Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1059 - Chapter 1059 Chapter 1015 Layout

Chapter 1059: Chapter 1015 Layout Chapter 1059: Chapter 1015 Layout Listening to Nie Zhenbang’s words, at this moment, He Yusheng’s brows furrowed tightly. He roughly understood Nie Zhenbang’s intention–Nie Zhenbang wanted to curb the development of real estate. Could it be related to some of the rumors that had been circulating within the province before?

Could it be that the issues in Qingan County had not been truly resolved, and now, they were influencing what followed?

He Yusheng couldn’t help being extra cautious, his son He Miao and Earth Company were too closely linked. If there really was an intention to investigate, no one could stop it. Even, if things were to come to a head, his own future would be greatly affected.

Thinking of this, He Yusheng pondered for a moment and then smiled, saying, “Macroeconomic control policies are certainly necessary, the central government has a broad and long-term perspective, and naturally sees higher and farther than us. However, regarding the restriction on purchases, I think, perhaps it’s best to slow down.”

Having said this, He Yusheng glanced at Nie Zhenbang. At this moment, Secretary Nie’s expression was calm, his demeanor steady, showing no signs of change. It was impossible to tell whether Secretary Nie felt joy or sorrow, support or opposition.

At this time, He Yusheng’s expression seemed rather embarrassed. This was the first time, under Nie Zhenbang’s control of Hongjiang, that he had proposed a different view on an issue. Obviously, He Yusheng was worried that this matter might affect his relationship with Secretary Nie.

After a pause, He Yusheng’s face showed a forced smile as he awkwardly explained, “Secretary Nie, currently, every province and city is driven by development and land to boost GDP growth. On one hand, selling land and development significantly increases local fiscal revenue. On the other hand, it expands urban areas and accelerates urbanization, which aligns with the spirit of central documents. Thirdly, the development of real estate also indirectly stimulates the development of various industries. Now, the economic construction of our Hongjiang is not so good; if this continues, couldn’t it hinder our province’s economy? Personally, I believe that in terms of real estate regulation policies, Hongjiang Province hasn’t reached that stage yet.”

To Nie Zhenbang, He Yusheng’s words were like a snort of cold laughter in his heart. Looking at He Yusheng, Nie Zhenbang mused with a sneer that he hadn’t expected opposition from He Yusheng at the proposal of this plan. Indeed, there were interests involved from all sides, and he foresaw even more resistance to come.

It wasn’t the right time yet. If they waited until house prices were so high that common people worked all their lives and couldn’t afford even a toilet, then what would be the point of regulating prices? Any actions must be taken early, before prices skyrocket, with government intervention ensuring that Hongjiang’s housing prices didn’t become uncontrollable like in other provinces.

Although he was dissatisfied, Nie Zhenbang still smiled and said, “Old He makes some good points, and right now, we are just in the stage of soliciting opinions. Let’s wait and see.”

Speaking, Nie Zhenbang called out loudly, “Hong, fill Governor He’s cup with some hot water.”

With that said, He Yusheng naturally stood up. As a provincial leader, he understood the protocol well enough; adding hot water was merely polite talk. The underlying message was to see the guest out.

Smiling, he said, “Secretary, don’t bother, there are some matters at the government that I need to attend to. If you don’t have anything else, Secretary, I’ll head over there first.”

After personally seeing He Yusheng out, Nie Zhenbang turned around and began pacing the room. The regulation of housing prices was a troublesome matter; even the higher-ups were extremely cautious and advancing with difficulty. After all, it boiled down to an issue of interest chains.

Real estate development companies are mostly star and pillar enterprises in various localities, entwined with local governments in countless ways–just like Earth Company. This time, several incidents of obtaining land at low prices mentioned in Gong Zheng’s report were related to Earth Company. To claim that Earth Company lacked backing wouldn’t be believed by anyone.

Housing price regulation, tightening loans, adding restrictions on house purchases, and increasing affordable housing and other measures, when applied in combination, would deal a severe blow to the entire real estate industry in Hongjiang.

This was just Earth Company, and it had already provoked opposition from He Yusheng. He had been careful and meticulous recently, but now, he had to go ahead regardless. One could imagine the resistance he was about to face.

All these companies had some connections with localities; lower-level officials would also join in the clamor, and behind this, they might even face huge pressure from higher levels, as many real estate enterprises were central state-owned enterprises.

All these anticipated resistances illustrated why local price regulation was difficult and why things intensified until the central government was compelled to intervene.

However, there were disadvantages, but also advantages–the most important being the macro-control policies issued by the State Council, which alone could silence many opposing voices. Firmly implementing the directives and spirit of the higher-ups was the correct approach; anyone opposed was out of step with the central government, and this was Nie Zhenbang’s reliance.

Still, relying solely on these was far from enough. Most importantly, he needed to be able to suppress such voices within the province to establish his value.

After a brief pause, Nie Zhenbang walked over to his desk, picked up the phone, and dialed a number. The call connected quickly, and Chen Le’s voice came through, “Secretary, you wanted to see me?”

As an old subordinate who had been with him since Lixian, Chen Le was utterly trustworthy. The reason for turning to Chen Le was that real estate enterprises, more or less, all had some violations and disciplinary issues, such as resettlement compensation, bidding for construction projects, and so on.

Enterprises like these often operate in a gray area, and for some worse companies, it wouldn’t be strange for them to blur the line between what’s legal and illegal.

“Old Chen, are you still at the department or at the provincial committee?” When speaking with Chen Le, Nie Zhenbang was quite casual, without any airs of superiority.

Decades of friendship meant they knew each other inside out, and there was no need for such pretensions, which might only harm their relationship.

In front of Nie Zhenbang, Chen Le appeared very relaxed, laughing as he said, “Don’t you know me by now? Sitting at the provincial committee, I feel so uncomfortable, I’m much more at ease in the department.”

Hearing this, Nie Zhenbang laughed, “You’re still plagued by your smallholder mindset, thinking being a ‘Local Emperor’ is more comfortable, huh.”

After the lighthearted banter, Nie Zhenbang turned serious, “Old Chen, come over to my side for a moment.”

Upon hearing Nie Zhenbang’s words, Chen Le didn’t hesitate and immediately replied, “Alright.”

Chen Le was quick; although the distance from the Provincial Public Security Department was significant, it took him less than fifteen minutes to arrive, led by Hong Feng.

Seeing Chen Le, Nie Zhenbang also stood up from his desk and instructed Hong Feng, “Hong, I’ll take it from here. I won’t see anyone else from now on.”

This command was quite clear and also highlighted Chen Le’s status in Nie Zhenbang’s heart.

Hong Feng nodded, gracefully closed the door for Nie Zhenbang, and after personally pouring a cup of tea for Chen Le, Nie Zhenbang walked over to his desk, opened a drawer, took out a stack of documents, and handed them to Chen Le, saying, “Old Chen, take a look at this.”

Chen Le was a bit puzzled but took the materials from Nie Zhenbang’s hands. It took him nearly ten minutes to go through them, after which he looked up at Nie Zhenbang and said, “Secretary, do you mean you want me to get involved in the investigation as well? Should it be confidential or public?”

This was the difference between core supporters and general subordinates. Nie Zhenbang was very pleased and nodded. A typical subordinate would have asked, “Secretary, what do you mean?”

Chen Le, however, went straight to the point, asking whether the investigation should be conducted in secret or in the open. The possibility of not conducting the investigation did not even enter Chen Le’s consideration.

After pondering for a moment, Nie Zhenbang nodded and said, “Conduct a secret investigation. The Commission for Discipline Inspection is also in the evidence gathering stage right now. Overall, you’re more familiar with these matters, after all it’s your area of expertise. Focus on investigating the issues mentioned in the documents, especially concerning the acquisition of land at low prices and the distribution of affordable housing. Contact me whenever there is an update.”

Chen Le nodded, stood up and said, “Secretary, I understand.”

Just as Chen Le left, the telephone on the desk began to ring. Nie Zhenbang picked it up and before he could speak, a rather unfamiliar voice came from the other end, “Secretary Nie, haha, I’m really sorry to disturb you.”

These words made Nie Zhenbang pause for a while, until finally, an image of an old comrade floated into his mind, Yan Cangsheng.

His heart sank with some confusion. When things are out of the ordinary, there must be a demon at work. Throughout his tenure, Yan Cangsheng hadn’t made calls like this. Now, just as the news about regulating housing prices had emerged, Yan Cangsheng’s call came through. Are such coincidences really a thing in this world?

Adjusting his emotions, Nie Zhenbang responded with a smile, “Elder Yan, you’re a rare guest who’s difficult to invite. How come you have time to call me today? I hope you’re in good health.”

As soon as Nie Zhenbang finished speaking, Yan Cangsheng’s voice immediately came through, laughing, “Haha, in good health, in good health. With good food, sleep, and the organization’s concern, naturally all ailments are gone.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Yan Cangsheng spoke up with a smile, “Secretary Nie, the main purpose of my call today is I would like to invite you for a meal. I wonder if Secretary Nie would honor me with his presence.”

Continuing, Yan Cangsheng added, “It will be in my own home, just a simple family meal. So please rest assured, Secretary Nie.” (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you are welcome to vote for it at Qidian (NovelFire.net) with recommendation tickets and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

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