Reborn as a Noble’s Son
Chapter 1104 - Chapter 1104 Chapter 1060 Peoples Hearts Waver

Chapter 1104: Chapter 1060: People’s Hearts Waver Chapter 1104: Chapter 1060: People’s Hearts Waver “`

With the central government’s public announcement of appointments and dismissals, the matter had basically settled. There were no surprises left.

Entering February, the events in Hongjiang Province were almost at their end. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection work team and the Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection special case team had already transferred the case files to the procuratorial authorities. What followed, naturally, was the severe punishment of the law waiting for them.

February 3rd.

At this time, there were exactly ten days left until the Lunar New Year’s Eve. Normally, according to tradition, the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Hongjiang Provincial Party Committee would be around February 12th. However, considering the proximity to the New Year and the recent instability of emotions amongst the leadership cadres in the province, Nie Zhenbang decided to convene the Standing Committee meeting earlier. On one hand, after He Yusheng and Li Yihong were taken down, it was necessary to stabilize the morale of the provincial party committee; on the other hand, it was also crucial to stabilize the mood of the leadership cadres across the province.

At nine o’clock sharp in the morning, Nie Zhenbang walked into the provincial committee meeting room with his hands behind his back, scanning all present. Originally, out of thirteen standing committee members, now only eleven remained.

For all the experienced and knowledgeable provincial and ministerial leaders present, this maneuver was extremely surprising.

In the past, when had such a situation occurred? Take, for example, the simplest case in Jingcheng or WangHai, among the fallen leaders in those cases, having one would be considered a major case. This time, in Hongjiang Province, three had fallen. This alone said it all.

At this moment, all the standing committee members looked at Nie Zhenbang differently. Qin Guanghan felt somewhat wistful. Fortunately, he had not continued to be involved with He Yusheng, otherwise, even if he was personally solid, he would have likely attracted trouble.

Yao Dingguo, the Secretary of the Hongcheng City Municipal Committee, felt somewhat poignant, the transfer of Wen Baogui meant that Yao Dingguo had lost a significant support in Hongjiang, but it also strengthened his resolve.

Sitting in his own seat, Nie Zhenbang looked around and his gaze swept over the leaders of the standing committee members one by one.

After a moment of contemplation, he then smiled and said, “The meeting is starting. Today’s Standing Committee meeting might very well be the last one before the New Year in Hongjiang Province. Before we start the meeting, I want to mention something off-topic.”

As he spoke, Nie Zhenbang looked at Chen Le, the Secretary of the Political and Legal Affairs Committee, next to him and smiled, “Comrade Chen Le, do you have a family?”

Nie Zhenbang’s seemingly inexplicable words made all the standing committee members listen intently, all trying to figure out what Nie Zhenbang meant.

All eyes turned to Chen Le. This time, during the big case in Hongjiang, Chen Le had made no small effort, which certainly left an impression in the minds of the central leadership. This was definitely a good thing for Chen Le.

At this moment, Chen Le was also puzzled. After a brief pause, he answered, “Of course, I have a family. My ancestral home is in the Xibei Autonomous Region, and my current home is in the provincial committee residential compound.”

This disconnected question and answer session was not yet over, as Nie Zhenbang turned his head and looked at Wei Ran, the Minister, and asked, “Minister Wei Ran, do you have a family?”

With Chen Le’s response setting a precedent, Wei Ran also smiled and said, “Naturally, I have one. How can a person not have a home? My hometown is in Chunan Province, I was assigned to Hongjiang after graduating from college, and have been working here ever since. My current home is in the provincial committee residential compound.”

Hearing Wei Ran’s reply, Nie Zhenbang gave a slight smile and nodded, “Yes, everyone has a home. I believe that all the comrades present here have families.”

Having said that, Nie Zhenbang raised his head, looked around the room, and said, “This action by Secretary Liu of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection also fully reflects the attitude of the central authorities. Last year, during the meetings at central level, President Qiao and President Mu both repeatedly emphasized and reaffirmed the issue of punishing corruption severely. I believe everyone is clear about this. Now, with the hearts of the people in Hongjiang Province in turmoil and unrest, I hope that comrades also have a clear understanding of this point, and don’t let it become a mental burden. Be brave to shoulder the burden and take responsibility.”

The subsequent Standing Committee meeting was very peaceful. With Nie Zhenbang’s speech serving as a precursor, there were no further debates, and on several issues, unanimous votes were passed.

At eleven o’clock, the Standing Committee meeting ended, and Nie Zhenbang declared the meeting adjourned, standing up. After Nie Zhenbang left the meeting room, the others stood up as well.

Fang Yuanshan’s face looked somewhat ugly. With the current situation, Fang Yuanshan was very clear that he had lost a round in the He Yusheng case, and with the previous issues in Meiping City, having lost two rounds in a row, Fang Yuanshan was left with no choice but to work hard.

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At this time, even Fang Yuanshan, if he had the will, was likely powerless. At this moment in Hongjiang Province, not to mention those provincial department-level officials who thought very highly of themselves, there were not many city-level leadership officials who could be rallied.

As soon as Nie Zhenbang stepped out, Xu Hongzhuan, the Provincial Party Committee Secretary-General, followed him and said, “Secretary, take a look, the general plan for the inspection and consolation visits before the New Year has already been drafted for your review.”

Following Nie Zhenbang into his office and sitting down on the sofa in the reception area, Nie Zhenbang picked up the document and briefly scanned it.

The consolation visits before the annual festival, no matter which province it is, are an essential part of the routine. China’s traditional Spring Festival, with its thousands of years of cultural heritage, is the most cherished holiday among the Chinese people.

After a cursory look, the overall arrangements were basically unobjectionable, primarily divided into three aspects: one was the consolation and visitation of the province’s orphaned and widowed elderly and the extremely needy groups. Another was the consolation of former comrades and old cadres, and the last involved military troops, armed police officers and soldiers.

After reviewing the arrangements, Nie Zhenbang pondered for a moment and turned to Xu Hongzhuan, “Secretary-General, here’s what I’m thinking; I won’t go to the other places. You arrange to discuss with Secretary Fang, Secretary Guanghan, and a few other comrades to see their plans. For me, you just need to arrange visits to the military troops and the armed police officers and soldiers.”

Xu Hongzhuan nodded, just as he was about to speak, Nie Zhenbang suddenly said, “Comrade Hongzhuan, this time, with He Yusheng and Li Yihong being taken away, this has resulted in two vacancies within the province. For the position of Executive Deputy Governor, I’m quite inclined towards you.”

This directness was without any beating around the bush. Moreover, by expressing his thoughts so straightforwardly, Nie Zhenbang’s words actually took Xu Hongzhuan by surprise.

However, in an instant, Xu Hongzhuan also realized the meaning behind it. This is Secretary Nie’s style; such a magnanimous bearing is not something ordinary people possess.

Generally speaking, whenever there’s a promotion or a hint of one, leaders usually speak very euphemistically, such as the organization is considering giving you more responsibilities, and other such phrases.

They speak in this way mainly because it’s flexible. Suggesting additional responsibilities doesn’t guarantee action. In case of unforeseen circumstances, it can still seem reasonable. Unlike Nie Zhenbang’s approach which, from the moment he speaks, basically blocks all his retreats.

However, by contrast, this also demonstrates Nie Zhenbang’s magnanimity and his boldness. The power to appoint provincial and ministerial-level officials rests in the hands of the central government. Nie Zhenbang speaking in such a manner indicates a strong confidence. Amongst all the provincial Party leaders nationwide, not many could say as much.

Xu Hongzhuan appeared very excited, an expression that naturally showed on his face. The position of Executive Deputy Governor and Provincial Party Committee Secretary-General might seem similar at a glance, both being members of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and both at the vice-provincial level. However, the differences are significant. In terms of Party ranking, the Secretary-General ranks lower while the Executive Deputy Governor ranks higher. Moreover, if there’s an opportunity for promotion, the Secretary-General’s role is just a token one.

In terms of power, there’s simply no comparison. The Secretary-General acts like a chief steward, whose primary responsibility is to manage the Provincial Party Committee’s office work, attending to the life and work of the Provincial Party leadership. This is essentially a steward’s job.

So, to be considered for promotion would indeed be progress. Xu Hongzhuan being happy about it is quite normal. After pondering a moment, Xu Hongzhuan nodded and said, “I appreciate the Secretary’s promotion and his high regard. I will resolutely follow the Secretary’s arrangements; wherever the Secretary thinks I fit, I have no objections.”

Xu Hongzhuan’s words, quite flattering. Listening, Nie Zhenbang laughed heartily, waved his hand and said, “Comrade Hongzhuan, don’t sell yourself short. I am aware of and believe in your capabilities. You know my character; I focus on issues rather than people. You have the ability and qualifications. There’s no reason not to advocate for you, in every way, you’re capable of playing this role.”

After a pause, Nie Zhenbang suddenly looked at Xu Hongzhuan and said, “Comrade Hongzhuan, with the new year approaching, I suppose all the provincial departments and cities are getting ready for group greetings, right?”

Group greetings, upon hearing this, Xu Hongzhuan’s face hesitated for a moment. He was now quite familiar with Nie Zhenbang’s sudden leaps in thought.

Looking at Nie Zhenbang’s calm demeanor, Xu Hongzhuan felt somewhat uncertain. What did Secretary Nie mean by bringing this up now?

Nevertheless, Xu Hongzhuan nodded and said, “Most have already started. Does the Secretary wish to have a look?”

As the words fell, Nie Zhenbang showed genuine interest and said, “I really do have that idea.” (To be continued. If you like this work, your welcome to vote for it with recommendation tickets and monthly tickets at . Your support is my greatest motivation.)