Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 826: Chapter 782: Issue a Military Decree Chapter 826: Chapter 782: Issue a Military Decree Xu Aiguo from Changhong City? And leaders from other cities as well?

Upon hearing Li Jupeng’s report, Nie Zhenbang murmured to himself, then his brows knitted together, and he nodded, saying, “Alright, let them all come in. I’d like to see what tricks these folks are planning to pull.”

As he spoke, Nie Zhenbang said to Lu Chengdong at his side, “Mayor Chengdong, after you return, follow the previous plan and check the details thoroughly. I believe Tianfu City will definitely not be a problem.”

Lu Chengdong understood that with these words, the meeting for today was essentially over, which was a common practice in officialdom.

He nodded, then said, “Yes, Governor, I’ll head back now.”

After stepping out of Nie Zhenbang’s room, outside, on the long sofas, Xu Aiguo from Changhong City, Huang Zhenqiu, and Li Yunhe, the Party Secretary of Xingzhou City, along with Mayor Hu Baoguang, all sat with somewhat awkward expressions.

At this moment, such a situation was akin to an unexpected encounter. Under normal circumstances, experienced leaders would not act in this manner.

Seeing Lu Chengdong emerge from inside, the four of them all stood up. Although all four were department-level officials, holding first and second positions, they did not dare to act proudly in front of Lu Chengdong.

Before Lu Chengdong could speak, Li Yunhe from Xingzhou City, beside him, said with a smile, “Old Brother Lu was in there, huh?”

As he said this, Li Yunhe stepped forward and whispered, “Old Brother Lu, how is the boss feeling now?”

Lu Chengdong chuckled inwardly, thinking that they were trying to probe information from him. If they were really close, Lu Chengdong might have given them a hint. However, their relationship amounted to nothing more than an acquaintance established through a few meetings at the provincial level for work purposes. But to reveal details on their behalf, Lu Chengdong would never do that.

There’s a saying, “the more one speaks, the more likely one is to slip up.” In ancient times, they said, “Serving the emperor is like being next to a tiger.” Just now, although he had a pleasant chat with the Governor, what would happen next was anybody’s guess. If the leader’s mood were to change from cheerful to unhappy, or from unhappy to happy, Lu Chengdong might end up feeling like he was doing a disservice.

After a pause, Lu Chengdong also smiled and said, “Young Brother Yunhe, it’s really hard to say. However, when I was giving my report just now, the boss’s attitude seemed quite good. He’s waiting for you, so don’t delay any longer, you should go in now.”

In this round of audiences, Nie Zhenbang chose to meet everyone at once, which was a well-considered move. Since both parties came together, it was clear that the issues they had to report were fit for public disclosure. If there were anything shameful, they would not have approached him in this manner.

With no reservations, Nie Zhenbang’s approach was, of course, natural. After Li Jupeng had poured a cup of hot tea for each of the four, Nie Zhenbang’s gaze swept across them and eventually settled on Xu Aiguo. He began, “The two big shots from Xingzhou City and the big shot from Changhong City have come together. What brings you here?”

In Nie Zhenbang’s words, there was an implicit expression of dissatisfaction with Xu Aiguo, a remark that took the four by surprise. Li Yunhe and Hu Baoguang immediately understood, and they also turned their gaze towards Xu Aiguo, while Huang Zhenqiu looked pleasantly surprised.

The Governor’s attitude was completely beyond Huang Zhenqiu’s expectations. Generally speaking, as a provincial leader, there was an expectation to behave with restraint, expressing displeasure so overtly was quite shocking.

Hearing this, Xu Aiguo also appeared somewhat embarrassed. After a moment of silence, he began, “Governor, first of all, I request criticism from the organization, from you. In the work carried out in Changhong City, my approach was somewhat aggressive. I failed to fully consider the feelings of our grassroots colleagues, and I dampened the enthusiasm of our grassroots officials. I want to start by making a self-criticism. Please, I welcome your criticism.”

These words flowed smoothly from Xu Aiguo, who bowed respectfully, appearing quite at ease as if everything was only natural. He fully embodied the attitude of willingly accepting punishment, appearing anxious and fearful.

This scene, however, made Nie Zhenbang frown. The offshoot from the old Xu family was not simple at all. The more this was the case, the more abnormal it seemed. As a key member of the Xu family’s side branch being groomed for success, Xu Aiguo not showing any arrogance or haughtiness was impossible.

Nie Zhenbang had felt this deeply, being from a Jingcheng background himself. Back in Xibei, he was merely a county-level official but dared to go against a provincial-level Tax Bureau Director, even taking a stand against an autonomous regional Chairman at the ministerial level. This fully illustrated his point.

Moreover, from the very start of his appointment, Xu Aiguo had wielded his power broadly, launching into his work, which indeed validated this perspective. Now, a sudden change so drastic as if he had turned into a wronged little wife was very abnormal. The affairs of Changhong City could be deemed correct or mishandled depending on the viewpoint. Essentially, it was a situation subject to different interpretations. However, Xu Aiguo’s approach greatly shocked the sensitive nerves of Changhong City and ultimately the entire provincial grassroots officials, who thus resisted. Yet, if Xu Aiguo persisted in his stance, there really wasn’t a good countermeasure.

Seeing his current attitude, Xu Aiguo must already know about the provincial-managed county system reform and that continuing further was meaningless.

The more he carried himself this way, the more vigilant Nie Zhenbang became. There was a common saying among the people, “Barking dogs seldom bite.” Xu Aiguo was just like that.

If Xu Aiguo showed indignation, that would still be manageable, merely revealing a person lacking in guile. But now, it was leaving everyone on high alert.

After some thought, Nie Zhenbang also waved his hand, saying, “There’s no need for talk of self-reproach. The fact that Changhong City’s affair can be halted and avoided at the last moment is worthy of celebration. To recognize one’s mistakes and be able to reform is commendable. As a leader, especially the top leader of the party committee, it’s even more important to take note. A secretary manages people, a mayor handles affairs. As the top leader, the urgency to carry out work is understandable, but the manner and approach must be considered. One cannot do so at the expense of undermining the enthusiasm of grassroots officials. This is a profound lesson. Having this attitude is sufficient.”

With that, Nie Zhenbang no longer looked at Xu Aiguo, but turned his head towards the three people beside him and said with a smile, “Mayor Zhenqiu, what has arisen in Changhong City this time?”

Stopping at that point was enough. Today, deliberately gathering the leaders of the two cities together for an audience was intentional. Although his previous words weren’t spoken with a heavy tone, the messages of reprimand and dissatisfaction were crystal clear. He believed that after today, officials throughout the province would understand the unspoken message. Xu Aiguo’s days in Bashu would likely not be easy.

Now, his attitude toward Huang Zhenqiu was fundamentally different, which in turn gave Huang Zhenqiu some backup support.

Listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, Huang Zhenqiu showed joy, nodding and saying, “Governor, our main reason for coming this time was to report to you our city’s old district renovation plans.”

Upon hearing this, Nie Zhenbang’s eyebrows instantly knitted. Something about this matter seemed off. Lu Chengdong had just reported on the shantytown transformation, and now Changhong City was here to report on its old district renovation. Observing the surprised looks on the faces of the two officials from Xingzhou City, a thought crossed Nie Zhenbang’s mind. He turned to Li Yunhe and Hu Baoguang, “Secretary Yunhe, Mayor Baoguang, your Xingzhou City isn’t here for the same matter, is it?”

Upon the governor’s question, Li Yunhe and Hu Baoguang exchanged glances. Finally, as the representative, Hu Baoguang reluctantly said, “Governor, you have an incredible foresight. Secretary Li and I have indeed come for the same matter.”

Hearing Nie Zhenbang’s contemplative silence, Hu Baoguang continued, “Governor, with the completion and impoundment of the Dajiang Three Gorges Project this time, parts of Xingjiang District in our Xingzhou City will be submerged underwater. The current urban area is mostly composed of the old district. As we consider the total relocation of Xingjiang District, Secretary Li and the entire municipal committee are pondering whether to take this opportunity to conduct both new city construction and old district renovation work for Xingzhou City.”

Was this a coincidence or intentional? Nie Zhenbang pondered. Tianfu City could largely be excluded. On one hand, Tianfu City’s development indeed was constrained by the shantytown area. Yet, could it be that Changhong City and Xingzhou City were seizing the moment to kick up a fuss? Nie Zhenbang was not prepared to make that judgment.

Old city renovation required funding, and for Tianfu City alone, that meant a financial burden of 3.4 billion for the province. Adding these two cities, at the very least, would require another 2 billion. However, the provincial finances were so tight that splitting a single cent in two was desirable. The massive investment in infrastructure construction in Bashu Province lay heavy on the provincial government’s shoulders. If the funds were distributed in this way, with other cities following suit and requesting funds, it would be untenable for him to remain governor.

If it was only a coincidence, so be it. But if it was deliberate, once this floodgate was opened, his troubles would mount. Afterward, there would surely be subsequent moves.

A three-year plan had been promised to the entire cadre population of the province through Bashu news broadcast. If it could not be achieved, where would his own credibility and face be?

Thinking this over, Nie Zhenbang fell silent for a moment, observing the four who all appeared reprimanded and subdued. He gritted his teeth and said solemnly, “Old city renovation is a good thing. If there’s a detailed plan, the provincial attitude is naturally supportive. However, to gain the province’s support, each of you four must present a comprehensive planning proposal. This proposal should include infrastructure investment, commercial positioning, investor attraction, and the protection of cultural relics, ancient buildings, and trees. Once there is a budget, each of you must sign an irrevocable pledge. Whoever fails, shall offer to resign willingly!”(