Reborn as a Noble's Son

Huang Xuyang was most perturbed at the moment. Unlike the others, although he had resolved his deputy division-level problems, compared to the others, he was still weak.

Seven or eight years of trials and tribulations had given Huang Xuyang a clear understanding of the fickleness of human relationships. His half-year stint as a secretary also showed him the advantages that power could bring.

“Mayor, you’re being transferred? How come we didn’t hear any rumors in advance? Are you, this time, taking anyone with you?” Huang Xuyang asked softly, as this concerned his future. He had to be shameless and ask directly in front of everyone.

Nie Zhenbang understood Huang Xuyang’s thoughts well and could empathize. Looking at everyone, he shook his head and said, “This time, when I take up my new appointment in WangHai, I’m going alone. I won’t take anyone with me.”

Nie Zhenbang paused here and explained, “This time, I think you all should know what’s going on. After Li Guohua’s incident, the provincial committee had significant objections to my actions. Therefore, they decided that I should go to the Central Party School for training after the conclusion of the Eastern Development Forum.”

After glancing at everyone, he continued, “On the surface, this is a promotion. But what’s really going on, I think, doesn’t need to be spelled out. So, this time, with this opportunity to go to WangHai, I naturally wouldn’t give it up.”

The people here were his trustworthy team in Liangxi City, just like those he had in New Li City. However, these people now in Liangxi City may not have it as good as those in New Li City. Despite this, they were equally important to him. For this reason, Nie Zhenbang chose to be forthright, not concealing anything about the matter.

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Zhao Xintian started to ponder. The strength of the backing that Nie Zhenbang showed surprised him. No wonder he dared to do so. If it were them, they would have to obediently go to the Central Party School for training, wouldn’t they?

At the same time, Zhao Xintian’s thoughts started running wild. With Mayor Nie leaving, two significant positions would be vacant in Liangxi City – the Mayor and the Executive Deputy Mayor. As the Deputy Mayor on the Standing Committee, he should stand a high chance of being promoted.

Immediately, Zhao Xintian nodded and said, “Mayor, rest assured. As long as we are here in Liangxi City, we will do our utmost to protect Director Chen.”

Zhao Xintian’s words pleased Nie Zhenbang greatly. Although Zhao Xintian was recommended by Governor Shou Chang, in a sense, Zhao Xintian should be considered Governor Shou Chang’s man. However, after knowing him for a while, Zhao Xintian’s capabilities and character had indeed impressed him.

Looking at Chen Le, Nie Zhenbang spoke directly, “Old Chen, I won’t mince words. After I leave, I’m afraid the majority of Li Guohua’s wrath will fall on you. At the provincial level, you have the support of Governor Shou Chang. Furthermore, after I leave, you should make more visits to Secretary Dong Min. The more the better. Making more visits can benefit your work. Following that, it will be on you, Zhiyuan and Xintian to manage Liangxi City.”

Upon hearing this, Chen Le looked rather optimistic, laughing heartily and said, “Mayor, don’t you know what kind of person I am? Just go and take your position in WangHai at ease. I’ll be fine. As a grown man, I know when to bend and when to keep my head down. I understand this principle very well.”

Following that, Nie Zhenbang added, “Before I leave, I have talked to the Minnan Province Committee’s Deputy Secretary Qiao about some requests. For the personnel arrangements here in Liangxi City, Zhu Zhuozhen will probably be appointed as Mayor, and Huang Jiang will take up the full-time Deputy Secretary position. With that, Xintian stands a high chance of becoming the Executive Deputy Mayor. Also, I plan to move Zhiyuan up from Zisha City to become a Deputy Mayor in the Standing Committee and send Yi Jun to Zisha City as Mayor. Xuyang, I intend to send him to a township in Zisha City, and Qing Shan can be arranged to be in the Public Security Bureau. As for Lu Wu, he may still serve concurrently as Guicheng District Party Secretary.”

Nie Zhenbang’s series of words were like his last testament, mentioning almost everyone’s subsequent arrangements, except he left out Chen Le, but no one seemed panicked about this unusual situation. This made Nie Zhenbang very satisfied. This kind of calmness was what he wanted to see, only with this kind of unflappability could these people be tied together, forming a considerable force even after his departure, that Fan Changsheng dared not act recklessly.

Then, looking at Chen Le, he sighed and said, “Regarding the position of Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee, technically, Chen Le moving up to Huang Jiang’s vacant position would be most appropriate. However, if that were to happen, the association would be too significant. On this matter, Deputy Secretary Qiao was not able to give me a definitive answer, and we can only fight for it as best we can. Of course, if Chen Le can join the Standing Committee, that would be the best scenario. If Chen Le cannot move up, I believe with both of you, along with the concern from Commander Peng, Secretary Ding Guo and Huang Jiang, Fan Changsheng will not hold all the power. Therefore, you will have no problem protecting yourselves.”

As for who would lead after his departure, Nie Zhenbang did not mention it. Although it might lead to a disadvantage, where everyone present may harbor their own thoughts and it’s probable that no one would accept anyone else’s leadership, causing division in the end. If that were to happen, they only had themselves to blame. There are no shortcuts in politics and it is not about one’s self appointing and supporting. If they could not even bear this small storm, they would not be able to handle significant tasks in the future.

Just as Nie Zhenbang was holding an internal meeting, at this moment, in the family residential area of Jiangbei Provincial Committee, Court No. 1, inside Shen Yanshuo’s study. The deputy secretary of Minan Province, Qiao, was now sitting in the chair in the study.

“Secretary Shen, your study is elegantly decorated, and the utensils are simple and ancient. Along with the pavilions and buildings of the courtyard, they complement each other very well.” Deputy Secretary Qiao started the conversation with a smile.

Upon hearing these words, Shen Yanshuo also laughed heartily, “Secretary Qiao, you flatter me too much. I must say, I envy you. The geographical advantages of Minan Province are much better than those of ours in Jiangbei. Wanghai City was among the first cities to reform and open up as a special economic zone in the country. This kind of advantage is definitely not something we in Jiangbei can compete with.”

After a few pleasantries that didn’t bring much substance, Qiao Yiren’s face turned serious. He picked up the teacup on the table, took a sip, and smiled, “Secretary Yanshuo, it will be the year of re-election in another two years. It’s also the turn of the century. The economic construction and spiritual civilization construction in Jiangbei Province are there for all to see. I am afraid that at that time, Secretary Yanshuo, you may have to take another step further and join the Political Bureau.”

The “join the Political Bureau” mentioned here wasn’t anything else, but the usual term in the political system which translates into Shen Yanshuo and his fellow central committee members entering the Political Bureau.

Hearing these words, Shen Yanshuo looked somewhat embarrassed. He hadn’t wanted to join the Political Bureau; Li Jiangshan from the Li faction had already become a member of the Political Bureau and was also the Secretary of the Hucheng Municipal Committee. If Li Guohua hadn’t been implicated this time, it wouldn’t have been impossible for him to join the standing committee during the election at the turn of the century. But, what now? Most likely, by the year of the re-election, Li Jiangshan’s political career would have reached its end. At this moment, when brought up by Qiao Yiren, the desire in Shen Yanshuo’s heart was stirred.

Those who engage in politics all hope to progress and if possible, continue to progress until they can no longer progress any further.

Thinking of this, Shen Yanshuo sighed and subsequently said, “Secretary Qiao, we are neither children nor common folks. We both understand the situation very well. Joining the Political Bureau is not a simple matter.”

A gleam of delight flashed across Qiao Yiren’s eyes. He was glad Shen Yanshuo still had his ambitions. Since he did, why not give him a push? Moreover, looking at the cadres from the Li faction, both Li Jianghe’s level and capabilities were somewhat lacking in comparison to Li Jiangshan. Overall, Shen Yanshuo was the most suitable. If he were to lend a hand, it would be a further blow to the Li family.

As a result, Qiao Yiren chuckled playfully, “Secretary Yanshuo, man can conquer nature. Your current attitude seems a bit negative.”

Shen Yanshuo, rather surprised, laughed heartily and waved his hand, “Secretary Qiao, let’s not talk about me. Let’s discuss you. You have come all the way to Jiangzhou to see me. Is there something you need?”

At this moment, Qiao Yiren paused for a moment and very formally said, “Secretary Yanshuo, indeed I came over this time because something has come up. I find Nie Zhenbang a very capable colleague. He performs well and has effective methods of doing his work. What’s more, on the principle of party discipline, he is exemplary. This is why I have feelings of appreciation for him and intend to arrange for Nie Zhenbang to be transferred to Wanghai City to serve as the standing deputy mayor. Therefore, I specifically came here to discuss this with you.”

As soon as Qiao Yiren arrived, Shen Yanshuo had already known that there must be something important. The relationship between the two of them hadn’t been particularly close before. This time, it was definitely not going to be simple since Qiao Yiren came to visit personally. However, even Shen Yanshuo didn’t expect it would be about Nie Zhenbang. He knew that Nie Zhenbang was someone the Li family had explicitly stated they want to suppress. All of a sudden, Shen Yanshuo was put in a difficult position.

On the one hand, he could possibly gain Qiao Yiren’s support and even President Yuan’s support, ensuring his entry into the Political Bureau. On the other, he can win the favor of the Li family. As a result, he was in a dilemma with this decision.

After a brief silence, Shen Yanshuo asked again, “Secretary Qiao, is this your only request?”

To be honest, Shen Yanshuo saw everything very clearly. Even if he disagreed now and even if Nie Zhenbang was sent to the central party school for full-time study, at that time, Qiao Yiren could force him to drag Nie Zhenbang from the school and send him to Wanghai through the Central Organization Department. Now, Qiao Yiren had come directly to him and gave him such a generous offer. If this was the only thing he wanted, Shen Yanshuo absolutely wouldn’t believe it.

Upon hearing Shen Yanshuo’s words, a smile appeared on Qiao Yiren’s face. He laughed heartily and said, “Good, straightforward! Since Secretary Shen has said so, I won’t beat around the bush. This time, I want to send Nie Zhenbang to Wanghai. This guy has put me in a difficult position, I’m thinking after he leaves, Zhao Xintian would assume the post of the executive deputy mayor, Ning Zhiyuan the standing deputy mayor, and Chen Le the Secretary of the Political and Legal Committee. How does that sound to you, Secretary Shen?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Yanshuo immediately stood up. Realizing he might have appeared too irate, he quickly sat back down and sternly said, “Everything else is negotiable, but the matter regarding Chen Le is absolutely impossible. Even if I were to break with the Li family, there are some things that need to be done. Chen Le’s matter, advancing one step further, is absolutely impossible.” (