Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 665: Chapter 621 The Things That Should Be Taken Must Be Taken_1

Qiao Yiren stood up to announce a temporary break. As he went out the door, he cast a meaningful glance at Nie Zhenbang.

At this moment, only the delegates from WangHai City and Zhangdong City were left in the meeting room. The atmosphere had turned relaxed and harmonious.

Wang Jianhua had worked in Minan Province for many years. He used to be the mayor of Puzhou City, naturally knowing many officials in Zhangdong City.

At this time, Wang Jianhua teased jokingly, “Old Ma, you are famously stingy. Guo Clan Town is your Zhangdong City’s territory. Yet look at you, reluctant to do any maintenance.”

Wang Jianhua’s words were very straightforward. In fact, he was also somewhat dissatisfied. As peers, Wang Jianhua wasn’t beholden to Ma Guohui. He wasn’t afraid of Ma Guohui and spoke extremely bluntly.

At this moment, Ma Guohui chuckled, “Old Wang, that’s hardly fair. For Guo Clan Town, water, electricity, and communication all come from WangHai City. In name, it’s our Zhangdong City’s territory. But geographically, it’s closer to WangHai City. And didn’t Mayor Nie propose annexing Guo Clan Town into WangHai City? ”

Nie Zhenbang chose to ignore Ma Guohui’s teasing. He could easily see through Ma Guohui’s intentions. His proposal to annex some townships into WangHai was insignificant to Ma Guohui. But it could save tens of millions of funds. That was the key point.

Thinking of this, Nie Zhenbang stood up and commented neutrally, “No wonder Zhangdong City’s economy has been developing so well in recent years. With a leader like Mayor Ma, it would be hard for it not to.”

This statement made Ma Guohui’s expression somewhat awkward. The sarcastic implication in Nie Zhenbang’s words was pretty clear.

About to speak, Nie Zhenbang abruptly stood up and left the room.

Upon exiting the Provincial Committee office building, Nie Zhenbang instructed Li Jupeng next to him, “Ju Peng, go buy some fruit and gifts. I’m going to the Provincial Committee compound later.”

Noon.

Nie Zhenbang arrived punctually at the Provincial Committee’s family compound. The first courtyard here was now home to Qiao Yiren, the Secretary of the Provincial Committee.

As he walked in, Qiao Yiren was sitting on the sofa, nodding slightly. His expression was very calm. Having just declared in the meeting room that he had a foreign affairs activity to attend and giving Nie Zhenbang a glance, it was a clear hint. If Nie Zhenbang couldn’t understand this, he was not fit to be the mayor.

“Why are you bringing things? Let’s eat first,” Qiao Yiren began with a smile.

Zhang Da, Qiao Yiren’s wife, worked at the Minnan Province Sports Association. She didn’t handle specific training duties and mostly took care of logistical affairs, a comparatively leisurely job.

Zhang Da was around forty-two or forty-three, a little younger than Qiao Yiren. She was gentle and soft-spoken.

She was familiar with Nie Zhenbang, a child of the Nie family in Jingcheng, who also had some connections with the Qiao family. Hence, Zhang Da was very enthusiastic.

Despite no alcohol, the meal was merry. In the study, as Qiao Yiren and Nie Zhenbang sat on the sofa, Zhang Da personally brought in two cups of tea. After setting them on the coffee table and stepping out, Qiao Yiren turned to Nie Zhenbang, “Zhenbang, tell me about your specific thoughts on expanding WangHai City, which you proposed earlier.”

Over time, Qiao Yiren got some understanding of Nie Zhenbang’s work style. Even though he didn’t know him thoroughly, he did understand Nie Zhenbang’s principles.

Individuals from influential families in Jingcheng, tended to be generous in dealings. As officials, these individuals had numerous advantages. Ministries often favored them with funds. This was unquestionable.

In the matter of expanding the area of Wanghai, Qiao Yiren firmly believed that this was not a pretext made up by Nie Zhenbang to explain the road construction. Instead, the issue of the WangZhang intercity main road turned out to be the best excuse for Nie Zhenbang to expand Wanghai City.

At this moment, under Qiao Yiren’s inquiry, Nie Zhenbang did not hide much. After a moment’s hesitation in his heart, he nodded and said, “Secretary Qiao, you have keen insight. Indeed, I had this idea of expanding the area of Wanghai City a long time ago. The ongoing dispute between the two cities is just an excuse.”

Indeed, the expansion of Wanghai City had been contemplated a long time ago. However, in terms of area, Minan Province isn’t considered large among the provinces and cities in the country. Should Wanghai strive to expand, it will inevitably encroach on other city territories. Whether this vision can be successful is still an unknown. Now, it’s an opportune moment to bring up the proposal.

In the end, Nie Zhenbang slyly manipulated flattery towards Qiao Yiren. This method, subtle and cozy, is really the highest form of flattery.

Listening, Qiao Yiren was very pleased, chuckling, “What? You, Nie Zhenbang, now also know how to flatter?”

Then, he changed his tone and said seriously, “Zhenbang, the issue of expanding Wanghai City is not a trivial matter, nor can it be resolved quickly. However, the matter of the WangZhang intercity main road should be resolved promptly. The final stretch of the route should not be indefinitely postponed.”

Listening to Qiao Yiren’s words, Nie Zhenbang nodded. Indeed, the matter of the WangZhang intercity main road needed quick resolution. Yet, city expansion entailed multiple aspects: redrawing administrative boundaries, land surveying, coordination among departments, adjustments to household registration, phone area codes, etc. These affairs required time and cannot be accomplished simply by declaring expansion.

Soon after, Nie Zhenbang agreed, “Secretary Qiao, regarding the road construction, I want to clarify our position here. Wanghai City can cover the cost, but the demolition process in Guo Clan Town has to be handled by Zhangdong City, after all, it currently falls under their jurisdiction.”

Like the proverb “seeing the job through,” Nie Zhenbang’s calculations were clear. Petty squabbles do no good, for Wanghai City, the difference between 20 million and 30 million is not significant. However, if Zhangdong City is expected to foot the bill, the nature of the matter changes, and the goodwill offered will lose much of its weight both in the province and in Qiao Yiren’s heart. Instead of that, it might be better to bear the entire cost. He believed that Qiao Yiren would support his plan to expand Wanghai City wholeheartedly.

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Qiao Yiren showed a smile. If this issue could be resolved, his reputation would certainly improve.

At this moment, Nie Zhenbang proceeded, “Secretary Qiao, there’s one more issue I would like to report to you.”

With Qiao Yiren in high spirits, he laughed heartily, “Zhenbang, what else is there? Feel free to speak.”

“Secretary, regarding the issue with our deputy mayor of Wanghai City, Hu Jiawang. Over this period, after investigating Hu Jiawang and his son Hu Fei’s Feitian Company, we have discovered many issues. Hu Fei has been evading taxes with his Feitian Company in Wanghai City. And the sums involved in the crime are substantial. Additionally, he has allegedly engaged in illegal approval of projects and land acquisitions for personal gains through his father, Hu Jiawang. Currently, Hu Fei has been prosecuted, and as for Hu Jiawang, I would like to seek your opinion.”

Those who should be taken down must be. Despite Director Shen’s reminder to understand the balance and keep the future in mind, Nie Zhenbang was determined to proceed with the case on Hu Jiawang.

At this moment, Qiao Yiren grew serious. An investigation into an official of Hu Jiawang’s standing isn’t something to be conducted lightly. Wanghai City was unique; while it was a centrally planned city, its personnel management was somewhat complex. The central authorities directly managed officials like Nie Zhenbang and Tian Xujian and other leaders of Wanghai City. But all other officials were managed by the Provincial Committee of Minnan Province. Hu Jiawang, a mid-level official, was also under the administration of Minnan Province.

Moving against an official like Hu would inevitably stir up numerous ramifications throughout the province. As the provincial secretary, Qiao Yiren faced a delicate choice, especially considering the potential effects on his career. He had grand ambitions; he was eager to take credit for economic development and the expansion of Wanghai City. However, handling a mid-level official required careful consideration.

After careful thought, Qiao Yiren asked Nie Zhenbang, “Zhenbang, what are you suggesting?”

At Qiao Yiren’s words, Nie Zhenbang, without any hesitation, confirmed, “Secretary Qiao, I suggest we promptly bring this to the Provincial Disciplinary Committee and request the Standing Committee of the Provincial Committee to deliberate on launching an investigation into Comrade Hu Jiawang.”

Nie Zhenbang then pulled out a stack of documents from his briefcase, placed them on the coffee table, and passed them to Qiao Yiren, introducing, “Secretary Qiao, here’s some evidence we collected on Comrade Hu Jiawang. Please, take a look.” (.)@@novelbin@@