Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 698: Chapter 654: Inauguration Ceremony _1

Shi Jiandong purposefully made these remarks. The office of overseeing the three public expenses, also known as the San Gong office for short within the organization, was a unit that all factions competed for. From this, Director Shen’s exceptional political tact was reflected.

The head of the San Gong office, Nie Zhenbang, was a cadre from the Tuan faction, one of their own, plus, Nie Zhenbang was backed by the Nie and Yang factions, and even partially represented some interests of the Dong faction. His background was undoubtedly strong. The choices for the two deputy directors were also very insightful—Chen Bo from the Chen family and Li Guobing from the Li family. Such a selection served as a substantial check and balance for Nie Zhenbang. The San Gong office would not resort to retributive measures. It also balanced the intentions of the other factions.

Just now, Director Shen’s gift subtly revealed his attitude. Therefore, Shi Jiandong disclosed the candidates for the two deputy positions in the San Gong office, which was also an attempt to establish a closer relationship with Nie Zhenbang.

Upon hearing Shi Jiandong’s words, Nie Zhenbang was slightly taken aback but smiled and said, “Minister Shi, thank you.”

Shi Jiandong, an individual who indeed made remarkable moves. He was a typical person who wouldn’t make a move until he saw a sure thing. Only in such a way could he have reached the position he is in today. Although this piece of news couldn’t be said to be significant, it was of great importance to him. Having prior knowledge of the candidates for the two deputy directors would allow him to make some preparations in advance, which would greatly benefit his ability to manage the San Gong office.

Therefore, Nie Zhenbang’s earlier expression of gratitude was heartfelt.

...

Upon hearing this, Shi Jiandong waved his hand and smiled, saying, “Hehe, Zhenbang, we’re old acquaintances, why so formal?”

After a brief pause, Shi Jiandong said seriously, “Zhenbang, this time, your position is at the forefront of the storm, it’s not easy. Do you have any plans?”

When it comes to serious matters, Nie Zhenbang’s expression became serious, he pondered for a moment and then slowly said, “Minister Shi, the work of San Gong office is now the focus of the whole country. I am filled with fear and am like walking on thin ice. But regarding the plan, I do have a few thoughts. The most important thing is to ensure the three gongs: fairness, justice and transparency.”

Shi Jiandong nodded, a hint of appreciation on his face, saying, “It seems that my worries were unnecessary. The General Secretary did not make an undeserved appointment.”

…

February 25th.

This was a regular day.

People all over the country were living their lives as usual without any unusual happenings. Yet, for party and government leaders across the country, from provincial officials down to the ordinary cadres in various counties and cities, everyone was on high alert. Even during working hours, many people were absent-minded. Because today was the day that the San Gong office was formally established.

The Central Party Committee and State Council held a central conference on standardizing San Gong receptions work, along with the establishment of the San Gong office.

The conference was held in the Grand Auditorium.

At nine in the morning, the auditorium was festooned, and various relevant ministries such as the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Ministry of Supervision, Ministry of Public Security, Supreme Procuratorate, National Anti-Corruption Bureau, Central Small Gold Treasury Inspection Office were all gathered together.

At half past nine, the central leaders: Director Shen, Prime Minister Leng Yunfei, Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Jia Minfu, and Secretary of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission Liu Shengguo all walked into the auditorium.

In the hall, thunderous applause was heard. The leaders sat down at the rostrum. Nie Zhenbang, the protagonist of today, also sat at the end of the rostrum. Next to him, was Minister Chen Zhiqiu of the Supervision Department.

The convention officially began, everyone stood up. After the national anthem was played, the Premier of the State Council, Leng Yunfei spoke.

At the moment, Prime Minister Leng glanced over everyone, cleared his throat, and said solemnly, “Comrades, the main purpose of holding this meeting, I believe, is self-evident.”

No one expected Leng Yunfei to begin his remarks in such a way. Nie Zhenbang, however, remained unfazed with a smile on his face, looking straight ahead. If you examine Prime Minister Leng’s career, it becomes clear that he has always been working at the grassroots level, from an ordinary township officer, to a township leader, gradually rising through the ranks. Before becoming the deputy prime minister, he held various local government positions. It could be said that he is well-versed in grassroots affairs and strategies more than any other central leader. His time on the ground has fostered his extremely pragmatic work style.

“Based on the audit data from the National Audit Office, last year, at the national level, among central ministries, central agencies, and various provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, public spending on food and drink, official vehicles, and overseas travel reached a staggering 369 billion yuan.”

As he spoke, the Great Hall was silent. Heavy and solemn expressions crossed the faces of General Secretary Shen, Secretary Jia, Secretary Liu, and others.

Three hundred billion plus is not a small amount. Despite the country’s thriving economic situation and the continuous record-highs of the gross domestic product, huge rises in central and local fiscal revenue cannot erase the fact of uneven economic development between the eastern and western parts of the country. Lizhou City, after all, is just one instance, an exception.

Leng Yunfei surveyed the attendees, then continued: “The rapid increase in ‘three publics’ expenses is a severe problem. The deteriorating relationship between party members, government officials, and the public is an issue that cannot be ignored. As such, the policy to control ‘three publics’ expenses was rolled out considering the current political and economic situations. It’s beneficial for the people and for the state. The establishment of the ‘Three Publics’ Office is to inspect the effects of this policy over the past year. All related units must cooperate, supplying both the people and materials needed. In short, the regulations for managing ‘three publics’ expenses must be effectively implemented, truly used and loved by the people.”

Leng Yunfei’s speech was fierce. It didn’t even sound like the kind of speech a Premier of the State Council would give.

But precisely because of this, Leng’s pragmatism and resolve were highlighted, making all the officials present sit up and take notice. It seemed that this time, the government was really going to act.

As the applause gradually subsided, Secretary Shen Xiuchao, in the center of the stage, shifted his position.

This action silenced the audience. Those familiar with Director Shen knew that this was a sign he was preparing to speak.

Indeed, wearing a smile, Shen Xiuchao slowly said: “Prime Minister Yunfei’s words just now were down-to-earth and to the point, which fully represents how seriously the Central Committee of the Party and the State Council regard the issue of ‘three publics’ expenses. Curbing ‘three publics’ expenses is one of the most crucial tasks for our party and nation. All relevant agencies must pay attention, coordinate closely, share information, follow up on some cases of violations, and ensure the effective implementation of policies.”

After pausing, Shen Xiuchao continued: “Prime Minister Yunfei just talked about practical matters, next, let me discuss some visionary issues.”

“The continuous rapid growth of ‘three publics’ expenses, of course, is somewhat related to the continuous development of our domestic economy. However, the main issue remains the quality of officials themselves. Many people think that since the economy has developed, the state, the government, and the people have money. So, there is nothing wrong for us leaders to ride in luxury cars, eat big meals, or travel abroad. This is a mindset issue. Strengthening the ideological learning of party and government leaders is a long-term and important task. The establishment of the ‘Three Publics’ Office is intended to make the party and government officials realize that this is not a minor issue. If our comrades below do not realize this, then let the ‘Three Publics’ regulations constrain them, let the ‘Three Publics’ office supervise them, and let the organizational discipline restrain them. That’s why the ‘Three Publics’ Office was established.”

Following the speeches of the Secretary General and the Prime Minister, the leaders of related departments, including the Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Jia Minfu, Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Commission Liu Shengguo, as well as heads of the Supervision Department, Public Security Department, the Supreme Procuratorate and other relevant units all delivered speeches expressing their support and cooperation towards the work of the ‘Three Publics’ Office.

Next, during the official establishment ceremony of the ‘Three Publics’ Office, Secretary General Shen Xiuchao issued the official appointment document to the Head of ‘Three Publics’ Office, Nie Zhenbang. At the same time, Prime Minister Leng Yunfei officially unveiled the ‘Three Publics’ Office. After the completion of the full ceremony, the Central ‘Three Publics’ Expenditure Regulation Conference officially ended. After Secretary General Shen, Prime Minister Leng, and other leaders left…

Upon stepping out of the Great Hall, Nie Zhenbang was immediately greeted by Li Jupeng, who was accompanying a middle-aged man who beamed at the sight of Nie Zhenbang.

Li Jupeng introduced: “Director, this is Comrade Wang Haojun, the Secretary General of the ‘Three Publics’ Office.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang was taken aback. He hadn’t expected that Wang Haojun would have such timely information and show up so quickly. As the Secretary General of the ‘Three Publics’ Office, he naturally needed to maintain a good relationship with Nie.

On the surface, Nie Zhenbang also returned the smile: “Secretary Wang Haojun, nice to meet you!” @@novelbin@@

This was a very normal exchange, appearing friendly yet maintaining a polite distance, which was quite appropriate.

At this moment, Wang Haojun became serious. Thinking of the rumors about Nie Zhenbang, he didn’t dare to be negligent. Indeed, there is no mediocrity under a big name. Any hint of disdain in his heart had been withdrawn. Smiling, he said: “Director Nie, nice to meet you! The office area for the ‘Three Publics’ Office is all ready. Would you like to come over and have a look?”