Reborn as a Noble's Son

Chapter 827: Chapter 783 Inspection of Tianfu City Chapter 827: Chapter 783 Inspection of Tianfu City An oath of military order? If I fail to do well, I will cede my position to someone more capable?

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, all four were somewhat startled, and a flash of surprise glinted in Xu Aiguo’s eyes. Nie Zhenbang’s approach, though unexpected, was definitely effective. Just this alone was enough to intimidate the leadership of other cities like Dizhou City. For the old city renovation funds of three cities, the province was only responsible for a portion of it, so the pressure was not great.

Such incidents, occurring in modern times, seem quite like a fantastical tale. What era are we in that such things still happen? It’s not ancient times after all. Moreover, this does not seem to fit the organizational procedures.

Yet, all four understood, whether it followed the procedure or not was beside the point. If they dared to sign the military order, Nie Zhenbang would definitely have a way to make them honor it should they fail to deliver. The leaders of other cities would not be foolish enough to test the law with their own skins.

The development of a city is just like this. Now, the economic development of the entire province is clearly on an upward trend. Agriculture, industry, and the tertiary sector all show a vigorous growth momentum. It wouldn’t make much difference to wait another year to avoid the current surge and then ask the province for support. By then, there wouldn’t be such military orders to deal with. It was clear to everyone that they would not choose this moment to step on a landmine.

However, things had reached this point now, and they were in a dilemma like riding a tiger and finding it hard to dismount. Whether Governor Nie would harbor any opinions if they did not agree, was something no one could be sure of.

Huang Zhenqiu was stunned as well. The renovation of the old city districts was something he had always been thinking about, always wanting to do. How could this happen?

Silence. After a brief silence, on Xingzhou City’s side, Li Yunhe and Hu Baoguang exchanged a few words softly, and then made their decision. Xingzhou City could not afford to drag its feet anymore. If they missed this opportunity, given Xingzhou’s awkward position within the province, it would not be so easy to handle later on. After pausing for a moment, Li Yunhe spoke, “Governor, after discussing with Mayor Hu Baoguang, we are very confident. We will not let you and the organization down. We will work on the planning for the renovation of the old city and the construction of the new city in a detailed and meticulous manner, and we will certainly present a satisfactory report to the provincial committee and government.”

With those words, Xingzhou City’s stance was clear, and no more needed to be said.

After Li Yunhe finished speaking, Huang Zhenqiu also spoke up, “Governor, I am willing to sign this military order.”

His statement, different from the approach of Li Yunhe and the others, nevertheless conveyed his intentions. The renovation of Changhong City’s old city was a matter that only Huang Zhenqiu could decide for himself. He was willing to sign, but whether Changhong Municipal Party Committee Secretary Xu Aiguo was willing was another matter entirely.

Beside him, Xu Aiguo’s face darkened. What a cunning move by Huang Zhenqiu, not forgetting to trip him up even in such a moment, truly ruthless.

Soon after, Xu Aiguo nodded and said, “Governor, I am also willing. I believe that the Changhong Municipal Party Committee team will be united. We will seriously consider, plan out, and implement our work. We will definitely complete the old city renovation project successfully.”

At this point, Nie Zhenbang simply nodded indifferently. The four’s agreement was already within his expectations. His purpose was not to target these four individuals, but to send a deterrent to any newcomers, to deter other cities from rash actions. It also served as a warning to the implementers. The renovation of old cities involved a massive project, with funds reaching hundreds of millions, even billions, where corruption could easily fester. In doing this, it was like placing a tight spell around them—if they did not perform well, they would have to step down, and if corruption or shoddy construction emerged, wouldn’t they be making it difficult for themselves?

Looking up at the four individuals, Nie Zhenbang’s expression grew serious as he said solemnly, “Good, since you four have such confidence and courage, I am relieved. I await your updates.”

Changhong City and Xingzhou City were quick to act. Both cities had already prepared their plans in this regard, and now only needed to make some appropriate adjustments. In less than two days, Huang Zhenqiu and Hu Baoguang rushed to the province with their reports and materials for project approval. Nie Zhenbang did not delay at all and, after carefully reviewing the materials from the two cities, signed his opinion on them—identical to the one he provided for Tianfu City, asking the Provincial Development and Reform Commission for project approval and support.

…

Following the official project approvals for the old city renovation in Tianfu City and the other two cities, the first round of renovation funds from the Development and Reform Commission and the provincial finances, with ten billion for Tianfu City and five billion each for the other two cities, were disbursed. Suddenly, this news became the most sensational and discussed topic across the province.

On Nie Zhenbang’s end, he was neither hasty nor slow. He notified Fang Yuan, as well as Sun Jialuo, the executive vice governor, and Zhou Yining, the vice governor in charge of land and construction, to join him for an inspection tour of the old city districts in the three cities.

The first stop was naturally Tianfu City.

September 5, 8 a.m.

Below the Tianfu City Municipal Committee and Government Building, all the leaders of the Tianfu City Party committee were present. At the square entrance, colorful flags fluttered, and balloons danced in the air.

At half-past eight, Nie Zhenbang’s motorcade arrived on time from outside the entrance. Although the provincial Party committee and government were also located in Tianfu City, the due process for inspections was not to be shortened in the slightest.

As soon as he alighted from the car, the city’s Party Secretary, Tang Bingquan, greeted him with a smile, “Governor, I extend a warm welcome to you.”

Nie Zhenbang looked around and said with a smile, “Secretary Bingquan, this is too much. It’s too grand. With Tianfu City’s limited funds, this isn’t putting money where it’s needed most.”

Nie Zhenbang’s implicit criticism spared Tang Bingquan’s face, something that Tang Bingquan was well aware of. He chuckled and replied, “Governor, your criticism is valid; we will certainly rectify this. This is the governor’s first visit to inspect and guide the work of the municipal committee and government. It’s a bit too grand, and it won’t happen again.”

Next, Nie Zhenbang and his delegation shook hands with each member of the Tianfu City Party committee’s standing committee. But Nie Zhenbang said with a smile, “Governor Jialuo, look, we too live and work under the administration of Tianfu City. Today, Mayor Chengdong is the main lead, so let’s not go to the office to listen to reports. Instead, let’s visit the shanty areas to hear what the common people have to say, to listen to the voice of the masses. How about that?”

Satisfied with Nie Zhenbang’s face-saving remarks, Sun Jialuo also showed his approval. In this respect, Nie Zhenbang was indeed very thorough and meticulous. He promptly replied with a smile, “I have no objections, but I wonder if Comrade Bingquan and Comrade Chengdong have any thoughts.”

Dealing with Tianfu City was different from dealing with other cities. Given Tianfu City’s special level and positioning, and the fact that Tang Bingquan himself was a member of the provincial committee’s standing committee. Excluding Nie Zhenbang, both Tang Bingquan and Sun Jialuo interacted on an equal level, with the only difference being their ranking within the committee.

Inspecting Tianfu City did not require a particularly serious demeanor, and appropriate jokes could alleviate the atmosphere between both sides.

Upon hearing this, Tang Bingquan also laughed and said, “Governor Jialuo, I have no objections. Mayor Chengdong has been preparing for this for over a year. All is ready; we just needed an east wind, and we’re thankful to the provincial committee and government for providing it. We can’t wait to begin.”

Lu Chengdong also stepped forward at that moment, and with a smile full of confidence and ease, he gestured invitingly, “Governors, Vice Governors, and all the leaders, please, this way.”

The group boarded the business vehicles prepared by the Tianfu City Party committee and government. Led by police cars, the entourage set out majestically, exiting the gates of the municipal committee and government. They took to the main road and, after no more than a five-minute drive, turned into a nearby alley.

Lu Chengdong was now introducing to Nie Zhenbang, “Governor, up ahead is the residential area of the former Red Light Agricultural Machinery Factory of Tianfu City. After the factory went bankrupt and closed down, the living conditions of the employees became quite dire. They are all low-income households in extreme poverty—part of this old city renovation project, the families of the workers from Red Light Agricultural Machinery Factory have had the most significant response. Most of these families are destitute. This is a relatively representative location.”

Nie Zhenbang exchanged views with Sun Jialuo and Zhou Yining, and they were all satisfied. Nie Zhenbang nodded and responded, “Mayor Chengdong, this is very good. Inevitably, urban renewal involves two issues: demolishing old houses for new ones, and concerns about life and money. The Red Light Agricultural Machinery Factory is quite representative of those issues.”

The vehicle directly pulled up to the gate of the Red Light Agricultural Machinery Factory, and upon alighting, they encountered a sizeable gathered crowd. Entering the factory area, what struck them first was utter disarray. The original factory buildings were long beyond recognition. Illegally constructed shanty structures were scattered throughout the area. The narrow paths between the houses were barely over a meter wide.

On seeing the attire and appearance of the residents, it was obvious that nutrition was definitely not on the agenda. This also indicated that Tianfu City wasn’t engaging in deceit; everyone in this facility was a severe hardship case, reliant on social assistance. Coming to a mutual agreement with them would be impossible.

With hands respectfully clasped, Nie Zhenbang addressed the crowd, “Comrades, elders, brothers, and sisters of Red Light Agricultural Machinery Factory, greetings to you all. It is the provincial committee and government’s work that has fallen short, and you have suffered because of it.”

A provincial governor shedding formalities with such a simple gesture of sympathy could instill a warm feeling in the hearts of others. The surrounding people even started to shout, “Governor, you’ve worked hard as well.”

Nie Zhenbang approached an elderly lady and with a smile, he inquired, “Granny, now that the old city area is going to be demolished—including this place—and everyone will move into new houses, has the city provided any policies? Would you be willing to do so?”

Nie Zhenbang’s straightforward questions made everyone from Tianfu City perspire nervously. With reporters from the provincial station and newspaper watching, alongside the crowd and several provincial government leaders, if the old lady said something she shouldn’t… (