Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 780: Chapter 736 You’re Not Qualified_1
 

“Seeing Huang Jin’s awkwardness, Nie Zhenbang exhibited such an imposing air that even Huang Jin felt a bit intimidated. Nie Zhenbang’s mighty presence made Huang Jin understand. It wasn’t merely about Zhang Zhongxiong’s ilk, even ten special police officers wouldn’t be a match for Mayor Nie.

Once the door was closed, the hitherto cold-faced Zhang Zhongxiong suddenly fell to his knees. This act only furrowed Nie Zhenbang’s brow.

If Zhang Zhongxiong had shown some backbone at the moment, Nie Zhenbang would have looked at him with somewhat less contempt. These deeds committed by the father and son were inhuman, but Zhang Zhongxiong might have still been in the dark. In addition, showing some spine would mean he is ready to face the consequences, realizing his actions and willing to assume responsibility. That is what being a man is all about.

However, judging by Zhang Zhongxiong’s display, he exudes the typical attitude of someone who has committed evil deeds and wants to avoid retribution.

Nie Zhenbang glanced at the security camera, not worrying about Zhang Zhongxiong framing him. This meeting, at Nie Zhenbang’s request, was being filmed the entire time.

Looking at Zhang Zhongxiong kneeling on the floor, Nie Zhenbang said solemnly, “Zhang Zhongxiong, do you think it does any good to kneel now? If that’s your mindset, I think there’s no need to continue our conversation today.”

Zhang Zhongxiong was startled, immediately stood up, sat down in the chair across Nie Zhenbang and began to plead, “Governor, please save me. I am willing to give up all my positions and power, to confess all. Governor, I beg you. Please save my son, he’s still young and in the prime of his youth. Let me bear all the guilt, he is innocent.”

Such is the love of parents in this world. At this moment, Nie Zhenbang understood. Perhaps it was this perverse overindulgence from Zhang Zhongxiong that lead to his son, Zhang Liqiang’s current lawlessness. The pitiful have their faults deserving of blame. Zhang Zhongxiong erred by lacking principles, loving blindly, and doing it in the wrong way.

Without any hesitation, Nie Zhenbang said decisively, “Zhang Zhongxiong, stop daydreaming. Everything your son, Zhang Liqiang has done, any of it could lead to his execution. Rape, tyranny, outrageous behavior, and even involvement in the largest drug trafficking ring in the history of Yangde City. Any of these crimes are enough to have him shot. Regardless of his remorse or merits. I can tell you now, Zhang Liqiang, has only one path – death.”

Nie Zhenbang’s words were firm and resolute, righteous and decisive, leaving no room for negotiation. His words were relayed to the control room through the surveillance system.

At this moment, in the control room, Huang Jin and the provincial department’s interrogation expert were stunned by his words. An expert next to them hastily exclaimed, “Oh no, all our previous efforts are in vain. The governor’s statement has shattered Zhang Zhongxiong’s hopes. It will be even more difficult to make him speak now.”

As soon as the expert finished speaking, Huang Jin glared at him and said sternly, “Old Wang, what are you talking about?”

On hearing this, Old Wang shut up knowing his place. It wasn’t his place to comment on the Governor’s actions. Director Huang scolded him for his own protection.

…

Seeing Zhang Zhongxiong’s pale face, Nie Zhenbang didn’t show any concern. He continued, “Zhang Zhongxiong, are you disappointed? Are you regretting coming to see me?”

Upon saying this, the tone of Nie Zhenbang’s voice immediately became stern. He roared, “Zhang Zhongxiong, have you ever considered how the parents of the girls your son has raped should cope? How they should face the rest of their lives? Have you ever thought about how the future of the people your son has killed or maimed by demolishing their houses? How many families have been destroyed and homes lost due to the drugs your son has trafficked? Have you ever thought about them? Someone like him, whose sins run so deep, deserves to die. Should not die? That would not appease the public outrage. Should not die? That would not manifest the might of heaven.”

Each word was a blow, causing Zhang Zhongxiong to freeze in shock. Undeterred, Nie Zhenbang continued, “Zhang Zhongxiong, all the power you had was given to you by the people. What right do you have to bargain with me here? You’ve betrayed the party and state’s cultivation and expectations for your own personal desires. As a parent, you’ve not assumed the responsibilities of a parent. You didn’t properly educate your child. As a son, you didn’t fulfil your responsibilities. I heard, your father still lives in the countryside, but he doesn’t want to see you. Do you know why? Because you’ve forgotten your roots. You’ve forgotten that you are the son of a peasant. As an official, you’ve not provided the duties of an official. Now, you dare haggle using the power granted to you by the party, state, and people. You are not worthy, because you simply do not deserve it.”

At this moment, in the control room, Huang Jin was watching the scene on the screen, his eyes filled with appreciation. Governor Nie’s words were morally uncompromising, leaving Huang Jin deeply moved.”

Lost in thought, Huang Jin’s mind seemed to fly back to his rural hometown in Longxi. Beneath the Qinling mountains, in that peaceful village, his old mother would lean on the door, looking out expectantly.

“Zhang Zhongxiong, think it through. Resistance now will only deepen your guilt. Only full confession can save you. It is the only path to redemption for both you and your son,” Nie Zhenbang repeated once again.

Nie Zhenbang’s words were not baseless. He had always firmly believed in the innate goodness of human nature and in the benevolence expressed by those on their deathbeds. If such sayings had any weight, Zhenbang was convinced that everyone should harbor a heart ready for repentance. However, this heart is often hidden deep within a person’s soul, making it hard for others to touch.

Seeing the regretful look on Zhang Zhongxiong’s baffled face, Nie Zhenbang knew that he had struck a chord. He continued: “Zhang Zhongxiong, what you need to do now is to confess everything you know about the protection racket in Yangde City. Be truthful. I strongly believe that you, Zhang Zhongxiong, could not have maintained this racket on your own. How many officials were involved, you must be honest. This is accountability to yourself, the Party, the nation, and the four million citizens of Yangde City.”

Silence.

After a short silence, the indifferent look on Zhang Zhongxiong’s face disappeared. One could say that he had shed all pretense.

In the end, Zhang Zhongxiong realized that his son was undoubtedly doomed. But now, his face showed something different from the fear it had displayed before. The Governor was right. He had made a mistake and caused irreversible damage to the Party, the nation, the people, and his relatives. He had to take responsibility. This was a normal reaction, and something he needed to do.

He looked up at Nie Zhenbang, stood up, and bowed deeply, saying, “Governor, please take my apology on behalf of the organization. I’ve wronged the Party and the nation. I failed to live up to the expectations of the organization. I did not do my job well. Please request the organization to forgive me. I will confess!”

On the other side of the control room, Huang Jin became very excited, forcefully slamming his palm on the table and shouting, “Good. The interrogation team, take over immediately and follow through. Be sure to handle the upcoming interrogations well. Action team, be ready at all times!”

With Zhang Zhongxiong’s confession, Yangde City’s officialdom was shaken like an earthquake. That afternoon, personnel from the Provincial Public Security Bureau, the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission, and the Provincial Supervisory Bureau entered the Yangde City Party Committee Municipal Government Office Building. The Yangde City Party Committee Organization Minister, Propaganda Minister, and Secretary-General of the Municipal Party Committee were taken away. In addition, many officials from the Yangde City Construction Bureau, Land and Resources Bureau, and Public Security Bureau were brought down. The entire officialdom of Yangde City could be said to have experienced a major earthquake.

Inside the Yangde City Party Committee auditorium.

At this moment, the officials of Yangde City were still panicked. The day before, dozens of officials, from the deputy hall level to the division level, had been taken away. For a while, there was a sense of fear in Yangde City.

Nie Zhenbang sat in the central position, looked around, and began, “Comrades, the issues that have arisen in Yangde City are highly significant to the provincial party committee and government. The cadres present here are all capable. I hope that you all can take this as a lesson and swiftly get back to work. Ensure stability in Yangde City. The municipal party committee will be temporarily led by Comrade Bu Dehui, overseeing the comprehensive work of the municipal party committee and government.”

After pausing for a moment, Nie Zhenbang continued, “If you do not do evil, you will not be afraid of ghosts knocking at your door. Those who serve the public must always maintain a sense of reverence and gratitude. They must empathize with people. Once you possess power, you must remember: this power was granted by the people. When we abandon and alienate the people, it also means that one day we will be abandoned by the people.”

When his words ended, there was a burst of thunderous applause in the auditorium.

Outside the doors of the Yangde City Party Committee auditorium, the official cars of Nie Zhenbang and Huang Jin were already parked. The depleted Yangde City Party Committee, led by Bu Dehui, stood beside them.

Bu Dehui felt a profound impact at that moment. He had heard about the provincial party committee. His old leader had not spoken up for him. On the contrary, this newly arrived governor had given him strong support. While Bu Dehui did not involve himself in the power struggle within the provincial party committee, his heart was already leaning towards Nie Zhenbang.

Just as Bu Dehui was about to speak, Nie Zhenbang waved his hand and said, “Comrade Dehui, there’s no need for more words. Now, everyone in Yangde City is in a state of fear, and your burden is heavy. You have to quickly stabilize the situation in the City team and vigorously promote a group of duty-bound and responsible officials. If you face any difficulties in the future, feel free to call me. You all don’t need to see me off.” (