Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 713: Chapter 669: Planning for Xibei_1
 

In Feng Xueliang’s view, Nie Zhenbang was just pretending to be ignorant. Everyone knows that Nie Zhenbang is in Kulin County to keep an eye on the special investigation team of the Atai City Disciplinary Committee. Isn’t his purpose merely to serve as a supervisor?

Yet, despite knowing Nie Zhenbang’s denial is a mere tactic, Feng Xueliang is rather helpless. It’s the protocol. As the director of the Three Public Office, Nie Zhenbang must not interfere with the work of the local Disciplinary Committee. The Three Public Office is only responsible for matters related to the implementation of the Three Public Regulations. Thus, when Nie Zhenbang declared so, Feng Xueliang could find no fault. From this perspective, Feng Xueliang was aware that Nie Zhenbang was unwilling to help or to break his silence.

Trying to hide his disappointment with a laugh, Feng Xueliang said, “Director Nie, you are being too humble. Everyone knows that you and Comrade Chunlei are longtime classmates. I understand that you are a selfless person, Director Nie. However, rest assured about my son’s issue. I will make sure he compensates and handles the aftermath properly without causing any trouble for Comrade Chunlei. But, could you please speak well of me to a few people? Also, regarding the Rhea Group matter. I have looked into it. This entirely comes down to a few project managers of Rhea Group lining their own pocket and meddling in the affairs. As for these people, my recommendation is to punish them severely. Director Nie, what do you think?”

Feng Xueliang’s words drew a derisive laugh from Nie Zhenbang. He looked at Zhou Chunlei, who was next to the sofa, clearly understanding that Feng Xueliang was desperate, and had even picked the scapegoats.

However, Nie Zhenbang had no plans to let Feng Xueliang and his son off the hook. He replied with a faint smile: “Vice Chairman Feng, I’m afraid I can’t help with this matter. I can’t get involved in Atai City’s work. As for the matter of the Rhea Group, I’m not sure about it either. Let’s leave it as it is.”

With that, Nie Zhenbang abruptly ended the call.

At this moment, Zhou Chunlei also laughed and asked, “Zhenbang, was that Feng Xueliang on the call?

Gesturing to Zhou Chunlei, Nie Zhenbang nodded, then he laughed and said: “Old Zhou, you’re probably wondering why I refused Feng Xueliang, right?”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Zhou Chunlei nodded and said: “Well, after all, right now, Feng Xueliang is still the Vice Chairman of the Xibei Autonomous Region Government and a powerful one at that. By doing this, aren’t you afraid to offend him?”

Offend him?

At these words, Nie Zhenbang smiled lightly. After traveling across Xibei, he now had a general idea about the overall situation. The restructuring in Xibei was about to commence. Li Yifeng is currently the Secretary of the Xibei Autonomous Region Party Committee, but he won’t be able to hold the position for long. After his tenure ends, he will likely retire. This presents an ideal opportunity to bring his own people to the fore, which is the key.

Given the current golden opportunity to strike against Feng Xueliang, Nie Zhenbang would certainly not let it pass.

After some thought and organizing his thoughts, Nie Zhenbang chuckled and said: “Old Zhou, before we discuss whether or not we’re offending anyone, I want to ask you, what is Feng Xueliang’s reputation among officials in Xibei?”

Nie Zhenbang’s words made Zhou Chunlei ponder. During their time as classmates in party school, although Nie Zhenbang spent less and less time in school later on, Zhou Chunlei knew Nie Zhenbang’s character. If you described him as being sly and cunning, it would sound negative. But Nie Zhenbang was mature beyond his years. If he was asking such a question, it wasn’t without a reason.

With a brief pause, Zhou Chunlei realized Nie Zhenbang’s intention. The look that he gave to Nie Zhenbang was a mix of surprise and excitement.

He was also lost in thought. It appeared that Nie Zhenbang was planning to take a shot at the top position in the Xibei Autonomous Region. Looking at the current situation, one could see some early signs.

At 34, Nie Zhenbang had already reached the deputy ministerial level and also had the backing of higher-ups. Nie Zhenbang’s future seemed limitless. A minister-level position wouldn’t be his final stop. In fact, it was quite possible he could become one of the core members of the top nine leaders. If so, it would make sense for Nie Zhenbang to consider a position in Xibei.

After all, to enter the core circle of the top nine leaders, one couldn’t do it alone. Looking back at the history of Huaxia, if Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty didn’t have a group of civil and military officials in the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, he alone couldn’t have instigated the Xuanwu Gate Incident. Zhao Kuangyin, the Taizu of the Song Dynasty, was also in a similar situation. The same could be said about Zhu Di, the Yongle Emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

In the present context, even though the system had changed, and feudal monarchies were a thing of the past, some basic tenets stayed the same. As the leader once said, political power grows from the barrel of a gun.

Anyone who wished to reach the core circle must have support from below. Nie family’s strength lay in the military, which was a traditional stronghold. Now, it seemed, Nie Zhenbang was already paving the way for his future.

Upon these thoughts, Zhou Chunlei also got excited. If he could seize this opportunity and get into Nie Zhenbang’s system, his future would be boundless. And, his advantage would be his relationship with Nie Zhenbang as a classmate.

After a brief pause, Zhou Chunlei managed to control his excitement, and with a calm demeanor said: “Feng Xueliang enjoys a fairly good reputation within the system. However, his son Feng Tianqi doesn’t fare as well. In areas related to land, transportation and construction where Feng Xueliang is responsible for, the son’s shadows can be found almost everywhere.”

Saying this, Zhou Chunlei stood up and said seriously: “Zhenbang, just tell me how to investigate this case and up to what extent. I will make sure to withstand the pressure on your behalf. Even if it means risking my hat, I’ll get it done for you.”

This is a display of loyalty. Zhou Chunlei dared to conduct the investigation only because he was assured that nothing would be considered excessive as long as Nie Zhenbang was present. The regional Party Committee would never minimize significant issues nor magnify minor ones.

Hearing Zhou Chunlei’s words, Nie Zhenbang also began to smile. He was very satisfied with the goodwill expressed by Zhou Chunlei.

Nie Zhenbang thought for a moment, then nodded, “Old Zhou, you’ve got it wrong. It’s not about where I want to conduct the investigation. The party-mass relationship and the cadre-mass relationship have become increasingly strained these days. The vast majority of the general public are beginning to question the government. This is because some rotten apples have spoiled the barrel. As the proverb goes, ‘no fish can live in completely clear water.’ We can’t claim that our society should be completely free of corruption. But at least, we should suppress corruption. We should control corruption. Wherever this case leads me to, I will conduct the investigation. That’s my point.”

Following Nie Zhenbang’s words, Zhou Chunlei swiftly took action. The investigation into the entire team of the Kulin County Party Committee and county government has been completed.

Soon, the Standing Committee of the Atai Municipal Party Committee unanimously passed a resolution to punish the team of the Kulin County Party Committee. Deng Chunhe was dismissed from his posts as Secretary, Standing Committee member, and Committee member of the County Party Committee, and Niu Zhian was dismissed from all his positions. They were expelled from the Party and public office. Other people involved in the case were each given appropriate punishments based on the severity of their involvement.

Meanwhile, based on the findings of a special team’s investigation, Rhea Group was suspected of various crimes in the construction and development of Kulin New City in Kulin County, including deliberate injury, extortion, threats, and bribery. In conjunction with this, the Atai Municipal Party Committee made a special report to the Party Committee of Xibei Autonomous Region, and applied for the arrest of Feng Tianqi, the chairman of Rhea Group.

Nie Zhenbang completed his inspection in Atai City rather quickly and then hurried to Urumqi.

…

Xibei Autonomous Region Party Committee’s office building.

In Li Yifeng’s office.

At this moment, the April weather was still a bit chilly in Xibei Autonomous Region. The room was kept warm with the air conditioner running.

In front of Li Yifeng’s desk, a set of sofas was placed on the left, set up as a lounge. At this moment, Li Yifeng sat on the sofa, looking at Nie Zhenbang next to him.

Li Yifeng didn’t seem to care about the storm Nie Zhenbang stirred up in Atai City. He handed a cigarette to Nie Zhenbang, lit one for himself, took a puff, and then settled back on the sofa. Looking over at Nie Zhenbang, he said, “Zhenbang, I have made a decision.”

Nie Zhenbang had anticipated many ways Li Yifeng might start the conversation, but this straightforward and blunt approach was the one he hadn’t expected.

Upon hearing Li Yifeng’s question, Nie Zhenbang was taken aback. However, he soon adjusted his demeanor, nodded, and said, “Yes, I have made up my mind. Uncle Li, I hope I didn’t cause you too much trouble this time.”

After all, an associate department-level cadre was involved. Naturally, that would cause some trouble. Nie Zhenbang was not trying to hide this. Moreover, by addressing him as Uncle Li, Nie Zhenbang subtly shifted the center of their exchange to their personal relationship. This was where Nie Zhenbang’s cleverness lay.

Li Yifeng waved his hand casually, barely acknowledging Nie Zhenbang’s admission. As the Secretary of the Party Committee of the Autonomous Region, particularly an important region like Xibei, Li Yifeng’s imposing authority did not come by easily. If one didn’t have real capability, he wouldn’t be able to handle the situation here.

Now, Li Yifeng seemed indifferent, shook his head and said, “Trouble? What trouble could there be? This is the result of their own actions, as the saying goes, ‘No evil doers would fear the knocking of the door in the middle of the night.’ They brought it onto themselves. There’s no need to blame anyone else. There’s really no trouble.”

After a pause, Li Yifeng continued, “Back then, the old leader sent you to Xibei. Looking at it now, it seems like it was the right move. It looks like it’s about time. Do you have any candidates in mind?”

“I recommend Comrade Zhou Chunlei, the Secretary of the Atai Municipal Party Committee.” Nie Zhenbang didn’t hesitate and directly stated his opinion.

While necessary respect must be given in front of Li Yifeng, there was no need for false courtesies on this matter.

Sure enough, this made Li Yifeng pause for a second, his gaze lingering on Nie Zhenbang. There was a sense of gratification and satisfaction in his eyes. He then nodded and said, “Zhenbang, it seems like you really have matured. How about this, come to my house for dinner tomorrow evening.”

PS: Three updates today, this is the first. Seeking support for monthly tickets (