to be the scapegoat bearing everyone’s anger. Biting self-criticism rose within Nie Zhenbang. He had been too naive, too confident, thinking that in the face of facts, evidence and overwhelming psychological pressure, Niu Chao would confess honestly. That way, when Shi Yiwu and others finally collected their thoughts, any attempts to find loopholes or excuses would be completely shut down by simply unveiling Niu Chao’s testimony.

Regrettably, the reality had been contrary to his expectations. Shi Yiwu and others had regained their momentum, while Niu Chao had remained obstinate against all odds. This turn of events had thrust Qi Siyuan into an embarrassingly awkward predicament.

If he didn’t speak up for himself at this moment, the pressure on Qi Siyuan would become unbearable. Regardless of the alliance he’d formed with Qi Siyuan, Nie Zhenbang had to intervene. If he just remained an onlooker now, his future prospects in Wanghai City would be ruined. Just as he was preparing to speak, a voice beside him interjected.

“I have something to say.” The speaker was Wang Yaguang.

To this, Nie Zhenbang sneered. Wang Yaguang, the quintessential fence-sitter, would swing whichever way the wind blew. At this point, with Shi Yiwu and others clearly in the ascendancy, it’d be no surprise if Wang Yaguang’s remarks merely fanned the flames.

“I believe we should view matters from different perspectives. Admittedly, Comrade Siyuan’s actions this time were somewhat radical. However, I think his intentions were good. First, regarding the issue with Huang Liangwen, just as Minister Yafu mentioned, we can’t determine whether it was an act of protest against corruption. But since we had leads, not investigating would be shirking our duties. It would constitute negligence. The investigation into Comrade Niu Chao is also justifiable. At present, isn’t the situation clear? Comrade Niu Chao has proven to be a good comrade capable of withstanding scrutiny.”

While speaking, Wang Yaguang looked at Qi Siyuan and said, “Secretary Siyuan, I must criticize you here. We’re all veteran party members, yet your actions were rash. I believe that this time, Comrade Siyuan, you should make a written self-criticism to the municipal party committee with a deep understanding of your mistakes.”

Wang Yaguang’s unexpected stance left everyone stunned. Nie Zhenbang was dumbfounded. Had the sun risen from the west today? That Wang Yaguang had spoken up in defence of Qi Siyuan and himself was remarkable.

Shi Yiwu had a similar reaction, his brows faintly furrowed, clearly displeased. Wang Yaguang’s action today was beyond his expectations and caught him off guard.

Nie Zhenbang quickly recovered. Regardless of Wang Yaguang’s motives, whether to balance the power dynamics within the standing committee or to curry favour with him, he had to seize this opportunity.

Immediately, Nie Zhenbang also spoke, “Mayor Wang’s opinion is very insightful. The party’s discipline inspection and supervisory department inherently has a high degree of independence. I think Secretary Siyuan’s decision to interrogate Niu Chao on short notice was a result of the need for secrecy and timely action to prevent any leaks. This should be acceptable. The facts have proven that Comrade Niu Chao holds strong political beliefs. If we are to criticize Secretary Qi simply on this matter, how are we to carry out the work of the disciplinary committee in the future? Might as well let Secretary Qi hand over the work of the disciplinary committee and let the standing committee of the municipal party committee manage it.”