Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1084 - Chapter 1084 Chapter 1040 Reputation Destroyed

Chapter 1084: Chapter 1040: Reputation Destroyed Chapter 1084: Chapter 1040: Reputation Destroyed The provincial Discipline Inspection Commission and the Department of Public Security moved very quickly, after all, this was a resolution that had already been formed at the Provincial Committee’s standing committee meeting. It was passed unanimously, signifying that there were no obstacles left in the province.

Soon after, a joint investigation team, consisting primarily of the core members from the Fourth Office of Discipline Inspection and Economic Investigation Team of the Provincial Public Security Department and including members from the Provincial Safety Supervision and Coal Supervision departments, was established without delay.

At the establishment ceremony held in the grand auditorium of the Provincial Department of Public Security, Secretary of the Provincial Discipline Inspection Commission Gong Zheng and Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee Chen Le both attended the meeting. There, they emphasized the discipline of the special case team again. Immediately afterward, the team hurried to Meiping Coal Mine.

Upon arrival at the coal mine, the management of Meiping Coal Mine and the primary corporate leaders of Ou Ke Group, including Ou Ke Group’s chairman Hong Yaozu, were taken into custody.

…

Over at Meiping Coal Mine’s shaft number four.

At this time, the entire mine had already suspended production. The arrival of the special case team meant that most of the management of both the coal mine and Ou Ke Group had been taken into control. In a moment, the whole company was in disarray. The production plan had also been disrupted. The entire company, from top to bottom, was now in a state of halted production.

Zhang Zhenghui was a well-known figure at Meiping Coal Mine, a provincial labor model, and a representative of the provincial people’s congress. As a prominent face of the coal mine, Zhang Zhenghui was also the only one who still insisted on working at the front line of production.

Zhang Zhenghui was about forty years old, wearing a blue work uniform, he seemed very down-to-earth.

At shaft number four, where Zhang Zhenghui was in charge, he was the backbone of the workers. A group of people had gathered in the canteen. A large crowd of workers surrounded Zhang Zhenghui, discussing something.

“Brother Zhang, you should stand up for us, we all trust you. Those officials only care about their own people and don’t give a damn about our lives. I think, only if you stand up, will we workers have any hope.”

While these people were discussing, the sound of car engines shutting off came from outside. Four vehicles, led by a police car, stopped at the entrance of the mining area. A dozen or so people got out of the cars, glanced around, and walked over.

As Zhang Zhenghui led the workers out of the canteen, someone spoke up, “You are the coal miners, right? We’re the special case team. Can you show us around the mine shaft?”

The straightforward approach of the special case team’s members caught Zhang Zhenghui and the others slightly off-guard. Zhang pondered for a moment before nodding, “Okay, follow me.”

…

Meanwhile, the special case team acted swiftly, quickly gaining a lot of information. After Ou Ke Group came over, they soon connected with the upper echelons of Meiping Coal Mine and offered many bribes. With money in hand, Meiping Coal Mine agreed to the Group’s demands to increase mining efforts, and at the same time, provided certain conveniences to Ou Ke Group in many aspects.

In the development of mine tunnels, Ou Ke Group completely disregarded the miners’ safety, using the cheapest materials. Should an accident occur, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Faced with many facts, numerous high-level executives of Meiping Coal Mine readily admitted to their own acts of bribery. The work of the special case team progressed very quickly. Hong Yaozu and others from Ou Ke Group were prosecuted for bribery among other charges. The upper management of Meiping Coal Mine underwent a complete overhaul, and even a deputy director-level leader from Meiping City was implicated, removed from office, and expelled from the Party.

The whole ordeal caused a huge uproar, lasting a month, until late November. That’s when things finally settled down.

Provincial Committee

In Nie Zhenbang’s office, Nie Zhenbang hung up the phone, a call from Lin Mohan. They had exchanged updates on their work.

“Old Chen, take a seat,” said Nie Zhenbang with a smile, indicating a spot before standing up and sitting down on the sofa himself.

In the reception area, after sitting down on the sofa, Chen Le nodded and reported, “The Meiping Coal Mine case has been closed. Inside the mine, starting from the mine manager downward, more than a dozen leaders were involved. They’ve all been detained, and the case files have already been transferred to the procuratorial authorities for prosecution. The trial is expected to take place in the next few days.”

“Secretary Nie, this time, Fang Yuanshan’s reputation in Hongjiang Province has been completely ruined,” Chen Le said with a hint of smugness on his face as he spoke.

Since taking office in Hongjiang, although Secretary Nie had also made a few strong moves, he hadn’t shown his true mettle. It was not until Fang Yuanshan took office that Secretary Nie truly bared his fangs. This gave Chen Le a sense of exhilaration.

At present, everyone in Hongjiang Province was watching the situation. The Ou Ke Group had been personally brought in by Fang Yuanshan. But before the matter was even halfway through, Fang Yuanshan had abandoned the Ou Ke Group outright. Chen Le’s mention of a ruined reputation mainly referred to this aspect.

After pausing for a moment, Nie Zhenbang smiled and said, “Old Chen, you are being shortsighted. You are being shortsighted indeed. In fact, I’m afraid it’s not as simple as you think. Fang Yuanshan is not so straightforward as he appears.”

Nie Zhenbang’s concern for Fang Yuanshan went far beyond the optimism of Chen Le and others. Indeed, this incident had a negative impact on Fang Yuanshan and caused quite a stir within Hongjiang Province. Fang Yuanshan’s reputation for being cold and ruthless was now circulating. As a result, leaders in the province were bound to feel uneasy about siding with Governor Fang in the future–it came with risks.

However, Fang Yuanshan’s ability to judge the situation and act decisively was precisely what worried Nie Zhenbang the most. Not everyone possessed Fang Yuanshan’s resolute nature.

Admittedly, at this moment, Fang Yuanshan’s prestige within the province was gone and his dignity lost. But regardless, Fang Yuanshan had saved himself and preserved his primary forces. Seemingly damaged, his actual losses were not great. As long as green mountains are there, one need not fear a lack of firewood. That was the smart choice.

As he spoke, Nie Zhenbang looked at Chen Le beside him and said, “Old Chen, you still need to enhance your learning. You can’t just consider things from your own small patch of land. In working with political and legal affairs, I believe you are an expert, without any problem. But it’s important to prepare for a rainy day. At times, you have to broaden your learning and develop in all aspects.”

These words made Chen Le nod as well. Secretary Nie had said this not for the first time. Chen Le was well aware that Nie’s words were primarily directed at himself. Currently holding the position of secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee in the province, his prospects for further promotion were limited. A move to the Ministry of Public Security was too difficult a prospect; the better way would be to move up in party and government leadership positions, which was the mainstream.

Thinking of this, Chen Le nodded and said, “Secretary, I will definitely intensify my studies and live up to your expectations.”

Just as Chen Le finished speaking on this end, there came a knock at the door, and Hong Feng walked in from outside, reporting, “Secretary, the economic data statistics for the first eleven months of the year have been delivered. This year, the province’s GDP is expected to exceed one trillion, and Hongjiang’s economic growth rate is estimated to reach around 40 percent. Also, Governor Fang is here, what do you think…?”

Governor Fang made a personal visit, which took Nie Zhenbang by surprise. He stood up, and on the side, Chen Le also stood up and looked at Nie Zhenbang, saying, “Secretary, you are busy with many things, I won’t bother you any further. I’ll take my leave now.”

Saying so, Chen Le left the office, and Nie Zhenbang also stood up and said to Hong Feng, “Hong, please invite Governor Fang in.”

As Fang Yuanshan entered, Nie Zhenbang put on a smile and with a dignified manner, indicated for Fang Yuanshan to sit down before sitting himself, smiling and saying, “Governor Fang, what a rare visitor you are.”

Nie Zhenbang’s words made Fang Yuanshan look somewhat uncomfortable. He laughed awkwardly, well aware that Nie Zhenbang was mocking him. He had been in office for a few months and had never visited before. Clearly, this was not proper.

Smiling, he said, “Secretary Nie, saying that is really too kind. In these few months since taking office, I have not become familiar with the work and haven’t been able to come and seek your advice. That is my fault.”

As he spoke, Fang Yuanshan changed tack and looked at Nie Zhenbang, saying, “Secretary, the economic data statistics for the whole province are out, and they are encouraging. This year, our Hongjiang has made significant progress in economic construction. There have been great developments in various aspects. I think the provincial propaganda department should focus on this area and give it extra publicity.”

Fang Yuanshan spoke with a smile, acting as though there had never been any unpleasantness between him and Nie Zhenbang before, demonstrating that indeed, in the political arena, he was an old hand at scheming. Just this breadth of mind and boldness were something not everyone could possess.

Of course, such significant achievements, as the head of the provincial government, naturally included his share of contributions. By increasing publicity, on the one hand, he took the opportunity to promote himself. On the other hand, there was also an implication of overshadowing Nie Zhenbang.

Chinese people value the art of keeping a low profile. Nie Zhenbang has repeatedly created miracles, already making quite a name for himself. If one continues to be so high-profile in their publicity, it was clear that would only invite jealousy and resentment, right?

After giving Fang Yuanshan a meaningful look, Nie Zhenbang’s thoughts also became reflective. After a moment of contemplation, Nie Zhenbang nodded slightly and said, “Governor Fang’s suggestion seems good. However, there is no need to publicize me. The significant achievements accomplished in Hongjiang Province have been the result of the collective efforts of all cadres. It is only natural that officials benefit their locale. I think the focus of publicity should be on the wellbeing of the people, highlighting the changes in the lives of the people and the environment throughout the province this year. Showcasing the happy life as it exists today would also constitute a new kind of publicity. How does that sound?” (To be continued. If you like this work, welcome to QiDian (NovelFire.net) to cast your recommendation votes and monthly votes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.