Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 717: Chapter 673: Public Criticism_1
 

Seeing the anxious look on Huang Xudong’s face, Nie Zhenbang also stood up and smiled, saying: “Comrade Xudong, whatever it is that has you so worked up, come in. This is perfect timing. I want to introduce you to someone – he might just be a long lost brother of yours.”

This joke left Huang Xudong somewhat taken aback, however, it pleased him internally. The fact that Director Nie could make a joke showed that he considered him as one of his own. Otherwise, as a leader and a high-ranking official, he wouldn’t have behaved in such a warm and friendly manner.

As he entered the room, Huang Xudong also laughed, “Director, what brother are you talking about?”

Nie Zhenbang continued, smiling: “Xudong, I want to introduce to you Huang Xuyang, the current head of the Civil Affairs Bureau’s Human Resources Department in Liangxi City, Jiangbei Province. Your names only differ by a character. Xuyang used to be my secretary when I held a post in Liangxi City. You share the same surname and your names are similar to each other, so you should get to know each other.”

Upon hearing this, Huang Xudong turned to look at Huang Xuyang. Although there wasn’t much similarity between their appearances, perhaps because their names were similar, there was a natural closeness. Additionally, having worked with Nie Zhenbang for quite a while, Huang Xudong was very clear about Director Nie’s personality. Gaining Nie Zhenbang’s approval wasn’t easy, and given that this individual was Nie Zhenbang’s former secretary, there must be something commendable about him.

Immediately, he extended his hand and said: “Huang Xudong, Brother Xuyang, it’s my pleasure to meet you.”

At this moment, Chen Le, who had already arranged for his future work, finally let go of a burden in his heart. Over the years in Liangxi City, Chen Le had been under great pressure. Saying that he didn’t want to leave would be a lie, but now, the hardship had finally come to an end. He was in a much better mood overall and chuckled: “Mayor, we have gathered everyone today. Xudong and Xuyang’s names differ by only one character, and all of your three secretaries are here. Yi Jun and Xuyang, and Secretary Li. It’s really rare.”

With this banter, the atmosphere in the room really lightened, and Nie Zhenbang laughed: “I am very satisfied with the work of Yi Jun and Xuyang. Now, even though they are no longer in secretary positions, they have stepped up to more important leadership positions. The burden has become heavier. They must always remember their identities as party members, and they must be dedicated and diligent.”

Seeing that both Yi Jun and Huang Xuyang were all ears and willing to learn, Nie Zhenbang was very pleased. He turned his head to look at Huang Xudong and asked, “Xudong, what’s the matter that got you, a director of such a high level, so flustered?”

At this point, the room became quiet. Indeed, it would take something extraordinary to upset a vice-minister-level official from the capital, especially one who was here doing inspections. Everyone began to wonder what had happened in Jiangbei.

Faced with this, Huang Xudong showed a touch of anger. He gauged Nie Zhenbang’s expression and knew that those present were Nie’s direct subordinates in Jiangbei. He immediately said: “Director, the Jiangbei Provincial Committee have really gone too far. Just a moment ago, Chen Huazhang, the Secretary-General of the Jiangbei Provincial Committee, called. For our supervision and inspection this time, it was suggested by the Jiangbei Provincial Committee that they would not assign anyone to guide us. Apparently, this is the idea of Shen Yanshuo. Since it is an inspection by the ‘San Gong office’, to demonstrate the Jiangbei Provincial Committee’s impartiality, we were to arrange our own itinerary and schedule. Isn’t this simply outrageous?”

Once these words were spoken and as they hung in the air, Nie Zhenbang’s face fell, but he quickly regained his composure. When a department from the central government conducts an inspection at the local level, it is a local government’s duty to assist, regardless of the issue. Even when the Central Discipline Inspection Commission visits, the local government must help, there’s no ‘hindrance to justice’ in this. Assistance here merely involves mundane matters like eating, living and transport. Shen Yanshuo’s approach was clearly a means to make them back off.

The so-called impartiality, allowing them to inspect freely, is just an excuse put forward by Shen Yanshuo.

Chen Le and the others sitting by didn’t look too pleased either. They could also guess what Shen Yanshuo was up to. There was silence in the room. Ning Zhiyuan coughed, looked at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Mayor, why don’t I give my father a call, so he can arrange something from the provincial government’s side.”

“Zhiyuan, can’t you see? Shen Yanshuo is using this opportunity to give me a reminder to ask him for a favor. Even if your father arranged something for us, Shen Yanshuo would still have something to say. I don’t think there’s a need to bother with this,” Nie Zhenbang said with a smile.

He looked at Huang Xudong and said: “Xudong, don’t worry. ‘When the boat gets to the bridgehead, it will naturally go straight.’ If they have not arranged anything, then so be it. In that case, you and Jupeng, together with Xuyang will rent two business vehicles. Since the Jiangbei Provincial Party Committee wants to avoid suspicion, we will just rely on ourselves.”

Just as Chen Le and others were leaving, Nie Zhenbang’s phone rang. Recognizing the number immediately, Nie began to smile.

Upon answering the call, the hearty laughter of Tian Xujian came from the other side: “Zhenbang, are you still awake at this hour?”

Having just arrived in Jiangbei, Nie Zhenbang was aware that Tian Xujian was already informed. It is evident that there must have been officials in Jiangbei province who called to inform Tian Xujian, which is normal as Tian Xujian has been in charge of industry in Jiangbei province for many years. Naturally, he has his own clique as well.

“Governor Tian, you are truly well-informed. You tell me, now that I am back in Jiangbei, will I have time to rest today? Some of my old subordinates from Liangxi City have hurried over and I have just sent them away. Governor Tian, do you have any instructions?” They have been in partnership for four years. They had obviously formed an intimate relationship, leading to a comfortable and casual way of speaking.

On the other end, Tian Xujian also erupted into laughter: “Well, you Nie Zhenbang, you’re really putting me on the spot here. Instructions? Since when have you, Director Nie, ever listened to my instructions?”

After a pause, Tian Xujian becomes serious, “Old Nie, the reason I called you this time is mainly due to suggestions from some friends in Jiangbei. There’s no helping it, you, Director Nie, have an overly shining reputation. Now, they all know that our relationship is rather special. So they asked me to make an appeal to you. When you’re inspecting the Department of Industry or the enterprises that might be delisted, try to go easy on them.”

Having heard this, Nie Zhenbang naturally understood Tian Xujian’s intent; it seemed that the head honchos of the Department of Industry and the potential delisted enterprises were all Tian Xujian’s men. With this in mind, he thought it might be a good idea to unite with Ning Shouchang and his own men. This could increase the leverage against Shen Yanshuo.

With this in mind, Nie Zhenbang laughed, “Old Tian, you’re well aware of my personality. If there are major issues, I absolutely won’t turn a blind eye.”

Tian Xujian laughed heartily on the other end. Managing to get Nie Zhenbang to say these words was no small achievement. Major issues, what are major issues? That is, those who have seriously violated the three-public policy. Tian Xujian had every confidence in his old subordinates, believing they would not be so foolish. Thus, it was clear that Nie Zhenbang agreed. To get this assurance from Nie Zhenbang who was known for his unwavering fairness, was enough to make Tian Xujian happy.

“Okay, Old Nie, this is the promise I want from you. Don’t worry, if the affairs of the Department of Industry and delisted enterprises – official receptions, use of public vehicles and government-funded travel – any of these aspects are in serious violation, I will make them leave.”

After hanging up, Nie Zhenbang began to wryly smile. At this moment, it became apparent to him why Secretary Shen and Qiao Yiren so deftly managed to balance their strategies. With time, he had made many friends in the system. As was the current instance. His old partner of many years called to ask a favor; what could he do?

Being unyielding makes one brittle, now without his knowledge, Nie Zhenbang had begun to change gradually, a change he himself hadn’t noticed. Of course, his original intention had not changed even slightly.

The next day, early in the morning. Having just arrived at the office, Huang Xudong and Li Jupeng rushed to the Jiangbei Provincial Committee’s Office Affairs Bureau. Upon presenting their credentials and the central authority’s official letter, they received the public vehicle registry from the Bureau.

At the same time, the workers at the ‘Three Public Consumptions’ office, after hearing about what happened yesterday, all were holding their breath. From Nie Zhenbang to the ordinary workers, everyone was holding their breath. Their inspection of Jiangbei Province and Jiangzhou City became particularly stringent. After two consecutive days of inspections, though no major issues were found, there were still a fair amount of minor ones. The Jiangbei Provincial Committee had slightly exceeded the standard of alcohol during receptions, accommodation expenses were suspected to be overstated, and the Jiangbei Province’s finance department had allocated an additional Audi this year.

“Director, the general situation regarding the inspections of Jiangbei Province’s provincial units and the provincial party committee and provincial government is as such. It seems like Shen Yanshuo came prepared,” said Huang Xudong in the room at the White Peony Hotel, after giving a detailed report, he summarized his opinion.

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang let out a cold laugh and said to Huang Xudong and Li Jupeng, “Hmm, I’m aware of this.”

After the two left, Nie Zhenbang picked up the phone and dialed a number. As the call got connected, a voice came from the other end, “Brother, what made you think of giving me a call?”

The speaker was Yang Anguo, his elder cousin. Now, Yang Anguo has been transferred from the local government to the central government, currently serving as the Director of the Bureau of Laws and Regulations in the Central Propaganda Department.

“Ha-ha, big brother, mainly, I have a favor to ask you. This time, during my inspection in Jiangbei Province, I have found many issues. I was thinking of using the central media to criticize and report this,” Nie Zhenbang said casually. (