Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 662: Chapter 618: Return to WangHai_1

When Nie Zhenbang’s car arrived at the Treasure Mountain Funeral Parlor, the parking lot outside the main entrance was already filled with vehicles of all kinds, sporting license plates from Yanbei Province, Ludong Province, Liaodong Province, and other places.

A sea of Audis, Mercedes, and pure black series. Each license plate signified an intimidating presence in its own locality.

Outside, on the open-air platform, more than a dozen provincial and ministerial-level officials had gathered, their faces filled with sorrow.

Next to them, military vehicles from the General Staff, General Equipment, and the Military Commission were neatly arranged, and five or six generals had also gathered, whispering among themselves.

Only now, did Nie Zhenbang truly appreciate the strength of the Yang family. Whether in his past or present life, the Yang family, standing firm and unyielding, was genuinely not a chance occurrence. Based on these connections and relationships alone, the Yang family could be truly considered one of the leading political families in the country.

Unlike the stifling and depressed atmosphere that prevailed after the late Elder Dong of the Dong family passed away, the atmosphere at the Yang’s place felt much more relaxed. After all, the second generation of the Yang family had successfully entered the core of the Jun Ding hierarchy. In this way, the core of a political faction had already been established. Now, with Elder Yang’s passing, it’s nothing more than a normal succession.

Therefore, none of the people from the Yang family faction were panicked; they were merely visibly mournful.

As soon as Nie Zhenbang stepped in, many officials looked his way. As the son-in-law of the Yang family and the son of the Nie family, he was well-recognized by everyone. Many officials had high hopes for the future of Nie Zhenbang, a deputy ministerial level officer at just thirty. Quite a few of them gave him a slight nod.

Upon entering the room where the body lay, Elder Yang’s whole body had been concealed within a crystal coffin. A vibrant party flag was draped over him, and above the mourning hall, a banner with black lettering on a white background read: ‘Mourning Comrade Yang Zongbao’ with couplets on the side: ‘Integrity remains like a gentle breeze; devoted passion is for the people.’ On both sides of the mourning hall, wreaths presented by the party, government, national leaders, and all sectors of society had already filled the place.

In the side hall, the three Yang brothers, the women of the Yang family, and the seven siblings of the third generation of the Yang family were all standing off to the side.

Seeing Nie Zhenbang enter, the three Yang brothers of Yang Shengli raised their heads and gave a slight nod. Next to them, Yang Anbang and Xiao Yali, who were both standing behind, were currently comforting a distraught Yang Anna.

Upon seeing Nie Zhenbang, Anna threw herself into his arms, sobbing, “Zhenbang, grandpa… Grandpa has left us.”

At that moment, Nie Zhenbang held Anna’s shoulders tightly, whispering words of comfort, “Anna, don’t cry, we mustn’t cry. I believe that grandpa wouldn’t want to see Anna cry in the afterlife, right?”

Compared to Elder Dong’s memorial service, Elder Yang’s was much grander. After all, among the current people in power from the Dong family, there was only one member of the Political Bureau. But for the Yang family, Yang Shengli was one of the core members of Jun Ding. The difference in status was reflected in the institutional reality.

After the three-day memorial service, Elder Yang’s remains were sent to the Treasure Mountain Revolutionary Cemetery for cremation and burial.

…

At Yang Shengli’s residence in the National Political Consultative Conference compound.

At this moment, in the living room, the three brothers Yang Anbang, along with Yang Anna and Nie Zhenbang, were all gathered.

Even within these small, internal gatherings of the Yang family, seating arrangements mattered greatly. In the middle, naturally, was the place for Father-in-law Yang Shengli. To his left was the eldest of the Yang Family, Yang Anguo. As the most promising of the third generation of the Yang Family, his status and position have more or less determined his future central role in the family. Therefore, he naturally sat on the left, while Yang Anjun sat on the right. The most easygoing among them was Yang Anbang, who did not pursue a career in government or join the military, but was involved in business operations. None of those present would dare to offend him lightly and his active participation in business meant that he had given up the struggle for power, making him devoid of any threat.

Nie Zhenbang and Anna took their seats on the side sofa. By all means, the Nie family, in Jingcheng, is considered a family of significant weight. A deputy leader of the military commission, a figure who has entered the local government, and two of them with direct provincial and ministerial positions. Within the faction, there are quite a few local officials holding real power. Despite their advancing age and impending retirement, their power is still not to be underestimated.

If the Nie family were minor, completely depending on the Yang family, it would be understandable for them to participate in such meetings. However, now, Yang Shengli openly included Nie Zhenbang. This indicated that Yang Shengli did genuinely approve of Nie Zhenbang in his heart.

Only Yang Anguo seemed a bit uneasy. As the central figure and determined successor of the Yang family, he found that his job level and work abilities were somewhat inferior to Nie Zhenbang’s. This fueled some discontent in his high-minded heart.

After a moment of thought, Yang Anguo frowned and said, “Dad, did you summon us brothers here to give some instruction?”

At that question, Nie Zhenbang began to feel a bit awkward. The underlying message in Yang Anguo’s words was clear to everyone, even Xiao Yali, who frowned. Although she was indeed the daughter-in-law of the Yang family, she was also the granddaughter of the Nie family. @@novelbin@@

Shortly thereafter, Xiao Yali said indifferently: “Big brother, what do you mean by ‘a few brothers’? We are all one family, there’s no need to distinguish so clearly.”

As soon as she finished her sentence, a hint of dissatisfaction appeared on Yang Shengli’s face. He knew his eldest son very well, Yang Shengli was competent and had few shortcomings, but lacked generosity and was overly competitive.

Immediately, Yang Shengli sternly said: “Enough, enough. Let’s not say anymore. The Yang family has always maintained peace within the family. What kind of behaviour is this, squabbling like this?”

Having said that, Yang Shengli looked around at everyone and said solemnly: “After the demise of the old man, the situation within the country has become somewhat delicate.”

After saying this, Yang Shengli paused intentionally, observing the expressions and comprehension abilities of the children.

At this moment, Yang Anguo had a slightly furrowed brow, but did not seem extremely worried.

Yang Anjun looked baffled while Yang Anbang wore a serious expression. Nie Zhenbang was also deep in thought. Yang Shengli’s words definitely had a deeper meaning. Nie Zhenbang understood this profoundly when his own grandfather had passed away. Now, Yang Shengli’s words were definitely not without aim.

Looking at the entire country, among the surviving founding elders, the ones with influence were Elder Nan, Elder Li and a few others, whose families had already declined or had simply been on the periphery of the senior officials during the founding period.

Elder Nan’s status was transcendental, which was needless to say. Presumably, Yang Shengli’s concerns were about Elder Li. The Li family was deeply rooted in the government system, convoluted and complex. With the recent deaths of Elder Yang and Elder Dong, only Elder Nan was left to deter him.

Moreover, there was a power transition between Director Shen and President Yuan. Shen Xiuchao aimed to solidify his position in the future, undoubtedly with some changes within the system.

Thus, the position of the Yang family became delicate. Given Shen Xiuchao’s personality, he certainly wouldn’t be too cooperative with Yang Shengli.

“Zhenbang, is there anything you wish to say?” Suddenly, Yang Shengli started speaking.

These words stunned Nie Zhenbang, and he couldn’t quite grasp Yang Shengli’s attitude. What did his father-in-law mean by this? Originally, Yang Anguo was already somewhat dissatisfied with him, wasn’t this intentionally stirring up animosity?

However, Yang Shengli was not only an elder but also a leader, so Nie Zhenbang didn’t feel it was appropriate to not respond. He quickly replied: “Dad, I think we need to be cautious. The Li family won’t easily submit, especially Elder Li, who has been through countless ups and downs and struggles. Now, I think the best approach is to maintain harmony.”

As soon as his words fell, Yang Anguo, standing next to him, snorted coldly and said in a heavy voice: “Harmony brings wealth, does he think he is a businessman? What kind of awareness is this?”

These words made Nie Zhenbang feel somewhat awkward. Yang Anna was about to say something, but Nie Zhenbang held her back.

However, Yang Shengli, silently agreed and said: “Harmony brings wealth. This phrase is quite apt, Zhenbang. I hope you remember it.”

…

These words, though common, were very fitting. In fact, this was also a reflection of a ruler’s strategy. Now, the domestic situation was that the Yang family, along with the Nie family, Dong family, and the Xiao family along with several others, had significantly stronger influence. Conversely, the Li family was suppressed this time. Therefore, in order to maintain balance and solidify his own position, Shen Xiuchao would also balance them out. Nie Zhenbang could see this, and naturally, so could the Li family.

After some further discussions, Nie Zhenbang stood up, excused himself and left. Outside the CPPCC courtyard, Yang Anna came up and murmured: “Husband… I’m sorry.”

When he heard this, Nie Zhenbang chuckled. This girl, always so sensitive and hating to see him wronged in any way. Then, Nie Zhenbang shook his head and said: “Silly girl, what are you talking about? Where is there any sense of being wronged between a husband and wife? Your big brother is your big brother, and you are you.”

Then, Nie Zhenbang chuckled and said: “Alright, enough, let’s stop thinking about these things. Let’s return to Wanghai City tomorrow. Wouldn’t it be fine if we leave Jingcheng?”

At this moment, Yang Anna laughed and, affectionately hooking her arm into his, agreed: “Alright, let’s return to Wanghai.”(To be continued. If you like this novel, please vote for it on . Your support motivates me.)